Chess Opening Essentials: The Ideas & Plans Behind ALL Chess Openings, The Complete 1. e4 (Volume 1)

h 7 29.~d2 5S.'~f2 Itc5 59.1::4a4 l:I.c2+ 60.~gl llfe5 30:..Iif4 'iff6 31 ..id2 'il'e5 lle2 61.w f1 l:Id2 62.<;.t;> gl <;;t>e5 32.~f4 'JjIe7 33.Vi'c1 , a5 34 ..td2 63.l1a5+ .t!.d5 64.1:.a4 tld1+ 65.<;.t;>t2 .bd2 35.~xd2 'il'e3 36:ii'd1 w g6 J:!.d2+ 66.'~g1 <;£;>f5 67..t!.f4+, ..t.>e5 37.1Ya1 ~d2 3S..t!.d1 'ife3 39.l:If1 6S.J:!.a4 Ud4 69.1:1a5+ We4 70.n xh5 .t!.e5 40.c3 'iWxd3 41.cxb4 axb4, 42,'iit'c1 'iWe3 43.'l!lfc4 'ifd2 44.¥It'b5 <;£;>f3 71.1%a5 ttd1+ 72.wh2 htd2+ tte2 45.]:[g1 f4 46.fibS . f3 73.<;£;> gl J:lg2+ 74.h1 Ue2 75.~gl <;;t>xg3 76.l:ra3+ <;£;>14 77J~b3 " g3 . 47.¥Wxd6+ il:e6 ' 4S.<;.t;>h1 'tINxd5 7SJ:IbS 1f2- 1h 49.'i'fS ' Ibg2 50JXxg2 fxg2+ 51.h2 'iWd4, 52.'ii'eS+ ~f7 , 53.'iVc6+ w g7 54.'i!Vxg2 .b b3 55.a5 Short,Nigel il:d5 56.'*i'e2 'iWe4 57.• 11 'itf3 0-1 <,

. Kramnik,Vladimir WiJk am Zee 2005 (12)

1.e4 c5 2.tt:lc3 tt:lc6 3.g3 g6 4.i.g2 , ~g7 5.d3 d6 6.~e3 UbS 7.llfd2 b5 S.f4 b4 9.tt:ld1 ~b6 10.tt:lf3 tt:lh6 11.a3 a5 12.axb4 axb4 13.h3 f5 232

, Spassky,Boris " , .Hort, Vlastimil '

"

'(

Bugojno 1978 (3)

1.e4 c5 2.tt:lc3 tt:lc6 3.g3 g6 4.il:g2 i.g7 5.d3 d6 6.f4 e5 7.tt:lh3 tt:lge7

Closed Sicilian

S.O-O tLld4 9.f5 gxf5 10.'i¥h5 h6 Spassky,Boris . . 11.1%f2 ~e6 12.ii,e3 'fi'd7 13.1:[af1 Geller,Efim ' 0-0-0 14.tLld5 fxe4 15.tLixe7+ 'iYxe7 ' Sukhumi ~ 1968 (4) 17.ttxf7 " 'ilt'eS , 1.e4 c5 2.tLlc3 d6 3.g3 lbc6 4•.tg2 g6 16..b d4 , cxd4 5.d3 ~g7 6.f4 tLlf6 7.tLlf3 0-0 S.O-o 1S.ii,xe4 ~fS 19.il.f5 'WIxf7 20:~xf7 J:l.xf7 21 ..b e6+ J:!.fd7 22.J:!.f7 Wc7 J:!.bS 9.h3 b5 10.a3 a5 11.i.e3 b4 23 ..bd7 lhd7 ' 24.Uxd7+ 'it>xd7 12.axb4axb4 13.lbe2 .it.b7 14.'iVd2 25.Wg2 w e6 26.'iPf3 d5 27.Wg4 Wf6 .aaS 15..:tab1 .'i:Ya5 16.b3 ];tfcS 17.f5 2S.Wh5 .,tfS 29.tLlg1 b5 30.tLle2 a5 'ifb6 1S.g4 J:!.a2 19.tLlc1 Ua5 .20.l'kf2 .31.g4 a4 32.h4 b4 33.b3 a3 34.tLlg3 'fIIc7 21.tLle2 1'1a2 22.I:.tX:1 'i!VdS 'e4 35.g5+ hxg5 36.hxg5+ We6 23.tLlf4 'ireS 24.tLlg5 tLld4 25.fxg6 37.Wg4 ..tg7 3S.tLlh5 ii,fS 39.96 e3 ' hxg6 26.tLld5 tLlxb3 ' 27.e5 lLlxc1 40.~3 Wf541.g7 . 1-0 . 2S..ixc1 h d5 29..bd5 , tLlxd5 30.'iVh4 lbf6 31.exf6 exf6 32.~h7+ <M8 33.tLle4 ,. 'fIIe5 34i f4 'Wd4+ Short,Nigel 35.<;;f;>h1 J:tc6 36~h6 b h6 37.'i!fhS+ Ye Jiangchuan rj;e7 3S.tLlxf6 ~f4 39.g5 ""e6 Shenyang 2000 (3) 40.li'eS+ Wf5 41.'iVxf7 .:tc7 42.~xc7 1.e4 c5 2.tLlc3 tLlc6 3.g3 g6 4 ...tg2 ~xg5 43;tfe7 '¥fe3 44.tLle4+ wh5 .1Lg7 5.d3 d6 6.tLlh3 e5 7.f4 tLlge7 45.'i¥h7+ ~h6 46.'tWd7 .tf4 47.lbf6+ S.O-O h6 9..ie3 exf4 10.tLlxf4 0-0 ~g54S.tLld5 1-0 11.'iWd2 w h712Jlae1 UbS 13.tLlcd5 .1, tLlxd5 14.exd5 liJe7 15.ii,f2 lLlf5 Spassky,Boris 16.A e4 b5 17.g4 ~g5 1S.<;t;>h1 ~e5 Geller,Efim 19.9xf5 ' b f4 20.~e3 ~xe3 sukhurrii m 1968 (6) ' 2Hlfxe3 gxf5 22 •.tg2 1:[gS 23.i.h3 1.e4 c5 2.lbc3 d6 3.g3 tLlc6 4.~g2 ''i:Yxe3 24Jlxe3 1:1g5 25.l:e7 <;t;g6 g6 5.d3 ·~g7 6.f4 lLlf6 7.lLlf3 0-0 26.: xa7 b4 27.l::tc7 ~f6 2S.d4 cxd4 S.O-O llbS 9.h3 b5 10.a3 a5 11.ii,e3 ' 29.J:Id1 .ta6 30...tg2 ~e2 3U:rd2 " b412.axb4 axb413.tLle2 .tb714.b3 UaS 1S.l::tc1 1;[a2 16.g4 'ilVaS 17.~e1 'IteS 32.h4 1'1g4 33.Uc6 " f4 34.J:Ixd6+ Wg7 35J:Ixd4 h5 36.11b6 'ii'a61S.'i:Yf2 tLla719.fS tLlb5 20.fxg6 f3 . 37J'lxg4+ . hxg4 3S..l:txb4 f5 ~' ,hxg6 21.tLlg5 tLla3 " 22.'iVh4 ticS 39.d6 l::tdS 40.J:!.d4 Wf6 41.c3 w e5 23.J:lxf6 exf6 24.'i¥h7+ Wf8 25.tLlxf7 .42.h5 f4 43.d7 fxg2+ 44;""xg2 lhc2 26 ..th6 r.txc1 + 27.tLlxc1 'it>xf7 ·'. if3+ 45.~g1 g3 46.h6 ii,e4 47.l~a4 2S:ibg7+ ""eS 29.gS f5 30.1hg6+ ., 0-1 •. Wd7 31 :iif7+ ~c6 32.exf5+ 1-0 ~

233

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

Sicilian Defence Minor Systems with 2.:I"f3 1.e2-e4 c7-c5 2. L g1-f3

standard Dragon and the Accelerated Dragon. Some play this move with the aim of transposing to an Accelerated Dragon, while avoiding the troublesome Maroczy Bind (white pawns on e4andc4).

'.~.:

In response to 2.tb f3, there are three moves that are significantly more popular than any others. In ascending order of popularity they are: - 2 ... d6 - 2 ... lDc6 - 2 ... e6 We will examine them in reverse order. However, first we will look at the rarely played 2 ...g6, 2 ... a6, and 2 ... lDf6. These lines do not have good reputations. It is doubtlessly true that White can obtain a certain advantage, but, as is so often the case with minor variations, this is not always sufficient to bring victory against correct play. In addition, it is not rare that their surprise value shifts the balance in Black's favour.

Hyper-Accelerated Dragon g7-g6 2 .... This line has been given its name by some experts to distinguish it from the 234

3. d2-d4 c5xd4 Now, the recapture by the f3-knight indeed transposes to the Accelerated Dragon. However, after 4. '\IVd1 xd4 lDg8-f6 Bronstein had the interesting idea of 5. j&f1-b5!? The idea is to play e4-e5 without having to deal with lDc6. To avoid this variation, some players try 3 ...1i.g7!?, and if White plays 4.c4, hoping to transpose into the Maroczy Bind, Black can deviate with the interesting and littleexplored 4 .. .'~Wa5+ or 4 .. .'lJIib6. Naturally,

White has other options, such as 4.dxc5!. White can also try another means to take the game away from typical Dragon positions: 3.c3, with the aim of creating an Alapin position in which Black has already played ... g7 -g6.

O'Kelly Variation 2 ....

a7-a6

Sicilian Defence - Minor Systems wi th 2. tLl f3

In many Sicilian variations, Black advances his pawn to a6 to prevent jJ,bS or lDbs at various stages of the game, and also with the intention to continue with ... bS and possibly ... b4 and .. .jJ,b7. If this is so, why not immediately play ...a7-a6? Among other things, this continuation offers the advantage that if White continues with the thematic 3.d4, Black achieves easy equality with 3 ...cxd4 4.lDxd4 eS! After ali, unlike in variations such as the Sveshnikov or the De La Bourdonnais, the knight is denied the bS-square, and after s.lDfS we have S... dS !, and Black is better. White's best strategic option is to forget about d2-d4 and instead directly play into one of the minor variations of the Sicilian in which the ...a7 -a6 proves to be of little use, for example with 3.c3 or 3.c4. However, in a closed position the loss of one tempo with the a-pawn may not be such a bad thing, and you avoid many highly theoreticallines.

Nimzowitsch Variation 2 .... tDg8-f6 This move produces another interesting system, which many call the Nimzowitsch Variation.

Black plays a type of Alekhine Defence in which White has his knight already on f3 and Black has already advanced his pawn to cS . It is not clear which of the two players benefits the most from this . However, in the main line, White seems to maintain a certain advantage with correct play: 3. e4-eS! lDf6-dS 4. tDb1-c3! e7-e6 4... lDxc3 5.dxc3 is advantageous for White. S. tDc3xdS e6xdS 6. d2-d4 tDb8-c6 7. d4xcS ~f8xcS 8. 'iYd1xdS

and White has a small plus. It should be noted, though, that it is not easy for White to remember the details of all the complications that can arise, seeing how infrequently you come across this 235

Chess Opening Esse nti al s - Volum e 1

defence in tournaments. Therefore, the Nirnzowitsch Variation can be a very dangerous weapon because of its surprise value.

Adams,Michael Tkachiev,Vladislav

....~-;.

~~

France tt 1999/00 (8)

1.e4 ·c5 2,tiJf3 g6 3.d4 ~g7 4.d5 d6 5.i-b5+ .td7 6.a4 liJf6 7.liJc3 0-0 . S.O-O liJa6 9Jle1 h b5 10.ti)xb5 J:l.eB 11.h3 h6 12.!!Ia3 liJb4 13.Itae3 e6 14.c3 tt:la6 15.tt:lxd6 'iixd6 16.e5 'lixd5 H .J:l.d3 'lia2 1aexf6 .b f6 19Ji.xh6 c4 20.trd2 'iWb3 2U!Vxb3 cxb3 22 ..te3 , b6 23.l:ld7 liJb8 24.J:l.c7 J:l.dS 25.tt:ld2 tt:la6 26.J:[c4 ti)c5 27.Ite2 tt:lb7 2S.ti)xb3 Itd1+ 29.~h2 l:I.ad8 30..td4 .txd4 31.tt:lxd4 tt:lc5 32.a5 J:[c1 33.tt:lc6 l:I.d7 34.axb6 axb6 35.J:[b4 ~g7 36.tt:le5 l:lb7 37.tt:lc4 b5 3S.tt:ld6 J:[d7 39.J:l.d2 ~fS 40.J:l.xb5 tt:la4 1-0

Euwe,Max · Rubinstein,Akiba The Hague 1921 (5)

1.e4 c5 2.tt:lf3 tt:lf6 3.e5 tt:ld5 4.d4 cxd4 5.it'xd4 e6 ' 6.c4 tt:lc6 7.'lid1 . tt:lde7 8•.td2 tt:lg6 i 9.'ilfe2 'fIIc7

236

.10..Wt.c3 b6 11.M d6 12.exd6 .b d6 13.tDbd2 tt:lf4 14.'We3 i-c5 15:ft'e4 f5 16.'ifc2 0-0 17.g3 tt:lg6 18.h5 . tt:lge5 19.1i:lxe5 tt:lxe5 20.b4 .b f2+ 21 .'.ttxf2 tt:lg4+ 22.~e2 "iWxg3 . 23 ..td4 i-b7 24.J:l.h3 'iWd6 25.'ii'c3 e5 26.~g1 f4 27.c5 Wh6 28.~e1 e4 29.l:1.h4 'iVg5 30.'iVh3 tt:le3 31 ..b e3 fxe3 32.i-c4+ ..t>h8 33.tt:lf1 ~f6 0-1

Short,Nigel Osterm~yer,Peter

Solingen 1986 (2)

1.e4 c5 2.tt:lf3 tt:lf6 3.e5 tt:ld5 4.ti)c31 tt:lxc35.dxc3 tt:lc6 6.~f4 h6 7~c4 ' e6 S.'We2 b6 9.0-0-0 .tb7 10.h4 , 'i'c7 11.J:[d2 0-0-0 12.J:l.hd1 ~e7 13.a1 • ~b7 34.tt:lxc5+ dxc5 35Jld7 ~d6 ' 36.lhc7+ ~xc7 3nlfe4 l:tff6 3S.13 ' , l:te7 39..tf2 tt:lbS 40:~aS tpc6 41.l:[b1 <;t;>d7 42.'i¥b7+ .tc7 43.~xc5 1-0 ....: ... ,,,"

Sicilian Defence - Rossolimo Variation To better understand the positions that ensue, you should keep in mind the 'sister' variations in the English Opening where Black plays ~b4: I.c4 eS 2.tbc3 tbf6 3 .tbf3 tbc6 4.g3 ~b4

Sicilian Defence Rossolimo Variation 1.e4 c5 2 ..!I f3 Y!..Jc6 3.l.b5

.~

.: .:'

which are closely related. Otherwise there is 4 .e3 ~b4!? The Rossolimo Variation is the most important of the minor variations available to White in response to 2 ... tbc6. It is named in honour of the Ukrainian-born player who successfully employed it from the 1940s. Its recent popularity would seem to be tied to white players' growing respect for the Sveshnikov Variation. An ever-increasing number of them will not 'risk' 3.d4 and would rather steer the game into complex strategic positions, which give the better player good chances of victory. White's position is very flexible: he can push a pawn to c3 and d4; he can exchange the bishop for the c6-knight, or otherwise bring it back to fI after Ile I; he can try to establish strategic positions, or choose a violent gambit continuation. In short, it is ideal for players who prefer to 'play' instead of'remember'.

Leading to the same positions with an extra tempo - or one less - depending on which way you look at it. After 3. ~bS, Black has three replies, (ignoring 3 ... d6, which you usually arrive at with the move sequence L .d6 3 .~bS+ when Black opts for 3 ... tbc6): 3 ... tbf6, 3 .. .e6 and 3 ...g6. A)

3. 4. e4-eS

ttlg8-f6 ttlf6-dS

S. 0-0 237

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume bishop is compensated for by a big lead in development.

Thus, White can establish an insidious set-up, notwithstanding its apparently modest appearance. The eS-pawn is an irritating intruder, which White sets about to overprotect with 6. J:[e 1, in accordance with the teachings of Nimzowitsch. This gives White a certain initiative, and Black must play with great precision to get through the fol lowing part of the game unscathed. B) e7-e6 3 .... A move that is often played. The idea is to avoid doubled pawns on c6 by playing 4 ... tLlge7 (if White does not immediately play 4. ~xc6). At this pOint, the natural 4.0-0 follows (4.tLlc3 is also possible) . However, the immediate 4 ..itxc6!?, before Black takes the measure to prevent the doubling of his pawns, is interesting and increasingly popular.

B1)

tLlgS-e7 4. 0-0 a7-a6 5. tLl b1-c3 tLle7xc6 6. ~ b5xc6 7. d2-d4 c5xd4 S. tLlf3xd4 we have reached a strange Open Sicilian position which is very reminiscent of the Taimanov Variation, in which the absence of White's light-squared 238

But Black's p osition is solid, and in the long term the bishop pair could be to his advantage. Strangely, however, White 's statistical performance is above average! Instead of playing S.tLlc3, it would seem to be more logical to play S.J:l:el, to preserve the bishop, which can now retreat to fl after S... a6.

Alternatively, there is S.c3, to enable the bishop to retreat to c2, with the secondary ambition of occupying the centre with the d- and e-pawns. The resulting game is double-edged. B2) 4. ~ b5xc6 Now Black's best move is 4. ... b7xc6!

Sicilian Defence - Rossolimo Variation

The less active 4... dxc6 is also played a lot, after which White can initiate dangerous aggressive plans with tLlc3, d3, il.e3, 'iYd2, and 0-0-0. 5. 0-0 S. l:tf1-e1

~fB-g7

If

White prematurely seeks to exploit the weak dark squares with 5.e5, this will be in vain becauseof5.. J6 !. Therefore, a better plan for White would include S.O-O and .l:!.el; or S.d3, tLlbd2-c4 and, if possible, eS; or otherwise the opening of the long diagonal for his bishop with b2-b3 . Black responds with the classic manoeuvre ...tLle7 -g6, and it is not rare to play .. .£7 -f6 to prevent White from playing e4-eS, leaving the d7-pawn with the more ambitious task of occupying the centre by advancing .. .dS. However, Black's m ost common choice remains

C)

3.

g7-gS

At this point the eccentric-looking 6 ... llJh6! is the most popular move, and it is also probably the strongest. The knight does not develop to f6, as this would invite e4-eS. It does not go to e7 either, because the advance ... e7 -e6 needed to make this possible would weaken the d6- and f6-squares. After 6 ... tLlh6 Black proceeds with .. .£7-f6, always with the idea of preventing e4-eS, the knight on h6 repositions to £7, the d-pawn advances to d6 and his companion will possibly go to eS; and then Black should have reasonable prospects. C2)

4. 0-0

This remains the most common contin\.1)

uatiOll.

4.

C1) 4. jLb5xcS!? This unprovoked capture is interesting. 4. _ b7xcS

it.fB-g7

5. l:if1-e1 The immediate S .c3 is commonly played, with the idea of conquering the centre with d2-d4. 5.

...

tiJgB-fS

239

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I ,;.

M'

dS 14.lLla4 ~d6 1S.~e3 .b6 16.it.cS lUe8 17.exdS cxdS 18.ti'e3 A bS 19..bd6 'iYxd6 20.lLlc3 ~aS 21.'it'd4 lLle7 22.lLlf2 lLlfS 23.'i'a4 %teb8 24.tfa3 ti'xa3 2S.bxa3 n b2 26.\t>g1 llc8 27.J::tfc1 lLld4 28.lLlcd1 l':[xc1 29.J::txc1 .Ilxa2 30.lLlc3 J::txa3 31.~f1lLlb3 ;, 0-1

Black is now less afraid of e4-eS, as the lLlf6 can go to c7 by way of dS, attacking the bishop on bS . Now that White has castled kingside, after ~xc 6, Black recaptures with the d-pawn and places the c7-knight on e6, aiming for the outpost d4, with a solid position. Therefore White usually chooses S. c2-c3 0-0 7. d2-d4 d7-dS!

NaiditsCh,Arkady Nataf,Igor-Alexandre . Germany Bundeshga 2006/07 (7)

0"

' 1.e4 cS 2.4::lf3 lLlcS 3.AbS e6 4 ..bc6 bxc6 S.b3 dS 6.lLlc3 .b6 7.d3 lLlf6 ' 8.~b2 'fi'aS 9.'i¥d2 c4 10.dxc4 dxc4 H.eS 4::ld7 12.lLle4 ti'xd2+ 13.lLlfxd2 -, nbS .14.0-0-0 cS 1S.nhe1 4::lb6 16.14' : cxb3 17.lLlxb3 lLla4 18..ia3 jt,b7:, 19.4::ld6+ . .bd6 20.exd6 ""d7 21 £ xc5 .bg2 22.~a3 nhc8 23.%td4 , i.c6 24.fS jt,bS 2SJn4 exf5 26.ne7+ ' iwd8 27.11xf7 ~d7 28.nxg7 ,4::lc3 ' 29.1%g8+ jt,e8 -' 30.11xf5 lLlxa2+~ ' 3Vit,b2 lLlc3 32.lle54::la4+ 33.\t>c{ ..t>d734.lLld4lld8 1-0 .,, i

Black plays this without first exchanging on d4, to avoid clearing the c3-square for the knight on b I. 8. e4-eS lLlfS-e4 And Black has a satisfactory position. ;,i" Rossolimo,Nicolas' "'i;'~:",:; " ,'"

Kottnauer.Cenek

'

i

, Fischer,Robert , ' Spassky,Boris ' .. "

Belgrade/Sveti Stefan 'mi 9.92 (II) 1.e4 cS 2.lLlf3 tDc6 3.~b5 g6 4.jt,xc6 : ;. bxc6 S.O-O :.tg7 6Jle1 e57.b4I? cxb4 8.a3 cS 9.axb4 cxb4 10.d4: exd4 H.A b2 ""d6 12.lLlxd41 'lfd7?1 [12 :: . ~f6!?] 13.lLld2 .i.b7 . 14.~c4 , .~, - ttJh6 [14 ...tDf6 lS';.tpxd6+ W'xd6' 16.eS ~ Bologan,Viktor " 'ifdS " 17.exf6+..t>d8 · I8.lLlb3H-;" 14...ttJe7!?].1S.lLlfSlbb2 [lS.:.lLlxfS ; Radjabov,Teimour Turin 01 2006 (5) 16.exf5+ ..t>fll 17.f6+-] 16.lLlcxd6+ · ~f8 [l6 .. ...t>d8 17.lLlxh6! ·' .\k.xaH 1.e4 cS 2.lLlf3lLlc6 3.~bS e6 4.Axc6 bxc6 S.d3 lLle7 6.'fie2 'i!ic7 7.lLlg5 18.'ilYxal+-] 17.lLlxh6 f6 (I7 ... ~xal J "lLlgS 8.f4 c4 9.0-0 cxd3 10.cxd3 I8.'iYxal +- J 18.lLldf7! · 'iYxd1 1 ~cS+11.<;t>h1 f612.lLlh3 0-0 13.lLlc3 19.naxd1 .".We7 . 20.~xh8 nxh8 :

Bad Gastein 1948 (10) 1.e4 cS 2.4::lf3 4::lc6 3.~bS e6 4.0-0 lLlf6 S.J:le1 d5 6.exdS lLlxd5 7.lLleS 'i!ic7 8.'iYf3 ~d6 ' 9.~xc6 bxc6?? 1-0 [9,,,0-01] 10.~xdS

240

Sicilian Defence - Rossolimo Variation

21.4:lf5+1 'gxf5 [2 L.~e6 22.J:td6+.. S.~e3 e5 9.~d2 'tlVe7 10..thS 0-0 WeS 23 J:td7 iLc6 \24.l:te7+ ~f4 11.4:lh2 lXdS 12.4:lg4 4:l18 13"iLxg7 2S.4:le3+-] 22.exf5+ i.e5 23.14 UcS 'it'xg7 14.~hS+ ~gS 15.0-0-0 c4 24.fxe5 . l:Ixc2 25.eS A cs 26.11c1! 1S.dxc4 .bg4 17.hxg4 'iIIc5 18.f3 l:I.xc1 27.l:!.xc1 'it>dS 2SJ:!d1 + We5 '\i'xc4 19.J:lxdS J:!.xdS 20:iYgS .l:l.e8 29.e7 a5 30.l:!.c11 [30.e8'ilf+? .Le8 ,;. 21.'iWe3. ~d4 22.'i¥xd4 exd4 23.4:le2 31.l:tel + ~d432.J:txe8 b3 33 ..I:I.b8 ' tt:leS 24.~d2 J:1dS 25.b3 b5 2SJ.ta1 e3 Jif7 ltJdS 33J:taS lIc7 34.g5 gxf5 35.exf5 37.g41 [Zugzwang; 37.t!b8?] 37..·. wc2 tt:lcS 3S.l:tbS tt:lb4+ 37.~d2 4:ld5 3S.e4 4:lb4 dxcS 5.h3 e5 S.d3 fS!?N 7.c31? tt:lhS 5S.c5 tt:laS 57.cS tt:lc7 SS.tt:lc4 tt:leS S.O-O tt:lf7 9.~e3 g5t 10.tt:le1 A eS 59.tt:ldS+ IMs SO.~d5 ~gS 61.4:le4 11.lb d2 ' h5 12~a3 a513J!ie2 bS tt:lc7+ S2.'.tdS 4:lb5+ S3.~d7 h5 64.gxhS wh7 S5.tt:ldS ' 1-0 14.tt:lc2 l:ta71 15.d4? [1 S. l:!.fd 1!] 1S...cxd4 ',1S.cxd4 Jld7 . 17.dxe5 tt:lxe5:f' 1S.J:1fd1 [18.£4? .fLcS] lvanchuk, Yasily 1S...~e7 19.tt:lf1 ~c4 20.,axd7 'iYxd7 Filippov, Valery 21.~d2 ~d3!? [2l...cS:f'] 22.'iVc30 Chalkidiki tt 2.002 (7) ~xe4 23.tt:lg3 .Yi.d5! 24•.Yi.xbS h4 " 1.e4 c5 2.tt:lf3 tt:lcS 3.Jib5 gS 4..bcs 25.t1Je2 g4 2S.t1Jf4 i.e4?T 27.l:te11 dxcS 5.d3 j£,g7 S.h3 tt:lfS 7.t1Jc3 t1Jd7 'iVf5 2S.tt:leS! .ugS 29.tt:lcd4 tt:lf3+1 S.iLe3 e5 9.'iYd2 ~e7 10.~hSI? 30.'it>f1?? [30.'iWxf3· gxf3 31.tt:lxfS b hS 11.'WxhS fS 12.tt:lh4!? 'i!YfS 13."iWd2 ~e7 14.0-0-0;:1; f5 15.g3 f4 .i.xfS 32.t1Jd4!=] 30....id3+ 3Ul e2 .be2+ 32.w xe2 'i!Ve4+ 33.'il'e3 16.tt:lg2 fxg3 17.fxg3 tt:lfS 1S.h4 h5 19.1:tdf1 tt:le6 20.IU2 tt:ld4 2Ui'g51 tt:lxd4+ 34.t1Jxd4 'iVxe3+ 35.wxe3 ~xg5+0 22.hxg5 l:tfSO 23.l:thf1 gxh3 3S.gxh3 J:Ig51? 37.liJxcS .tc5+ 38..bc5 l:txc5 39.tt:ld4 a4 40.~d3 J:txf2 24.l:txf2± .fLeS 2S.tt:la4 bS l:tc1! 0-1 2S.c3 t1Jb5 27.tt:lh4 O-O-O!? 2S.c4 l:txd3 29.cxb5 cxb5 30.tt:lc3 b4 Adams,Michael 31.1:lfS! .ic4 32.tt:ld5+- .i.xa2 Chandler,Murray . 33.1::131 ·' J:!:d4D 34.tt:lfS! l:!c4+ 35.~d2 ii.b1 3S.<.t>e3 a5 37.tt:lxgS a4 Southend rapid 2001 (2) . 1.e4 c5 2.t1Jf3 tt:lcS ·3..ib5 gS 4.b cs 38.l::!.f1 a3 39.l::!.xb1 a2 40.J:!a1 b3 41.tt:lxe5 1-0 dxcS S.d3 .ig7 S.h3 tt:lfS 7.tt:lc3 t1Jd7 241

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1 '<

Akopian, Vladimir Kuzubov,Yury Gibraltar 2007 (9)

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Morozevich,Alexander McShane,Luke England tt 2000/01 (9)

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1.e4 c5 2.tLlf3tt:lcS 3.i.b5 g6 4.,bcS 1.e4 c5 2.tt:lf3 tbcS 3 ..ltb5 gS 4.0-0 dxc6 5.d3 ~g7 S.h3 bS 7.tt:l.c3 tbhS i.g7 S.c3 tbfS 6.d4 cxd4 7.cxd4 lbxe4 8.dS tbdS 9.tt:la3 as 10.'Wa4 8.~e3 f6 , 9."tid2 tbf7" 10.0-0-0 e5 tLla7 11 ..td3 0-0 12.1:!.e1 b5 13.'liVM , 11.tbh2 .\k.eS 12.14 exf4 13••bf4 'ti'd7 14.tLlf3 0-0-0 15.d4 , cxd4 i.b7 14.~h6 fS 15.hg7~xg7 1S.11ad1 tbac8 17.tt:lc2 tbf7 18.tLle3 1S.tt:lxd4 ~b717.~e2 fJie7 18.tt:lxcS 20.'iVh3 nc8 'it>xcS 19.tLld5 'tWe8 20.'1'WaS ~f8 , ' lllcd6 ",19.tbd4 ' 21.Wixa7 ~c5 22.b4 ~d7 23."ifaS ' 21.~b1 l:tc7 22.f41Yb8 23.:f1 "tia7 ~ 1-0 24.~h1 e6 25.15 e5 2S.fxgS hxgS " 27.'ilff3 f5 28.tLlexf5+ gxf5 30:I§Vxf5 dS 29.tLlxf5+ lbxf5 Rossolimo~Nicolas Romanenko,N. 31.~gS+ Wf8 32.'iVxdS+ :tee7 Bad Gaste:in 1948 33.l:txf7-t " ~xf7 :,, 34::f1+ ~g8 3S.'iVg6+ 1-0' 1.e4 c5 2.tbf3 lbc6 3.A bS g6 4.0-0 ~g7 5.Ue1 lbf6 6.tbc3 lbd4 7.e5 tt:lg8 8.d3': tLlxb5 9.tt:lxb5 a6?1 Sandipan.Chanda '10.tt:ld6+1 exd6 11.J.gSI 'iVa5 ; Himanshu,Sharma [II, :','tWb6 12,exd6+ ~f8 li:lleS+! New Delhi2006 (9) ',' r;t;>xe8 .l4.~e2+ r;t;>fS lS.~e7+>t>eS 1.e4 cS2.0f3 tb,c6 3~~b5 g6 '4.0-0 16.l:!.el ! 'and mate Soon follows] iLg7 S.h34Jf6 6.eS ,tLld5 7•.fle11Kc7, 12.exd6+ r;t;>f8 13.l:te8+! ~xe8 8.tbc3 tLlxc3 9.dxc3 tLlxeS 10.tLlxe5 14.'tIi'e2+ >t>f8 15.i1Le7+ , r;t;>e8 'gS 17.tt:lgS 13.A a41:tb814Jbe7+be715.Ue1 , and mate , on f7] 16.i,d8+! · ~xd8wd8 ,16J:!.xe7 <Ji;xe7 17.1i'e4+ 'it>f6 [16. : .~f8 17 ..L:aS+-] , 17.tLlgSI .,' 18.g4 gS19.~fS+ ~e7 20.il.x9S+; P~ttJ95 tbh.6 1~.,~ e7~ ' ~", ' <'''_''0,,1~p, ,.;~" ~8 2.1:*h,~:t.L'd ::; " .,.. ~.".':;.) -G.,;

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242

',.) ' :

Sicilian Defence - Variations with . .. 1Ifb6

Sicilian Defence Variations with ... 1fb6 One of the minor variations for Black which is currently reasonably popular, has the idea of developing his queen to b6 in the first few moves, in other words: before completing the development of the other pieces. It is true that on b6 the queen is not as well placed as it could be, especially if it blocks the path of the b-pawn when it is still on b7. However, it can always reposition to c7, which is the square it most usually develops to in the Sicilian. The advantage of the annoying move ... ~b6 is that it applies pressure on the d4-knight, usually forcing it to go to b3, where it is less active and dangerous thanond4. And if White brings the knight back to d4 after the queen on b6 repositions to c7? He would find himself playing a Sicilian with loss of a tempo! The manoeuvre ... ~d8 -b6 -c7 by Black requires two tempi, while White's <7'lf3 -d 4-b3 -d 4 requires three! 1. 2. 3. 4.

e2-e4 tLlg1-f3 d2-d4 tLlf3xd4

c7-c5 tLlbB-c6 c5xd4 ~dB-b6

This is the most common line. Black directly attacks the knight on d4. The move .. .1Wb6 also makes sense in other variations. Those interested in the move .. .1lVb6 in various Sicilian lines should note the following: - 1.e4 c5 2.<7'lf3 tLlc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 <7'l f6 5.<7'lc3 ~b6; - the Anti-Sozin Variation 6 ... ~b6; - the Poisoned Pawn Variation of the Najdorf; - the Kengis Variation 1.e4 c5 2.<7'lf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.<7'lxd4 ~b6.

, ShabaloY,Alexander Yermol~ky.Alex

> Saint Paul 2000 (6)

:

~'1.e4 c5 2.tLlf3 tLlc6 3.d4 cxd4 .4.tLlxd4 1WbS 5.tLlb5 a6 6 ..ile3 'iYdB ; 7.tLld4 tLlf6 8.tLlc3 ·' e5 9.tLlf5 . d5 10.exd5 . tLlb4 11.tLlg3 lLlfxd5 ;12.tLlxd5 1iVxd5 13.ti'xd5 tLlxd5 14.A d2 tLlb4 15.'Ji>d1 il..eS 16.a3 itLlcS 17.il.d3 g6 18.J:te1 f5 19.il..c3 '0-0-0 20.f3 " ~h6 21.<;t;>e2 · %:thf8 ~22.'i.ttf2 e4 23 ..ilf1 tLld4 24.Axd4 ;J:txd4 25.fxe4 ~d2 26.J:ted1 fxe4+ ' 27.'i.ttg1 ~g4 28.lldb1 ., ~e3+ 29.'i,;>h1 il.f2 30.c3 %:tdd8 31.tLlxe4 "il..f5 32 ..td3 J::xd3 33.tbxf2J::d2 34.J:tf1 11xb2 35.'it;>g1 %%d8 3S.g4 ::~d7 37Jlab1 llxb1 38Jbb1 ', tc6 39.l:1d1 tle8 40.h4 .Ile2 41.l:1d4l1a2 ·42.%%f4 J:txa3 43.I:rf7 h5 44.g5 ~ xc3 ~45JH6 a5 46 ..l:l:xgS a4 47J!d6 a3 "48.J:d2 .l:[g3+ 49.'itoh2 .t!g2+ .50.~h3 b5 . . . . . : 0-1

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Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

Sicilian Defence De La Bourdonnais and Kalashnikov Variations 1.c4 c5 2 ..'Lf3 ~-,c6 3.d4 cxd4 4 .'!!'·xd4 c5

Current theory claims a slight advantage for White after he exchanges the queens with 8.'iWxf6, as well as when he refuses to simplify and retreats the queen with S. 'lWdS-d1 It is worth remembering that if Black plays S ... tDf6 instead of S ... a6, White has nothing better on offer than to transpose to the Sveshnikov Variation with 6.tDlc3.

Kalashnikov Variation It is interesting now to look at the implications of the move 5. ... d7-dS

.. '-':.

The move ... eS is a violent attempt to resolve Black's problems connected with this opening as early as the fourth move. Its swashbuckling character is particularly evident in the line 5. tDd4-b5 a7-aS!? The De La Bourdonnais Variation, in which Black challenges White to play 6.tDd6 +. S. tDb5-dS+ ~fSxdS 7. 'ilYd1 xdS 'lWdS-fS

244

It was once thought that after 6.c4 White had a clear plus. In reality, here also Black can obtain active piece play in exchange for a positional weakness. This variation was not even mentioned in opening manuals before the 1980s, yet now it has become very popular and it is representative of current trends: with the advent of computer programs and their capacity to defend difficult positions, many continuations that had been dogmatically dismissed as doubtful or unsound, have in fact been proved to be perfectly playable. Naturally, this does

Sicilian Defence - De La Bourdonnais and Kalashnikov Variations not mean that general strategic principals are no longer important! Let's now have a look at some specific moves. White can choose the natural 6.lD 1c3, which usually transposes to the Sveshnikov, or the more thematic 6. c2-c4

The last move fixes the weakness of the d6-pawn by preventing its liberating advance to d5 for quite some time. However, it concedes control of the d4-square to Black. White often makes the knight manoeuvre lDb5 -a3 -c2-e3 to reinforce control of d5 and thus maintains a small but persistent advantage. If Black is to compensate for this positional disadvantage, he must guarantee himself active play with the minor pieces, perhaps exchanging his passive king's bishop (with the manoeuvre ... i..f8-e7 -g5). In addition he needs to try and carry out the ...b7 -b5 break, which, by removing the head of the white pawn chain on c4,lays the foundations for an advantageous opening of the centre with ...d6-d5. Alternatively, there is .. .f7 -£5, perhaps after ...g7 -g6, to obtain a kingside initiative. Fundamentally, White's best strategy seems to be to prevent the realization of

Black's plans, and ifhe reaches the endgame, to try and make the most of his structural advantage. White can also try to advance the pawns on the queenside with b2-b4-b5.

If Black responds with ... axb5, he recaptures with the c-pawn and can then try to exploit his pawn majority on that wing. Alternatively, White can move his knight to d5, where it is strongly placed, and force Black to exchange it, then recapture with the e4-pawn and prepare c4-c5 with b2-b4.

This last plan, which is highly insidious, was used more than once by the young Karpov in the analogous positions that arise in the Classical VariationoftheNajdorf(6 .~e2 e5).

245

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

Kuzniin,Alex~y

u,.

Sveshnikov,Evgeny Moscow ch-dty 1987

1.e4 cS 2ltJf3 ltJcS 3.d4 cxd4 . 4.ltJxd4 eS S/ZlbS dS S.c4 .te7 7.ltJ1c3 as S.ltJa3 hS 9.ii.e2 ~eS 10.0-0 ' .igS 11.ltJc2 :ltJge7 12.b3 iLxc1 13.J:[xc1 ttJgS 14.~g4 0-0 1S.ttJe3 ltJd4 1S'ttJe2 'iYfS 17.ltJxd4 exd4 1S.ltJfS ttJeS 19.i.e2 :.bfS 20.exf5 bS 21.f4ltJd7 22.cxbS axbS

246

23.i.xb5 ltJc5 24.a4 d3 25.~h1 ~d4 2SJ tc4 'iYd5 27.J:lc3 lUeS 2S.l:lxc5 dxc5 29.Wxd3 'ji"xd3 30..lUd3 <;WS 31.Wg1 d4 44~bS cS . 4S ..ic4 gS 4S.wg3 ., w bS 47.~f1 J:td4 4S.~c4 llf4 49.~e2 ~7S0.~h2 ne4S1.~d3

V2~1h

Sicilian Defence - Sveshnikov ILasker - PeIikan Variation

Sicilian Defence Sveshnikovl Lasker-Pelikan Variation 1.c4 c5 2.& ,f3 t. ·c6 3.d4 cxd4 4. !; ·xd4

~,f6 S. ~' c3

eS

,';.'

The move S... eS characterizes the Sveshnikov Variation, which was already being dabbled with occasionally by Bird and World Champion Emanuel Lasker as early as the end of the 1800s and the beginning of the 1900s. However, it was only towards the end of the 197 Os that it became genuinely popular. At the beginning of this new century its reputation is better than ever: practically all the best players - Kramnik, Shirov, Topalov, Lautier, Ivanchuk, Leko (and towards the end of his career, Kasparov) use the Sveshnikov relatively frequently! Not bad for a variation that was originally considered to be unsound. This does not mean that assessm ents based on positional considerations are no longer valid; it is just that today more importance is given to the dynamic features of a position. In the case in question, it is

true that the dS-square is weakened, but Black's good piece activity makes it difficult, if not impossible, for White to exploit this weakness. This system remains one of the best if Black is playing for a win, even if that entails taking greater risks. In addition, with the proliferation of open tournaments, it is common to encounter players of all levels. As a result, a dangerous opening, though perhaps not completely sound, can be a very useful addition to your repertoire. We will now have a closer look at specific variations. After S...eS, the best response is certainly 6. tiJd4-b5 To try and exploit the hole on d6. Black continues with 6 .... d7-d6 because, unlike in the De La Bourdonnais Variation, the f6-square is not available to the queen anymore. Therefore 6 ... a6? would be a bad error. 7. jLc1-g5 is the most popular move at this point. However, we will first take a brief look at two alternatives: A) White can prevent Black's planned moves ... a6 and ... bS by immediately playing 7.a4

and then relocating the bS-knight via a3 -c4.

247

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I B) Alternatively, White can completely change the distinctive features of the position with 7.tLldS, which forces the exchange 7 ... tLlxdS . After 8.exdS

we have a typical position with a queenside pawn majority for White. He will try to prepare the c2-c4-cS advance and Black will seek counterplay on the kingside, gaining leverage with the eSand fS-pawns. Many Black players consider this continuation to be so unpleasant that they prefer to play the move S... e6 instead of the thematic S ... eS . In this way, after 6.tLldbS (considered to be the best) 6 ... d6 7.ikf4 eS 8.ikgS, you transpose into the main line of the Sveshnikov with 7 .~gS, with both players having made an extra move. However, there is a price to be paid: after S... e6, Black must be ready for the disagreeable possibility that White will continue with 6.tLlxc6 bxc6 7.eS .

248

Kasparov, playing with the white pieces, has scored some brilliant victories using this variation. We will now go back to 7..i.gS.

As we said before, this is the most popular continuation. The pin on the f6-knight accentuates the weakness of the dS-square. This can be considered the initial position of the Sveshnikov system. 7. ... a7-a6 White now usually retreats the knight immediately with 8. tUb5-a3 as it was discovered that the •classical' 8.ikxf6 gxf6 9. tLla3 gives Black good play after 9 .. .fs !. In the past players now continued with 8... ike6, however, from the 1970s onwards players started to employ the move 8. ... b7-b5! This followed a more modern interpretation of the position by the Russian grandmasters Evgeny Sveshnikov and Gennady Timoschenko. It is often called the Cheliabinsk Variation, to differentiate it from the older 8 ... ~e6 variation . Now we are at a major crossroads : White can play the 'positional' 9.tLldS, or the aggreSSive 9.ikxf6 .

Sicilian Defence - SveshnikovlLasker - Pelikan Variation A) 9. tt'lc3-d5 ~f8-e 7 Black also has 9 ... ~a5+ 10 .jLd2 ~d8, inviting a draw by repetition after 11.~g5 .. 10. ~g5xf6 ~e7xf6 11. c2-c3

To make way for the a3-knight. After 11 ... 0-0 1 2.tt'lc2, Black obtains dynamically balanced positions with either 12 .. . jLg5, to exchange the bad bishop, or 12 ... .tl::b8, anticipating the thematic a2-a4 by applying indirect pressure to the b2-pawn.

B)

9.

However, this is fully compensated for by several advantages: a strong central pawn formation, the bishop pair, and counterattacking possibilities on the g-file. 10. tt'lc3-d5 Now we have another important crossroads, but this time for Black: the modern 10 ... jLg 7 or the classical 10 .. .f5. B1) Ji.fB-g7 10.... The Novosibirsk Variation is the modern choice. By delaying ... f5, Black seeks to immediately remove the d5 -knightwith ...li:Je7. White can choose between 1 1.c3 (Black will be wise to meet this with the immediate .. .f6-f5, with good play) and 11. ~f1-d3 tt'lc6-e7 The most logical, but 11 ... ~e6 is also playable. 12. tt'ld5xe7 ~dBxe7

~ g5xf6

The most common choice. 9. ... g7xf6 9..:¥iixf6 is an error because of 1O.tt'ld5 Wlid8 11. Ji.xb5!.

Play has become complicated. Black has the possibility of the pawn break ... f5, to later take possession of the centre with ... d6 -d5 later. The resulting positions have inspired varying evaluations.

Black has grave weaknesses in his pawn structure, especially on the kingside.

B2) f6-f5 10.... This can be defined as the principal move of the entire defence. 249

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

This very complex position has been studied at great depth - chiefly the following two lines: 821) 11. ~f1-d3 I I .~xb5!? should not give White much for the piece after I l...axb5 I 2.tLlxb5 .!:a4!. 11. ... ~c8-e6 12. 'il;¥d1-h5 A more prudent line is 12.0-0 il..xd5! 13.exd5 tLle7 I 4.c3!. with balanced play. 12.... .!:th8-g8! 13. g2-g3 1:Ig8-g4!

White tries to control the light squares. in particular f5. with tLlce3 and iLd3 . The game should be fairly balanced.

!

Anand, Viswanathaii .,.. Ponomariov,Ruslan Wijk aan Zee 2003 (7)

, Karpov,Anatoly

t Sveshnikov,Evgeny , . Moscow ch-URS 1973 (3) ~ 1.e4

with chances for both sides. 822) 11. c2-c3 ~f8-g7 Considered to be the best. 12. e4xf5 ~c8xf5 13. lLla3-c2 ~f5-e6 250

j

,1.e4 c5 2.iLlf3 tLlcS 3.d4 cxd4 : 4.tLlxd4 e5 ' 5.lLlb5 dS S.lLl1 c3 as ].lLla3 iLlfS S.tLlc4 b5 9.lLle3 b4?! ,10.tLlcd5Ilbxe4 11.a3 bxa3 12.l:txa3 .gS 13.c3! ~d7? 14.tLlc4± ,'" l;lbS 15.~e3 f5 1S.~bS .llxbS 17.lLlcxbS :~hS 1S...'td3! 0-0 19.~xe4 fxe4 ' .20.0-0 it.eS 21.J:i:xaS 'ilYh4 22.'ife2 tLldS 23.l:raS+-::-~g7 24.931 .tg4 ;25.gxM ~xe2 26JUa1 g5 27.lLld7f 'rU5 2S.l;lxdS gxh4 29.J:i:gS+1 f5 33.lLlg4 .ltd2 34.lLlge3+ 1-0

c5 2.tLlf3 eS 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLlxd4 lLlc6 5.lLlb5lLlfS S.lLl1c3 dS 7~f4 e5 S.~g5 as 9.tLla3 b5 1 0.lLld5 ~e7 .11 ..txfS .bfS 12.c3 0-0 13.lLlc2 Ag5 ' 14.84 bxa4 15..llxa4 a5 16 ..'tc4 'u'bS ,17.b3 ..'te6 1S.'ifa1 gS 19.0-0 'ifd7 20 ..l:i.d1 f5 21.exf5 gxf5 22.b4 axb4 23.cxb4 ~hS 24.b5 hd5 25 ..llxd5

Sicilian Defence - Sveshnikov / Lasker- Pelikan Variation ""'~

....

'~-;

JiJe7 2S.Vlixe5+ dxe5 27.l:txd7 0cS 2S.n c7 ~dS 29.l:cS tDbS 30.l:.b4 (tDxc4 31.Ilcxc4 ~bS 32.';in1 IUdS :33.we2 .b5 34J:tb3 ttd2+ 35.~e3 .f4+ 3S.we4 Uxf2 37.wxe5 Uxg2 38.tDd4 Ilxh2 39J::tcS JLb6 40.tDeS f3 4Ubf3 .l:th5+ 42.wfS n xb5 ;43.n d6 %lb2 44.we7 it.a5 · 112-1/2

Anand, Viswanathan · Kasparov,Garry

~hS

2S.0b4 we7 27.tDdS+ ~f7 29.r.te1 g5 30.l!e2! r.tedS 31.0b41 d5 32.tDcS llgS 33.0xbS ,IbbS 34.h5! ~e7 35.~f1 d4 3S.:t:rc2 e3 37.fxe3 dxe3 , 3S.l:.c7+ wfS 39.ttxh7 e4 40.~c4 l:tdS 41.n f7+ '. ~ e5 42 .l.'~d7 ., 1-0 2S.g4 ·~f4

Ivanovic,Bozidar Sveshnikov,Evgeny Krk tt 1976

1.e4 c5 2.0f3 0cS 3.d4 cxd4 4.0xd4 ,1.e4 ' c5 2.tDf3 tDcS 3.d4 cxd4 0 fS 5,0c3 e5 S.tDdb5 dS 7.it.gS as 4.tDxd4 tDf6 5.tDc3 e5 S.tDdb5 dS S..bf6 gxf6 9.tDa3 b5 10.0 d5 f5 7.i.g5 as S.tDa3 b5 9.0d5 iL.e7 11.~d3 ~e6 12.c4 'ilYa5+ 13.Wfl .10..b f6 ..bf6 11.c3 0-0 12.tDc2 jt,g5 .ixd5 14.exd5 0d4 15.cxb5 axb5 13.a4 bxa4 14.1:txa4 a5 15.~c4 nbS 16.lilc2 tDxc2 17.'ifxc2 e4 lS:iYc6+ ~e7 19...ixb5· .tIa7 20.ifeS+
Unares 2(jOS (6)

251

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

, Spassky.Boris .',., SVeshnikov,Evgeny

~:.

0,e7 . 19.tLlxe7+ 't'Hxe7 20.ic2 ': e4 21.0,d5 Axd5 22.nxdS whS 23.f4 b4 Moscow ch-URS 1973 (12) 24.cxb4 i.xb2 2S.R.b3 'R-a3 2S.'t'Hd1 ·, 1.e4 c5 2.0,f3 0,cS 3.d4 cxd4 Wa7+ 27.'lid4+ Wxd4+ 2SJXxd4 .4.~xd4 ~fS S.~c3 · eS S.~dbS dS ' lIe7 ._ 29.'Ja2 a5 30.nxdS hb4 7.i.f4 e5 S..tgS as 9.~a3 bS ' 31.1%d5 >t>g7 32.We211fS 33.n cHtg6, ,10..bf6 ' gxf6 11.~dS fS 12.it.d3 34.g3 nhS 3S.h4 n gS 3S.nxf5 nxg3 '~eS 13.0-0 Ag7 14.\'i'hS hS 15.c3 . '· 37.1:1gS+ , :.xg5 3S.hxg5 hS 0-0 1S.~c2 fxe4 17..he4 f5 1S.~f4 ". 39.gxh6+ >t>xhS 40.nCS+ ' wh7 ~d7 19.~dS+ 'Oirh7 20.'ifgS+ whS :. 41.<;;i;>e3 :g742..lte6 flg3+ 43.>t>xe4' ' 21.f6 49..ib3 .AdS 50,Uf7+ >t>gS Tseshkovsky,Vitaly ,' . ~;, . . . . , S1.: fS . J:th1 S2.ndS ne1+ 53.<.t>f3 'j, Sveshnikov,Evgeny ,:c ' .il.b4 54...tc4 · Wf6 S5.nb5 "1%d1 Socm 1974.(8)' .'

't.

',,;'

: 5S.nb6+1:1d6s7~:b7nd4 . }

;'1h~V2 '

·1.e4·cS 2.~f3 ~c6 3.~c3~fS .4.d4 ' ' Anand,Viswanathan ' ,; 'cxd4 S.~xd4 e5S.~dbSdS7~g5 · as S.~a3 bS 9...txf6 gxf6 1O.~dS fS " I:eko Peter ,. . . 11.i.d3 AeS12.W'h5 i.g713.e3 0-0 / Wijka:UZ~e200~(2) ; . . . . . . " ,14.g4 fxg4 1S.~c2 f51S.~de3 f4 ':,;· 1.e4 ., c5 " 2.~f3 ~cS 3.d4 cxd4 :17.~xg4 <.t>hS 1S.l%g1l%bS 19.a3 'aSA.lbxd40,f6 5.~e3 eS S.t2JdbS dS . 20.>t>f1 'li'd7 21.~e1 'iff7 22.11Vh4 7.~g5 'a 6 S.~a3 ~: bS 9.$.xf6 · gXf6 'fIe7 23.1thS .if7 24.'iWh3 i e4 · ' 10.~dS fS11~c3 '.tg7 12.exfS .bfS' 2S.l:td1 0,dS 2t)'~f3 ~f6 27..bc4 .·13.~c2 0-0 14.lOce3 ~eS 1S.Ad3 f5 ' .bxc4 2S.0,xfS nxf6 ,.29.lbh4 .eS ·: · 1S.0-o na7 ' 17.~4 li:l~7 ': 1S.~xe7+ : 30.'1i'g2 'iWf7 31.li)f5 . 'tWf8 32.'i!fg4 :;: nxe7 : 19.axbS •axbS 20..bbS : d5 '~f7 33.'iWe2 0,hS ' 34.~xhS f3 · ··· 21.n8S 14 2Ube21? Jt.eSN . 23.J:taS 35.'iIi'xc4 ' 'ili'xhS .. 3S.'ife7 nxb2 'iVdS ~ 24.~b4 ~bi,: 2S.l:ra7?1 d4 '37.'iIi'cS+ J:tfS " ·3S.'tWg4 · l:txf2+ 2S.AaS? .1l.xg2'-+27~c4+.,' ~hS . 39.<.t>xf2 , ~xh2+ 40.1%g2 .. fxg2+ " 2S.J:taS' 'iWcS 29.>t>xg2 f3+ .30.'.ilh1: . . ' 0-1' :., .: t!ixc4 3Ute6 .'tWbS ' 32.J:tdS / e4: :41.We3l:tgS ,.,; ' . " ". 33.l:txd4 · ':ixd4 ' 34••xd4+ . 'ire5. Anand,Viswanathan ' · · · ·35 .•xeS+ l:lxeS 3S.~e21:[b8; ,<:. Leko.Peter . .~.~ 37.ltJe3 :Xe5 38.h3 l:txb2 39. c4 %%g5': Dortmund 2003 (1) ... " , 4O.wh2 'ifo>gS 41.h4llgS 42.Wh3Wf7: 1.e4' eS 2.lbf3 ~eS 3.d4 cxd4:43.~f5l:tc2 44.t;:Je3 J:td2 45.e5 weS 4.~xd4 ; ~16 5.1Oc3 eS S.~db5 ·dS ( 4S.eS 1:[gS 47.e7:XeS 48.'it>g3 :xe7: 7i gS as S.!iJa3 bS 9..bf6 gx16 49.Wf4 nd4 50::a1 llf7.+ 51.<.t>g3: 10.lOd5 f5 11.e3 ~g7 .12.exf5 ..bfS lldS .52.1:[a6+ 'it>eS 53.~g4+ >t>dS 13.~c2 0-0 14.~ee3 ~eS 1S.~d3 fS 54.~fS+ l:!.xf6 55.l:txf6<.t>e5 SSJ1hS'i .1S.0-0 na7 17.'ffh5 naf7 1S.J:tad1 tigS+57.>t>h3e3 .,.",. " .,,:..0-1 ' 252

Sicilian Defence - Accelerated Dragon

Sicilian Defence Accelerated Dragon 1.e4 c5 2. ~f3 ....~ c6 3.d4 cxd4

4/LXd4 g6

The Accelerated Dragon is one of the oldest of the Sicilian variations. It made its distant debut in 1851 in london. The venerable age of the Accelerated Dragon should not come as a surprise if you stop to think about how the ideas behind the Sidlian have developed. If the aim of l...c5 is to take control of the d4-square, then as a consequence 2 ... ltJc6 appears to be the most logical continuation, as is the opening up of the diagonal so as to control d4 further with the fianchettoed bishop on g 7. This logic was irresistible to the early pioneers of opening theory; it is therefore understandable that the fu st examples of the modern Dragon type positions with 2 ... d6 did not appear until the 20th century. In the preceding years Black tried to deal directly with the famolls Maroczy Bind, which takes its name from grand-

master Geza Mar6czy (1870- 1951), who was one of the strongest Hungarian players of all time. This formation, which was first played at the beginning of the 20th century, is renowned for its great solidity and reliability. Frustrated by the difficulties presented by the Mar6czy formation, players started to experiment with 2 ... d6. Profiting from the fact that the knight is still on b I, White seizes fum control of the centre with 5.c4 (this is the key move of the Mar6czy Bind) and greatly reduces Black's chances for counterplay. In the beginning, this did not appear to be so worrying for Black, in that it was widespread usage to first play 4 ... ltJf6, and only after S.ltJc3 to continue with S... g6. In this way White no longer has the c2-c4 pawn advance at his disposal. However, it did not take long to discover that after the sequence 6.ltJxc6 bxc6 7.eS!

7 ... ltJg8 (sad necessity, as the pawn sacrifice 7 ... ltJdS 8.ltJxdS cxdS 9. ~xd5 !:Ib8 fails to 10.e6! fxe6? II.'lWe5! hitting two rooks), White is better, notwithstanding the fact that the pawn on eS is so far advanced that it could be subject to a counterattack. Then someone thought of substituting 2 ... ltJc6 with 2 ... d6 so that the pawn

25 3

Chess Openinn Essentials - Volume 1 advance to e5 would not longer be possible. And this is how the 'normal' Dragon came to make its debut in 1924: l.e4 c5 V1Jf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 tLlf6 5.tLlc3 g6. The name 'accelerated' was added later and indicates the opening of the fianchetto diagonal on the 4th move instead of on the 5th as occurs with the 'standard' Dragon. This means that the standard Dragon has the virtue of preventing the Maroczy Bind, but as we will see in the section that deals with the Maroczy, all that glitters is not gold. The problem is that there is less central influence exerted on the centre with 2 ... d6 compared to 2 ... tLlc6, and this means that White can more freely choose continuations that would be dubious against the Accelerated Variation. A good example of this is the popular 9.0-0-0 in the Yugoslav Attack in the standard Dragon. As always, the final choice boils down to questions of taste and style of play The Accelerated Dragon could be an excellent choice, if a player does not mind the positional struggle that ensues after the imposition of the Maroczy Bind.

At this point Black generally responds with ~f8-g7 5 .... The following subtle sequence is also popular: 5 ... tLlf6 6.tLlc3 d6!? Only after 7 .~e2 or 7.f3 (after 7. ~e3 Black has the unpleasant intrusion of 7 .. .tLlg4), Black proceeds with 7 ... tLlxd4,

before White plays ~e3, with the object offorcing White to take on d4 with the queen. This modern approach is called the Gurgenidze Variation, and it is characterized by an early exchange on d4, which reduces White's options. After S. ~xd4 ~g7

Maroczy Bind We will look at 5. c2-c4 in some depth, both because it is popular, and because it is also objectively the best move. You must remember that it is not uncommon to reach the Maroczy pawn formation by means of the Symmetrical English: l.c4 c5 2.tLlf3 g6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 tLlc6 5.e4. 254

Black moves his queen to as; the cS-bishop to e6; the fS-rook (after castling) to cS; and then the a-pawn to a6, preparing ...b5, exerting a lot of pressure on the queenside. White. for his part, can seek aggressive counterplay on the kingside with f4-f5. He can also de-

Sicilian Defence - Accelerated Dragon velop his queen's bishop to e3 (or to g5), retreat the queen to d2 and then playa timely ttJd5 (without castling, so the king can recapture on d2). If this is followed by an exchange of queens, an endgame, or better still, a queenless middle game ensues that is often favourable for White. After the likely exchange on d5, White can choose e4xd5, which means he will then exert a certain amount of pressure on the e7-pawn by means of the semi-open e-file. Alternatively, he can play c4xd5, hoping to control or exploit the open c-file. When this file is open, it is common for the major pieces to be exchanged on this file. The ensuing endgame is very often in White's favour, because of his space advantage and the possibility to exploit the weak c6-square, against which Black will be induced or forced to play ... b7 -b6 or ... b7 -b5 . Now we will return to 5 .. .~g7. After the obvious moves 6. il.c1-e3 7. tLlb1-c3

This continuation fell into slight disrepute from the beginning of the 1970s, but now it is again considered to be playable. S. ~d1xg4

tLlc6xd4

Now the best move is, curiously, 9.

~g4-d1!

to safeguard the queen against the latent threat posed by the bishop on c8, to defend c2, and also to attack the knight on d4. Now Black can continue with the aggressive but dubious 9 ... e5, or with the more reliable tLld4-e6 9 .... The knight is well placed on e6: there, it controls c5, d4 and f4, and in the variations with ... 'i¥a5 it also sometimes supports the pawn push ... g6-g5 [!]. This can be seen in the following line, which at first sight appears to contravene the most fundamental strategic principles: 10. :i:l.a1-c1

'iYdS-a5

11. 'iVd1-d2 12. il.f1-e2 13. f2-f3 14.0-0 15. J:!f1-d1

b7-b6 il.cS-b7 g6-g5!? h7-h5!?

tLlgS-f6

Black must make his first big choice: 7... tLlg4, or 7... 0-0 (with or without ...d6) . A) tLlf6-g4 7.... The Simagin Variation.

White has a slight space advantage, but Black's position is flexible and playable. 255

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume B)

0-0 7.... S. ~f1-e2 with two likely continuations: 8 ...d6 or 8 ...b6.

s....

d7-d6 9. 0-0 ~cS-d7 and you reach one of the key positions of the defence. B1)

up the position will always favour White ! b7-b6 B2) S.... An alternative to 8 .. .d6 that has its fans, in part because of a couple of traps that White can fall for! After 9. 0-0 ~cS-b7 if White plays the solid 10. f2-f3

.i ~

..t. .l~

Strangely, you can also arrive at this position by means of the King's Indian Defence : 1.d4 tLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 ~g7 4 .e4 d6 5.tLlf3 0-0 6 .~e2 c5 (instead of the more common 6 ...e5) 7.0-0 cxd4 8.tLlxd4 tLlc6 9 .~e3 ~d7. In this position Black's typical plan is to exchange on d4, move the bishop to c6 in order to force White to play f3; then transfer the f6 -knight to c5 via d7 ; advance the pawn to as; and to close the game by placing pawns on the dark squares. Black's defensive strategy would make it advisable to exchange the dark-squared bishops, to limit White's offensive possibilities, and leave him with the 'bad' e2-bishop. For his part, White will patiently prepare slow play on the queenside with llab 1, 1:'1fc1, ,0, a3 and ,0, b4 . That is, when it is tactically feasible to do so. However, it should not be presumed that opening 156

'i¥.i~

.I.

~.l

.t. .I.

~.l

he obtains the customary space advantage with slightly the better chances. However, if he tries to be clever, speculating on an exchang e on g7 with a following check on d4, his plan will backfire: 1O. fii d2? ! tLlxd4 l1. jg,xd4 est 12. ~xeS tLlxe4 (now yes) and Black has the advantage . Or 1O. :r:J. c1? tLlxd4 11 .~xd4 iih6t winning at least a pawn or the exchange .

Standard Accelerated Dragon Back to the initial position of the Accelerated Dragon. If White does not like the idea of the positional struggle inherent to the Mar6czy Bind, he can deviate with the more direct ~fS-g7 5. ttJb1-c3 ttJgS-f6 6. ~c1-e3

Sicilian Defence - Accelerated Dragon B)

Now White must show the utmost care. Black has not yet played ... d6 and here he can play ... d7 -dS, which in variolls Dragon variations frees the defender's game. in one tempo. In addition, some of the lines with .. :iHb6 are particularly effective in this defence. White can choose between the pseudo-active 7.tbxc6, the solid 7.i..e2 and the aggressive 7.i.c4. A)

7. S.

tt.Jd4xc6 e4-e5

b7xc6

0-0

To prevent .. .d7-dS. Now Black usually replies 8 ... d6, transposing to the classical lines of the standard Dragon. It is worth remembering that if in this position, White tries to steer the game in the direction of the Yugoslav Attack of the Dragon Variation with 7.f3?! 0-0 B.~d2?!, Black can obtain good play with B... dS! (here requiring only one

tempo). C)

tt.Jf6-gS S. The pawn sacrifice 8 ... tt.JdS!? is playable and Black's compensation should be sufficient. With the text, Black should be able to equalize after either 9.f4 tbh6 or 9.i..d4 f6.

7. iLf1-e2 S. tt.Jd4-b3!

7.

~f1-c4

This can be considered the most aggressivemove. White tries to get back into the main lines of the Dragon Variation by castling queenside and initiating a pawn storm on the kingside; alternatively, he 257

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1 can continue more solidly with h2 -h3 and 0-0 . Black can allow this ifhe wishes, but he also has the possibility to enter quieter variations; or, if he likes, more aggressive ones. C1)

7.

'fi'dS-a5

The 'quiet' variation which, thanks to the combined threat of 8 ... ttJxe4 and 8 ..'ifb4, forces White to castle kingside. This greatly reduces the dynamic rhythm of the game. Black now has a position which is not particularly active, but playable. The most popular line in this variation is : S. 0-0 0-0 9. ~c4-b3 10. h2-h3 11.12-14 12. ~e3xd4 13. iVd1-d3

d7-d6 il.cS-d7 t2Jc6xd4 il.d7-c6

and White has an edge. If Black intends to be more bellicose, he can continue with the normal C2) 0-0 7. ... to which White may respond by establishing the classic set-up of the Yugoslav Attack: f3, 'lI:Vd2 and 0-0-0.

258

S. .ic4-b3

White has to play this way in order to defend b2! Sf3?! allows s...'JltIIb6!

9.i!.b3 ttJxe4!, and Black is better. Please take note of a typical error often made at this point, even by many strong players: S... ttJaS? (It is natural to want to rid yourself of the strong bishop on b3) and now 9.eS ttJeS allows for the brilliant 1O.~xf7+! rJ;;xf711.ttJe6!!

and White wins material, as happened in a famous game between Fischer and Reshevsky, New York 1958 . Back to 8.~b3. The hyper-aggressive variation that we referred to is 8 ... a5, threatening .. .a4 followed by ... ttJxe4. White can react solidly with 9.a4 or defend e4 with 9.f3. Now Black can play 9 ... d5!?

Sicilian Defence - Accelerated Dragon bishop on b3 gives Black an additional possibility: the Parma Variation: 10. ... <1:Jc6xd4 11. ~e3xd4 b7-bS!?

After correct play, as with 10.it..xdS! tDxds II.exdS tDb4 12'tDde2 ~fS 13 .l:tc I, White should have a small advantage, albeit of a type that requires great skill to exploit. The latest development is that White simply allows Black to carry out his plans, playing 9.0-0!, as after 9 ... a4 I 0.<1:Jxa4 <1:Jxe4, Black is seriously hampered by the weakness of the b6-square. The standard variation is S.... d7-d6

For a long time this was considered to be one of the best anti-Yugoslav Attack variations. However, nowadays we are not so sure: after 12. h2-h4 a7-aS 13. a2-a4 bSxa4 14. <1:Jc3xa4 Black still has difficulties to overcome. ~;

Bacrot.Etienne «,

~::" Tiviakov.Sergey . Wijk aan Zee 2006 (2) (1.e4 cS '; 2.<1:Jf3 tt:lc6 3.d4 cxd4 ' . 4.tt:lxd4 . 96 S.c4 tt:lf6 6.tt:lc3 d6' 1VLic2 A g7 8.~e2 <1:Jd7 9.~d2 tt:lcs ' : 10.0-0 0-0 11.b4 ltJe6 12.:'c1 llled4 ' 13.lllxd4 tt:lxd4 14;iLe3 ' tt:lxe2+ ;'1S.'iVxe2 A e616.llld5 'Wd7 17JUd1 b6 1S.b5 f5 19.exfS t!.xfS 20.lllb4 · 'iLf7 2VZJc6 lIeS. 22.1Vd3J:!.cS : 23.1!i'e4 J:!:c7 24.a4 h5 2S.h3'ii'e6 :26.1Ifxe6 iLxe6 2Hi e1 Ac8 28.aS ' bxa5 ·'29..txa7. '>f;;f7 30.~b6 l:rxc6 . ;31'.bxc6 a4 32.:ted1 a3 33.~d4 ~..IUd4 ' 34.':xd4 Ae6 35.:'dS weS ~ 36.l:txf5 gxf5 37.:'a1 wdS 3S.l:txa3 ('wc7 39Jle3 ~xc4 40.J:lxe7+ Wxc6 :,"

and we have returned to an 'almost normal' Dragon position. 'Almost' in the sellse that after 9. f2-f3 ~cS-d7 10. 'tIk'd1-d2 White has already moved the bishop to b3, whereas in the Dragon. in the strict sense of the term, you usually prefer to first play h2 -h4 or castle queenside. The

'4 U3 ~~,.,.. .,_ . "

""

.1 ~O

259

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

.llf8 53 ..ttxh7 .!:tf2+ 54J:td2 l£~d2+~ S5.Wxd2 l:txb3 56J:te7 J:th3 57.h7 Buenos Aires 1994 (3) . ' b6 5S.A e4 , WdS 59.l:b7 ., A d4 60.~f5 <;i;>e8 61.l:id7 AeS 62J:tb7 1.e4 c5 ' 2.lbf3 tLlc6 ' 3.d4 cxd4 Ad463:~96+ <;i;>dS 64 ..ih5" l:t8'3 '4.tLlxd4 g6 5.c4 tLlf6 6.tLlc3 d6 7.~e2 tLlxd4 S.'iWxd4 ~g7 9.iLe3 0-0 65Jbb6 ~c7 66.llbS l:txa4 10.'ifd2 "A e6 11.0-0 \!VaS 12.ttab1! " 67.Ibg5 t!.b4 6S.wd3 it.b2 69.lba5 l:tfcB 13.b3tLld7 14..llfc1 ft'dS ",' ~d770J:raB ' 1-0' ' 15.tLld5 tLlc5 16if3 as 17.h4 hd5 1S.exd5 'ifd7 ,19.'iVe21 l:teS 20.hS Short,Nigel "'f5?1 21.11d1 .i.eS 22.g4 'liVcS Larsen,Bent: . 23.~g2 il.g7 24.l:th1tLld7 25.hxg6 hxg6 26J:rh4~ a4 27.J:tbh1 axb3 ·, Brussels 1987 (1 1) 2S.axb3 l:te1 29.:ct1h31 flaB 30.l:th7 1.e4 c5 2.tLlf3 , tLlc6 3.d4 cxd4 'ifa2 31.llxg7+1! wxg7 32 •.!td4+ f6 4.tLlxd4 g6 S.c4 : A g7 6.~e3 tLlf6 33.'iWe3 tLlf8 34.~e411 'wf7 35.l:thSI 7.tLlc3 tLlg4 8.'iWxg4 tLlxd4 9.'lWd1 1-0 tLle6 10.l:tc1'it'aS 11.i.e2 b6 12.0-0 il.b113.f3 gS 14.a3 'it'e515Ji'd2 h5 16.l:tfd1 d6 17.b4 h4 1S.tLldS :~ 19. Af1 iLc6 20:iWd3 ttJf4 21.ttJxf4? KaSparov,Garry " Kasimdzhanov,Rustam , gxf4 22.ll.d4 'ifxd4+ . 23.~xd4 Batumi tt rapId 2001 (11) .. hd4+ 24J:lxd4 l:th5 2S.c51? dxeS 1.e4 c5 2.tLlf3 tLlc6 3.d4 cxd4 26.bxc5 bS 27.e5 h31 28.J:!e1 hxg2 4.tLlxd4 g6 S.c4 tLlf6 6.tLlc3 de 7.f3 29.ihg2 . ticS 30..llxf4 ,~d5 31.e6 tLlxd4 B.'ifxd4 A g7 9.~e3 0-0 f6+ 32.h4 .llxeS 33 ..ih3 . ~c6 10Jtd2 A e6 11.J:!c1 'iVa5 12.A d3 34.'iW2 J:l.hd5 35.l:e3 fS 36.h5 wg7 l:!:fcB 13.b3 a6 14.tLle2 'i!fxd2+ 37.h6+ wxh6 3S.l:th4+ ~g7 39.14 15.r;t>xd2 tLld7 16.tLlf4 tLlcS 17.iLe2 :tc2+?? 40.we1 J:!c1+ 41.'it>e2 A eS as 1S.h4I;!; tLla6 19.1:tb1 tLlb4 20.a3 42.11g3+ il.g6 43 ..llhS?? .llc2+ tLlc6 21.tLlxe6 fxe6 22.f4 ~f7 23.h5 44.we1 l';lc3 45.llxc3bh5 46J:1c1. 'it>f6 47.11xa7 J:l.d4 · 4B.hf51? ~xf5 tLld4 24 ..td3 eS 25.15 951 26.h6! .iJ..f6 27.g4 tLlf3+ 2B.~e2 tLld4+ 49JIxe7 l:!.dS 50.a4 bxa4 S1.J:l.a7 29.>t>f2 e6? 30.l:th5?;!; :tc71 31.a4 l:id4 52.:taS+ IiPg4 53.e7 il.e8 54.15 l:I:gS 32.l:thh1 ne8 33 ..tthd1 l:taB ' liPg5 55.1:1a8 l:te4+ S6.'it>d2 :txe7 57.'it>c3 ~xfS 58.'it>b2 ~e459.t!dS 34.it.d2 .llc6 35.,A c3 .' nb6 36 ..bd41? exd4 37.e5 il.xe5?± il.d7 ; 60.l:tbS wd4 61.l.'rb 7 : l:ie2+, 3S.fxe6+ we1 39.we21 nfB 40.:111 62.'it>a3 J:!e3+ 63.~b2 a3+ 64.wa1 il.e6 ' 65,llb1 r;t>c3 66.J:Ic1 + >t>b4 il.f4 "41 •.i.f5 .llhB 42.'it>d3 iLe5 43.ll.e4 A f4 44.~f5 il.e5 45.Wc2! 67.:tb1 + i.b3 6B.l:Ic1 l:le2 69J1g1 :td2 70.l:tg4+ il.c4 71.J:!g1 il.d3· A f4 46.nbd1 A e3 47•.b4 wxe6 48.A d5+ ~d7 49.l';lf7+ . ~cB+72 •.llc1 .tc2 73.~82 ~e4+ 74.~a1 50•.l:tg7 i.f4 5Ulxd4 A e5 52 ..lld3 .i.d3Z 0-1

Ivanchuk,Vasily ., Anand,Viswanathan

, ~,

·, '

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wfS

260

Sicilian Defen ce - Accelerated Dragon

'.,,',

Leko,Peter ' Piket,Jeroen Tilburg 1997 (7)

1.e4 c5 ' 2;tbf3 tbc6 3.d4 , cxd4 4.tbxd4 g6 5.c4 ~g7 6..ite3 tbf6 7.tbc3 tbg4 S.'iixg4 tbxd4 9.'t!.\'dl tbe6 10.l:rcl 'iYa5 11.a3 b6 12..itd3 g5 13.0-0 i.b 714.t!.c2 .§Lxc3 15.t!.xc3 'ife5 16.11e1 h5 17.~d2 J.:th6 lS.h4?! 'l:!g6 19.hxg5 tbxg5 20.'ii'xh5 ~g7 '21.>tIfl tbe6 22.g3 0-0-0 23.i.e3? t!. hS 24.'iff3 " J:th2 25.c5 , llfS ' •2S.cxbS+ wdS 27.i.f4 tbd4! 2S.'fie3 'ii¥g4 29.'i fxd4 'iWt3?? 30.'iYxd7+! 1-0

Adams,Michael ' Gonzalez,Bernal Manuel , Istanbul 01 2000 (2)

~ 1.e4

,

55.J:!e5+ wd2 5S.l:te6 h5 57.14 l:ta5 5S.'Ot>f3 d3 59.n dS wc2 SO.'if,;>e3 l:ta3 6Utd5 1:txaS 62.: c5+ wdl S3.'~xd3 1-0

Svidler,Peter

Carlsen,Ma~us Morelia/Unares 2007 (7) •

1.e4c5 2.tbf3 tbcS , 3.tbc3 gS 4.d4 cxd4 5.tbxd4 .ig7 S.ll.e3 tbfS 7..ic4 0-0 8.~b3 eS 9.0-0 d5 10.exd5 tbxd5 11.tbxd5 exd5 12.c3 tba5 13.'iWd3 tbxb3 14.Bxb3 a6 15.§'d2 lleS , lS.J:tte1 Ad7 17.tbc2 jLc6 lS.~d4 fS 19.1lxeS+ ~xeS 20.h3 ~f7 21.tbb4 .its 22.tbxc6 bxcS . 23.b4 ~d6 24.b5 cxb5 25..ixfS a5 2S.Ad4 li't4 27.'ihf4 Y2- V:z

c5 2.tbf3 ' tbc6 ,, 3.d4 ·" cxd4

4.tbxd4 g6 5.c4 fig7 S..te3 tbf6 Shirov,Alexey 7.tbc3 0-0 S.Ae2 ' d6 9.0-0 i.d7 Ivcuichuk, Vasily .10.J:te1 tbxd4 11 ..ixd4 fic6 12.~d3 Wijk aan Zee 1999 (13) a5 13.'it'd2 tbd7 14.b g7 wxg7 1.e4 c5 2.tbf3 tbcS 3.tbc3gS 4.d4 15.t!.e3! h6 16.~e2!?;!; a4 17.h41 · cxd4 5.tbxd4 .ig7 S..§Le3 tbf6 7...tc4 ~a5 18.h5 g5 19.11fl 'ife5 20.tbd5 0-0 S..ib3 dS 9.f3 .itd7 10.'ii¥d2 a3 21.bxa3?# eS 22.g3 whS . tbxd4 11 •.b d4 b5 12.h4 a5 13.a4 23.'it>h2·' g41 24.tbb4 tbfS 25.tbxcS bxa4 14.tbxa4 i.eS 15.tbbS tta6 lS.tbd5 .ixd5 17.exd5 'lilic7 lS.1:1a4 bxcS , 2S.'+lYd1 tLlxe4 27.'it>gl f5 ;llbS 19.h5 tbxh5 20..ixg7 wxg7 2S..itd3 d5 29.cxdS ' exd5?=i! 21.g4 · tbfS 22.'Wh6+ 'Ot>gS 23.l:tf4 30..be4 fxe4 3Ui'xg4 n a732.11cl lIYc5 24Jlxf6 exfS 25.wdl ttxb3 ,; 'Wb2 33J Ul ttg7 34.'ifdl '/We5 '26.cxb3 'ii'xd5+ 27.Wc2 J:[cS+ 35:iWc2 lUS 3S.a4 l:Ie7 37.lltel 'iVdS?# 3S.'iVb2! Wh7 39.a5! c5?;!; 28.'if,;>bl 'i/Kd3+ 29.'if,;>a2 95 30.'iVxfS 40J:tb3! d4?+- ". 41.l:!bS 'ii'e5 'iWgS 31:~'e7 <;t>g7 32.l%dl h6 42.11xe4! "ilxe4 43.llxfS · 'i/Ke1+ 33:iWd7 ttaS 34.'i!i'cS n bS 35.'~c7 ' 44.'if,;>h2 'ii'e2 45.'ii'b3?;!; 'iYxh5+ ,J:l:a6 3S.'i t'c8 l:ta7 37.'ficS d5 47.'lWf7+ 'ifxf7 4S.Wg2 . l':i:el 3S.'iYc3+ tS 39.l:txd5 a4 40.bxa4 4SJl xf7 + ~g6 49J:td7 Wf5fti . li'f7 41.'i/Kb3 l:txa4+ 42:~'xa4 'ii'xd5+ '. 43.'ii'b3 'ifa5+ 44.'iYa3 50.l1d5+ 'Ot>e4 51.tl.xc5 J:Ie2?+Wid5+ 45.'tWb3 V:z- 1h 52.a4 1:a2 53.aS J:!.xa4 54.f3+! we3

261

Chess Opening Essenti als - Volume I . . .. . . ... lbe8 9.c4 ltJc710.ltJc3 11b8 11.'ud1 b5 12.b3 f5!? 13.cxd5 exd5 14.d4 Yi.a6 15.'ilfe3 ltJe6 16.lbe2 b4 17.dxc5 ' ~

Sicilian Defence Minor Systems after 2 ... e6

~.

..bc5 1&1Wd2 'ilfb6 19.1t:lf4 tiJxf4 . 20.gxf4 l1bdS 21 .~b2 d4 22.ttJg5 · l1feS [22 ...ltJe7!] 23 ..:tacl It:le7 ' 24.l:!xc5 Vixc5 25.lt:le6 'ilt'b6 26,lt:lxdS . 'l1xdS ' 27..hd4 tfgS 2&'ifxb4 ttJc6 ' ·29.1i'c3 ~b7 30.wh1'+- h5T31.l:td2 .h4 32.h3 11c8 33.'ifb2 'iff7 34.l:tc2 · .'ilfd7 35~e3 tiJb4 36.l1xc8+ 'iWxc8 ,37.'ii'd4 bg2+ 38.'ii;>xg2 'ifb7+ 39.w h2 a5 40.e6 ltJd5 4UHe5 It:le7 42JWXa5 _. 1-0

Zhang Zhong Kobalia,Mikhail Ubeda 2001 (8)

After 2... e6, White can decide not to advance the pawn to d4, to avoid some of the better-known theory. With 3.d3 or 3.'iVe2, you generally transpose into variations of the King's Indian Attack, which is arrived at with the following moves: ltJf3, g3, ~g2, 0-0, d3, ltJbd2 and e4. The precise order of the moves is usually not so important. It is so named because White is playing a King's Indian Defence with colours reversed. White can also open the diagonal for his queen's bishop with 3.b3 or seek to transpose to the Alapin with 3.c3 or, with the non-committal moves 3.ttJc3 or 3.c4, to an Open Sicilian on the next move.

Psakhis.Lev Strikovic,Aleksa Yerevan 01 1996 (3)

1.e4 c5 2.tbf3 e6 3.d3 ltJc6 4.g3 d5 5.iYe2 It:lf6 6.Ag2 Yi.e7 7.0-0 0-0 S.e5 262

1,e4 c5 2.ltJf3 e6 3.d3 lbc6 4,g3 'ltJge7 5.~g2 g6 6.0-0 Ji..g7 7.c3 0-0 , S.d4 cxd4 9.cxd4 d5 10.e5 ltJf5 11.ltJc3 f6 12.g4 ltJfe7 13.exf6 l:txfS , 14.~e3 l:!fS 15.'ifd2 ~d716.h3 ltJc8 . 17Jlfe1 lbd6 1S.b3 1i'a5 19..:tacl . 'l1ac8 20.'itd3 It:lb4 21.'iVbl It:lc6 :22.1i'd3 tbb4 23.'ii'd2 lDc6 24.~f4 .ltJf7 25.'ii'e3 lDb4 2S.h4 ltJxa2 '2Vt:lxa2 ~xa2 2S.h5 't!fa3 29.hxg6 : hxg6 30.'ilfd3 'We7 31.l:txc8 ~xcS 32.g5 ltJd6 33.bd6 'ii'xd6 34.'iVxg6 ,'iff4 35 ..:te3 'ii'f5 36.ibf5 ):txf5 ' 37.Ah3 l1fS 38.'ot>g2 n es 39.nc3 ~d7 40.l:tc7 · ~cS 41.i.g4 ' <MS .42.''''g3 a5 43.i.h5 l:taS 44~f7 a4 45.bxa4 · l:!xa4 46.Ji..xeS Yi.eS 47.l1xb7 l1a3 4S.n b4 Ji..h5 49..b d5 ~xf3 50ixf3 l:!d3 51.d5 ~e5+ 52.~g2 l:td2 53,~1 ~d4 54..te2 . ' ~c5 55..l:tb5 .td4 56.n b3 w e7 57JU3 <j;>d6 5S.l:tf5 .tc5 59.g6 .id4 . 60.1:I.f7 l1a2 61 •.tg4 ~xd5 62.l:!d7+ ' <;t>c5 63J1xd4 ~xd4 64.g7 , 1-0

Sicilian Defence - Pin Variation

fore this, players had responded automatically with 6 .~d3. 6. ... ttJf6-d5 The alternatives are inferior. However, the kingside weakness (g7) is more significant than the doubled pawn on c3 and there are two ways White can gain a good advantage.

Sicilian Defence Pin Variation 1.e4 c5

2 .r~ t3

4':1 xd4 t. It6

e6 3.d4 cxd4 5. ~ ,c3

j:,b4

A) 7. il.c1-d 2 The solid approach.

f. ;

: .: ,

,

...

.\

This is a direct, but not completely sound attempt to immediately attack the e4--pawn. Played by Owen and Bird as far back as the second half of the 19th century, this variation has always been viewed with a certain suspicion. It had a brief revival in the 197 Os, when it was played with a new idea: an exchange sacrifice. However, it was soon discovered that White gains a concrete advantage with correct play, and the variation returned to obscurity. However, it can be a valid surprise weapon: indeed, if White is unaware of the correct antidote, he can easily lose his way in the ensuing complications. 6. e4-e5! The only move that can give Black a headache. It is a strange fact that the effectiveness of this move was not appreciated until the 1930s: for decades be-

7.

ttJd5xc3

8. b2xc3 9.

~b4-e7

~d1-g4

0-0 10. SLd2-h6 g7-g6 11. h2-h4! White refuses to take the bait and he continues to attack with excellent chances. B) 7. ~d1-g4 The aggressive approach.

263

Chess Openin8 Essentials - Volume J •

7. ... O-O!? and here is the exchange sacrifice we mentioned before S. ~c1-h6 g7-gS 9. ~g4-g3! The new idea is not to immediately accept the exchange sacrifice, in order to better exploit the weakness in Black's kingside position,

N'

•. "

'21.'tlf'xgS+ WdS 22.1'1hS . lllcS '23.'iYgS+ It>cS 24.l:tb1 bS 2S ...te3+ "tl:ld4 2S.i.xd4+ exd4 27:itfS+ wc4 . 2S:ij'gS+ ' IiitcS 29.l:!.xbS+. wxbS ;30.'iVdS+ 'illf'cs 31.a4+ . -.1-0 ' ','

DelRio Angelis,Salvador Gabriel , Sulskis,Sarunas Port Erin 2003 (5)

~\,

,

_.

1.e4 cS 2.lllf3 eS 3.d4 cxd4 4.lllxd4 '.':; '.;" lbf6 S.4:lc3 ..tb4 6.e5 ltJd5 7.~d2 Taubenhaus,Jean ""~ .~ Schlechter, Carl lllxc3 S.bxc3 ~aS 9..!ld3 dS 10.f4 dxeS 11.fxeS "VifIc7 12.0-0 .bc3 Ostend 1905 (8) , 1.e4 cS 2.lllf3 eS 3.d4 cxd4 4.lllxd4 13.~xc3 iYxc314.lllbS ~cS+ ti.JfS S.tl:lc3 ~b4 s.Ad3 tl:lcS [6 .. ,eS 1S.wh1 0-0 1S.llldS 'ii'xeS 17.lllxf7 1:txf7 1S.~xh7+ <;t>xh7 19J:£xf7 It>gS . 7.tl:le2 tl:lc6 8..td2 d6 9 .0-0 ~e6 JO,a3 20.J:!.e7 ~d7 21.ttbL ..tcS 22:ii'g4 .1aS 11..Ilel h6 12.f4 ~b6+ J3.Whl lllg4 14,l:I.fl lllxh2t Gri.inw~ld-Meister, llld7 23.l:!.xeS 'iVc3 24J:£e7 lllfS Berlin 2006] 7..lte3 dS S.lllxc6 bxcS " 2S.J:td1 J:teS 2S.l:!.xeS h eS 27.'iff3 ' 9.eS tLid7 10:~'g4 ~fS 11.f4 .abS ' 'i!fxf3 , 2S.gxf3 tLieS 29.Wg2 '; <;t>f7 30.~f2 wfS 31.We3 gS 32J4b1 ~cS 12.llld1 gS ' 13.h4 hS 14.~e2 ti.JcS 1S.c3 lllxd3+1S.~xd3 cS 17.l'Ve2 33J%b4 tLlf4 34Jlc4 ~eS 3S.wf2 ~e71S.tLif2 "(WaS 19.'ii'c2 .!laS 20.a4 it.dS 3S.1:184 as 37.a3 ~cS 3SJ1aS+ WfS 21.g3 ~bS 22.b4 d4 23.bxcS MS 39J:tcS , ti.Jh3+ 40.we3 , weS .bcli 24.ii.c1 Wg72S.tl:le4 'ifcS 0-1 . 4Utc4 ,tl:lf4 42.ttd4 a5 43.l:tdS a4 44.11gS <;t>fS 4S.J:US+ ~g7 4S.11cS . Wagman,Stuart " ti.Jg2+. ' 47.~f2 tl:lh4 4S.~g3 .bt3" Barle,Janez 49.c3 i!-cS 50J~aS tl:lgS 0-1 Biel1981

1.e4 cS 2.lllf3 eS 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLixd4 Lalic,Bogdan Sulava,Nenad tLlfS S.lllc3 ~b4 S.eS tLldS [6...'iWcn 7,exf6 h c3+ 8.bxc3 'iWxc3+ 9.'(Wd2 Pula 1997 (9) " 'iWxa 1 10.c3 "iWb J l1.fxg7 'il'e4+ 1.e4 cS 2.tl:lf3 eS 3.d4 cxd4 4.ti.Jxd4 12.~e2 , J:!.g8 J3 .tl:lb5 ' '/Wxg2 14.11fl tl:lfS S.tl:lc3 .ltb4 S.eS llldS 7.~d2 lllxc3 S.bxc3 ~e7 9.'i1i'g4 0-0 llla6 IS .tZld6+ Iiitd8 J6. ~d4 b6 17.'iWf6+ ~c7 18.tZlbS+ 1-0 Pavlovic.. ,", 10..ii.hS gS 11.h4 dS [1l...'i\ta5 Petrovic, Belgrade 2006] 7.i&.d2 lllxc3 . 12.'iYg3 d6 13.tLibs tZld7 t4.hS tZlxeS S.bxc3 i.aS 9:~'g4 0-0 10.i&.d3 dS 1S.f4 .ii.d7 16.fxeS i.xbS ' 17.ii.xbS 11.tl:lf3 gS 12.h4 dxeS 13.hS fS l'kxbS 18.hfS Czarnota-Sulskis, War14.ii.xfS exfS 1S.'(Wc4+ l:tf71S.hxgS saw Ech200S (1-0, 68)] 12.hS 'ii'aS hxgS 17.lllgS Wic7 1s:iVh4 ~S 13.tZlbS as 14.hxgS fxgS 1S.~xfS 19.tZlxf7 'i£(xf7 20."fNh7+ ~eS .1xfS1S.1'1xh7 1-0 264

Sicilian Defence - Kan Variation

Sicilian Defence Kan Variation 1.c4 c5 2 ...'2. f3 c6 3 .d4 cxd4 4. !; ,xd4 a6

so it was natural that until the 1960s opening theory would include their contributions within the Paulsen Variation. However, as theory developed each variation acquired its own name, even if this is not consistently observed by opening manuals. After I.e4 c5 2.t2:lf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.t2:lxd4, we will use the following names: 4 ... a6 - Kan Variation; 4 ... t2:lc6 - Paulsen-Taimanov; 4 ... t2:lc6 5.t2:lc3 a6 6 .~e2 ttlge7 Taimanov (in the strict sense); 4 ... t2:lc6 5. t2:lc3 a6 6 .~e2 "'c7 Paulsen (in the strict sense).

The move sequence l.e4 c5 2.t2:lf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.t2:lxd4 a6 leads to one of the oldest positions in the Sicilian Defence. It was used in several of Adolf Anderssen's games in the middle part of the 19th century, and by Louis Paulsen towards the end of the same century. However, it only started to become popular from the beginning of the 195 Os onwards, due to good results achieved by the Soviet player Ilya Kan. It is statistically one of the best lines for Black in the Sicilian. Though this is in part a comment on its objective worth, it also reflects the fact that the Kan is greatly appreciated by strong players, who find its flexibility attractive. There is sometimes a little confusion about the nomenclature of the 'sister' Taimanov and Paulsen variations, in part because of possible transpositions. Both Kan and Mark Taimanov were more recent players than Paulsen, and

From what we have said so far, you will now realize how subtle the distinctions are. For example, when playing the Kan, Black only needs to play ... t2:lc6 and he will suddenly find himself in the Paulsen-Taimanov variation. It is interesting to know that in the past the Paulsen Variation used to be reached almost exclusively via the Kan (4 ... a6) . Nowadays, black players more commonly prefer to reach the Paulsen through 4 ... t2:lc6. This trend is also because modern players, who are wellversed in the intricacies of the Kan, like to develop the b8-knight to c6. Otherwise, its placement there is delayed. To make matters even more confusing, it should be remembered that when Black plays ... d6 (either after 4 ... a6 or after 4 ... t2:lc6 5 .t2:lc3) and develops the bishop to e7, he transposes to the Scheveningen Variation. This is something that happens often, as in this way Black avoids the dangers associated with the Keres Attack. 265

Chess Openina Essentials - Volume I We will consider S. ~d3 to be the main line of the Kan. Before we look at it, we will examine the alternatives: A) 5. c2-c4 Adopting the Mar6czy Bind pawn formation, as in the Kalashnikov, the Anti-Taimanov and the Accelerated Dragon.

5. ttlb1-c3 B) This tends to lead to positions found in the Paulsen-Taimanov Variation where every now and then Black plays S... ttlc6 . However, if Black wants to remain in the orbit of the Kan, he can play the completely re-evaluated 5. ... b7-b5 In old opening books this was considered doubtful because of 6. it.f1-d3!

.J

Now the advance ... d7-dS by Black will prove to be difficult. At first, this was considered to be a sort of positional refutation of the Kan. However, today it is not viewed with fear: Black can respond directly with S ... ttlf6 and then 6.ttlc3 ~b4, which produces tactically complex play. This is particularly the case in the variation 7 . ~d3 ttlc6 8.ttlxc6 dxc6 9 .eS ~aS 10 .exf6 ~xc3 +, where White's initiative used to be seen as very promising. However, in reality Black has more than sufficient resources. Also good is the solid 6 ... ~c7, which controls eS and creates a typical Hedgehog Defence formation (this variation acquired its name because the e6-d6-b6-a6 pawn formation reminded players of the thorny spines of a hedgehog). This variation is willingly used by modern players who are unconcerned by White's space advantage. 266

However, in fact after 6 ... 'i\Vb6 - a recent move that is very fashionable - or 6 ... d6, Black's results have been acceptable. However, the classical S.. .~c7 is also playable. 5. ~f1-d3 C) The principal move of the Kan Variation.

Sicilian Defence - Kan Variation

This is not such a natural-looking move; generally we are advised to place the bishops on open diagonals. However, in this case there are many advantages that come with this move. Substantially, it is a question of timing: by defending the e4-pawn with the bishop, White postpones the development of the knight to c3, to reserve the option of c2-c4 for a more opportune moment than the 5 th move. Nonetheless, this flexible developing move allows White, if he wants, to still develop the knight to c3, transposing to common variations of the Scheveningen in which the d3-bishop can become a threat after pawn advances to f4 and e5. Moreover, in some variations the white queen - unobstructed by a bishop on e2 - can relocate directly to the kingside. After 5.~d3, Black has an ample choice of moves besides 5 .. .d6, which is one of many ways to transpose to the Scheveningen Variation. Some of the available moves are: 5 ... b5, 5 ... b6, 5 ... tOe7 or even 5 ... d5, which until not long ago was considered to be premature. However, the most popular are the follOwing:

C3) 5 .... tOb8-c6 is the classical continuation. Now it is seen more rarely, but this is only a question offashion. C4)

5 ....

g7-g6

Here a student could protest, 'But doesn't everybody say that with an e6-d7 pawn structure you shouldn't advance the pawn to g6, as it creates ugly weaknesses on d6 and f6?' This is true, but as always, general principles must be considered in the context of each particular case. Here, the weakness in question is not easy to exploit, since the d3 -bishop obstructs the d-file. In addition, the move ... ~g7 will gain a tempo by attacking the undefended knight on d4. C5)

5 ....

ttlg8-f6

C1) jLf8-c5 5. To try to exploit the presence of the undefended d4-knight by attacking it immediately, and after 6.tOb3, retreating the bishop to a7 or e7. C2) 'iWd8-b6 5 .... This is all the rage with Sicilian players at the moment. The resulting pOSitions are still largely unexplored.

267

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1 The most popular move at the moment, taking advantage of White's inability to advance the pawn to eS because of 6 .. .'l!VaS+ followed by 7 .. .'~xeS. After 6.0 -0 (threatening 7.eS), you continue with 6 .. .'i i'c7 or 6 ... d6 to establish a classic Hedgehog formation in the event that White plays c2-c4.

l:ta2 2S.'ifr>g3 <;tofS 29.wf3 we7 30.g4 f5 31.gxf5 fS 32 ..!i!.gS hS 33.'i;f;>g3 'wdS 34.wf3 I:ta1 35.cJtg2 ~e5 ' 36.ileS Wf4 37...td7 t!b1 3S.i.eS llb2 39.A e4 l:ra2 40..teS h5 4UI.d7 0-1

De la Paz,Frank MiIov,Vadim ~Morelia

Ehlvest,Jaan Kasparov,Garry Linares 1991 (I 0)

1.e4 e5 VLlf3 e6 3.d4 exd4 4.lLlxd4 a6 5.e4 lLlf6 6.lLle3 Wile7 7.~d3 ile7 S.f4 d6 9.'ti'e2 lLle6 10.lLlf3 lLld7 11.83 ~f6 12.~e3 he3+ 13.bxe3 e5 14.f5 lLlebS 15.0-0 lLle5 1S.i.e2 lLlbd7 17.tlfd1 lLlfS 1S.lLld2 .liLd7 19.~g5 .\te6 20.Wilf3 0-0-0 21J:te1 , hS 22.~h4 J:ldgS . 23.Wh1 lLlfd7 24.lLlf1 g5 25..tf2 h5 26.W!id1 h4 27.Wilb1 lLlf6 2S..be5 dxe5 29.lLle3 'ilfa5 30.'ti'b2 h3 31.g3lLlxe4 32 ..be4 ~xe4+ 33.Wg1 l:tdS 34.lLlg4 .bf5 35.tLlxe5 Wie7 3S.Wilf2 ~ e6 37.tIab1 l:td6 3S.l:tb2 trhdS 39Jlbe2 f6 40.lLlg6 be4 . 0-1

Spassky,Boris Fischer,Robert Reykjavik Wch m 1972 (21)

1.e4 e5 2.lLlf3 eS 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 a6 5.tLle3 lLleS 6.~e3 lLlf6 7..lkd3 d5 S.exd5 exd5 , 9.0-0 ~d6 10.tLlxeS bxe6 11 ..!i!.d4 0-0 12.'tWf3 i.eS 13.l:!.fe1 e5 14..bfS " xf6 15.'iWxfS gxfS 1SJlad1 l1fdS 17.i.e2 l':tabS 1S.b3 c4 ,. 19.tLlxd5 hd5 20.l:bd5 .txh2+ 21.<.ttxh2 ttxd5 22 ..he4 J:i:d2 23 ..!i!.xaS Uxe2 24.l:te2 J:1xe2 25..be2 l:tdS 26.a4 J:1d2 27.£i.e4 268

2007 (3)

1.e4 e5 2.tLlf3 eS 3.d4 exd4 4.tLlxd4 as 5.~d3 tLle7 S.O-O tLlbeS 7.~e3 lLlxd4 S..bd4 lLleS 9.i.e3 b5 10.a3 e511.lLld2 dS12.b4 Jle713.a411bS 14.axb5 axb5 15.tLlb3 0-0 16.lLla5 'fIe7 17.ild2 JleS 1S.e3 d5 19.~e2 J:tfdS 20.~xb5 ttJxa5 21 JIxa5 dxe4 22.c4 J:1xb5 23.exb5 Wile2 24.l:tc1 'ti'b2 25:~*,e1 .l:Ixd2 2S.J:!.aS+ £i.fS 27J.1b1 fid4 2S.b6 il.d5 29.J:1aa1 l:td330.b5 hS 31.h3 e3 32.fxe3 ttxe3 0-1

Sulskis,Sarunas Hansen, Sune Berg Calvia 01 2004 (12)

1.e4 e5 2.lLlf3 e6 3.d4 exd4 4.lLlxd4 as 5.Ad3 ile5 6.e3 dS 7.0-0 ,lLlf6 S:~'e2 e5 9.lLlf3 £i.eS 10.h3 h6 1Ul d1 'fIe7 12.tLlbd2 0-0 13.lLlf1 lLle6 14.tLlg3 d5 15.~xh6 dxe4 16.'iWd2 exd3 17..b g7lLlh7 1S.ttlh5 fS 19:i}'h6 e4 . 20.il.xfS l:txfS 21.'ti'g6+ 'if;hS 22:~'xe4 ~f7 23.1Wh4 tbe5 24.tLlxe5 fxe5 25.J:l.xd3 .b h5 2S:~fxh5 .hf2+ 27.wh1 e4 2S.l:1d5 'f{{f7 29.'iWe5+ ttlfS 30Jlad1 e3 31.l:.dS r:txdS 32Jl xdS+ wg7 33.g4 'iWg6 34.'if;g2 'iYe4+ 35.'ifxe4 tLlxe4 3S.l:i:eS e2 37.11xe4 e1 'tW 3S.J:l.xe1 ~xe1 39.>I;>f3 >l;>fS 40.We4

Sicilian Defence - Kan Variation ,'"

' We6 41.a4 as 42 ...t'd4 i.h4 43.WcS ' l·.idS 44.b4 axb4 4S.cxb4 Wd7 46.aS :..te7+ 47.Wc4 ..tdS .48.WdS
?

.Anand, Viswanathan , Svidler,Peter Cap d'Agde rapid 2003(2)

1.e4 cS 2.lt:lf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tZlxd4 a6 5•.td3 ~c5 6.~b3 , .b 7 7.0-0 tZlc6 S.tZlc3 tZlf6 9.'fie2 d6 10...te3 b5 11 ..ba7 1:[xa7 12.'ilfe3 0-0 13.l:tfd1 1:[d7 14.h3 .1I.b7 15.a4 b4 ~ 16.tZle2 •'fIic7 17.aS J:[cS 1S.tLled4 'tZle5 19.~e2 tLlc4 20.J:[dc1 . eS 21.tZlfS d5 22.exd5 il.xd5 23.tZld2 tLlxd2 24.'i!fxd2 .tLle4 25:i!i'xb4 tZlc5 26 •..tf1 .te6 27.tZle3 ".t[d4 2S."Wb6 ,1Wxb6 29.axb6 tIb4 30..ixa6 tZlxa6 3Uba6 J:txb2 32.c4 hS 33.c5 .:l.b5 ' 34.c6 1-0

,,.. .....

11.tZlxe4 tbdS 12.tLlxc6 ,tZlxe3 , 13.tZlf6+ .bf6 14..txh7+ wxh7 15.'i!fhS+ wgS ", 16.tLlxdS tZlxf1 17.tLlxf7 J:txf7 1S..t[xf1 , ~d7 ,19.l:i.f3 1:[afS 20.J:lh3 g5 21.1:[g3 .tdS 22Jbg5+ .bg5 23.'i*'xgS+ J:tg7 24.'i!feS u'g6 2S.'fie4J:Igf6 26.g3 .tc6 27.'Wd3 nSf7 : 28.~dS+ 'oiIh 7 29.~d3+<J;;g7 30.'i\¥e3 J:%.d7 31.c4 J:ld1+32.Wf2 J:th1 33.'fieSJ:txh2+ 34.We3 " J:lg2 35.'*'g5+ Wf7 36.~h5+ J:ig6 37.'i\¥h7+ · ng7 3S.1VhS+ WgS 3Ulfe5 n2xg3+ 40.Wd4ll3g6 41.b4 1lf7 42.b5 axbS 43.cxbS i.d5 44.a4 :g4 , 45,c.pe3 ,J:tfxf4 46.'i!I'bS+ rus 47.'iYd6 nf3+ 0-1

. Byrne,Robert Andersson, Ulf AmsterdamlBM 1979 ( 12)

1.e4 c5 2.tZlf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 : NakanlUxa,Hikaru a6 5 ...td3 96 6.b3 d6 7.0-0 ~g7 Epishin,Vladimir S.~b2 tLlf6 9.c40-0 10.tZlc3 tZlbd7 11.J:[e1 treS 12..itf1 b6 13.'f!id2 i.b7 Gibraltar 2007 (7) 1.e4 c5 2.tLlf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 . 14.l:I.ad1 Wlc7 15.f3 nadS 16.'iYf2 a6 S.~d3 ..tcS 6.tZlb3 ..te7 7.~e3 dS , tZle5 17.l:I.c1 d5 1S.exdS [18.cxdS S.exdS 'i*'xd5 9.tZlc3 1Wxg2 10.~e4 tLlfg+ 19.1i'g3 tLld3!! 20.'iVxc7 ..txd4+ 'fIih3 11.'iVd4 tZlf6 12.0-0-0 tLlbd7 21. Wh 1 tLldf2 + 22. Wg 1 tZlh3+ .13.11hg1 g614.J:tg3 fih51S ..tg5 h6 23.'i!i'hl tZlgf2X] 1S...tZlfg4 19.'iI¥g3 .16.jLf3 'i'ixh2 17..1I.e3 eS 1S.'iYa4 e4 tZlxf3+ ," 20.gxf3 [20 .tLlxn 1wcS+] : 19.tZlxe4 tZlxe4 , 20•.b e4 'iYh4 20....bd4+ 21.Wh1 1i'xg3 22.hxg3 21.tZlc5 b5 22.f:t'd4 ' ..tf6 23.'i!fdS tLle3-+ 23.i.d3 exd5 24.cxd5 tZlxcs 24•.bcS '. 1-0 tZlxd5 25.J:txeS+ J:txeS 26 ..te4 .bc3 27..bc3 tZlxc3 2S...txb7tZlxa2 , Taubenhaus,Jean 29.l:I.c6 a5 30.llxb6 U,bS 31.<Ji>g2 <J;;fS 32.llb5 tZlb4 " 33.Wf2 'i!i'e7 Tarrasch,Siegbert 34.'oiIe3 wd6 3S,<.pd4 "Wc7 36.J:txb4 Ostend 1905 (IS) 1.e4 cS 2.tZlf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 axb4 37...tdS wd6 •3S...txf7 1:fS 39•..td5 J:l.fS 40...te4 11g5 41.g4 hS ' a6 5.~d3ttc6 6.c3 tZlf6 7.~e3 dS 0-1 S.tZld2 ..te7 9.0-0 ,0-0 10.f4 dxe4 269

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

Sicilian Defence Paulsen-Taimanov 1.e4 c5 2.·Sf3 ~6 3.d4 cxd4 4 .~', xd4..'4

c6

On the minus side, Black can no longer flexibly develop the b8-knight to d7, as is the case in many Sicilian variations. Black does not control the b5 -square, because he has not played ... a6. So the first continuation that will be examined is 5.tDb5, which some refer to as the Anti-Taimanov Variation. This is not as popular as it once was (for example, it was one of Fischer's favourites). However, it remains one of White's main lines; the second being 5 .tDc3. A)

~

5. ttJd4-b5

d7-dG

.. .<

-.,'

,.'

It should be stressed that you can reach the same position with the move order l.e4 c5 2.tDf3 tDc6 3.M cxd4 4.tDxd4 e6. Every opening has its good and bad points. Compared to the Kan, the positive feature here is that since d4 is controlled by the tDc6, the most unpleasant move 5 . ~d3 becomes impossible. Moreover, the move 5.c4 loses a lot of its effectiveness here, as after 5 ...tDf6 6.tDc3 ~b 4, White's centre is already under pressure. Another reason why the PaulsenTaimanov Variation is so popular is that Black always has the option of ...d7 -d6 in the main lines. In this way he can transpose to the Scheveningen Variation, having avoided the dangerous Keres and English Attacks, which can be so formidable against the standard Scheveningen. 270

Now there are two continuations for White: 6.c4 and 6. ~f4 . A1)

G. c2-c4

Bringing about the classic Mar6czy Bind pawn formation (pawns on e4 and c4)

Sicilian Defence - Paulsen- Taimanov and Black responds by taking up the Hedgehog Defence pawn formation. It is true that White loses time with the manoeuvre lLld4-bS-c3 (or a3) in comparison to sister systems that are brought about by the English Opening, the Sicilian Kan Variation, or the Queen's Indian Defence. However, it is not uncommon for Black to move the knight from c6 to d7 by way of b8! As you will have noted, the slow manoeuvring style of play which is typical of these variations, is the appropriate way to handle all Hedgehog-like formations, even if they are produced by different openings. It is only when White attacks b6 with ~e3 and ~b3 that the variations have their own specific features. The importance of White's space advantage was overestimated in the past. In practice, Black's position has proved to be difficult to attack; either with gradual manoeuvres, where White maintains his space advantage; or with aggressive attempts in which White tries to attack Black's king with his f and g-pawns. In response to the latter approach, Black's usual counter-measure is an opportune pawn advance ... dS. If White plays g2-g4, the manoeuvre .. .h6, ... lLlh7 and ... gS is also effective. When White plays the more solid f2-D and takes counter-measures against Black's ... dS pawn break with Whl and ~f1, Black has the interesting sequence ...~e7-d8-c7; or, alternatively, ... Wh8, ... .bIg8 and then ... gS-g4 to undermine the white pawn chain. A2) 6. ~c1-f4 This is a more direct approach.

e6-e5 6 .... 7. J1l.f4-e3 We have reached a position which is very reminiscent of the Lasker-Pelikan Variation, which can also be reached by means of the Kalashnikov (but with one move less for both players!). But White's most frequent choice remains the natural developing move: B)

5. tDb1-c3

By S... d6 Black can now transpose to standard lines of the Scheveningen in which he has not yet developed his king's knight. Not moving the knight could be advisable, as you can avoid several dangerous continuations by White. At this point it makes virtually no difference in which order Black plays ... a6 and ... VIIi c7. However, the most common first move is 271

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume a7-a6 5 .... It is worth noting some popular alter-

native lines for White (regardless of in which order ... a6 and .. ."VIIic7 are played): 6 .~e2, which remains the most frequently played, as well as the more recent 6 ..lil.e3. 81)

6. ttJd4xc6

This is only usual in response to 5 ... a6. 6.

b7xc6

7. ~f1-d3

The position produced is different from what you usually find in the Sicilian Defence. Black's centre is reinforced and there is no longer a knight on d4, which is so unpleasant for Black in the Sicilian. However, in compensation White can develop his pieces in an natural and active fashion. Moreover, the move ...a6 proves to be pointless and the bishop on c8 is not a pretty sight. In short, virtues and defects compensate for each other, but the relative novelty of the line is appealing to those players who are attracted to territory which is still theoretically unexplored. 82) 6. g2-g3 Another variation that is employed quite a lot by white players. 272

It prepares for a kingside fianchetto (as mentioned, in response to either 5 ... a6 or to 5 .. .'iVc 7). In the other Sicilian variations this indicates White's desire for a quiet game that avoids the critical lines. However, here the fianchetto contains a drop of poison: the e4-pawn, which is often under pressure in the Paulsen, is now well protected, the g2-bishop bears down on the queenside, and at times tactical m otifs centred on J:[e I and the sacrificial move ttJd5 are pOSSible. The game becomes fundamentally positional in nature, but current theoretical assessments give White a small but unpleasant initiative. Indeed, so much so, that probably the best option for Black is to play d7 -d6 on the 7th move (after protecting the c6-square well with 6 .. .'VJlic7 - if this has been played on the 5th move, now 6 ... a6 is required to avoid the irritating move ttJdb5) , transposing to a Scheveningen variation that should not cause Black great problems. \'WdS-c7 6. ~c1-e3 7. ~d1-d2 ttJgS-f6 S. f2-f3 This variation, running along the lines of the English Attack, has recently become more popular.

83)

Sicilian Defence - Paulsen- Taimanov

White plans for the usual kingside expansion. Given that Black can still play .....IiLb4 and seek counterplay in the centre with ... d7 -dS, it has always been thought that the second player has easy counterplay. However, things are not so simple and White's initiative remains dangerous. B4) 6. ~f1-e2 1bis classical move remains the main line.

Instead of 6 ... '{Wc7, Black can continue with the Taimanov Variation in the strict sense of the term, by playing 6 .. .lLlge7, with the aim of exchanging on d4 and bringing out the white queen, in order to gain a tempo with ... lLlc6. Therefore White avoids the exchange with 7.lLlb3, which has come to be seen as the main line. 7 ...b5 8.i.e3 lLlg6 9.0-0 i.e7 10.a4 b4 Il.aS! (threatening 12 ...IiLb6) Il...J:[ b8 12.lLla4

with a slight edge for White. 6. ... ~dS-c7 The classical move, controlling eS and preparing ...lLlf6. 7. 0-0 lLlgS-f6 S. ~c1-e3 Now we are in the key position of the Paulsen, in which Black can put White's centre under pressure with 8 ... bS or the more commonly played S. ... ~fS-b4 From a statistical point of view, 8 .. .i.b4 is one of Black's most trustworthy options. This should come as no surprise, since if White proceeds mechanically h e can easily find himself in difficulty. Therefore White's best move - unless of course you already know what it is - is not very easy to find: 9. lLlc3-a4!

A curious m ove: it decentralizes the knight and leaves the e4-pawn unde273

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

fended. Now 9 ... tLlxe4?! is weak because of 10.tLlxc6 followed by 11. tLlb 6 and 12.'iiVd4. ~ b4-e7 9 .... By pulling back the bishop, the threat of ... ttJxe4 becomes more powerful. Also playable is the old 9 ... 0-0 10.ttJxc6 bxc6 II. ttJb6 .l:[b8 12.ttJxc8 Jafxc8 13.iLxa6, and after lL .J:d8 or 13 .. JH8, Black regains the pawn because of the weaknesses on e4, b2 and h2, with an uncertain game. 10. ttJd4xe6 b7xe6 11. ttJa4-b6 ~ a8-b8 12. ttJb6xe8 ~c7xe8 Unlike the analogous variation with 9... 0-0, the bishop is not on b4. Now that b2 is under attack, Black can allow e4-e5. tLlf6-d5 13. e4-e5 14. iLe3-e1

iLe7-e5

15. e2-e4 tLld5-e7 16. b2-b3 ~e8-e7 17. iLe1-b2 Black's position is cramped but playable. It should be remembered that Black can always transpose to the Scheveningen with 8... .ie7 or 8 ...d6,

Almasi,Zoltan Ivanchuk, Vasily Polanica Zdroj 2000 (~)

~ . Macieja,Bartlo~iej ; ,Rublevsky,Sergey

, Karpov,Anatoly""'" ~asparoV;Garry

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·1.e4 e5 2.tLlf3 tLle6 3.d4 exd4 4.tLlxd4 e6 5.tLlbS d6 6.~f4 eS 7.i1.e3 tLlfG [7 .. .f5? 8,tLllc3! f4 9.tLldS! fxe3 :JO.tLlbc7+Wf7 1 t.~f.HtLlf6 12.J£.c4 ' ·tLld4! 13.tLlxf6+ dS 14..L:dS+ rJ;>g6? 15.W!I'h5+ >t>xf6 16.fxe3 tLlxcH 17.We2 1-0 Morphy -Anderssen, Paris 1858 - thiS; modem line was already played 150 years ~ ago!) 8 ..tgS as 9.tLl5c311..e710.tLld2?! ' '[lO,il.xf6!?] 10...1I..g4 1Ut e2 .be2 , ,12.tLlxe2 d5= 13.~xf6 1t.xf6 14.0-0 , '0-0 1S.c4 dxe416.tLlxe4 ~e717.eS?! ;'1}Jfe7 18.'iI'b3 ..trad8 19.1:tfd1 g6 • 20.~c4 tba5 21.'ifb4 rJ;>g7 22.tLl2e3?! , tLle6 23.'i'c4 fS 24.tLld6 .bd6 : · 2S.exd6 l:txd6 26.J:txd6 ~xd6 27.lld1 ~ ; tbd4 28.14 bS 29.'ifd3 J:td8 30.'WPh1 ; ; b4 31.tLle2 tLlbS! 32.'iYxd6 UxdS 33J:txdS tLlxd6 34.fxeS tZlc4 , 3S.b3 ,tLlxeS 3S.tLlf4 'as 37.h4~S '38.Wg1 ; lbg4 39.tLld3 We6':"'+ 40.tt:lcS+ >itdS! ~41.lbb7+ we7 ', 0-1 ,\,

Rethymnon tt 2003 (7) '"

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,1.e4 eS 2.lbf3 eS 3.d4 cxd4 4.lbxd4 ' Moscow'Weh m 1984 (3) ., tLlcS S.tLlbS dS SJit.f4 eS 7.~e3 as ; 1.e4 eS 2.lllf3 eS 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 8.tLl5c3 tbf6 9.iLc4 £ eS ,10.tLldS tLlc6 S.tbb5 dS S.c4 lbfS 7.tLl1c3 a6 tLlxe4 11.$..bS 'iVg5 12.tLle7+. Wd7~ 8.lba3 $..e7 9.1I..e2 0-0 ,10.0-0 b6 13.i.xe6+ fxe6 14.tLlxa8 'iWxg2 : :11 ..1t.e3 1I..b7 12.'iYb3 lba5 13.'i!'xb6 1SJ:If1 iLe7 16.tLld2 ' Uxa8 H.e3 ' tLlxe414.tLlxe4 ..IVce41SJi'xd8 .bd8 , tLlxd2 '18.'iYxd2 'iVxh2 19.0-0-0 ~f4 1 16.J:lad1 d5 17.f3 Ji.fS 18.cxdS exdS 20.il.e3 'fi'f5 21.1:191 96 ' 22.f4 e4 ; 19.1:txdS Jt.eS 20.ndS .ba2 21.l:txa6 23J.lg3 nf8 24.1:(gS 'iff7 2SJ:tg3 dS · J:rb8 22.iLc5 .:te8 23Jl.b5 n eS 24.b4 2S.It>b1 wc8 27.J:th1 il.dS2.8.l:thS : tLlb7 2S.iH2 iLe7 26.tbe2 iLdS Wie7 29.Ugh3 l:tf7 30.J:th1 iLf8 : 27JM1 il.b3 28.l:td7 tId8 29.J:i.xe6 31JISh2 wbS 32.Wig2 ~d6 33.Wig4 1:txd730.11e1 1ae731 ...ltb6 ",.". 1-0 ."". 'ii'd7 34.l1h6 $..f8 , 3SJlSh3 ,. tLlaS , 274

Sicilian Defence - Paulsen - Taimanov

.

,

36.b3 lLle6 37.'ii'g1 ~d6 3S.l:lh6 ~fS 39.I16h3 ~aS 40.1Wg2 ~d6 4Uth6 e5 42.fxe5 lLlxe5 43.l:td1 lLld3 44i d4 ~f4 45.l:.h3 'ilff5 46Jm ,*,e6 ' 47.'lIt'h1 h5 4S.'ii'g2 trf5 49.l::thh1 e3 50.'i'e2 ~e4 51.c;!;>a1 lLlb4 52.c;!;>b2 lLle6 53 ..ltb6 J:tfS 54.l::th3 'ueS 55.'ud1 Ile6 56..te5 C;!;>bS ~ 57.J:Id3 ,lLle5 5S.l::tdxe3 ~xe3 59.,Uxe3 ~f5 60.~d4 lLld3+ 6UVxd3 ~xd3 62 •.I:I:xd3 g5 63.,Ue3 n g6 64J1eS+ c;!;>e765..1'l hS h4 66.l::th5 C;!;> d6 67.~e3 94 68.'uxh4 g3 69.l:th6 1-0

Fischer,Robert '" Tal,Mikhail Bled 196i (2)

' ~"

lLlf6 S.~e3 b5 9.lLlxe6 dxe6 10.f4 b4 11.e5 lLld5 12.lLlxd5 exd5 13.~d4 'fi'a5 14.a3 bxa3 15.e3 £l..d7 16.b4 't!i'a4 17.£l..d1· jYeS 1SJba3 'li'e4 19.'lWxe4 dxe4 20..if3 1-0

Nisipeanu,Liviu-Dieter De la Riva Aguado,Oscar , Spain tt 2006 (2)

1.e4 e5 2.lLlf3 lLle6 3.d4 exd4 4.lLJxd4 eS5.lLle3 jYe7 6.£l..e3 a6 7..ite2 lLlf6 S.O-O it.b4 9.lLla4 0-0 10.lLlxe6 bxe6 11.lLlb6 l::tbS 12.lLlxeS lUxeS 13..ha6 :US 14•.ltd3 ~dS 15.g3 .lte5 1S.a4 i.xb2 17.l::ta2 d5 1S.exd5 lLlxd5 19.i.d2 .tfS 20.a5 l:tfdS 21.a6 lLle3 22 ..b e3 .i.xe3 23.iff3 .ltd4 24..b4 .l:!d6 25 ..l:!d1 "iLa7 26.J:lxdS 't!i'xd6 27..tta1 ~e5 2S.l::td1 jYb6 29J:td7 f5 30.~d3 J:IdS 3Ul b7 'lWe5 32.'. tg2 h6 33.'f!\fe2 hS 34.f4 lld6 35.'it'e5 " ,1-0

1.e4 e5 2.lLlf3 lLle6 3.d4 exd4 4.lLlxd4 e6 5.lLle3 ~e7 6.g3 lLlf6?1 , 7.lLldb5! 'tWbS S..ltf4 lLle5 9~e2 R.e5 10.ii.xe5 ~xe5 11.f4 ~bS 12.e5 a6 ,13.exf6 axb5 14.fxg7 ~gS 15.lLle4 ' $..e7 16.~d4 l::ta4 17.lLlf6+ .bf6 ·1S.'iWxf6 ~e719.0-0-0 l!xa2 20.c;!;>b1 Efunenko,Zahar l l:ta6 21 ..b b5 l:tb6 22.$..d3 : e5 " Miladinovic,Igor ", Zlatibor tt 2006 (6) ,', 23.fxe5 n xf6 24.exf6 'iYe5 25.~xh7 Wg5 26 ..b gS 'iWxf6 27.l:Ihf1 'iYxg7 . 1.e4 e5 . 2.lLlf3 lLle6 3.d4 exd4 2S•.ltxf7+ · w dS . 29.i.e6 ~h6 , 4.lLlxd4 Wie7 5.lLle3 e6 6.~e2 a6 i 30..ltxd7 .b d7 ' 31.l:tf7 ," 1!Vxh2 7.0-0 lDf6 S..lil.e3 iLb4 9.lt:Ja4 ~e7 ,32.1.1dxd7+ <;teS 33.J:tde7+ dS 10.lLlxeS bxe6 11.lLlb6 ttbS 12.lLlxeS ' 34JI d7+ w eS 35.I:te7+ . dS 'iixeS 13.~d4 ~e714.e5 lLld5 15.b3 !36JUd7+ eS 37.l:td1 b5 3S.l::tb7 a5 16.g3 c5 17..ltb2 a4 1S.A e4 lLlbS 'iWh5 39.g4 ' 'iWh3 40.g5 'il'f3 19•.tb5 e4 20.i.d4 axb3 21.exb3 '41.I:teH ' c;!;>fS 42.l:Xxb5 ~g7 43.I:tb6 exb3 22.1!Vxb3 0-0 23.a4 lLld5 24.a5 ; '/Wg3 44.:td1 Wle7 45..l'~dd6 ; ~eS .ic5 25.J:tae1 il..xd4 2SJ:txe7 lLlxe7 ~46.b3" Wf747.:a6 ' 1-0 27.Wld3lLlxb5 2SJl:b1lLle3 29. ~xbS l::txbS 30.aS lLlb5 31.g2 g6 32.f4 ~ " ,,~ Landa,Konstantin ' .;. <MS 33.g4 34.'i¥h3 lLle3 35.a7 J:l:b2+ 36.'Ot>f1 .l:tb1+ 37.g2 .i:tg1+ Zunker,Reinhard " BadWiessee 2005 (2) 3S.'iM3 h a7 " 39:ifxh7 : f1 + 1.e4 c5 2.lLlf3 e6 3.lLle3lLle6 4.d4 40.iJ.tg2 J:tf2+ 41 ;lth1' ~e5 42.'iYhS+' .tfS 43.Wlh3'lLld5 44.Wlb3 .ltb4 : 0-1 ,exd4 5.lLlxd4.f:fe7 6.~e2 a6 ,7.0-0 "

*e8

275

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

Sicilian Defence Four Knights Variation 1.c4 c5 2.!" J3 !:; cS (2 ... eS) 3 .d4 cxd4 4. r, xd4 ~ fS 5 / j c3 e6

paid for this is a reinforced black centre. The following common sequence is indicative of the variation's complexity: 8 ... ~c7 9.f4 '+!fb6! lO.c4 ~b4 + 11.c;t>e2! fs 12.ttJf2 ~a6 13.c;t>f3! ttJe7 14.~e3 ~cS I S . ~xcS 'i!fxcs 16 .~d6

(5 .. Ac6)

This variation has the ECO code B4S , which classifies it as a sub-variation of the PauIsen-Taimanov (4 ... e6 S.ttJc3 ttJf6). In reality, most of the time the position is reached by playing 2...ttJc6 and 4 ... ttJf6 . At the moment the following line is popular: 6.ttJxc6 bxc6 7.eS ttJdS

8.ttJe4, which gains space and fixes the weakness on d6, but the price to be 276

with an unbalanced posmon where both players have chances. However, 6. ttJd4-b5 remains the most logical and it is also the most popular: the weakness on d6 is put under further pressure. The usual reply is 6. ... ilfB-b4

This is the move which defines the Sicilian Four Knights. Naturally, with 6 ... d6 7 .~f4 eS 8 . ~gS you transpose to the Lasker-Pelikan Variation, with an extra move played by both sides.

Sicilian Defence - Four Knights Variation

Given that the thematic 7.liJd6+, as well as 7 .~f4, gives Black good counterplay, the most frequent move by far has become the solid 7. a2-a3 White contents himself with the small advantage of the two bishops. The game becomes a slow positional struggle after 7.... i.b4xc3+ S. lLlb5xc3 d7-d5 Black opens the position after conceding the two bishops to White, in order to free his game 9. e4xd5 e6xd5

Therefore, on the whole, this variation is good for a Black player who is happy to draw. If Black wants to fight for the full pOint, then the percentage of victories for Black (10%) is certainly not encouraging. This is particularly clear when it is compared to the overall win rate of 29 % for the SicHian, higher than for any other of Black's defences, and testimony to the Sicilian's combative nature.

"Adams~Michael ' +2' " ,"', '~;"'. " Radjabov, Teimour :, ,; :. '} EnghienlesBains ,2003.(6)

,

1.e4 cS 2.lLlf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLlxd4

It is true that Black has a weak pawn on dS and is without his dark-squared bishop. However, after the usual sequence 10. ~fl-d3 0-0 11. 0-0 d5-d4 12. lLlc3-e2 we have a position which is different to the classic isolated d-pawn positions. Here the pawn has advanced to d4. Black has gained a good space advantage and control of the dS-square. White maintains a minimal plus, but it is difficult to gain anything concrete, as is apparent from the unusually high draw rate.

'liJ16 S;liJc3, liJc6 , 6.lLlxc6 bxc6 ' 7.eS lliJdS S.tZle.. 'ilfc7 9.f4 Ub8?110~d3 :'ilfb6 11.Vi'e2 .te7N 12.c4?1 JLb4+? ![lLJS!}'.13.Wf1 f5 14.exf6 liJxf6o' 1S.lLlxf6+! gif6 16..te3;t 'ilfaS?! :17.'M2 ~e71S.c5' dS19.cxd6 bd6 !20.Uhd1± / 9;;e7 '· 21.wg1 .tcS : 22.~xc5+ 'iixcS+ 23.wh1 1Vb4?! '24.1i"e3, '1i"a5 25.b3 iLd7 26..tc4' tl1b<:1S 27..I:[e1+- "b6 ,. 28.'ilfg3 ,l1dg829.1Vh3 .1-0, •

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,:' Anderssen,Adolf , ,. '~ Paulsent Louis .... ~

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!

: Leipiigm 1876 (1) ' • ~," ! :1.e4 c5 , 2.lLlf3 ,e6 3.liJc3 tZlc6 4.d4' 'cxd4 S.tZlxd4 lLlf6 6.lLldb5 iLb4 7.tZld6+ 9;;e7 8if4 eS 9.tZlf5+ WfS' ;10Ji.g5 d5 11.exd5 'ilfxd5 12.liJe3 '*'85 13.tZlc4 "" iLxc3+ 14.bxc3 ;Wxc3+ 15.iLd2 'ilfd4 ':'16.c3 'ilfe4+ i17.~e3 liJd5 18.f3 1Vh4+ 19i f2 :Vd8 20.'ilfb3 tZlf4 ' 21.Ud1 . Wfe7 22.g3 tZle6 23.il.g2 g6 24.0-0 wg7 2S.Ufe1 Wic7 26.ttd5 16 27.tZld6

277

Chess Opening Essential s - Volum e 1

LUg5 2S.tiJxeS .l:lhxeS 29Jl b5 b6 30.f4 LUf7 31.fxe5 fxe5 32.1:f1 LUd6 ,33 ..b e6 fixe6 34.l:txe5 LUt5 35.g4 f#t3 36.%l e7+ whS 37.gxf5 'iVg4+ 3S.~g3 %:I. e4 39.fxg6 tldS 40:iWxc4 1~ , ~l ;

.' ', .o

~.

Shirov,Alexey Grischuk,Alexander

. ',.

Linares 2001 (5)

17.i.t~e2 11xe2 1S:iVx~2 ~e8 "19.~f1

'Uie6 20.h3 [M=] . 20.~.h6 -2urd1 , LUd5 22.~g3 LUf6 . 23.~f4 . LUd5 24..id2 LUe3! 25.fxe3 dxe3 26:iYe2, exd2 27. ~xe6 J:l.xe6 2SJbd2 '>1I>fS : 29..ic4 [_d) 29...1:le7 30.'it>t2[;t/=] 30.•J:i,e731.il.e2 e3 " .!:txa6 , 47~xa6 f5; 4S.~c8? lllc4+! '49.xh6 , .llle6 55.g3 LUd4 56.A d3 lllf3 57...te2lDe55S;wh5LUg6 112-1/2 ~

1.e4 e5 2.LUf3 LUeS 3.d4 exd4 '4.LUxd4 LUf6 5.LUe3 e6 6.LUdb5 i.b4 ,7.a3 .be3+ S.LUxe3 d5 9.~d31? d4 ~10.lt:le2 e5 11.0-0 0-0 12.h3 %:I. eS ;13.LUg3 .ie6!?N 14.f4 exf4 15...txf4 ,LUd7 16.'iYh5 gS?1 17.'iWhS..... '*'f6?1 ,18•.ig5 'ii'g7 1U\Vh4 tLlee5 20"~h6 .1/;'hS 21.LUf51 ~5 22.exf5 lllxd3 23.exd3 fie5 24..1:114 LUe5 25.1:[af1 ;LUxd3 26.fxg61 fxg6 27J:tf71 LUe5 , . . Ahnasi,Zolt;u;' . .:' ' 2S:%:I.g7+ WhS " 29.J:[ff7+"':' LUeS '. <WippermaDn~Till ,, ';' '30.1:[xg6 d3 31.1:[g4 .l:l.gS 32.l:txh7+ .' GermanyI}undesliga 2005/06 (1 2) , .,,' 1-0 ' 1.e4 c5 2.lUf3 ltlc6 3.d4 exd4 4.LUxd4 " , lllf6 5.LUe3 e6 6.lUdb5 .ib4 7.a3 Kasparov,Garry .• " ,.', .bc3-+- ' S.lllxe3 d5 9.exd5 exd5' Grischuk,Alexaitder . " 10.i.d3 0-0 11.0-0 d4 ..12:LUe2 ~d5 , ~: Cannes rapid 200 I (2) 13.lllf4 'ii'dS 14.lDh5 LUxh5 15.1fxh5 ' h616.1t'h4 .ltd717.~f4 1Wd51S.1:[ad1 1.e4 e5 2.LUf3 ·. llle6 3.d4 exd4 4./Uxd4 lllf6 5.llle3 e6 6.lUdb5 ..tb4 f519.c4 ~f7 20.1fg3 'iff621.b4 WhS ,7.83 ..be3+ S./Uxe3 d5 9.e·xd5 eXd5 .. 22.h4 .!:tfeS 23.lUe1 .teS 24.b5 lba5' 10.iLd3 0-0 11.0-0 d41 ,. 12ke21? 25 ..te5 1/;'f 7 26b d4 fic4 27.ht5' .ig41? 13 •.tg5 \'id6 14.1:.e11? 1:.feS :ixe1+ : 2S.1:.xe1IUb3 - 29~b2 llm 15.'iVd2 .ixe21 · 16 .~f41?N 'ifd7 30,jLg6~d531.hg7+· ,~ ' 1-0 ,~ ~"",

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Sicilian Defence - Four Knights Variation

Sicilian Defence Moscow Variation 1.c4 c5 2.:: f3 d6 3 ..ib5+

The most popular minor variation in response to 2 ... d6 is 3.i.bs+. White reaches quiet positions, which are comparatively unexplored. However, it is important to have a positional understanding of the various pawn structures that can occur. White's percentage of wins is not extraordinary, and the high number of draws is an indication of the line's solidity. The following three are all plausible continuations: 3 ... ~d7, 3 .. .t2Jc6 and 3 ... t2Jd7.

Setting up the Maroczy Bind pawn formation (pawns on c4 and e4) either immediately or after 5.0-0, is even more justifiable here than usual, as there is no light-squared bishop that can become bad. However, Black can get perfectly playable positions by fianchettoing along the lines of an Accelerated Dragon, or advancing the pawn to e6 and establishing a Hedgehog Defence. For example, Black has no problems after 5. ttJb8-c6 6. 0-0 g7-g6 7. d2-d4 c5xd4 8. ttJf3xd4 ~f8-g7 9. il.c1-e3 ttJg8-f6 0-0 10. f2-f3 11. ttJb1-c3 'iVd7-d8!? which leaves the d7 -square available for the knight. B)

3.

ttJb8-c6

A) 3. ~c8-d7 The solid line. 4. il.b5xd7+ Again Black has to choose between the aggressive 4 ...t2Jxd7 and the solid 4. ... W'd8xd7 which is the most popular. 5. c2-c4

279

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I This non-committal move often arises from the Rossolimo Variation (2...tLlc6 3. ~b5 d6). 4. 0-0 ~c8-d7 White can continue with 5. 1:tf1-e1 which defends the e4-pawn and prepares for a possible retreat of the bishop to

4. d2-d4 White immediately opens the game so as to make the most of the shortcomings in Black's cramped position. 4. ... tLlg8-f6 5. tLlb1-c3 Now Black has baSically two approaches:

fl.

Alternatively, you can continue with S.c3, and then d2-d4, in some tactical lines sacrificing the e4-pawn for a strong initiative in the centre. For example, S ... tLlf6 6 ..l:tel a6 7.~xc6 ~xc6 8.d4!? jLxe4 9 .jLgS, with optimum compensation for the pawn. lfinstead White immediately plays 4.d4, after 4 ...cxd4 S .'~xd4 you transpose to the Hungarian Variation l.e4 cS 2.tLlf3 d6 3.d4cxd44.'iVxd4tLlc6 S. ~bS.

C)

3 ....

5.

c5xd4 6. 'iWd1xd4 Now Black regularly advances the e-pawn chasing the queen away. 6. ... e7-e5

C1)

tLlb8-d7

It is true that this leaves Black with a weak backward d6-pawn. However, in an age when the Sveshnikov and Kalashnikov Variations are hugely popular, this can no longer scare anyone; even if White keeps an unpleasant initiative with correct play. This ambitious move is the riskiest of the three. Black puts his faith in the bishop pair and the substantially solid nature of the position, but the price he pays is a cramped game that entails an abundance of tactical dangers. The variation is therefore playable, but Black should have a good knowledge of the lines involved. 280

C2)

a7-a6 5 .... The ambitious approach, which aims to gain the advantage of the bishop pair : however, Black is behind in developmentafter 6. ~ b5xd7+ tLlf6xd7 The resulting position is fraught with danger for Black. Ideas such as liJdS are in the air, and Black must defend him-

Sicilian Defence - Four Knight s Variation

self with accuracy if he wants to come out of this alive, For example.

7. 0-0 8. ~c1-gS 9. d4xcS!? 10. J::If1-e1

e7-eS

g4 48.ttl~6+1 ~a7 ~" 49.c7 Axe7 SO.ttlxc7 g3 S1.ttlbS+" wbS 52.ttld4 1·0

~d8-c7

ttld7xcS

"

lvanchuk. Vastly Miton~Kamil

,

Havana CaPablanca mem 2006 (5)

White is exerting unpleasant pressure on the centre,

,1.e4 c5 2.lbf3 dS 3;iL.bS+ Ad7 '4 ..b d7+ tt)xd7 S.O-O lbgfS 6.'iWe2 e6 7.b3 Jl.e7 ' 8..ltb2 0-0 9.c4 as 10.d4 .cxd4 11.lbxd4 /Ci'aS 12.lbc3 ·:tfeO 13.11ad1 l:taca 14.f4 bS 1S.e5 b4 1S.exfS · bxc3 17.iUc3 'iixc3 .18.fXe7 lbfS19.g4 dS .20.gS lbe4 21.f5 11xe7 22.fS l:td7 23.cxd511xd5 ; ;24'," xe4lXcd8 2S.lXf3 'ilfc5 2S.l:tfd3 : eS 27.fxg7 l1xd4 28.'ilfe3 'iiYd5 : '29.l:xd4 exd4 30.'ii'f4 d3 .31.lXd2 \tfc5+ ' 32.l:tf2 Wd5 33.lld2 l:te8 34.wf2 ll&4. 35.iff6 Ite5 36.tIxd3 ' :1%f5+ . 0-1 !

Ti.mliWi,]a.ii" }>, lvanchuk, Vasily ~ Amste~ani 1994 (6)

, .Rublevsky.Sergey . HarikrisIu:ia,Pentala

[1.e4 c5 2.0 f3 dS , 3.~b5+ ~d7 ' Foros 2006 (7) ." ' ?4.1!ie2 ttlf6 .'. s.hd7+ 'tlfxd7 S.e5 1.84 c5 2.lbf3 dS 3.Ab5+ lbd74.0-0 ~dxe5 .', 7.ttlxe5 ~eS8.ttla3 ttlfd7 lbfS . SJ:te1 e5 6.c3 ~ei 7.d40-0 , ;9.ttlac4 ttlxe5 10.ttlxe5 f6 11.ttlt4 , O.h3 as 9..ltf1 b5 10.d5 lbe8 11.a4 ' 11b8 12.b3lbc713.lba3 ~h014.lbc2 · 1:1 txe2+ ' 12.wxe2 ttlc6 13.c3 eS ,14.a4 .lte,7 15.d3 0-0-0 16..lte3 b6 , gS 1S.AhS reg8 16.lbe3 ' .ltf8 j 17.f3 :td7,18.g4 lXhd8 19.1Xhd1 \~f8 17..b fO 'iixfO 18.axbS axb5 19.1%a7 ,20.h4 CiJe7 21.aS wb7? 22.axb6 ' ~b7 20....a1 lXa8 2U1xb7 ttxa1 ' :axbS 23.:a3 ttld5 24.:tda1 ~e7 22.11xa1 c4 23.l1xc7 cxb3 24.llxd7 i :'25.hS 9S1! 26.:Ila7+ ~cS 27Jlxd7 1i'c825.rlxf7 l1g7 2S.11xg7 . wxg7 :llxd7 28.hxgS , hxgS 29.g5! bS " 27.c4 bxc4 28.lbxc4 1-0 : 30.gxfS .b fS 31.lbaS+ wb6 32.lb b3 Lilienthal.Andor 'f, ': ltJxe3 33.~xe3 c41!34Jl aS+! ~xaS : 3S.ttlcS+ waS " 3S.lbxd7 ~gS+ Kotov,Alexander '37.""e4 ~c1 38.dxc4 .bb2 39.cS! Moscowch-URS 1940 (12) 1:e4 c5 2.ltJf3 d6 3.Ab5+ lbd7A.d4 '.b c3 40.c6 ~a6 41:;i;>d5 k a5 cxd4 S.'ilfxd4 lbfS S.~gS 'iVaS+ 42.ttlC5+ ~a7 43.Wd6 wb8 44.~d7 gS 4S.lbd3! b4 4S.ttlxb4e4 47.fxe4 , 7.lb c3 as 8.b4 ~d8 9..b fS gxfS 281

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

10..bd7+ .t~d71>Vt:ld5 ·bS 12.lLlM '" i'7.~f6+ ~g7 · 18.li\hS: ~f8 i9>jg7~L licS . 13.lLlfS .bfS 14.exfS· ~g7 ~e 7 20.'il'f6+ <Ji>fil 21.l:[eS ~4 1S.0-0 0-0 1S..tl:ae1 J:le817Jle2 J:tcS 22.a3+-) IS.ttJxe7+Wfil 16.'i¥d6. ,18J .tfe1 eS 19.fxeS fxeS 20.U.xeS $.bStoo] 14...l:txd7 1S.lLle4 [I 5Jld3': i.l:rxeS 2UbeS l:txc2 22:i!:Ye3 <;to>f8 ~gs+ 16:~bl 'il'f6; lS.lIe3 ~gS 16.f4 23.h4h524.J:te7'i¥cS2S.rLa7 1-0e$ 17.J:txeS 'i¥xeS 18.'il'xeS ·' dxeS 19.J:txd7.txf4+ oo ] 1S ...hS?! [IS ...'iVxa2t; l.LeS?! 16.liJf6+ Lf6 ' Dvoretsky,Mark Poh~a,Ha:r.ry . ' ";," 17 .'~g4+ <Ji>h8 18.'il';d7 ~xa2 19.c3±] "1S.J:te3 wh7 17.rLf3! rLf8 18.c.t>b1 bS Viliandi 1972 1.e4 c5 2.lLlf3 dS 3.ibS+ lLld7 4.d4 [18 ... £5? 19.ttJcS+-] 19.~e.3 ~~gS? , cxd4 S:~bd4 lLlf6 S:1I.gS e6 7.ttJc3 [19 .. .'~'h5t]20.'*Yd3 ' 15 ;; 21.lLlxgS+: hxgS :. 221th3+ ,.; .c.t>g7 ' [22...Wg6 ·j.,e7 ao-o-o 0-0 ' 9.llhe1 [9.h4!?] 9...'tWaS 10.hd7 .bd7 .11 ..bf6 gxf6 23.1t'e2!] 23:f.t'e3 f4 24.'il'xeS 'tIi'fS ;[I'L...L:f6 n.eS :J;.e7 13.exd6 :· ..tf6 2S.'*YhS+ ~f7 2S.rLxdS " . . 1-0 .. . 14.lLleS±] 12.eS fxeS 13.lLlxeS J:tfd8 '0 ' [13...~c6 '· 14.l:td3?? (14.ttJxc6 bxc6 Spanton,Timothy : ·Marusenko.Petr ·' .' , :IS.l:td3+-) 14" .dxeS lS ;l:txeS'iWb4!-+ riVoretSky-Scholseth,,"~ Saint Jolm .1,988] Hastings 2005/06 (4) .•'. ", " , ;14.lLlxd7 [14.'il'g4+!! . wfil ' IS,ltJxf7t '1.e4 cS 2.ttJf3 dS 3.~bS+ lLld7 4.d4' lLlfS S.lLlc3 ~xd4 S.'fWxd4 hS 7..te3 :(1 s. lLlxd7+ lhd7 . 16.J:tdS ,· '6lVb6! (16 .. :exd5? 17.'~xd7 Zle8 18.<Ji>bl d4 '· · eS8.~d3 .1te79 ..ic40-010.t2lh4d5 (19,f!fbS!+-) 17Jbe6!? fxe6 18.'ii'xe6 11.exdS e4 12.<'t:lxe4 ttJxe4 j3.lLlgS' ,'il'c6! 19 . J:tf5+ Wg720J.H7+.; ~h8, ' tt:JdS ,14.tDxf8lbe5?'/ [In agood posi~'~ 21.f4!?;!;;) .lS" . <Ji>xV ': 16,rLdS!! exdS tion" Bla~k ov~rlo~k's almost the same: (16 .. .'li'a6 17.J:tfS+!) 17.'i¥hS+ Wfil ,> mate that , Kfanutlk would suffe; 'one ) 8:ifh6+.,: ~al; . 14 . lLldS!? ·~ dxeS! .. year lareragainsr Deep 'Fritz] 1s:ivh7+~ '(14.. :.tg5+J 5.~bl odxe5 ) 6.fj'xeS~d2 r... . ., ,\~, "c,. ';",':. "",':;:.;"::; ,',~ :,.. 1 .~O '

282

Sicilian Defence - Minor Variations

Sicilian Defence Minor Variations ,

1.c2-04 c7-c5 2.{.,g 1-f3 d7-d6

~, .'

After 2 ... d6 White can play other quiet lines and avoid a lot of theory. Curiously, the beginner's move 3. ~f1-c4

has become popular: with the pawn already on d6 the freeing pawn advance to d5 is not usually played, as this would require another tempo and White continues solidly with d3, c3, gb3, ttJbd2 etc., along the lines of the Closed Variation of the RUy Lopez. Another frequently used line is 3. c2-c3

which, compared to 2.c3 in the Alapin, has its own specific features. After 3. ... tZlgB-f6! the e4-e5 pawn advance is no longer possible and so the game develops into a slow struggle characterized by a lot of manoeuvring. White can start with 4.£!.e2 as 4 ... tLlxe4 is impossible on account of 5. ~ a4+. Now a look at some other minor systerns: after the normal 3. d2-d4 Black sometimes continues with 3. ... ttJg8-f6

By postponing the exchange on d4 by one move, Black seeks to take a bit of the sting out of minor continuations such as 4.~xd4 or 5.f3, since after 4.ttJc3 White no longer has the possibility to play c2-c4. However, White 283

Chess Openin8 Essentials - Volume I can deviate with 4.dxcS!, with good prospects of obtaining an edge. 3. d2-d4 c5xd4 Here, there is another very popular minor variation: 4. 'iWd1xd4

The Hungarian Variation. If Black attacks the queen with 4. ... tLlbS-cS 5. ~f1-b5 And after the exchange on c6, White will usually continue with ~gS and 0-0-0, with a lot of pressure on the centre and good piece play. For example, after 5. ~cS-d7 S. ~ b5xcS ~d7xcS 7. tLlb1-c3 tLlgS-fS e7-eS S. ~c1-g5 ~fS-e7 9. 0-0-0 0-0 10. J:rh1-e1 11. wc1-b1 or II.~d2, White's free play compensates for his opponent's bishop pair. If, on the other hand, Black does not attack the queen immediately (playing, for example, 4 ...a6), White can continue with S.d, setting up the classic Mar6czy Bind formation. Or he can develop normally with tLlc3, ~e3, etc. 284

Every now and then (after l.e4 cS 2.tLlf3 d6 3.M cxd4) the following minor line will pop up in a tournament game: 4. tLlf3xd4 tLlgS-fS 5. f2-f3

White protects e4 with the f-pawn to delay the development of the queen's knight, and in so dOing, he is able to play c2-c4. However, Black can respond effectively in the centre with 5. ... e7-e5! obtaining good play. After the standard 5. tLlb1-c3 Black is the one who can get off the beaten path with 5. ... e7-e5

This m ove is not often played because it does not have a good reputation. However, for now at least, there is no apparent refutation.

Sicilian Defence - Minor Variation s ~cS-d7 6. ~f1-b5+! 7. ~b5xd7+ ~dSxd7 If White now continues with the thematic 8. tDf5, the situation is not clear after 8 ... tDxe4. White will probably have to content himself with a slight advantage after 8. tDf3. The same idea can be achieved by playing ... e7 -e5 one move earlier, instead of ... tDf6, with probable transpositions.

Another minor line is one that enjoyed a certain popularity in the 1990s: after l.e4 c5 2.tDD d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tDxd4 tDf6 5 .tDc3 : 5. ... ~cS-d7

5 ....

ItJbS-d7

is another rare variation which has a surprisingly high win rate. It was used a few times by Bent Larsen. However, it should come as no surprise that it does well, given that ... tDbd7 is a natural developing move in the Sicilian, and therefore sh ould be perfectly playable.

Godena,Michele Rowson,Jonathan Verona 2006 (4)

This was frequently played by grandmaster Viktor Kupreichik. Even though 5 .. .~d7 is not played often, it does have its objective validity. On d7 the bishop supports the knight on c6 and it is ready to go to c6 after the exchange of the enemy's knight in the centre, which is a move that always makes Black's positioIl less cramped. This variatioIl enjoys particularly good results, perhaps because of its surprise effect. An excellent idea for White is to use an English Attack set-up (D, g4, 14, ~e3, 0-0-0), in which the d7 bishop is less useful than in other Sicilian variations.

.1.e4 c5 2.tDf3 d6 3 ...Itc4 ItJf6 4.d3 tDc6 5/tJbd2 g6 6.0-0 .ig7 7.c3 0-0 S.i.b3 b5 9.11e1 a5 10.a4 b4 11.tDf1 A a6 12.i.g5 tDd7 13.i.d5 ' :rcS 14..,bc6 J:l.xc6 15.'i¥d2 bxc3 16.bxc3 tt:le5 17.tt:lxe5 dxe5 18.c4 .ild6 19.1!i'c2 f6 20.~e3 J:l.xd3 21 ..bc5 rId7 22/be3 fIIc7 23 ..b3 lUd8 24.tDd5 "fia7 25.c5 e6 26.c6 ttf7 27.c7 .l:!c8 2S.~c5 'fi'b7 29..l:!ab1 exd5 30.J:rxb7 .bb7 31.~b6 . d4 32..b a5 n e8 33.l:b1 ~c8 34..llbS ~hS 35.W1c4 : ]:tff8 36 ..ib4 J:tgS 37.a5 ~f8 3S..bfS l:rexf8 39.a6 1-0

Salov,Valery LjubojeVic,Ljubomir " Buenos Aires 1994 (6)

1.e4 c5 2.tDf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tDxd4 tt:lf6 5.13 e5 6.A b5+ iLd7 7.A xd7+ 285

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

'\lf~d7 S.tDfS dS 9.-igS dxe4·'10..b f6 'fi'xd1+ 11.cJ;>xd1 gxf6 12.fxe4 tDe6 ,13.e3 ~gS 14.g3 ~ dS+ 1S.tDd2 tDe7 16.'if<e2 wd7 17.Ilad1 ~e6 18.tDf3 J:lxd1 19.tDxe7+ -ixe7 20.Jlxd1 lldS ; 2U!.xdS .bdS 22.tDh4 ~e7 23.tDfS ~fS 24.b4 <;t>d7 2S.w b3 <;t>e6 26.~e4 a6 27.a4 b6 2S.94 bS+ 29.w b3 \t?d7 30.tDe3 .th6 31.tDd5 .tgS 32.c4 ,\t?e6 33.tDe3 bxc4+ 34.'~xe4 ~h4 3S.tDdS ~gS 36.h3 .th4 37.tDe7+ <;i.> d7 3S.tDfS ~e1 39.b5 axbS+ 40.<;t>xbS -id2 41.';i;>b6 ~e1 42.a5 .if2+ , 43.<;t>b7 \t?e6 44.'~e6 1-0

i d7 11.0-0-0 tDc6 12.tDxc6 bxc6 13.h4I'iVb6 14Jlh3 'eS?! [14 .. Jlb8 IS.tDa4 'iVc7) 1SJ:!.f3 .i.e7 [ls ... Ad 16.eS!] 16.e5! dxeS? [16 ... rlb8! 17.exf6 (17 .exd6 flYxb2+ 18. \t?d2 ,, ~xd6 with counterplay) 17 ... ~f8 the solid centre and the bishop pair offer good ' compensation for the pawn) 17.l:l.xd7! <;t>xd71S.'ti'xf7 J:Ia719..lk.c4 'it'de . 20..b e6 c4 21 ..b c4 rld7 22.tDd5 '$iaS 23.b4! ~a4 24.tDb6 'iYxb4 2S.tDxd7 ~xd7 26.l:%b3 1-0

Kosintseva,Nadezhda ' Sedlak,Nikola Moscow 2007 (7)

Bosch.Jeroen Dvoiris.Semen .' Leeuwarden 1997 (4)

".

1.e4 eS 2.tDf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tDxd4 tDf6 S.f3 eS 6 ..tbS+ tDbd7 ?tufS a6 S.iLxd7+ ~xd7 9.$.gS d5 10•.hf6 gxf6 11.tDc3 .ib4 12.0-0 .be3 13.bxc3 dxe4 ,. 14.fxe4 ~xd1 ,1S.IIaxd1 Ae6 16.a4 bS 17.axbS axbS 1S.tDe3 <;t>e719.t2JdS+ .b dS 20.:1xdS IIabS . ,2 U tfd1 :a.hcS ,22.J:1d7+ <;t>eS 23.1:1a7 traS 24JlxaS , btxaS . 25 .'~f2 J:.1 c8 26.J:!d3 lk4 , 27.J:e3 We7 2S.we2 hS 29.<;t>d3fS 30.exfS <;t>f6 3Ule1 ~xfS 32Jl b1 ~g4 33.g3 h4 34.btfH ~e6 3SJ1g1 . hxg3 36.hxg3 fS 37.l:lb1 llxg3+ ' •3S.~d2 ' J:tg2+ 39.Wd3 e4+40.~d4 Ild2+ 41.\t?e3 J:txc2 42~n b3 b4 , 0-1

Ganguly,Surya Shekhar Zugic,Igor i

Calvia 01 2004 (11)

:'

1.e4 cS 2.tDf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tDxd4 " tDf6 5.tDe3 ' Ad7 6.~g5 e6 7.0 dbS .ie6 8 ..b fG gxf69:ifhS a6 10liJd4, 286

1.e4 c5 2.tDf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tt:Jxd4 tDf6 5.tDc3 .id7"6.~gS e6 7.tDdbS ~c6 S~xf6 gxf6 9,'iWh5 a6 10.tDd4 .i.d7 11.0-0-0 b5 12.f4 tDe6 13.'>£,b1 'ifb6 14.tDxc6 .lk.xe6 15.fS ~e7 · 16.l\Yh6 ~c5 17.i£.d3 e5' 1S.g4 b4 ' 19.tDe2 dS 20.tDg3 . 0-0-0 ' 21.exdS ~xd5 22.~e4 .ic4 23.b3 ~b5 24.gS rIxdH 25Jixd1 lIdS 26.l:rxdS+' .!txde 27.gxf6 . i.b6 ' 2S.a4 ' bxa3' 29.~d2 'lWgH 30.<;t>a2 .id4 31.c3 .!te3 32.'iVdS Wic1 33.'iWb7+ <;t>dS 34.'l1rfe7+ > weS ;': 35.'iff8+ .Wc7 36.'lWe7+ ·.i.d7 37.'tIfxa3 'iVxe3 3S.b4' 'llHc4+ 39.1!Yb3 ~bS 40.'iVxc4+, h c4+ 41.Wb2 · ~d4+ 42.'it>a3 ~g1 43.h3 .if2 44.tDh5 .ih4 4S ..if3 >t>d6 46.tDg7 ~xf6 4?tt:JeS+ d7 49.tDdS ~de SO.tDe3 -id3 51.~b3 e4 S2.~hS ~b6 53.tDdS, $..d4 S4.ttJf4 -if1 " S5 ..b:f7 ~eS S6.~e6+ ~d6 S?tt:Jd5 ·' .txh3 5S.tDe3 i-d4 59.tDe4+ ~e 7 60.Ace .1f1 61.~xa6 e362.tDe5 ii.xa6' 63.tDe6+ ~f6 64.tDxd4 h5 65,lt:Jc2 · 0-1 . h4 66.b5 h3

Classical Sicilian - Minor Variations position. However, Black should have no problems in reaching a balanced position after 6 .. .eS! .

Classical Sicilian Minor Variations l.e2-e4 c7-cS 2 ...r. 9 1-f3 d7-d6

B)

6. 3Lc1-e3

(2 ...01 cS) 3.d2-d4 c5xd4 4.li f3xd4 r, gS-f6 S. ~ b 1-c3 !! bS-c6 (S ... d6)

,:,' '! • •

"

t ..,: ... .

."

We have reached the position which is best known as the Classical Sicilian. White has some interesting alternatives to the popular 6.iLgS (see following section). A)

6. f2-f4

A normal developing move, which after the predictable 6 ... e6, gives White the option of establishing an English Attack set-np with £l-f3, 0-0-0, g2 -g4 etc. That is even more dangerous here, as the black knight, which is already on c6, makes Black's position a little rigid (against the English Attack the knight is better placed on d7) . However, Black can try to upset White 's plans with 6 ... eS or with the ambitious 6 ... ttJ g4, and he should not have too much difficulty in reaching a balanced game. 6. f2-f3

With this move White seeks to steer the game towards a Scheveningen-type

287

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

This is also played with the idea of setting up the English Attack. Therefore, Black should respond energetically with 6 ... eS. D) 6. .Iil.f1-e2 After this classical continuation Black has various options: the Classical Dragon with 6 ... g6, the Scheveningen with 6 ... e6, or the Boleslavsky Variation with 6 .... e7-e5

Black has excellent performance statistics in this variation. However, this is largely because of White's frequent choice of the weak 7.tUb3?! instead of the correct 7 .tUf3!. In the analogous Najdorfposition (6. ~e2 eS), 7.tUb3 is the most popular, so it is natural to ask why it is dubious here. The answer is simple: here, after 7 ... ~e7 8.0-0 0-0 9. ~e3, Black only needs one tempo to play 9 .. .aS, and after IO.a4 tUb4 he has excellent counterplay. The move discussed in this section, ... eS, has played an important role in

288

the historical development of the Sicilian. This is because it featured in the first example where weakening the dS-square in order to gain space in the centre was considered to be legitimate. It can thus be seen as the ideological forefather of many variations in which Black advances the pawn to eS in the Sicilian. 7. tUd4-f3! h7-h6! It is necessary to prevent ~gS, which would lessen Black's control of dS . S. 0-0 .\1l.fS-e7 9. J:l.f1-e1 0-0 10. h2-h3 ~cS-e6 11. ~e2-f1 White takes measures against the freeing move ... d6-dS by attacking eS . In response Black repositions the c6-knight to d7 with 11. ... 4'lc6-bS!

- in the style of the Breyer Variation of the Ruy Lopez - with balanced play. For 6 .~ c4, we refer you to the Section on the Sozin - Velimirovic Variation .

Sicilian Defence - Richter-Rauzer 'iVd2 and 0-0-0. This applies pressure on the d6 -pawn and in addition White retains the latent positional threat to take on f6 when Black cannot recapture with a piece. It is true that Black quite often allows this to happen, putting his faith in his bishop pair and the solid nature of his position after ... gxf6. In this case Black castles queenside or keeps his king in the centre, in view of his weakened kingside structure. After 6 .~g5, Black usually plays 6 ... e6. Otherwise, he can choose from some minor variations that accept the creation of dou bled pawns. 6 ... ~d7 is a move that is worth noting.

Sicilian Defence Richter-Rauzer 1.(:4 c5 2. 'j_ f3 d6 3.d4 cxd4

4.!- xd4

!"o

f6 S ...'. c3 «c6

6.~gS

~.

. .. ..

'~"

In old opening reference books, the move 6.~g5 against the Classical Sicilian was called the Anti-Dragon System. And indeed the initial idea was to prevent 6 ... g6, as after 7.ihf6, Black is left with bad dou bled pawns. It was only after the Classical Sicilian had been developed that the move 6.~g5 was used for its objective merits. After the usual reply of 6 ... e6 the German master Kurt Richter first thought of the continuation 7.ltJxc6 bxc6 8.e5, which today is considered to be objectively dubious. However, it did have the merit of kindling interest in 6.~g5. Later the Russian opening expert Vsevolod Rauzer (1908 - 1941) conceived the plan which is still considered to be the best today : combining 6. ~g5 with the developing moves

An unprepared white player can be taken by surprise when confronted with this. The move is connected with some venomous tactical lines with ... ~a5, .. .lic8 and a pOSSible exchange sacrifice on c3. Let's go back to the usual 6. ... e7-e6 which avoids the creation of a doubled pawn on f6. 7. 1Wd1-d2 Now there are two principal continuations: 289

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I A) SLf8-e7 7.... This is the most solid option. 8. 0-0-0 0-0

The most frequently played move is 9. f2-f4 which produces a complicated position. A popular continuation is: 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.

...

ct:lc6xd4

~d2xd4

'liVd8-a5

~f1-c4

~c8-d7

e4-e5

d6xe5

f4xe5 i..g5-d2 ct:lc3-d5 ct:ld5xe7+

~d7-c6

ct:lf6-d7

ers have switched their allegiance to the alternative move 9.

ct:ld4-b3

which immediately highlights the weakness on d6, B) a7-a6 7.... Black immediately prevents 8.ct:ldb5, which will be dangerous after the doubling of White's major pieces on the d-file. 8. 0-0-0

~a5-d8 ~d8xe7

B1)

8 ....

h7-h6

:i;

d!':c, ~

.. ,;, l!

The weakness of the e5-pawn is compensated for by White's two bishops and space advantage. Back to White's 9th move. It is worth noting that since the I 980s many play290

This immediate challenge is deSigned to definitively eliminate White's everpresent threat to take on f6. It has its drawbacks: after 9,iH4, there is great pressure on d6. But above all, White has a nice position after he establishes

Sicilian Defence - Richter-Rouzer an English Attack-like set-up (f3, g4,

M): 9. ~g5-e3

This is very dangerous, as 8 ...h6 has created a target that White can utilize to open up lines of attack on the kingside.

After 11.fxgS, the move II...ttJg4 follows. Alternatively, Black can expand on the queenside with 9 ... bS.

Another option is to continue with the normal developing move 9. ... ~f8-e7

62) 8. ~c8-d7 To avoid being exposed to a pawn storm, Black sometimes delays castling and (after 7 ... a6 8.0-0-0) plays this move instead of 8 ... h6, thus reserving the possibility of castling queenside in some cases. 9. f2-f4

Now there are various strategic options: Black can break up White's aligned central pawns with 9 ... h6 10. ~h4gS.

In this last case, White usually proceeds with 10. tLld4-f3 Putting pressure on the d6-pawn. 10. ... b7-b5 11. i.g5xf6 1 l.eS!? is also interesting, After the text Black can sacrifice the d6-pawn with II ... .ib:f6, which was a popular continuation in the 1960s; however, it is not completely sound. Alternatively, he can continue with the solid 11. ... g7xf6 291

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

Morozevich,Aleiander Avrukh,Boris Turmol2006 {13f

producing a pawn structure which is common in these variations. White seeks to put the e6-pawn under pressure with the advance f4-f5, g2-g3, ..\tfI -h3 and the manoeuvre tDc3 -e2-f4), in order to force Black to play ...e6-e5 with a resulting weakness on d5. Black has the two bishops, usually he castles queens ide and grabs space on that flank. In conclusion, the Richter-Rauzer is a variation that does not involve forced tactical lines, which are common in the Dragon, the Najdorf and the Sozin. It is strategically subtle and complex, and it is thus well suited to players who expect to win by virtue of their better general understanding of the game.

. Tal,Mikhail .< >j;, ." Kortcbnoi.Viktor Moittpellier ct 1985 (8) ,.

1.e4 c5 2.tDf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lbxd4 lbfS 5.lbc3 lbcS S.~g5 e6 7.1lfd2 Ae7 S.O-O-O 0-0 9.lbb3 a5 10.a4 d5 ,11 ..tb5 dxe4 12.1!t'xdS jUdS 13.J:lhe1 tDa7 14.~c4 h6 15••bf6 'gxf6 16.lbxe4 f5 17.lbdS~c7 1&g3 bS 19.1bxf5 exf5 20•.td5 jg,e6 21~xaS l%xaS 22.lbd4 £d5 23.J:1e7 ::lea 24.lbb5 .. :". 1-0 292

1.e4 c5 2.lbf3 tDc6 3.d4 cxd4 '4.lbxd4 lbf6 5.~c3 d6 6..tg5 e6 7.'ifd2 as S.tDxc6 bxc6 9.0-0-0 d5 ; ' 10.e5 hS 11.iLh4 g5 12.i.g3 lbd7 ; ,13.h4 g414.'ite2 J:1g815.1Wd3 .t!.bS ; o16.tlfh7 J:tg7 17.'fVhS 'Wa5 "1S.J:td3 : ,d4 19J1xd4 ~Jbb2 ' 20.'it>d2 tDbS ; 21.Ad3 . lbd5 22.l:!c4 ..tb7 , 23.J:l.e1 ; i'1Ib4 24.1%ee4 c525.a3 l:!x04 . ' 26.l:!x04 tbbS 27.J:l.f4 ·tDd5 2S.J:104~ ; lbbG 29.J:1f4 e4 30J:Lx04 lbxc4+ ' 31.iLxc4 .lit.e4 32.'it'xh6 J:1h7 33.'it'e3 ' .i.h6 34 ..tf4 ·i.xf4 35.1Wxf4 i,g6 : ' 3S.g3 .l:th5 37.1Wxg4 U.xe5 3S.1Vd4 ; .1%e5 39.f4 ·We740.g4 J:1e6 41.Ad3 ~.bd3 42.exd3 J:l.c7 43.g5 'ii'xa3 j '44.'i!ff6+ ,, ~e8 45.'fVhS+ 'it>d7 , 4S.tDe2 'i!fb4+ 47.<J;>e3 J:lc2 4S.~h5 1 ~' 'ifd2+ 49.~d4 'it>e7. 50.'it'f3 'iWxe2 ,1 51.1IYb7+Wf8 0-1 ' , ~.

,.

Yakovenko,Dmitry HouYifan.,". Moscow 2007 (3)

0\

1.e4 c5 2.lbf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lbxd4 , lbf6 5.tbc3tt:lc6 6:.i(.g5 e6 7.'it'd2 as S.O-O-O tbxd4 9.'ilYxd4 ii.e710.f4 b5 , 11 •.1i.e2 jLb7 12.~f3 'U.cs 13.JafS ~ gxf6 14.~b1 1%c5 15Jlhe1 ,'ilYc7 ' 1S.f5 O~O 17•.l:te3 'it>hS 1S.'ttd2 J:1gS . 19.1be2 .1i.fS 20.J:1d3 · :re5 21.lbg3 ' jg,e7 22.1IYhS ~dS 23.l:!xd6 ~xdS ' .' 24.J:l.xdS W'fS 25.1IYxf6+ 'Wg7 .; 26.'iYxg7+ ~xg7 27.~c1 lIcS ; 2S.lId7 .tc6 29.1%a7 J:1a8 30.l:tc7 . ~eS 31.tbh5+ ~fS 32.f6 b4 33.tbf4 %Ia5 34.'it>b1 nbS 35.lbd3 e5 3s.g4 : h6 37.M lIab5 38.g5 hxg5 39.hxg5

Sicilian Defenc e - Richter - Rauzer

J:t8b740.n c4 a5 41.b3 1:t7b6 42.a4 bxa3 43.wa2 J:rb8 44.w xa3 A d7 45JIc7 ~eS 46.A g4 l:ISb7 47.l:Ic4 nbS 4S.~f5 1:[dS 49.lle7 J:l.dbS 50Jle7 .!lSb7 51.n xb7 'J:txb7 52.lllxe5 llbS 53.e4 l:tdS 54.c5 lld1 ; 55.e6 l:te156.~b2 C 1-0

35.'Ifoob1 a4 36 ..bh61 37.J::txfS+ <:JiIe7 3S.'iHg5 39.~xg7+ .. ~d7 40.'iWxfS 41.'¥:fxb4 tlh6? · · · 42.l1d5 43.'ife3+ <;i(b7?? 44.l:!.xd7+

J::xhS tLlxfS .tIxh5 'ifb6 1-0

Adams.Michael Kozul,Zdenko ; Short,Nigel Ljubojevic,Ljubomir Amsterdam 1988 (4)

. 1.e4 e5 2.tLlf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4.tLlxd4 'tLlf6 5.tLle3 tLle6 6..itg5 e6 7.'iWd2 a6 S.O-O-O h6 9.~e3 jLd7 10.f4 b5 11.A d3 Jie7 12.'Ifoob1 b4 .13.tLlee2 0-0 14.h3 ~e7 15.g4 '*!Vb7 16.tLlg3 ' tLlxd4 17.hd4 ~c6 18.J:l.he1 IlfeS J9.g5 hxg5 20.fxg5 lbd7 21 •.bg7 <;,t(xg7 22.lZJh5+ 'Ifoog6 23.e5+ <;t>xh5 24.'i!ff4 .bg5 25.'*!Vxf7+ ., <;t>h4 26:'iWh7+ "'g3 27.'1ih5 , ~h2 2S.1i'xg5 tlgS 29.l:td2+ iLg2 ' 30.'i!ff4+ llg3 31.~e4 'iWxe4 ' 32.t!¥xe4 1-0

Belgrade tt 1999 (2)

...

1.e4 c5 2.tLlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tllxd4 tLlfS 5.tLlc3lbe6 6..lig5 eS 7.'ifd2 a6 S.O-O-O i.d7 9.f4 b5 10..b f6 gxf6 11."'b1 'iHbS 12.tLlxe6 .1l.xe6 13.'ii'e1 .ite7, 14.~d3 a5?! 15.f5N b4?! 16.tLle2 e5 17.tLlg3± 'ifc5 1S.'iVe2 .tIcS 19.b3! 0-0 20.~c4 w hS . 2UXhe1 J:l.gS 22.'fVh5! ~eS 23.'fVh6 'iWb6 24.tLlh5 'ii'dS 25.tld2+- : g5 2S.J:ted1 ~cS 27.tLlxf6 %lg7 2S.tLlh5 tlg4 29.tLlf6 1197 30.94 '\ifb6 31.h3 l:l.dS 32.tLlh5 l:tggS 33.A xf7 ~g5 34.'ife6 J:!.gfS ' 35.lbd6 llxd6 36.~xe5+ UfS 37.tLlxfS 1-0

Zelcic,Ro~rt

AncIDd. Viswanathan Shirov,Alexey Paris rapid 1992 (i)

1.e4 e5 2.tLlf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4.tLlxd4 tLlf6 5.tLle3 tlle6 S.~g5 e6 7.'iI'd2 as S.O-O-O hS 9.Jie3 ~e7 10.f3 llbS 11.g4 . tLle5 12.h4 b5 13.'i!fg2 b4 14.tllb1 tLle4 15.hc4 'i!fxc4 16.g5 tLld717.b3 ~e71S.gS tLle519.gxf7+ ~xf7 20.tLld2 · e5 21.tLlc6 1:[I;)S 22.tLla5 1J.b5 23.tLldc4 ~eS 24.<;,t(b1? ,'We71 25.f4 llxa5 26.tLlxa5 ~xa5 27.fxe5 dxe5 2S.1ifg6+ 'Ifooe7 29Jl d2 'Vie7?, 30.J:!.f1?1 tLld7 3U[df2 ~d6 32.<;,t(e1 a5 33.h5 <;t>dS 34Jld2 '\ife6

Kozul,Zdenko ., Pozega 2000 (7)

1.e4 e5 2.tLlf3 tLleS 3.d4 exd4 4.tLlxd4 ·tLlfS 5.tLle3 d6 6.~g5 eS 7.'i¥d2 a6 " S.O-O-O ~d7 . 9.f4 b5 10.it.xf6 gxf6 11.<~b1 'i¥bS 12.tLlxc6 h e6 13.'i!fe1 J:l.a7 14.f5 'ife5 15.~d3 .tIe7 1S.1!fM $..e717.tLle2 e5 1S.~h6 a5 19.~g7 %:tfS 20.'ifxh7 a4 21,'ii'h6 a3 22.b3 ttgS 23.~e1 l:[xg2 24.l:tdg1 .tIxe2 ' 25 ••b e2 .be4 26 ..1l.d3 St.xh1 27.l:tgS+ '· A fS 2S.'iWxh1 d5 29:i/Vf1 <:JiIe7 30.'ife1 'ifd4 31.'iHe1 b4 32.l:thS J:!:e3 33 ..tIh7 e4 34.'iWf4 .tIxc2 0-1 293

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

Spassky,Boris ZhUkhovitsky,Samuel

2'6:tbb4h5"27:93

1:ta5 25.tbd3 rJ:Jc7 J:[e5 28.li:ld3 UbS 29.~e2 J:!a5 30.fxe6 fxe6 31.11f2 e5 32.lbf5 .bf5 Lening~ad 1957 (4) 1.e4 c5 2.tZlf3 ltJc6 3.d4 cxd4 33.J:!xf5 d5 34.exd5 'iWxd5 35.ltJb4 4.lDxd4 ltJf6 5.ltJc3 d6 6.~g5 e6 'ii'd7 36.J:!xh5 .bb4 37.cxb4 lld5 7.'iWd2 a6 S.O-O-O ~d7 9.f4 JJ.e7 3S.rIc1+ <;!.;>b7 39.'fWe4 liteS 40.l:tb1 10.tZlf3 h6 11.~xf6gxf6 12.f5 Vlic7 rJ:Jb6 4U:!h7 l:l.d4 42.'ij'g6 ' 'iVc6 43.l:tf7 J:.Id6 44.1Wh6 'tWf3 45.'fih7. 13.<;!';>b1 0-0-0 14..tc4 WbS ,15.i.b3 l:1eS 16.ltJe2 exf5 17.exf5 .bf5 ' " 'tic6 46.'fih6 'iYf347.'fWh71Wc6 Y2-1/2 1S.ltJc3 ~fS 19.tbd4 tZlxd4 20.'fixd4 l:tgS 21.ifxf6 ~g6 22.Vlif2 iLg7 .23.tZla4 J:1geS 24.l:l.hf1 J:te4 25.ltJb6 ' Fischer,Robert i ,.:tceS 26.ltJd5 'ifc5 27.ltJf4 ~d4 . Spassky,Boris 2S.'fWh4 ~e5 29.g3 a530.a4 l:l.b4 Reykjavik Wch m 1972 (20) ' " 31.ltJxg6 llxh4 32.ltJxh4 f6 33.tZlf5 1.e4 c5 2.ltJf3 tZlc6 3.d4 cxd4 ' h5 34.Ud5 lWc7 35.nb5 b6 36.ltJe3 i 4.ltJxd4 ltJf6 5.ltJc3 d6 6.~g5 e6 ~d4 37.ltJd5 'ifdS 3SJ:tf4 $J.c5 .. 7.'ifd2 a6 S.O-O-O itd7 9.f4 ~ei 39.J:l.xf6 lle2 40.J:!f7 IU2 4Uth7 10.~e2 0-0 11.~f3 h612.~h4ltJxe4 l:xh2 42.ltJxb6 .bb6 43.i.d5 rJ:JcS 13 ..be7 tZlxd2 14.~xdS ltJxf3 44.l:tb7 {' 'fIVeS 45.J:t5xb6 'fWe1+J5.ltJxf3 IlfxdS 16•.i:txd6 rJ:JfS 46.Wa2 J:!.xc2 47.J:!a6 J:!c74SJ:tbS+ 17.J:!.hd1 We7 1S.ltJa4 ~eS 19.J:l.xd8 <;!';>d7 49J:IfS 'iWb4 50.l:l.f7+ rJ:JdS .i:txdS 20.ltJc5 J:!.bS 21.J:!d3 a5 51J:tf4'iYd252JHS+ 1-0 22J:tb3 b5 23.a3 a4 24Jl c3 .tIdS 25.ltJd3 f6 26.11c5 J:!.bS 27.J::tc3 g5 Fischer,Robert 2S.93 wd6 29.ltJe5 g4 30.ltJe4+ We7 31.liJe1 :IdS 32.tZld3 J::t.d4. Spassky,Boris . 33.ltJef2 h5 34J.tc5 J:!d5 35.J:tc3 Reykjavik Wch m 1972(18) 1.e4 c5 2.ltJf3 d6 3.ltJe3 ltJc6 4.d4 , ltJd4 36.J:!c7+ J:!.d7 37.J:!.xd7+ ..IiI.xd7. cxd4 5.ltJxd4 tZlf6 6.~g5 e6 7.ltd2 • 3S.ltJe1 e5 39.fxe5 fxe5 40.Wd2 ~f5 ' a6 S.O-O-O ~d7 9.f4 ~e7 10.ltJf3 b5 41.ltJd1 ~d6 42.ltJe3 Ae6 43.Wd3 11..bf6 gxf6 12.~d3 'iVa5 13.<,f;>b1 ~f7 44.rJ:Jc3 Wc6 45.~d3 ~c5 b4 14.ltJe2 'iWc5 15.f5 a5 16.ltJf4 a4 · 46.~e4 ~d6 47.~d3 iLg6+ 4S.Wc3 17.l:te1 J:tbS 1S.c3 b319.a3 ltJe5 ~e5 49.ltJd3+ ~d6 50.ltJe1 <;!te6 20.l:l.hf1 ltJc4 21.~xc4 Jlfxe4 51.rJ:Jd2 ~c5 52.ltJd3+ wd6 53.tlJe1 22.l:l.ce1 ~dS 23.'ifi>a1 rtb5 24.ltJd4 ". ltJe6 54.>t>c3ltJd4 ,,' 1/;-Y2

294

Sicilian Defence - Dragon Variation

Sicilian Defence Dragon Variation 1.e4 c5 2 . 't f3 d6 3.d4 cxd4

4 ..0:' xd4 :; f6

5. ~

c3 96

The name Dragon came about at the beginning of the 20th century and it was the happy brainchild of the Ukrainian master Fedor Duz-Khotimirsky. He was crazy about astronomy, and he noted that there was an analogy between the form of the pawn structure d6-e7 -fl -g6-h7 and the dragon-shaped Draco Constellation; as a result, the fire-breathing beast of Greek mythology finds itself back in chess opening theory. As mentioned before, the modern version of the Dragon with the move order 2 ... d6 and S... g6 did not make its debut until 1924, when it was employed in a Reti-Tartakower game played in New York. It was created as a means of preventing the Mar6czy Bind (S.c4), which White can use against the AcceleratedDragon (2 ... tt:lc6 and4 ...g6). In the past it was also common to use a type of Deferred Dragon via the Clas-

sical Sicilian: l.e4 cS 2.tt:lf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tt:lxd4 tt:lf6 S.tt:lc3 tt:lc6 with the idea of advanCing the pawn to g6 on the 6th move. However, Rauzer's move 6 .~gS! (see the previous section) with the idea of creating doubled pawns on the f-file in the event of 6 ... g6,

meant that this move sequence was not very attractive for black players wishing to fianchetto on the kingside. Before we look at the modern variations, we will examine the development of the £I-bishop to e2 with the intention of castling kingside as soon as possible. Part of the purpose of looking at this move first is to put things in an historical context. In the early years of this opening, White almost always played 6 .~e2.

Classical Variation 6. ~f1-e2 and now:

£.f8-g7

tObS-c6 7. ~c1-e3 0-0 S. 0-0 9. tt:ld4-b3! Preventing the central thrust 9 ...dS.

A)

295

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume i1I.cS-e6

9 . ... 10. f2-f4

The key posItIOn of the Classical Dragon. Black's resources seem to be adequate after IO ... tt:la5, I O.. .'~fc8 or, better still, IO ... l:ic8. In recent years, positionally-minded players have been using 7.g e3 less often, and instead it has become popular to employ the solid plan:

7. 0-0 S. ttJd4-b3 9. lJ:f1-e1

B)

:a1.~

ii

~i

However, this line is not seen very frequently these days.

Fianchetto Variation 6. 92-93

ttJbS-c6 0-0

i.~ '

ii1.i ~i

White intends to play 10 .gO, with the idea of tt:ld5 and g g5. The resulting pressure is not enough to give him an objective advantage, but it can still be annoying for Black.

296

The following positional line became reasonably popular in the 1980s, mainly because of its adoption by Karpov: 9.gg5.

This fianchetto development of the king's bishop, which avoids lines that are too sharp or overly theoretical, has always enjoyed a certain popularity with players who wish to enter a more strategically -orientated game. However, with correct play, Black will not have any problems in achieving a satisfactory pOSition with chances for both sides, for example:

Sicilian Defence - Dragon Variation

6 . ... 4:lbB-c6!? with the idea to exchange on d4. Against this White's best continuation is probably 7. 4:ld4-e2!? after which a phase of slow positional manoeuvring follows. The ensuing positions offer equal chances for both players.

The Yugoslav Attack 6. ~c1-e3

Levenfish Variation 6. f2-f4

The Levenfish is another variation which has always had its admirers. This is perhaps because after the spontaneous 6... ilg7, the move 7.e5! gives White a dangerous initiative. If Black does not have a good knowledge of the narrow path that leads to a likely draw, there is a good chance he will be beaten. The safest option for Black is to prevent the pawn advance e4-e5 with 6. ... tLlbB-c6 with a balanced position. The real theoretical revolution regarding the Dragon started in 1936 with the advent of:

This set-up was championed by the same person who co-developed the Richter-Rauzer Variation! For this reason the ensuing line involving queenside castling is often also called the Rauzer Variation, and it first appeared in the game Rauzer-Chekhover played in the Young Masters Championship of 1936. With 6. ile3 followed by 7.f3 (or vice versa as Rauzer used to prefer), White ambitiously plans for 'ijf d2, 0-0-0, ilc4, g2-g4, h2-h4-h5, .I.1.h6, ilxg7, hSxg6, 'itVh6+, 4:ldS and checkmate! Naturally, White is not the only player moving his pieces, and on the queenside Black is often the first to be able to threaten the safety of the opponent's king. The ensuing sharp lines can become some of the most complex in opening theory. ~fB-g7 6 .... 7. f2-f3 0-0 Or also the immediate 7 .. .4:lc6. B. ~d1-d2 4:lbB-c6 We have arrived at the first big theoretical crossroads. 297

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume

Black is ready to play the freeing advance 9 ... dS. White can try to stop this with either 9.~c4 or 9.g4, or otherwise ignore it with 9.0-0-0. A)

9. 92-94

.Q:a8-b8 12. a2-a3 13. h2-h4 J::!:f8-c8 Now White usually simplifies with 14.tt:JdS, followed by the exchange of queens. He contents himself with a microscopic advantage, without risking a direct assault on Black's castled king. B)

This prevents 9" .dS, which would be met by IO.gS, after which 11.tt:JxdS simply wins the d-pawn. However, compared to 9.0-0-0, White's position becomes more rigid. Usually the g2-g4 advance as part of a general attack on the kingside is played only when necessary. The IIlOSt COIIlIIlOIl continuation is: 9. ... .l1Lc8-e6 10.0-0-0 After 1O.tt:Jxe6 fxe6, the weakness on f3 becomes apparent. 10.... tt:Jc6xd4 11. iLe3xd4 ~d8-a5 298

9. 0-0-0

Ignoring Black's 'threat' and putting his faith in his lead in development and the pressure on the d-file. Black can decide against 9 ... dS, and instead play 9 ... tt:Jxd4. B1)

9. tt:Jc6xd4 10. iLe3xd4 iLc8-e6 But after 11. ~c1-b1! White has a slight advantage.

Sicilian Defence - Dragan Variation

Here is an advantage compared to the line with 9.g4. 11...t>b I! prevents the move 11...'iYaS, which would be met by 12 .ttJdS. Black must prepare ... ~aS by first using two tempi with ... '!Wc? and .. .l:Hc8. He leaves the f8-square to the king to thwart the intermediate check tlJdSxe7+ after tlJ dS '!Wd2, which would otherwise be disastrous. 82)

9.

d6-d5

is not clear if Black has sufficient compensation after 13 ... ~ c? White's generally preferred continuation is It

12 . ..IiLe3-d4 13. ild4-c5

e7-e5

Now Black offers an exchange sacrifice with 13 ....

..\1LcB-e6

banking on his control of the darksquare complex. However, White rarely accepts this Greek gift and continues 14. ~c3-e4

This is Black's thematic reaction in the Yugoslav Attack. The resulting position is sharper than after 9 ... tlJxd4. Strictly speaking, the d-pawn push is a pawn sacrifice: 10.e4xd5 11. ~ d4xc6

~f6xd5

b7xc6

White rarely ventures to accept it; even if after 12 .tlJxdS cxdS 13 .'!WxdS

with a complex position. C)

9. ilf1-c4

This 'standard' move prevents ...dS and places the bishop aggressively on the diagonal that points straight at the black king. 299

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1 White's castled kingside position along the b-fiIe. Instead, White's plan is generally: M-h5, a possible g2-g4, Wb 1 which denies Black several tactical possibilities - ~h6, etc. Nowadays, only a few enthusiasts play this line.

However, as always in the opening, a move that brings advantages also has weaknesses: the bishop, be it on c4 or b3 - its usual retreat square - is exposed to an advance by Black's a and b-pawns; and then after the thematic manoeuvre ...ttJe5-c4, it is exchanged for the black knight. Therefore, it is worth asking yourself whether it is worth moving the bishop to b3 only to have it exchanged off. However, Black too must spend time - three moves - to move the knight from b8 to c4. In these variations, opposite-side castling is normal and an extra tempo can be decisive. After 9 ...tc4, Black continues to develop: 9. ... ~c8-d7 10.0-0-0 And now Black has several plans at his disposal. It is worth remembering that White can advance the h-pawn before he castles, but this usually leads to a transposition to the main line.

C1) 10.... iYd8-a5 Historically the first approach to development was to place the black queen on a5, then ..J Hc8 and ... ttJe5 -c4, fol lowed by .. J hc4. In some variations that were created later, Black plays ... b7-b5 in order to recapture on c4 with the pawn, and frontally attack 300

11. JLc4-b3

l:U8-c8

12. 13. 14. 15.

ttJc6-e5 ttJe5-c4 l:!:c8xc4

'>f;>c1-b1 h2-h4 ~ b3xc4

ttJd4-b3

Blacks best choice is probably to move the queen back to d8, which really makes you doubt the validity of the whole variation.

C2) 10.... ~a8-c8 Currently much more common. 11. ~c4-b3 12. h2-h4

tLlc6-e5

Sicilian Defence - Dragon Variation We are now at another crossroads. C21)

12 .... 13. ~b3xc4 14. h4-hS

tLleS-c4 ~c8xc4

White sacrifices a pawn for a kingside initiative. After 14 ... ttJxh5 1 5.g4 ttJf6, White has many playable moves, ranging from the aggressive 16.e5 or 16. ~h6 to more solid moves such as 16.ttJde2, 16.ttJb3 or 16.Wbl. Against all these options, Black appears to have adequate resources with which he can keep the game dynamically balanced. h7-hS C22) 12.... The Soltis Variation, which has been very popular recently. In the early days of the Dragon it seemed contradictory to play a move that allowed White to open files on the kingside by the g2-g4 advance. However, practical play has shown that the two moves that White needs to make in preparation for g2-g4 allow Black to find adequate counterplay. The plan to remove the g7 -bishop with 13 .~h6 does not seem to give White an advantage either after 13 ... tLlc4, or 13 .. .iLxh6 14.'iVxh61:l.xc3!

A thematic exchange sacrifice which is practically forced. Therefore the most popular move has become the preparatory 13. ~ e3-gS White removes the bishop from e3 and, reserving the possibility to exchange on f6, he renders the imminent pawn advance g2-g4 more incisive. It took a long time before black players found an adequate response in this position. The solution was the strange move 13.... J:[cB-cS! First played by Genna Sosonko in 1976.

On the 5th rank this rook has both a defensive and an attacking role. It supports the advance ... b7 -b5 and in many variations prepares for an exchange sacrifice taking the g5 -bishop, or the knight after ttJd5 . Without this resource the Soltis Variation would not have passed the test of time. 301

Chess Opening Essential s - Volum e I ',-:0-: -,.,

Reti,Richard Tartakower,Savielly New York 1924 (11 )

1.tZJf3 g6 2.e4 c5 3.d4 cxd4 4.tZJxd4 tZJf6 5.tZJc3 d6 6.~e2 A g7 7.0-0 tZJe6 S.~e3 0-0 9.tZJb3 ..te6 10.f4 'tWeS 11.h3 tZJeS 12.'ifd2 f5 13.exf5 gxf5 14.J:tae1 WhS ': 15.tZJd4 iLgS 16.g4 tZJxd4 17...txd4 e5 1S.il.e3 fxg4 19..b g4 A e6 20.f5 .bf5 21 Jbf5 J:txf5 22.'iWd3 e4 23.tZJxe4 h5 24.tZJg3 hX94 25.tZJxf5 'iWe6 26.11e2 '..te5 27.~d4 tZJf6 2S.hxg4 11gS 29.iLxe5 dxe5 ' 30.J:rh2+ tZJh7 31.tZJe3 l:ig7 32.~dS+ J:!.gS 33.'iYd3 ," l:lg7 34.Wfe4 ~gS 35Jid2 tZJf6 36.l:!:dS+ ~f7 37JWxb7+ w g6 3S.'ii'f3 wg5 39.J:ld2 e4 ' 40.~g3 . lld7 41.I:1xd7 tZJxd7 42.'iiVf2 tZJc5 43.'tWf5+ 'iYxf5 44.gxf5 tZJa4 45.b3 tZJe346.a4 a5 47.Wf2 tZJa2 4S.w e2 , ~f6 49.w d2 tZJb4 50.'>t>c3 w e5 51.f6 '.t>xf6 52:~ d4 ~e6 53.~xe4 ~d6 ' 54.~d4 tZJc6+ 55.~c4 , tZJa756.c3 '.t>c6 57.'.t>d4 'it'b6 5S.tZJc4+ ~a6 59.'~, d5 tZJcS 60.w e6 1-0

'.r,

35.g4 \fica 36.lt>g2 'tVd7 37.c4 'flVeS 3S.b3 'tVdS 39.'ifd2 f6 40J:rh1 ~f4 41.llfc3 : 'iKhS 42.'ifh3 h543.'iYxh5 llfxh5 44.l:txh5 ~d2 45.b4 1-0

Inarkiev,Ernesto Khalifman,Alexander Khaniy Man~iysk2 00$ (I) ,

1.e4 c5 2.tZJf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tZJxd4 lLlf6 5.tZJe3 g6 6 •.te3 $.g7 7.f3 a6 S.~d2 b5 9.0-0-0 £i.b7 10...th6 ..txh6 11.'ii 'xh6 lLlbd7 12.~b1 tIcS 13.ff'd2 b4 14.lLlce2 ~b6 15.h4 h5 16.tZJe1 d5 17.exd5 tZJxd5 1S.J:Ie1 e5 19.1Lldb3 ,a5 ' 20.lLld3 0-0 2Ut f2 'iJlic7 22.94 a4 23.lLlbc1 a3 24.gxh5, axb2 25.tZJb3 e4 26.fxe4 , tZJc3+.' 27.w xb2 tZJxe4 2S.'fNh2 'iYc3+ 29.~b1 ~d5 30.l:td1 'iYf6 31.~h3 .txb3 32.axb3 tIaS 33.tZJb2 lLlc3+ 34.w c1 tIa1 + 35.~d2 lLlxd1 36Jlxd1 'iKxb2 37.J:ba1 'iVd4+ 0-1 .

Rauzer, Vsevolod Chekhover, Vitaly Leningrad J 936 (8)

.,

1.e4 c5 2.tZJf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tZJxd4 tZJf6 5.tZJe3 g6 6.f3 .\tg7 7.iLe3 0-0 Karpo~,Anatoly Sosonko,Genna S.'iWd2 .tZJc6 9.0-0-0 tZJxd4 10.~xd4 . ~e6 11.w b1 l:i.cS 12.h4 tZJh5 Bad Lauterberg 1977 (1) 1.e4 c5 2.tZJf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tZJxd4 13..txg7 ·~xg7 14.lLld5 .bd5 tZJf6 5.tZJc3 g6 6.~e2 fig7 7.0-0 tZJc6 15.exd5 tZJg3 16 J~h2 ' e5 17.dxe6 fxe6 · 1S.h5 tZJxh5 19.'iYxd6 'i!Vxd6 S.tZJb3 0-0 9.~g5 ~e6 10.'.t>h1 a5 11.a4 tZJd7 12.f4 tZJb6 . 13.f5 sil.c4 20.J:txd6 l:lfdS 21.l:rxdS ttxdS 14.b c4 tZJxc4 15.'i¥e2 tZJb6 16JWb5 .' 22.~c1 tZJg3 23.~d3 l:ld4 24.J:lh3 lLld4 17.lLlxd4 ~xd4 18.l:l.ad1 .\kg7 , lLlh5 25.g3 b6 26.'.t>d2 l:!.d5 27.~e3 19 ~e3 tZJd7 20.tZJd5 I:teS 21.e3 .lte5 1:[g5 2S.w f2 lIa5 29.a3 ~f6 30.I:th4 . 22.~b6 tZJxb6 23.tZJxb6 l:1a6 24.tZJc4 tl.c5' 31.11d4 l:!.d5 32.11c4 llc5 ~bS 25.lLlxa5 I:tca 26.tZJc4 A xh2 33.11xe5 bxc5 34.b4 cxb4 35.axb4 27.lLlb6 I:txb6 2S.'¥Hxb6 ~e5 29.a5 tZJd5 36.b5 lLlc3 37.w e3 e5 3S..tc4 l:(c6 :,. 30.'tVe3 'i'c7 3U'Id5 tIa6 h5 39.wd3 tZJa4 40.££.d5 g5 41 •.tc6 32.\\i'd3 rbg7 33.n b5 g5 34.'tWd5 I:ta7 112- 1/2 ' h4 42.gxh4 gxh4 43.f4 ,.. 302

Sicilian Defence - Dragan Variatian

. ~,

~

,',

.~

Lahno,Katerina Jobava,Baadur

,~

.....

"

- dS 23.iif2 lZlaS 24.~c5 lLle7 2S.fS fS 2S.exdS eS 27.lLldS Uc7 2S.lZlde4 l');cS 29.dS lLlcS 30.lZld5 31.gS ,~ Dubai 2004 (2) ' 1.e4 cS 2.tbf3 dS 3.d4 lLlfS 4.lLlc3 lZld4 32 ..b d4 , exd4 33.gxfS .bfS ,cxd4 S.lLlxd4 gS6.i e3 ~g7 7.f3 , 34.lZlexfS .l:txfS 3S.'i!bd4 ,·it.xfS+ , 1-0 lLlcS S.'lWd2 0-0 9.0-0-0 dS 10.tia1 J:tdS ' 20.~f2 Ud2 Moscow1968 ! 21.'i!fxa7 lLlxb2 22.tbd4 lLla4! 1.e4 cS 2.lZlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lZlxd4 . 23.lLlxb5? , lZlxc311 24.£LC4 lLlxbS lZlfS S.lZlc3 gS S..te3 ..ig7 7.f3 0-0 S..ltc4 lZlcS 9.'ii'd2 ~a5 10.0-0-0 -2S.'ii'e3 .td3! 0-1 ~d7 11.h4 lZleS 12.~b3 f,[fcS 13.hS lLlxhS 14.i h6 ,b h6 1S.1I/fxh6 .l:txc3 16.bxc3 ~xc3 17.lZle2 'tfNc5 1S.g4 Timman,Jan ,.' Miles,Anthony lLlfS 19.9S lLlhS 20.x:txhS gxhS 21.l:rh1 'ike3+ 22.~b1 ,.iixf3 :.: Bad Lauterberg 1977 (2) :1.e4 cS 2.tbf3 dS 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLlxd4 23Jlxh5 e6 24.gS tLlxg6 2S.'iVxh7+' lLlfS ,S.lLlc3 gS ' S.A e3 ~g7 7.f3 0-0 <MS 26..11fS ~xb3+ 27.axb3 exfS S.VWd2 lLlcS 9.0-0-0 ,dS 10.exdS , 2S.lLlf4 J:tdS 29.~h6+ tib2 ' f,[cS 18.~e3 D~ Hermanas 2003 ( 5) 'ilfcS 19.~h4 as 20.l:[dh1 e6 21.a4 ,1.e4 cS 2.lLlf3 dS 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLlxd4 bS 22.axbS a4 23 ..b 2 · iIxbS ,lLlfS S.lZlc3 gS S.~e3 ~g7 7.f3 lZlcS "S.\ltd2 0-0 9..tC4 lLld710.0-0-0 lLlbS 24.11xh7 lZlxh7 2S.'ii'hS tfxc3+ 2S.'~b1 .tc4 27.1ilfxh7+ >tifS' 1ULb3 lZlaS 12.'ti'd3 .td7 13.w b1 '.!:.tcS 14.g4 lZlac41S.h4lLleS1S.iie2 2S..bc4 : xc4 29.'i¥h4 >tieS 30.'Iti'fS >tid7 31.l:thS J:lcS 32J;rxc8 >tixc8 as 17.hS a41S.hxgS axb319.gxh7+ ", O~1 'WhS 20.cxb3 eS 21.f4lZlcS 2Vi::jdbS ... 33.tLle2 'ii'b4+ ._

n17

303

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

Nunn,John "Ward,Christopher England tt 1997/98 (5)

1.e4 e5 2.ttlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.ttlxd4 ttlf6 5.ttlc3 g6 6 ..te3 .tg7 7.13 ttle6 8.'iVd2 0-0 9..tc4 ~d710.0-o-0 'iVa5 11.h4 ttle5 12•.tb3 :rfc8 13.g4 b5 ,14.h5 ttlc4 1s.hc4 bxc4 16.~h6 ~hS 17.ttlfS ,· l!te8 18.'iVgS 'iYb6 19.hxg6 fxg6 20.iLg7 .bg7 21.ttlxg7 ,J:tebS 22.ttlh5 ttlxh5 23.gxh5' ~e8 '24.b3 exb3 25.axb3 'tIrc5 26.ttld5 ) l b7 27.ttlxe7+ llxe7 2S.'ii'xe7 ncs 29.11h2 gxhS 30.l:tg2+ ~g6 31.l:txd6 'iVe3+ 32.n gd2 :If8 '33.:IdS nxdS " 34;'iYxdS+ wg7 35Ji'd4+ 1i'xd4 36.J:txd4 h4 37.'j;>d2 h3 38.We3 wh6 39.Wf4 ' 1-0

,c

8.'iVd2 ..td7 9..itc4 0-0 10~"0-0·0 ttle5" 11.iLb3 Ile8 12.~b1 tIeS 13.g4 bS 14.g5 b4 1S.ttlee2 ttlh5 16.14 ttle4 17..b c4 llxc4 18.b3 Ilc719.f5 'ii'aS 20.'il'd3 a5 2Ul hf1 a4 22.J:If2 axb3 23.cxb3 ..tcS 24.fxg6 fxg6 2S.ttlb5 ~a6 26.'ii'd5+ 'iVxdS 27.J::txd5 rIb7 28/iJa7 l:Id7 29.ttlc6 iLb7 30.ttlxb4 e6 31.Ilb5 b e4+ 32.';ltc1 ' d5, 33.~c5 ' d4 34.1:ta5 e5 35.a4 ~f5 ' " c36.Ita7 Ilc8 0-1 : ,"

Karpov,Anatoly Kortchnoi. Viktor

Smirnov,Igor ' Fedorov.Alexey Moscow 2007 (3)

"

1.e4 c5 2.ttlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.ttlxd4 ttlf6 S.ttlc3 g6 6.~e3 iLg7 7.t3 ,ttlc6 , 304

;

1.e4 e5 2.ttlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.ttlxd4' ttlf6 S.ttlc3 g6 6.~e3 fLg7 7.t3 ttlc6 8.'ii'd2 '0-0 9.i.c4 fLd710.h4 nc8, 11.i.b3li:le5 12.0-0-0 ttlC4 13..txc4 lixc4 ' 14.h5 -, ttlxh5 15.g4 ttlf6 . 16.ttlde2 , ~a5 , , 17.~h6 .bh6 1S.'i¥ixh6 l!tfeS 19J.td3 %l4c5 20.gS l:txg5 . 21 J:ld5 ':xdS ', 22.ttlxd5 nea 23.ttlef4 ..tc6 24.e5 iLxdS 25.exf6 exf6 26.'ifxh7+ wf8 27.'ifh8+ 1-0

"

"1.e4 cS 2.ttlf3 ttlc6 3.ttlc3 g6 4.d4 cxd4 5.ttlxd4 ~g7 6.i.e3 ttlf6 7.~c4 0-0 8..ib3 d6 , 9.t3 ~d7 .10.h4 h5 11.'iVd2 lLlaS 12..ith6 ttlxb3 13.ttlxb3 a5 14.ttld4 hh6 15.'iVxh6 · 'ti'b6 16.0-0-0 lUeS 17.g4 l!txc3 18.bxc3 'irc5 19.J:td3 'ii'e5 20.gxh5 'ttlxh5 .21.llg1 ttlf4 22.1le3 lleS 23J1g5 'Wf6 24.1:txa5 e5 25.ttlb3 d5 26.exd5 ~fS , 27.d6 ~xd6 2S.l:taxeS 'fi'a3+ 29.wd2 'iVd6+ 30.ttld4 ttle6 31.we1 J:txc3 ' 32.ttlxe6 Uxe3+ " 33.1i'xe3 .be6 34.a3 'Ji!Jc7 35.h5 'i!Vxc2 36.hxg6 'ifb1+ 37.<M2 'ife2+ 38.'.ttg3 1-0

,;

Moscow m 1974 (2)

Grischuk,Alexander Bu Xiangzhi

':' Calvia 01 2004 (1 4)

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t

I

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Ljub~jevic,Ljubomir Miles,Anthony ,Brussels 1986 (9)

1.e4 cS 2.ttlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.ttlxd4 ttlf6 5.ttlc3' 96 6.fi..e 3 fLg7 7.13 0-0 8:i fd2 ttlc6 9.:i.c4 fLd7 10.M lleS, 11.~b3 h5 12.0-0-0 ttle5 13.g4 hxg4 14.h5 , ttlxhS 15.~h6 ' e6 16.11dg1 'iYf617.,bg7 1j'xg718.fxg4 ttlt6 19.95 ttlh5 20.ttlee2 , ttlc4 2U!Vb4 as 22.~xb7 ttle5 23.c3 ttld3+ 24.~b1 ttlcS 25JWb6 WeS 26 ..lte2 lIbS 27JlrxaS ' l:txb2+ 28.wxb2 ttld3+ . ", 0-1 .;

Sicilian Defence - Dragon Variation

Anand, Viswanathan Kasparov.Garry New York Wch m 1995 (II)

bxc4 17.eS \i'bS 1s..b fS J:[bS 19.b3 exf6 20.eS fxeS 21.lLlxeS heS 22.lLla4 cxb3 23.lLlxbS bxa2 24.wb2 ttxbS+ 2S.'.t>a3 J:!.a6+ 2S.Wb4 J:tc4+ 27.WbS J:rb6+ 2S.waS fS 29.J:te3 J:rb130.tta3 .i.c3+ .' .0-1

1.e4 cS 2.lllf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4lllxd4 tlJf6 S.t2Jc3 g6 6 ..i.e3 ~g7 7.f3 0-0 S."ifd2 lLlc6 9.$.c4 R.d7 10.0-0-0 lLleS 11.$.b3 J:tcS .12.h4 hS 13.~ b1 lLlc4 14..txc4 lbc4 1S.lLlde2 bS AImasi,Zoltan 16.Ah6 'ifaS 17..bg7 wxg7 1S.lLlf4 " Golubev,Mikhail J:tfeS 19.1LlcdS ~xd2 20.l:txd2lLlxdS Gennany BundesJiga 2003/04 (2) 21.lLlxdS ~fS 22.J:te1· J:tbS 23.b3 1.e4 cS 2.lLlf3 dS 3.d4 cxd4 4.t2lxd4 ttcs 24.lLlf4 n bcS 2S.w b2 as 2S.a3 . t2lfS S.lLlc3 gS 6;1te3 $..g7 7.f3 lLlc6 wg7 27.lLldS AeS 2S.b4 axb4 S.'t1fd2 0-0 9.~c4 Ad7 10.h4 lLleS 29.axb4 l::tc4 30.lLlbS l::txb4+ • 11 ..i.b3 UcS 12.0-0-0 hS 13.£ gS 31.'iPa3 nxc2 0-1 1:lcS 14.wb1 J:[eS 1S.~hS .i.hS 1S.g4 \i'aS 17.gS tlJh7 1S.f4 lLlc4 19.1i d3 t2la3+ 20.Wc1 eS 21.tlJce2 dS Zuidema,Coen 22.exdS exdS 23.fS lLlxc2 24.h c2 $..xfS 2S.ttJxfS 'iYxa2 2S.lLlfd4 'iYa1 + Sosonko.Genna Netherlands tt 1975176 (9) 27.wd2 'ifaS+ 2S.lLlc3 J:[c4 29.lLlb3 1.e4 cS 2.lLlf3 dS 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLlxd4 'it'b4 30.c1 · ttxc3 31.bxc3 .i.xc3 lLlf6 S.lLlc3 gS S.$..e3 $..g7 7.f3
305

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

Sicilian Defence Scheveningen Variation 1.c4 c5 2 .~ ,f3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4/L Xd4 '< ,f6 S."Jc3 ~6

This vanatlon, characterized by black pawns on e6 and d6, which control many squares on the 5th rank, can also be reached by playing Black's 2nd and 5th moves in reverse order; in particular, if Black dislikes the possible simplification with 3 .~b5+. It is currently very popular, especially with top level players. It had its official debut in 1923, when Euwe used it against Mar6czy in the Dutch town of Scheveningen, which is how it got its name. As with other variations of the Open Sicilian (when White advances his pawn to d4), Black is left with an extra centre pawn. The e6 and d6-pawns perform a defensive role and Black's counterplay is focused on the queenside along the c-file; and the use of the a- and b-pawns, which are generally played to a6 and b5, but sometimes the a-pawn goes di306

rectly to a5. For his part, White has a good space advantage and this allows him to implement a number of strategies, marked by their varying degrees of aggressiveness. However, most of the time, White concentrates on kingside play and he usually limits himself to preventive measures on the queenside (such as a2 -a4, to stop ... b7 - b5). All of this means that the Scheveningen produces positions which are strategically highly complex. They are also more flexible than, for example, the comparatively rigid Dragon Variation, even if in some variations of the Scheveningen - such as the Velimirovic Attack - there are also long sequences of forced moves that leave little space for personal interpretation. Another example of the Scheveningen's greater flexibility is evident when you compare it with its sister variation, the Najdorf, to which there are many transpositions. The fact that .. .a 7-a6 has not yet been played allows for more options in some lines. For example, it is not uncommon to develop the bishop to c6 via d7, after the exchange ofknights on d4. Black also has an advantage compared to the Najdorfin the lines where White develops his king's bishop to c4, as Black can immediately put White's centre under pressure; for example, with the manoeuvre ~b8-a6-c5, from where the knight can defend e6 and possibly be exchanged for the bishop on b3. Another example is 6. ~c1-g5 which for years has been the main line against the Najdorf But here it is not as effective, since after

Sicilian Defenc e - Sch eveningen Variation

6 ....

~fS-e7

and 7 ... h6, Black has some tactics based on the motif ... tt:.lxe4. However, it is true that with the pawn already played to e6 , the freeing advance to eS, which is so frequent in the Najdorf, requires an extra tempo. The variations that we will look at are : 6.g3, 6 ..te3, 6.g4, 6 .f4 and 6 ..te2. For the lines in which the king's bishop is developed to c4, we refer you to the fol lowing section.

ever, unlike other white fianchetto variations, play can easily become very aggressive here. Once White stabilizes the centre, he can attack on the kingside by advancing the g-pawn again in a kind of Keres Attack Deferred . The following line is a typical example : 6. a7-a6 7. ~f1-g2 'iVdS-e7 S. 0-0 ILlbS-e6 9. a2-a4!? i H S-e7 10. .lil.e1-e3 0-0 11. 'iWd1-e2 J::!aS-bS 12. f2-f4 lLle6-a5 13. J:[a1-d1 lLla5-e4 14. Jte3-e1

Fianchetto Variation 6. g2-g3 with a complicated game and chances for both sides.

English Attack

This is a positional variation, as are all the lines against the Sicilian that feature a fianchetto. Its aim is to make the ... d7 -dS advance more difficult. How-

6. ite1-e3 This line is very fashionable nowadays. We really should call it the Scheveningen English Attack. Developed in the 1980s, it is above all the work of a group of English Grandmasters - most famously John Nunn, Nigel Short and Murray Chandler. White imitates the Yugoslav Attack against the Dragon with .te3, f3, 'iVd2,

307

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1 0-0-0, g4 and h4, in order to start an direct attack against Black's king. Black cannot remain passive in the face of this initiative, so he usually responds energetically in the centre with ... a7 -a6, .. .b7-bS, ... .lW.b7, .. .lLld7 -cS and the thematic ... d6-dS. The resulting positions are very complex, so you will need steady nerves and a good memory. With time the following has established itself as the main line (look at the games at the end of this section): 6. ~c1-e3 a7-a6 7. 'iVd1-d2 b7-b5 S. f2-f3 tt:lbS-d7 h7-h6 9. 92-94 10.0-0-0 £l.cS-b7 11. h2-h4 b5-b4! 12. tt:lc3-a4 'lWdS-a5 tt:l d7-c5 13. b2-b3 14. a2-a3! tt:lc5xa4 'iVa5-c7 15.a3xb4 d6-d5 16. b3xa4 17. e4-e5 tt:lf6-d7 tt:ld7-b6 1S. f3-f4 and Black's compensation for the pawn is difficult to evaluate.

Please note that this variation is classified under the Scheveningen because of convention. In reality, most of the time you will reach it via the Najdorf when 308

White plays 6 ..!te3 (or 6.(3) and Black prefers to play 6 .... e6 - which is often the case - instead of the thematic 6 ... eS, or the modern 6 ... tt:lg4.

The Keres Attack 6. 92-94

The much-feared Keres Attack is the principal bugbear for Scheveningen devotees. White immediately expands on the kingside with decidedly unfriendly intentions. It had its victorious debut in 1943 when it was used by the Estonian champion Paul Keres in a game against Efim Bogoljubow. This was the first of many victories that this attack has notched up, and it has become so feared that many prefer to first play S ... a6 (Najdorf), so that the g4-square is still controlled by two pieces, and only after White replies 6 ..lW.e2, 6.~e3, or 6.f4, transpose with 6 .... e6 to the Scheveningen. However, obviously, the Najdorf leaves you with problems to deal with too. Number one is 6.~gS, as we have already mentioned. Back to 6.g4. Now the moves 6 ... tt:lc6 and 6 ... a6 are playable; but after 7.gS, White has achieved the space advantage he was seeking. For this reason

Sicilian Defence - Scheveningen Variation S ....

h7-hS

To break up White's pawn front and create an outpost on g4. Also here we should underline that there is another possible transposition from the Najdorf. If after S. ...

a7-aS

White plays 7. ~c1-e3 -insteadof7.gS -

is the most popular move for Black. It has its advantages and disadvantages. White's initiative is slowed down, in the sense that if he wants to play h2-h4 and g4-gS he must first defend the rook on hI, and when the pawn advance takes place, the h8-rook can play a more active role. In addition, the extra tempo that is gained allows Black to make the thematic pawn advance ... d6-dS . However, by playing 6 ... h6 Black has weakened his kings ide and castling there is out of the question; yet castling queenside also has its risks. White's most common continuation is

7. h2-h4 8.

ttJb8-cS

J:th1-g1

Now Black usually responds with 8.

...

hS-h5!?

the position has transposed to the Perenyi Attack. This has the ECO code B81, but it is usually reached via the Najdorf (after S... a6 6 .~e3 e6 7.g4!?), and rarely by m eans of the Scheveningen (after 6. iLe3 a6 7.g4). The variation is very dangerous (for both players!). A good example is: 7. 8.

... ttJd4-f5

eS-e5!? g7-gS

Now White is virtually forced to sacrifice a piece with 9. g4-g5 10. e4xf5

gSxf5

and Black, instead of retreating the knight from f6 must respond energetically with 10. ... dS-d5! 11. g5xfS

1 I.'iYf3 d4 12.0-0-0 is another frequent guest of the tournament arena. 309

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 11 .... 12. ~f1-c4

d5-d4

K.A'iV~A

.t.

.t.

.!

.t..t.

!'::,' .t.!'::,

under the Scheveningen Variation . However, Black can also forgo ... a7 -a6 and play other promising lines with ... 4:lxd4 and ... ~d7-c6, or push the pawn to e5 at the right moment. This costs a tempo, but it does break up White's pawn front. Notwithstanding all this,

6. ...

The theoretical implications of recent play from this position have yet to be fully explored.

a7-a6

remains the most played move in response to 6.f4. Usually there follows 7. ~d1-f3 ~d8-b6 with sharp play and possibilities for both sides. For example: 8.4:lb3 'V/Iic 7 9.g4b510 ..liLd3 ~b711.g5 ltJfd7.

Classical Variation Scheveningen with 6.f4

6.

~f1-e2

White has another very interesting line to play against the Scheveningen: 6. f2-f4

This variation is characterized by White playing fairly aggressively without burning all his bridges. This is parlicularly the case when White proceeds (if Black allows) with ~f3 and 0-0-0, and then attacks on the kingside with his pawns. If Black plays ... a7 -a6 you transpose to variations more usually reached by way of the Najdorf, but classified 310

This remains a popular choice. White usually proceeds with ~e 3, f4, 0-0, and a possible a4, ~ hl, and then it is not rare for him to put the bishop on d3, the queen on g3, and after J:[ad 1 or l:i:ael, to get ready for the pawn advance e4-e5. He can also calmly plan a possible g2-g4-g5 push. White's pieces are flexibly placed, and he must be careful to prevent Black's counterplay, which can become very menacing in case White rushes ahead without sufficient thought. For his part, Black can continue in clas-

Sicilian Defenc e - Scheveningen Variation sical fashion by exchanging on d4, in order to put White's centre under pressure with .. ."fic7, ... a7-a6, ...b7-b5, ...~b7 and ... b5-M. If White puts his pawn on a4, to limit Black's activity on the queenside, Black can adopt a type of Hedgehog formation which is very adaptable and difficult to dent. Therefore, as in the 6.f4 line, it has re cently become more popular to forgo the 'Najdorf' pawn advance ...a7-a6, and instead immediately seek counterplay in the centre with ... lUxd4 (obviously after ... lUc6) followed by ... ~d7 -c6 . Alternatively, Black can push his pawn to e5, which simplifies, and gives Black a playable position, even if there are fewer prospects of winning. Another modern set-up, which in the past was underestimaied, is for Black to develop his knight to d7 instead of c6. It is certainly more passively placed h ere and has less influence on the centre. However, if Black manages to successfully complete his development, he can then relocate it actively on c5, or on the c4-square via b6. Of the many plans and strategies available, we will look at the main line, by which we mean the line that is most often played in tournaments: S. ... a7-aS 7. 0-0 ~ fS-e7 S. f2-f4 0-0 9. ~ 91-h1 ~ dS-c7 10. a2-a4 White can also refrain from this and instead opt for the old plan, which is more direct and entails more risk: 1 O.'iVe 1 tUc6 11 .~e 3 tUxd4 12 .~xd4 b5 13.a3 ~b7 14.'iVg3, with sharp play.

10.... l/.JbS-cS 11. ~c1-e3 For the reasons explained above, this pOSition is more often reached via the Najdorf.

Here is an example of the type of play that can follow: 11. ... 1ifS-eS l::!.aS-bS 12. ~e2-f3 13.92-94 l/.JcSxd4 14. ~e3xd4 eS-e5 15. f4xe5 dSxe5 1S. ~d4-a7 l::!.bS-aS ~ eS-dS 17·94-95 1S. ~d1-e2 l/.JfS-eS 19. ~a7-e3 ~cS-eS with a complicated position.

Movsesi;m,Seri~i ;,' ".

Sakaev,Kon.stantin

~: Pallormo Ech blitz 2002 (10) 1.e4 e5 2.tbf3 d6 3.lUe3 a6 4.d4 exd4 5.ttJx·d4 ttJf6 6.g3 a6 7.~g2 'iYe7 8.0-0 tDcS 9.l::te1 !&'e710.tDxeS bxc6 11.e5 dxe5 12.l:!:xe5 0-0 13.j.f4 'iib7 14.tDa4 ' l::td8 15.'iif3 .tDd5 ; 16.~ d2 . ~fS 17.l'le4 e5 .1S.l:Iae1 tDe7 19..b5 l::td5 20.~c3 ;~f5 .. 2ULb4 'iYc7 22.tDbS Irad8 . 23.tDxd5 cxd5 24.g4 $..eS 25.g5 ~xg5 2S:..txe5 'if~c2 . 27.~g3 .i.hS 311

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

2SJ1b7 tLlf5 29.~e3 ~a4 30.'(i'e7 .\:tfS 31.~dS tLlxdS i, 32.'f¥xdS .af4 33.'ife7 WeS 34.h3 ~d6 35Jbe6 1-0

Anand, Viswanathan TopaJov,Veselin Sofia 2005 (I)

n bs ". 23.fS .tea 24 ..b c4 dxe4 2S.'l1Vf3 .id7 26.fxe6 fxe6 27.gS hxg5 2S.hxg5 1:1xh3 29.'iVxh3 fixeS 30.'ifhS+ <;I;>fS 31.tLlf3 , .,*,e3+ 32.<;i;>b2 .aeS 33.'i¥hS+ cJ>'f7 34.~e3 1-0

Fedorov,Alexey

;

Vera,ReynaJdo 1.e4 e5 2.tLlf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4.tUxd4 tLlf6 5.tLle3 a6 6.~e3 e6 7.f3 b5 co. Linares 2002 (6) ' 1.e4 e5 Vbf3 dS 3.d4 exd4 4.tLlxd4 S.g4 h6 9.'iWd2 b4 10.tLla4 tLlbd7 tLlf6 5.tLle3 a6 6.13 e6 7.i:.e3bS S.g4 11.0-0-0 tLle5 12.b3 iLd7 13.tLlb2 d5 14:.af4 tLlxf3 15.tLlxf3 tUxe4 , hS 9.1Iid2 tDbd710.0-0-0 .ib711.h4 ,b4 , 12.tLla4 'Wa5 13.b3 tDeS 14.a3· 16.'ifd4 f6 17.A d3 . .ltc5 1S...ixe4 20J:txd4 a5 ;.b d4 19.3&.g6+ tLlxa4 15.axb4 'fiIe7 16.bxa4 ' d5 ; 21.n e1 iLeS 22.tLlh4 e5 23.n d2 a4 17.e5 tUd7 1S.f4 tUb6 19 J~h3 tUxa4 24.bxa4 'wgS 25.~g3 d4 26.n d3 20•.if2 .:tea 21 ..ie1 n bS 22.15 .ieS h5 27..b eS 'ifxeS 2S.g5 1:1eS 29.g6 23 ..:tb3 n b6 ' 24.fxe6 fxe6 25.gS J:th6 30.1bd4 n xg6 31.~xg6 1i'xg6 .1i.d726.ifd3 hxgS ' 27.'itg6+ WdS' 32Jld2 :te3 33.ned1 ~h7 34.Wb1 ' 2S.'iYxgS+ 'it'eS 29.J:tdd3 . w b7. 1i'f5 35.i:.e1 fla3 36.n d6 1:1h3 37.a5 30.1:U3 g6 31.'it'b1 flh5 32.fixg6 'WIxe5 33.~f2 1:1hS ' 34.Uf7 .:td6' l1xh2 3S..l:Ic1 'iWe4 39.a6 'ifaS 4O..ixb4 h4 41 ..tc5 h3 42.tLld3 .. 3S.1183 <;I;>aS 36.tIxd7 J:1xd7 37.J:1xa4 ' n d2 43.l;l:b6 h2 44.tLlf2 ~d5 ~d6 3S..:txa6+ Wb7 39.tLlxe6 .:teS 40.1:a7+ ' . ,1 -0 . 45.~e3 1:1e2 4S.J:1b3 f5 47.a7Jbe3 4S.n xe3 , 'iYb7+ 49.nb3 · 'iWxa7 ,'50.tLlh1 f4 51.e4 e4 52.c5 e3 53.e6 ,e2 54.e7,·''Wxe7 55.J:[xe7 eHW+ Keres,Panl . '56.J:[c1 . ·. ' 'ife4+ 57.wa1 'ifd4+ Bogoljubow,Efuit 5S.cJ>'b1 'iWe4+ 59.'iita1 · 'iYd4+ Salzburg 1943 (1) 60.w b1 'lWe4+ V2~V2 1.e4 cS 2.tLle2 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 tUf6 5.tLlc3 d6 S.g4tLlc6 .7.g5 tLlxd4 -, Kasparov,Garry 8.ii'xd4 tUd79•.te3 a6 10•.te2 'fic7. Topalov, Veselin 11.f4 b6 12.15 tUe5 13.1xe6 fxe6 ,. Wijk aan Zee 200] (7) 14.a4 .te7 15.h4 'ii'c5 16.'fiId2 'fie7 1.e4 c5 2.tUf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4.tUxd4 17.1:f1 .ltb7 1S..!td4 , 1:1f8 19.0-0-0, tLlf6 5.tLle3 a6 6..lte3 a6 7.f3 b5 S.g4 .:txf1 20.l.1xf1 .adS 21.'Wf4 tLlg6 h6 9.'Wd2 tLlbd710.0-0-0 .tb711.h4 . 22.'ifg4 'fie7 ·23.1WhS e5 ' 24..te3 .b4 12.tLla4 'iWa5 13.b3 tLle5 14.a3 . .ie7 2S.'i¥xh7 tLlf4 26.iLxf4 exf4 tLlxa4 1S.axb4 jfc7 16.bxa4 dS 27..ahS+ wd7 2S.A g4+ 'it'e6 29.'ilff5 17.eS tLld7 1S.f4 tLlb6 19.1:Ih3 tLle4 b5 30.'iYdS+ wbS 31.'Wd4+ wc6 32.tLldS ' 1-0 20.'iWe3 1:1eS 21.~d2 ~e7 22 ..ie1

wts

312

Sicilian Defence - Scheveningen Variation

Karpov,Anatoly ; Dorfinan,Iosif ,,' Moscow ch-URS 1976 (8)

Nevednichy,Vladislav ',' Sax,Gyula v Hungary tt 2001/02 (5)

1.e4 c5 Vbf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLJxd4 1.e4 cS 2.lLJf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLJxd4 ' lLJf6 S.lLJc3 e6 6.g4 ~e7 7.gS lLJfd7 .,' lLJf6 S.lLJc3 d6 6.94 h6 7.~g2 lLJc6 'S.h4 lLJc6 9.il.e3 as 10.,*"e2 'fJIc7 S.h3 i.d7 9.f4 lLJxd4 10.,*"xd4 i.c6 11 ..lte3 il.e7 12.0-0-0 lLJd7 13.'iYd2 ,11.0-0-0 bS 12.lLJxcS 1VxcS 13.~d4. 'it'c7 14.h4 b5 1S.gS lLJb6 16.b3 b4 14.lLJdS exd5 15•.bg7 , UgS J6.exdS 'li'c7 17..ltf6 lLJeS 1S•.be5 0-0-0 17."iWd3 b4 1S.lLJb5 · "iWb7 19.1LJd4 A d7 20....d2 ; d5 21.exd5 dxeS 19.f4 .tfS 20..ih3 ~xh3 '21.nxh3 ':cS 22.fxeS 'li'c4 23J~dd3 lLJxdS 22.lLJfS ~c6 23.lLJxe7+ Wfxe7 ' "tWf4+ 24.~b1 ·· Uc4 2S.d6 lle4 24.Jtd4 lLJc3 25.l:!.de1 tLJbS 26.il.xc6 2S.11he3 Xlxe3 27JIxe3 ~xh4 ·., lLJxd4 · 27:(fg2 "iWc7 2S..bS l:[d7 29.gxh6 gxh6 30.l:!.eS f6 3Ule4 ,2S:Wf3 'iYxgS 29.Ue1 'ii'g2 30."it'fS '.t>bS 32J:td1 l:IhdS . 33.l:Id3 as ~ Xlg6 31.:f1 '*"d5 32.dxe7 <J;;xe7 33:iWf4 a5 34.~h4+'iti>eS 35.'ilixh7 , 34.1:!e1 tLle2+ 3S.~b1 tLlXf4 36J:txd7 lLJxg2 " 37.'uxc7 ' lLJxe1 ;"iVf3 36.WhS+ '*e7 37.'ifh4+ '.t>e8 38.l:te7 " ' .. 0-1 3S.1i'c4 ' "iWb7 39.b3 Ue6 40.Ilg1 Ilxe5 41.J:tgS+ ~e7 42.'ifh4+ 'iti>d7 Timinan,]an '43.'iff6 lle7 44:WfS+ 'it'd6 45."tWxa5 'Ile5 46.'WdS+ ~e6 47.'iti>b2 f6 Smeets,Jan '4S.l:IfS "'g7 49....cS+ . ~d5 Hilversum ch-NED 2006 (6) ," 1.e4 c5 2.tLlf3 d6 3.d4 lLJf6 4.tLlc3 SO:Wc4+ '.?' 1-0 cxd4 S.lLJxd4 a6 6..te3 e6 7.g4 eS ; . Karpov.Anatoly , .'. 8.lLJfS g6 9.gS gxfS 10.exfS dS ;". Sax,Gyula 11:~f3 d4 12.0-0-0 lLJbd7 13.il.c4 t Li_nares 1983 (3) ~'. 'llic7 14.il.xd4 exd4 1SJl heH' lLJeS 16.gxf6 ~d617J:txd4 Ji.d718.i.xf7+ ' 1.e4 cS 2.lLJf3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLJxd4 'lLJf6 S.lLJc3 d6 6.g4 h6 7.l:!.g1 '~e7 'Ot>dS ' 19.1WdS lLJxf7 20.'ifxf7 ~c8 :~:! 1..0 ' 'S..lte3lLJc6 9.'lWe2 Ad710.h4 lLJxd4 .... 21.lDd>5 Wa5 22 . b4 :hi.xd4 ' eS 12..lte3 il.c6 13:tWd3 .a5 14.0-0-0 tLJxe4 15.lLJxe4 dS Naiditsch,Arkady ' ;16.1!fb3 dxe4 17.Ac4 IU8 ' 18.11dS Belov,Vla~ir i.xdS 19..bd5 ttdS 20.~c4 .i.b4 Moscow 2007 (2) . '21.c3 .bS 22..i.e2 ~d6 23.'~·dS ~e7 1.e4 c5 2.lLJf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLJxd4 .24.il.cS i.xcS 2S;~xe5+ <J;;d7 lLJf6 S.lLJc3 , a6 6.Jte3 e6 7.g4 eeS ' 26.'{Wxc5 '¥Iic7 27.'tlYfS+ .. <J;;e7 S.tL':)fS g6 9.9S gxfS 10.exfS dS :2S."iWxe4+ wd7 29.~fS+ ~e7 11.gxf6 d4 12.il.c4 'i¥c7 13.'ifd3 ' 30.tte1 J:1d6 31.i.c4+ '.t>dS 32 ..i.xbS dxe3 14.f4 i.b4 1S.0-0-0 A xc3 'a6 33.il.a4 g6 34.'~ff3 <J;;c8 3SJ:te7 ·· 16.bxc3 lLJc6 17.l:thg1 l:tf8 1S:iWxe3 JldH 36.'.t>xd1 'ilixe7 37JWaS+ 'i;;c7 AxfS 19:Wc5 lldS 20.il.dS llxdS 3S:iWa7+'.t>d639.1i'b6+.'. 1-0 ... 21.l:xdS A e6 22.l:td6 exf4 23.ttg7 313

Chess Opening Essen ti al s - Volum e 1

Jid7 24.J:td {' iLea 2S~l:e1 'fr'eS 2SJi'dS Wid7 27.'iYxf4 'fKdS 2SJteg1 : 1i'bS 29.~hS 'tWdS 30.J:t1g2 't/k'a3+ 31.<;!.,d1 fixe3 32J17g3 'ffa1+ 33.';t>d2, 'ti'd4+ 34.~e1 ~a1 + 3S.c;t>d2 tWd4+ 3S.c;t>e1 ~eS 37J%d2 'i\YeS 3S.e3 'iIlYeS 39.'tWf4 ',' '/j"eS 40.~f2 ~aS 41.1Wf4 ~eS

Polgar,Judit , .Kasparov,Garry Geneva rapid 1996 (3)

' .,

112- V2

~

..

~,

"

~<~,

11.g5 ttlfd712 ..td2 ttle513.0-0 ttlcS ' ,14J:ae1 gS 1S.ttldS exdS lS.exdS+ ttle7 17.JiaS ~eS lS.fS ttlxb3 19.fxgS ' 'iYcS+ , 20J U2 b dS 21.gxf7+ ~d7 ' 22 :~g4+ ~eS 23.exb3 ttlgS 24 ..tb4 ttle5 2SJlxeS \txf2+ 26.<;toxf2 dxeS 27.i!.e4 .teS+ 2S..b eS " \t;>xeS 29.b4+ '~d4 · 30.~d1+ ~xe4 ' 31.'Wf3+ cJtd4 32.VWe3+ <;t>c433.'i'ke3X , 1-0 ;

So,Wesley

,'. ",'. " Belov,Vladimir 1.e4 eS V llf3 dS 3.d4 exd4 4.tbxd4 ttlfS S.ttle3 as S.f4 eS 7.'iYf3 ~bS Mantia 2006 (9) S/llb3 ~e7 9.g4 · bS 10.gS ttlfd7 1.e4 eS 2.ttlt3 dS 3.d4 exd4 4.tt:lxd4 ; 11.~e3 ttlbS 12.0-0-0 ttlSd713.'iYh3 -,. tt:lfS S.tt:le3 as S.f4 eS7.YWf3 YWbS b4 14.ttle2 ttlc4 j 1S.~b1 il..b7 S.tt:l b3 'iYe7 9.£l.d3 bS 10.g4 itb7 1S.ttled4 ttlxe3 17.~xe3 g6 1S..ih3 11.gS 4Jfd7 12.'it'h3 gS 13.lU1 .tg7. 14.fS exfS 15.exfS 0-0 lS.i!.e3 UeS ' .'/j"bS 19J1hf1 0-0-0 20.e3 <;t;bS 21.exb4 'iYxb4 22.l:te1 ttleS 23.l:tfd1 17.0-0-0 ttleS lS ..te4 Jixe4 ' Jie7 24.eS ttlxb3 · 2S.axb3 I1eS 19.0 xe4 . ttlbd7 20.li::ixdS ttle4 2S.~f1 ~bS 27.b4 l:thdS 2S.bS axbS 21Jllxc4 bxe4 > 22.fxg6 hxgS 29..b bS dxeS 30:iYxeS+ .tdS 23.J:bd7 .' llxe3 24.l:ttxf7 ~xb2+ ; ;31.'ife3 · J:.xe1+ 32 ..r:txe1 .i.e7 ,. 25.'it>b1 tl. xh32S.J:be7 ~e5 33.ttleS+ .b eS 34.'iYxbS+ h bS . 27.J:tee7 exb3 2S.axb3 IIxh2 29.l:tf1 ' .Yl,.g7 ' ·30.11eS \t,;>h7 . 3UleS .. as 3S.IheS Jie3 3S.J:lc4 l:tdS 37.1%e4 .td2 3S ..teS ' 1itfS . 39.n d4 iUt4 32.Wa2 :teS 33~1%f7 1:1e1 34.b4 a4' 40JldS+ ~e7 4U!d7+ ~eS 42.1.tXf7 3SJbg7+ cJtxg7 3S.bS l:tee2 ". 0-1 '~ c;t>dS 43.tl.xfS exfS 44 ..tf7 we7 ., 37.w b1 ':eS 4S.~gS wfS 4S ..tdS .bh2 47.we2 Jif4 48.wd3 JixgS 49.b4 £l.dS Svidler.Peter SO.c;t>e3 \t;>g7 Sl.Wf4 'it>fS S2.b5 hS Lautier,Joel 53.wg3 g5 S4.wf3 g4+ SS. ~g2 h4 Calvia 012004 (10) 5S.'Ji>f2 -tbS+ S7.g2h3+ SS.'Ji>g3 1.e4 eS 2.tt:lf3 eS 3.d4 exd4 4.tt:lxd4 cJtgS S9.cJth2 ~e7+ SO.cJtg1 g3 0-1 ttlcS S.ttle3 as S.Ae2 dS 7..te3 tpfS ' S.f4 .te7 9:ti'd2!? 0-010.0-0-0 tt:ldi Pantaleoni,Claudio 11 •.tf3 l:l.b8 12.tb~e2 'iYaS 13.tt:l)(eS! Zoldan,Matteo 1Wxd2+ 14J:xd2bxeS 1·S.J:!.hd1 tt:lbS, Bratto 1997 (2) lS..txbSI l:txbS 17.l:I.xdSI± .txdS 1.tt:lf3 dS 2.e4 eS 3.d4 exd4 4.tt:lxd4 lS.J::rxdS eS 19.fxeS .J:teS20.tt:ld4 tt:lfS S.ttle3 eS S.f4 as 7.'ii'f3 ~bS ' ~f8 21.eS h eS 22.eS .te4 23.b3 S.tt:lb3 '(i'e7,.. 9..td3 b5 10.g4 .tb7 . .. .ifl 24.tt:lxeS gS 2S.a4 g4 26..td5

314

Sicilian Defence - Scheveningen Variation

.tIxe5 27J:tdS+ l:leS 2S.J:!d7 l:XeH 29.<;f.;>b2 l:td1 30.l1xf7+ <;f.;>eS 31J:te7+ 'eS- 35.J:l.xg4 w d7 36.lLleS+ w d6 37.lLle4+ A xc4 3S..b c4 ' b6 4S.g4 Jld6 49.w a3 rlg2 50.h3 J:!g3 51.<;f.;>b4 l:td4+ 52.~e3 Jld6 53:i.'e4 .% U3 54.b4+- )';tf4+ 5S.~b3 11f3 .56.<;f.;>a4 11g3 S7.A e4 Jle3 5S..ltd3 '<J.ob7 S9.h4 J:eS 60.g5 hxg5 61.hxg5 ;Itd4 62.g6 1:1g4 63.~fS 1-0

Ljubojevic,Ljubomir Andersson, Ulf l'

WijkaanZee 1976 (3)

·1.e4 e5 2.lLlf3 e6 3.d4 exd4 4.lLlxd4 lLle6 5.lLle3 'Wie7 6 ..lk.e2 a6 7.0-0 lLlf6 S.~e3 Yl.e7, 9.f4 d6 10.'iVe1 0-0 ' 11.'~g3 A d7 12.e5 dxe5 13.fxe5 ~lLlxe5 . 14.~f4 ~d6 15J%.ad1 'ifbS · 16Jld3 lLleS v 17.lLle4 ll.e7 1S.J::!.e3 o.lLle6 19...be7 lLlxd4 20.~d3 'iVa7 '21.lt:Jc5 ~b5 22.~e5lLle6 23.~xh7+ ''it>xh7 24.l:tf4 f6 25.l:th4+ \tJg8 26.'Wh3 lLldS ' 27.~d4 b6 2S.lLlxe6 ' tbxe6 29.'iVxe6+ ViHf7 30.'life4 g5 .3Ulh6 ria7 32 ..lleh3 'iWg7 33.11g6 :l:.'( ff734.c4 1-0

[_ Fernandes,Antonio Arlandi,Ennio . Leon Ech-tt 2.001 (5)

,

.

.

,1.e4 e5 2.lLlf3 e6 3.d4 exd4 4.lLlxd4 'lLlf6 5.lLle3 d6 6 ...te3 a6 7.~e2 ~e7 S.f4 ~e7 9.0-0 0-0 10.~h1 · lLle6 .1HWe1 lLlxd4 12..b d4 b5 13.a3 "~b7 14."5'g3 ..te6 15.ttad1 ~b7

16..l1i.f3 ll~eS 17JUe1' b4? 18.axb4 Wxb4 , 19.1LldS! '.bd5 20.~e3 "iVa4 21.exd5 'i'xc2 22.dxe6 lle7 23 ..l1i.e4 ~a4? 24.~xf6 .bf6 25.exf7+ ~h8 26.'i'h3 1-0

Anand. Viswanathan Kasparov,Garry New York Wch m 1995 (9)

1.e4 eS 2.lLlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLlxd4 lLlf6 5.lLlc3 a6 6.~e2 e6 7.0-0 ike7 S.a4 lLlc6' 9.il.e3 0-0 10.f4 ..Wic7 11.<;f;>h1 lleS 12.~f3 it.d7 13.lLlb3 tba5 14.lLlxa5 Wlxa5 1S.VJkd3 l1adS 16Jlfd1 ~e6 17.b4 Wie7 18.b5 ~d7 19.ttab1 'axbS ' 20.lLlxb5 ~xb5 21.1ii'xb5 l:taS 22.c4 e5 23 ..l1i.b6 1fVca 24.fxe5 dxeS 25.a5 £lf8 26.h3 '*Ye6 27Jld5 lLlxd5? 2S.exdS 'ij'g6 29.c5 e4 30.it.e2 J:te5 31.Wid7 J:[g5 32.1',1g1 e3 · 33.d6 n g334.l\Vxb7 , '*Ye6 355.t;>h2 1-0

Adams,Michael Topalov, Veselin . Wijk aan Zee 2006 (2)

1.e4 c5 2.lLlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.lLlxd4 lLlf6 5.lLlc3 a6 6.A e2 e6 7.0-0 Jie7 S.a4 lLlc6 9.Jie3 0-0 10.f4 'fIfe7 11.'
Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

Sicilian Defence Sozin-Velimirovic Attack 1.e4 c5 2. ~ f3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4"~xd4 .~J6 5. ~c3 t.;c6/a6

6 ...ic4

In this section we will discuss the variations in which White plays ~c4 on the 6th move against the Scheveningen, the Najdorf, or the Classical Sicilian. It is evident that there are many strategic similarities and transpositions, and thus it seemed logical to look at them together rather than in the respective sections for each variation. The development of the bishop to c4 gives a clear strategic quality to each variation. The Russian master Veniamin Sozin (1896-1956), whose name has become attached to this system, was not the first to play 6. i1Lc4. You can see examples of it being played occaSionally in some 19th century games. However, Sozin was the first to show what White's best plan is in some games that were played in the 193 Os. This plan is to combine ~c4 with the advance f2-f4 and a pos316

sible further advance to f5, in order to rapidly apply pressure on e6, and thus add some sense to the development of the bishop to the a2-g8 diagonal, where it would otherwise be less influential. It is not without reason that the game plan of the highly popular English Attack, i.e. the pawn advances f2 -£1, g2 -g4 and h2-h4, does not include the development of the bishop to c4, and indeed in the Sozin this pawn configuration proves to be largely ineffective. The only exception, in this sense, is the main line of the Dragon, in which this set-up does include ~c4. However, in this case the bishop only has the prophylactic role of preventing ... d6-d5. Another great advocate of the deployment of the fl -bishop to c4 during the 1960s was the future 11 th World Champion, Bobby Fischer, who came up with many new ideas for White and for Black! In recognition of his many contributions, some experts attach his name to Sozin's when denoting the whole system. However, we will call it by its usual name.

Fischer Attack 7 . ~b3 is called the Fischer Attack only ifit is played in the Najdorf; that is, after a7-a6 5. ... 6. ~f1-c4 e7-e6 or via the Scheveningen (5 ... e6 6.i1Lc4) when Black plays 6 ... a6. 7. ~c4-b3!? With this precautionary retreat by the c4-bishop to b3, White is making a move that will be necessary sooner or later (even if 7.0-0 and 7.a3 are both playable).

Sicilian Defence - Sozin- Velimirovic Attack S .... .l¥.f8-e7! The old main line was 9.f4 0-0 10.eS dxeS 1 l.fxeS lDfd7, which is now slightly out of use, since Black has more than adequate resources. 9. ~d1-f3!

Black usually seeks immediate counterplay on the queenside with the manoeuvre ... lDbd7 -cS, or with ...b7 -bS. We will first take a look at 7 ... lD bd7 , which is fashionable at the moment, but which was considered to be theoretically bad in the past. It was played more than once by Kasparov in his 1993 World Championship match against Short. After 8.f4 lDcs

practice has shown that Black's position is perfectly playable. Now back to 7 .~b3. 7. ..• b7-b5 White continues more often than not with S. 0-0 The direct 8.f4 followed by f4-fS is playable, but does not give more than equality.

This has now become all the rage. Played by Fischer in 1960, its real popularity began when Kasparov adopted it in the 1990s. Here we have a rare case where play, when restricted exclUSively to pieces, proves to be dangerous. Black's problem is that the threat of 10.eS cannot be prevented with the natural-looking 9 .. .~b7 because of 10 ..lii.xe6! fxe6 Il.lDxe6, with a strong attack. Therefore play proceeds with 9. ... 'iWdS-c7 1O. ~f3-g3 0-0 11 . .lii.c1-h6! tt:Jf6-eS Now White has an unpleasant kingside initiative. However, with correct play, Black should be able to maintain the balance. Now we will look at how w e can get to this position via the Classical Sicilian: 1. e2-e4 c7-c5 2. tt:Jg1-f3 d7-d6 c5xd4 3. d2-d4 317

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1 4. ttlf3xd4 ttlgS-fS ttlbS-cS 5. ttlb1-c3 S. ~f1-c4 e7-eS We will now examine the positions where White does not develop his queen to £3, but instead to e2, with both kingside and queenside castling. The most common continuation is 7. ~c1-e3 a7-aS

With the move 9.~e2 you transpose to a Velimirovic Attack in which White has retreated his bishop a little prematurely to b3. This allows ... tLJaS, but with the difference that White cannot retreat the bishop to d3, as you can in the standard Velimirovic line.

S. ~c4-b3 The more flexible 8.0-0 (for 8.Wfe2 see the Velimirovic Attack further on) 8 ... ~e7 9 .~b3 0-0 10.f4 tLJ xd4 11..~.xd4 bS n.eS dxeS 13.fxeS tLJd7 14.tLJe4 ~b7 lS. tLJd6 ibcd6 16.exd6 'iWgS

We can call this position the Classical Sozin, as it was played this way in the 193 Os. White searches for a balance between aggressiveness and solidity, and he prepares an initiative on the kingside without burning all his bridges behind him.

9. ... 10. ~d1-f3

0-0

Velimirovic Attack

leads to a complex position that is difficult to assess. S .... ~fS-e7 9. f2-f4 318

Here is another famous variation where White's light-squared bishop is developed to c4. You should note that White can only enter this variation if Black plays the Classical Sicilian (1.e4 c5 2.tLJ£3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4. tLJxd4 tLJf6 S.tLJc3 tLJc6). S. ~f1-c4 e7-eS 7. ~c1-e3 ~fS-e7 7 ... a6 8.'tWe2 Wic7 9.0-0-0 ~e7 is a transposition of moves. S. 'iVd1-e2

Sicilian Defence - Sozin-Velimirovic Attack

White's idea is to prepare queenside castling while keeping control of g4, to be able to push the g-pawn without the need to play f2 -f3. It became popular in 1965, following some brilliant victories by its creator, the Yugoslav GM Dragoljub Velimirovic. It was sometimes played by Fischer; he used this variation in a famous game with Larsen in 1 970, which he lost. This aggressive line has never achieved the popularity of the Richter-Rauzer : probably because most players prefer not to play such a one-dimensional line, and instead would rather play something strategically more complex. Black generally continues with S. ... a7-a6 9. 0-0-0 'iVdS-c7 10. ~c4-b3

This is a prophylactic move, which is necessary to be able to play g2 -g4. Now Black must choose. He can leave the king in the middle and play on the queenside with 10 .. .tLla5, exchanging it for the bishop on b3, but this leaves White with the strong knight on d4. Instead, Black can immediately play 10 ... 0-0. In the latter case, White's plan is the brutal manoeuvre g2 -g4, I:Xh1-g1-g3-h3 and, then g4-g5, ~e2-h5-h7 checkmate! However, Black will not just sit there twiddling his thumbs, and in practice it is difficult to pull this off. A)

11. 92-94

This is best met by 11 ....

tLlc6xd4

when White must recapture with the rook, since 12.1i.xd4 eS 13.1i.e3 Jixg4 14.13 iLe6 gives no compensation for the sacrificed pawn. 12. .l:[d1xd4

This prevents 12 ... e5 thanks to 13.J:l.c4 (gaining a tempo by attacking the queen) followed by g4-g5 and tLlc3-d5 . Therefore, Black continues with 12. ... 13.94-95 14. J:l.h1-91

b7-b5 tLlf6-d7 tLld7-c5

319

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I and White can try and add some sense to the rook's placement on d4 by clearing the way to h4 with 15.e5!? Black would be wise to not accept the proffered pawn immediately; instead he should respond with I5 ...d5 I6 .l:!.h4 'iYxe5, with a position that is not easy to evaluate. B)

However, at this point White can playa courageous two-piece sacrifice: 13. ttJd4-f5!? 14. ~ b3-d5!?

b7-b5

11. llh1-91

11. ...

ttJf6-d7

11.. .b5 12 .g4 b4 13 .tLlxc6 ~xc 6 14. tLld5 is another highly sacrificial line. ttJd7-c5 12.92-94 Now the normal continuation would be I3.g5.

320

For examples of these lines, see the games at the end of this section. As you have doubtlessly noted, when you play these variations, you are living on a razor's edge. Exhilarating perhaps, but not to the taste of every black player, who has alternatives such as ...tLlc6-a5xb3, or postponing kingside castling and first mobilizing his queenside pawns. To finish we have prepared a table (see next page) which presents the various systems in which White can play ~c4.

Sicilian Defence - Sozin-Velimirovic Attack ~.,

A) Classical Sicilian 1. e2-e4 ,'. 2. tbgH3 3. d2-d4 i 4. .tbf3xd4 5.tbb1'·C3 . 6: ~f1-c4 ,c" <

" c7-c5

'I;:

,,,,,"t'.

6 .... 7. ~c4·b3

~fS-e7

:.

d7~d6

c5xd4 tbgS-f6 l¢:!bS-c6

.. ,:Now Black could defer the 'Najdorf :.. a6 and 'directly play his knightto c5 .via a6, . preparing to " exchange it for the light-squared bish9P when he chooses to, 6...4Jc6 would transpoSe to subseCtion 1), Please note: afterthe normal6 ...e6, the head for either the C) -Najdorf game: :'''. 1. e2-e4 Velimirovic Attack : or ·· the Classical c'':. 2. tbg1-f3 Sozin,' ButBtack can avoid this and enter less t;heoreticallin'es like 6,,:.id7 or> 3. , d2-d4 ,.' 4. ,·tbf3xd4 the more popular 6 .. Jj'b6. Then, 'after ' 5; tbb1-c3 7.lLJdbS, or 7.4:lb3, youreachpositions 6. ~f1~c4 which are ; similar .t~ the Classical Sche~eningen: '; 7 ... a6 8.~e3 'it' c7 ; 9.$.e2 ; Do not jorget about the common er~or 6, ..g6?7.0.xc6bxc6'S.e51, ,;." '

will ,

c7-cS ,. " d7-d6 cSxd4 tbgS-f6 , a7-a6 e7-e6

.....:.

B) ' Scheveningen ', . 1. ' e2~e4 c7-c5 ~" . ,,: 2. ' tbg1~f3 d7·d6 ~" , 3. d2-d4 c5xd4 < .. :; 4. . .tbf3xd4 tbgS-f6 '.: ,,' .. ", ,' , 5. " tbb1';c3 , ;'. e7-e6 , .,t:::.~--"'=:"'::::'-=-----."""".=J " 6; :' kf1-c4 ",' . ,,' ..... Now, after ..\¥..c4 is less frequently played against'the : '" 7. .i.c4-b31? scIievenitigen than against the Najaorf '. We h~ve the Fischer Attack, 7,0-0 is also the Classical Sicilian because of the playable. The alternative 7,.\te3 is ambi~ popuhirity ofi:heKeres Attack. dous ,but double-edged; after 7.,.bs Here, Black .can avoid the. usual set-up 8,~b3 h4!?, it isn't clear If White will get by not playing .. ,tbc6, for example: " .-"., :.~ suffident compensation fo):, the e4-pawu, ;

or

321

Chess Opening Essentiols - Volume 1

'<>" Sh-;;rt;Nig~r

; ., . ~

, ; t '~~J.::"'i;;:'~~';6'·27:

';' Kasparov,Garry ",

'ii'fS':; 's1;~ 7 28.i~;4+~ ~d6'l

, .::i; ,,:'.,' 29.i.fd3+ ~' <.te6 ,' 30.'+lfg6+",:: rJ;rd7

'f London Weh m 1993 (8) " , ; , .:'.-: 31,t;:ic4 " llad8 ;,,32.'iWd6+ ' 'iite8' .1.e4 cS 2.tbf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tDxd4 ~··, , . 33.'iVe6+ ,' ~8 : 34:iWf6+~gS ;'4:lf6 S.4:lc3 ' a66.~c4 , e6 -7•.1t..b3 ,:' .> 3S.W96+ ,:Jif8 36.h3 ·llg837.'il:Yf6+ "ttlbd7,8.f4 tDcS 9.eS dxeS 10.fxeS ":' ~eS 3S.lDd6·': "" ,; .;;:.:,;,.; ..;, 1-0'

;~:d71!~:;:~:s;~·~~~:.g_~~;::t,' , , Fis~er:~~b~;t;""

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1 16.~c6! tL)xb3+ 17.axp3 <;. Wc5 ,: ,' ..:"' Rubmettl,Jorge .... \" ;~r· ,. ',( -i ~ 1S.tDe4!; 'lIVxc6 19.hgS , ~b7 ' , iilmadeMaiiorca,19'7. 0 (1l) ,,<: ', 20.l:!d61l iid6' 21.tDxd6+' M8 " 1'.e4 cS2.tbf3 d63.d4 'cxd4, 4.tiixd4· ' 22 ..r:tf1 c, ,;tDxeS 23~'iYxe6 :'";,1!fdS ' ,; 4:lf6 .S.tpc3 e6, 6::i.c4 a6 7~~b3 bS' , 24.11xf7+lItDxf7 c 2S.~e7+~g7CL ' S.O-O .llb7 9.11e1 : t.Dbd7 : 10.~g$ h6 ; 26.'~lf6+ ~' 'itti7 271i"Xf7 " ¥WhSO', "'::' 11.~h4 ~C5 12~d5exd5 13.exdS+, ' 2S.lbgS+ ~gS ": 29:ili'e6+", 'J;'g 7 " :"'" <J;;d7 14.b4 tDa41S.tt'lxa4 bxa4 16:<::4 , 30.'i!Yf6+ ' Wg8 31.'lIVe6+ '>t>g7 ': ?'~8 ' 17.'iWxa4 ; 'iVd7 '1S.'iVb3 . g5 , ~ 32 ..llf6+ wh6 . 33:tbf7+ ' ''~h7 "; 19.,tg3 . tDhS " 20.C5 dxc521.bxcS· :'34.tZlgS+ ',·'; ~h6 : <, 3S.:bhS+,. ''ifxdS 22JleS+ wd7 23:iia4.f. ,'·. ac6', : [35.lDf7+±] 35... 'if96, 36.t;:Jf7*.:'it>h7 ' 24:lbxC:6 ' :,' .. I ,it· · · \ ;. .1~0 : 37.~e7 ., 'ilfxg2? :;· [3L ..>f;g8!!] "{ < " , \ . '" .~ , ~ ' 38.AeS? [38 ..lld4!+-:-} 38...1Yf1+:= "::. . '" ,,'" .::,~ •39:~d2 ~,' "'f2+ .... '40.~d3 i.' '1ff3+ ' ' M6rozevich,Alexandei 41.~d2. "'f2+ [,A.nother example . (in ,,,: Kasparov,Garry . I

J

: addition to Fischei~Gelle~) "of th'e , tre~: ··· ." ASUna2001 '(3) ',;;,;> ,:. "." ..• " , mend?us .complexity of. the Sidlhm: " 1.e4 cS 2.tDf3,d6 3.d4 cxd4 '4.tDxd4, '. even the players in the'wo~ld c~ii·",. tzJf6 S:ib'c3 a6 6 ..llc~ ~67.ii.b3 bS; ' make serious ,mfstakes in thes·~compli~:'~!/.. S.O-O ' .ae 7 g:~'f3 'tWc7.:1OJ!f g3 0-0 . ;catedvariations] , " ,; WY2 ;,':: 1Ut h6 ',¢e8 ;:12.:ad1':, ~d7 13.f4 ~ .. ..' ' ; ; ,tDc6 .:' 1~.fS tDxd4 < 1SJ:txd4 "tJtf6 . )"" .,;, 16":d3 ~eS 17.'~ig4 b4 ·, 18.f6 g6

best

,

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Nisip~~llU,llviU-Di~tt~r '" Grischuk,Alexander "

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19.1Je2 ' as' 20.Ji.xfS~x.fS . 21~\wh4:

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. " : :;, .. " ,, 24:ifh6+lt>e7 2S.~c4 ' 'i'cs 26.b3 1.e4 c5 2.0f3 d6 .3.d4 cxd4 4.0xd4 :':" axb3 27.~xb3 ' ib5 , 28.lDf4 ··Axf4 tDf6 ' S.tDc3 a6 6~c4 · e6 i ..tb3 :29.'fi'xf4 ~eS ' 30.h3 95 31:~'f2 'g4 ' ' tDbd7 S...tgS h6 9.kxf6'ii'xf6 .10:0-0 32:ifYb6 , tL:sd7 ' 33."-f2 tDf6 ' 34.1Yb6' ,gS 11.f4 ~g712.eS dxeS '13.fS e4 \ .'~ l:!h8 35.~xd6 :, 'iVxd6 , 36~~xd6+: ,14.tZ'ice2 exfS · 1S.:txfS 'ifb6 :16.liXf7 ;;, ~xd6 37.1:!xf6 ; llh7,. 38.~h2 .;~eS" ;~f6 ., 17....d2 tLIeS1S.l:IxfG ''ifxf6 .' 39.11f2 ·' gxh3 40.gxh3 ..tc641:~c4 ;19.1.U1 ~b6 20.tDC3''' tDc6 21.:~.f7+ ·~' <~.xe4 ., 42.li~2 : fS'::; 43.:td3";'~f42 ,~d8~2.¥i'f2 'i!fxd4 23.l:Id1 'iYxd1 + . <: ,\' 44.,~Xe4 fJ(e4 '4S ..r:tf2+·;<;fie~ 46:l:IfS ' ' 24.tDxd1.'>t>e7 2S.tiJe3 .ie6 26.Jixe6. L. eS ~:·,47.l1eS., Jlc7.,;,,,4,S,nxeS .,,>f;f4 : :" Foros 2006 (8)

322

Sicilian Defence - Sozin-Velimirovic Attack

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e3 ; 5U1xb~+ , ~f3 "<, 52.11bl , l:lg2+ ! 53.Whl e2 54.a4 ~f2 55.a5 :%gS ' 5S.Wh2 1haS 57.h4 :la3 "0-1 , ~-"" " :" ',", " ";" ' >

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Chess Opening Essentials - Volume I

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,: veli;rurovi~,Dragoijub"'~J.-?"';( ~ ;':-:"~~"7 8.1br~6 '9:j~2' , ,:, Sofrevski,Jovan , ,; 'fiIe7 1Uthg1 b5 12.g4 b4 13.tZlxe6 Titograd ch-YUG 1965 (7) :" 'irxe6 14.tZld5 exd5 1S:g5 tZlxe4 ,1.e4 e5 2.tZlf3 lUe6 3.d4 exd4 , 16;~xdS 1!Va4 17.Ad4 ~fS 1Sb e4 ,4.tZlxd4e6 S.ttJe3 d6 6.~e3 ttJf6 1Ue4 19.'ifxe4 " flxa2 , 20.ifxe7, l%ae8 21.~e7 . lle422..1Le3 . tIc4 · 7.~c4 ~e7 8.ife2 a6 9.0-0~0 Wie7 · 10.~b3 tZlaS 11.g4 bS 12.gS tZlxb3+ 23.'Wxd6 b3 24.'iitd2 lIxe2+, 25.~e1 ~ 13.axb3 tLJd7 14.tZlfS exf5 1S.tt:ld5 ·· fgxb226.~d3 ' a5 27.l::tg4 ,. %:te3 ",,"d8 16.exfS 0-0 17.f6 gxf6 18.~d4 · ';: 28.'ilfd2 l:te2 . 29.WJd3 ' lre3 30.ife4· ttJe5 19.9xf6 ,.bf6 20.rlhg1+ ~g7 ~a3 '( ,3Uth4 ,: g6 ' 32 ..td4 : J:[e1 ;21.~xeS dxeS 22.'WixeS f6 23.ttJe7+ ' ; 33.l:!.xh7 .'; 'ilfb4+ . 34;we2 ': lle2+. wf7 24.'ir'h5+ ., 1-0;} 3S.<;t;>f3 ~xd4 36Jbd4. ~Xh7 1-0, "

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324

Sicilian Defence - Najdorf Variation

The advance ...a7 -a6 on the 5th move is the move that defines the NajdorfYariation. It has become the most popular of all Sicilian variations. This is hardly a surprise, as it was the mythical champion Bobby Fischer's favourite choice during the 1960s and 1970s. In addition, from the 1980s on, Gary Kasparov used it almost exclusively. Champion players have always dictated chess opening fashion. We may not be able to play like these guys, but we can at least play their openings! Played by Esteban Canal as far back as 1929 (!), 5 ... a6 was also used by the Czechoslovakian Karel Opocensky in the 1930s. It became popular in the 1940s and acquired its name in honour of the Polish-Argentinian player Miguel Najdorf (191 0-1997), one of the strongest non-Soviet players after the Second World War.

We are dealing with a very flexible concept: Black plays the move ... a6, which is always useful in the Sicilian; he maintains the option to advance the pawn to e6 (transposing to the Scheveningen) or to e5, depending on the circumstances and the personal taste of the player. This is Kasparov's approach, and he generally opted for ... e6 when White chose positional continuations such as 6.iLe2. Fischer, on the other hand, preferred to remain in the spirit of Najdorf with the thematic pawn advance to e5. You should note that the move 5 ... a6 is played to make ... e7 -e5 possible without receiving check on b5: if 5 ... e5 is played immediately, it gives the white knight advantageous access to the f5-square, as explained in the section on minor variations after 2 ... d6. A reader may well ask why a move like ... e5 is so important in the Najdorf, given the hole it creates on d5? The answer lies in the fact that the Najdorf is at heart an ambitious line that aims to put the e4-pawn under pressure! In the Open Sicilian, with the white d-pawn gone, and the f-pawn on f4, the 'poor' e-pawn is subject to attack by the When the adversary's pieces. hypermodernists prauocatively claimed that 1.e4 was an error, they may have been partially correct! Black blocks the path of the

e4-pawn with ... e5, preventing that extra step forward that is so dangerous in the standard variations: he then exchanges on f4 and begins to attack it with ... b5 to develop the bishop to b7, with ... 4.Jd7 -c5 and sometimes with .. .n e8. In some exemplary games by Fischer and other Najdorf experts this plan is carried out brilliantly. 325

Ches s Opening Essential s - Volume I Naturally, the ... e5 push does not always work in Black's favour. It does not take much to fmd yourself in strategically lost positions, as some of the young Karpov's adversaries discovered the hard way. That said, it is understandable that 6 ..tg5 was the first and most popular anti-Najdorf continuation, since with the f6-knight already pinned, the move 6 ...e5 creates a weakness on d5 which is more easily exploitable by White than in the other variations.

This could be a good idea for those who do not want to get bogged down in too much theory. It prevents ... b7 -b5, therefore it cannot be bad. C)

6. g2-g3

We will now have a look at White's alternatives on the 6th move. A)

6. J:th1-g1

The Fianchetto Variation is relatively popular with players who like quiet positions. After 6 .. .e5, the knight can retreat to e2 or to b3, in both cases with a slow positional struggle. Naturally, ... e7 -e6 leads to positions dealt with in the section on the Scheveningen Variation.

D)

6. h2-h3

Recently this strange move has appeared, which is played with the idea of a g2-g4 advance. B)

6. a2-a4

This is the move that Bobby Fischer played a few times when he had to fight against the Najdorf himself. White's idea includes a g2-g4 pawn advance 326

Sicilian Defence - Najdorf Variation and, if Black plays ... e7 -eS, to retreat the knight to e2 and then reposition it on g3. However, with 6 ...e6! Black can transpose to the Scheveningen, in which h2-h3 is of doubtful use. E) 6. ~f1-d3 Of the minor variations, this b est justifies the idea of the Najdorf's 6 .. .eS: after 7. tlJde 2

Black obtains a comfortable position with ... tlJbd7 and ... bS. Please note the valid opportunity to exploit the fact that the d4-knight is undefended with 6 .. .tlJc6 and also 6 ... g6. We shall now turn to lhe 'serious' options, at least from a statistical frequency viewpoint. F) 6. ~f1-c4 We have already discussed this move in the section on the Sozin-Velimirovic Attack. G)

6. f2-f4

An interesting move. It is sufficiently

aggressive and there are not too many variations that you have to remember.

In Najdorf style there is 6. ... e7-e5 Black can also opt for 6 ... e6, which transposes to the Scheveningen, or he can choose the flexible 6 ... ~c7 or 6 ... tlJbd7. 7. ttJd4-f3 ttJbS-d7 S. a2-a4

Preventing ... b7-bS. ~fS-e7 S .... 9. ~f1-d3 The ambitious 9 .~c4 is also playable here. 9.... 0-0 10. 0-0 We have reached a strategically complex position that is rich in possibilities for both players. Black can gain a pawn with lO ... exf4 with the idea - after 11. ~xf4 - to take on b2 with the queen (after ... 'iWb6 check). Otherwise, in the event of the prophylactic 11.~hl, he can try to defend the extra pawn on f4 with ll...tlJhS . Naturally, such greediness has its risks. Black can instead play the more solid 10.... ttJd7-c5 11. <;i;>g1-h1 e5xf4 12. ~c1xf4 327

Chess Openinn Essentials - Volum e 1

J4..txf6'''~f6 15~~~·'idJ "1s:i;2 'i .'jIjc7 17.l:tfd1 l:rfd8 1'8.tild2 tilxc2 19.1:rac1 tild4 20:Wg4 W1ie7 21.tbf3 '

White has some prospects of an initiative on the kingside, but Black's piece activity gives him sufficient counterplay. You should also note another possibility on the 8th m ove for Black:

8. ...

~d8-c7

This queen move prevents the white bishop from establishing itself on c4, The obj ective is a kingside fianchetto, but after 9, ~d3 g6 10,0-0 iLg7 11. ~el 0-0 !2 ,'l1!Vh4 b6 I Hiihl iLb7 14Jxe5 dxe5 15 ,~h6

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Sicilian Defence - Najdorf Variation r'"

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329

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

White can continue with the aggressive 9. SL.c1-e3

the subtle 9. or the solid

~g1-h1

9. a2-a4

This Classical Variation is becoming more and more popular. White simply wants to develop naturally before starting to play actively. The ensuing lines are of a positional nature, but this does not necessarily mean that they are easier to handle : as in its sister variation in the Scheveningen, tactical play usually starts after the opening phase. Yet again, Black has baSically two choices: A) to play e6, transposing to the Scheveningen (see the Scheveningen section for a detailed examination); B) to continue with the thematic 6 ... eS. We have already elaborated on the advantages and disadvantages of this pawn advance. e7-e5 6. 7. ltJd4-b3 S. 0-0 330

iLfS-e7 0-0

Each of these produces complicated positions that contain plenty of possibilities for both players. Generally, White seeks to exploit the weakness of the dS-square, and is careful to limit Black's counterplay. He then aims to create a kingside initiative with the pawn advance f2 -f4 . Sometimes, an alternative strategy is to occupy the dS-square with the knight, to recapture with the e4-pawn and then to make the mos t of his queenside pawn majority with the pawn advances b2-b4 and c2-c4-cS.

r" 'Kii!pov,AtlatolY''-' .

PolugaevSky,Lev Moscbwm 1974 (6)" . . 1.e4 c5 2.t~Jf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4.t2lxd4: llJf6 ~.ltJe3 a6 6.~e2 e5 7.llJb3 A e7, S.0-0 1i.e6 9.f4 'We7 10.a4 ltJbd7. 11.<;t>h1 0-0 12.i,e3 exf4 13.11xf4' llJe514.a5 llJfd715JU1 .1).f6 16.llJd5 :1i.xd517.'ifxd51!Vxe2 1S.ltJd4 'tWxb2.19.11ab1 jfe3 20.llJf5 ..-e2 21.11be1

Sicilian Defence - Najdorf 6 . .£ e2

ctbe5 2i:lbxdS tt:)ed3 23 ..b d3 ti;d3"'::''iYe5 30:ilVe2 tle7 31.l:ra4 ·'it;g7 ; 24.ltd1 .:· lLlb4 . 25.¥i'xb7 ' J:XabS '.,' 32J:tc4 ' h5 33.b4 g5 34.b5 g4 1-0 !2S:'iWa7 'iVeS , 27.Jif4 :taS2S.~f2 ; 35.'iWe3 h4 3S.bSl1ih7 37.b7 :'l ladS 29.~ g3 'i!¥ e3 30JU3 :'fjVe2 " '" ,, .', :31:Jadf1 ~d4 32.£i.hS tLleS 33.lLlfS Svidler.Peter " t~~2 34.~e1 · 'i¥b5 35.tt:ihS+ <;PhS Polgar,Judit 3S.lLlxf7+ n xf7 37.:txf7 ~fS 3S:iff2 '", Dos Hermanas i999 (9) '0' wgS 39JlxfS gxfS·40.'iWxfS 1-0 , 1.e4 c5 2.lLlf3 dS 3.d4 exd4 4.lLlxd4 ii" ;.', ""c', " " , . lLlfS 5.lLle3 as S.~e2 e5 7.lLlb3 !lJ..e7 ~. Short,Nigel "", " .' 8.0-00-0 9..te3 ~eS 10.lLldS lLlbd7 Gelfand.Boris ~{' , " '" 1Ui'd3 .ltxdS 12.exd5 lLleS 13.'iVd2 ii' Amsterdam 1996 (2) lLlfe4 14.'i¥b4 a5 1S.1i'bS 'ite7 ,1 .e4 e5 2.tbf3 dS 3.d4 exd4.4.lLlxd4 , 1S,%:rtd1 bS 17:iVe4 fS 1S.~d3 'fHdS ' :,lLlfss.lLle3 as S:.\te2 eS 7.lLlb3 .¥i.e7 19.tLlxeS , lLlxeS 20.a3 l:teS 21.'iVb5 S.O-O .teS 9.14 Wie710.>ith1 0-0 11.fS e4 22 ..ltf1 ~fS 23.J:1ab1 ~e5 24.b4, axb4 2SJlxb4 lLld7 26J':e4 l:%xe4 i.te4 12.g4 hS 13.gS hxgS 14.hgS', :lLlbd7 1S.11g1 J:1fc8 1S.:bc4 'li'xc4 27.'iIk'xe4 'i¥e8 2S.:te1 lLlfS 29.h3 :17.'iYf3 <MS 18,83 bS 19.1Lld2 'i!i'eS lbd7 30:ii'e7 f4 31.!lJ..e1 e3 32.A b5 ' 20~1fh3 >ite8 21:fkhS+ .tfS 22 ..bf6 exf2+ 33.l1ixf2 f3 " 0-1 :'lLlxfS 23Jbg7, ;, a5 24.J:[g3b4 , " 2S.\WxfS bxe3 2S.bxe3 'ti'b7 27.l:tb1 Short,Nigel '" 'iVe7 2S:~'hS :tabS 29Jlbg1. ~d7 Polgar,Judit :)' 30.e4 J:Ib2 3Urc3 VWdS 32.'iVh7 ~eS Budapest 2003 (8) i33.J:[gS ~fS 34.~g2 ~d7 3S.tbf1 ' 1.e4 e5 2.lLlf3 dS 3.d4 exd4 4.lLlxd4 lLlfS S.lLle3 a6 SJt.e2 e5 7.lLlb3 ~e7 'il..e7 ,3S.lIg7 ItfS 37.tbe3 'iWh4 : 3S.'tifxh4 £!..xh4 39.eS dxc5 40.,axe5 , S.O-O 0-0 9.l1ih1 lLleS 10.i.e3 .\teS 84 41.'1I;>f3 1l.e7 42.11d5+~ l1ie7 '. 11.fVd2 d5 12.exd5 lLlxd5 13.tLlxd5 1-0 , .bd5 14.11fd1 iUb3 15.axb3 'i!Yxd2 43.li:txe5 .ba3 44.Jaa5 I" " 1S.Jaxd2 'uadS 17.Jaad1 ' :txd2 , Efimenko,Zahar 1SJbd2 n dS 19..i.d3 gS 20.e3 a5 Onischuk,Vladimir ". 21.f3 h6 22.g3 .tg5 23.f4 exf4 Poltava ch-UKR 2006 (1) , 24.gxf4 il..fS 25.Wg2 g5 2S.il..e4 :teS 1.e4 e5 2.lLlf3 dS 3.d4 exd4 4.lLlxd4 27Jle2 gxf4 2S..txf4 " Uxe2+ 29.~xe2 '1I;>g7 30.~g4 .tgS 31.i.e7 'tLlfS 5.lLle3 as S.il..e2 e5 7.lLlb3 1le7 '8,0-0 0-0 9.ll:e1 A eS 10..tf3 tLlbd7 Jl.dS 32.if.g3 I1igS 33.il..eS bS, :11.a4 Wie7 12.aS lUeS 13.i.e3 b5 34.l1if3 f5 3S ..ltd7lLle7 3S.iLh4 wf7 ;14.axb6 lLlxbS ~, 1S.l2Ja5UabS 37.il.f2 il..e7 38.h4 hS 39.we2 f4 40.Wf3 tLlg6 41.if.f5 lLle5+ 42.'1I;>e4 '1S.lLld5 lLlbxd5 1,7.exd5 .lit.d7 1S.lLleS ;il..xeS 19.dxeS e4 20.il..e2 , 'ifxeS " lLlg4 43 •.td4 lLle3 44.if.h3 lLlg4 '21.b aS Ite7 22.c4 d5 23 ..tbS '*YeS ·45.>itf5 lLle3+ 4S.'1I;>g5 lLle2 47.il..f2 '24.i.f4 i.dS 25.exd5 ~e7 2S ..ltxdSlLle3 48.>itxh5 w fS 49.~g4 .lit.dS ;'iiVxdS 27•.teS gS 2a.b3ndS 29.h3 .,,,' SO.~e1 i.f8 S1.b4 axb4 52.exb4

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Chess Open inn Essentials - Volume I

;':"0:0:0, O"O .:·9:~h1 .. ~b6 ~·10.f4";~·b7"

.tbdS····S3.bS·

'ib4 '· 54.'i~b4~" tH~b4 ~ 'SS;jLe2 )f;>fS S6.'ifo>h6 'it>f6 S7.~hS ,wfS SS.b3 , tbd5 S9.£Ld3+ ' ~eS , '60.wg4 tbf6+ 61.~f3 tbg8 82.hS ttbh6 ;63 ..tg6 tbgS 64.~c2 tbh6 · 6S.~d3tbg8 66.~g4 tbf6+67.wgS ~ f3 6S.h6 f2 69.Wg6 .tbdS 70.~c4 ~e4 71.<M7 tbe3 72.iL.'e2 tbfS 73.h7 ~e3 74..tf1lDg3 7S;.tg2 · 1-0 " ~." ,

11.~f3 tbbd7 12.tbdS 1:I.c8 13.c3 as 14.84 .ta6 1S..:re1 tbxdS 16.exdS fS ·· 17.it.e2 .be2 18.'iVxe2 it.f6 ,19.jLe3' tbc520:WbS ;' exf4 21 ,ilxf4 tbe4 ' 22.1:I.f1 , \\Vee 23.~d3 ' g5 24.~e3 ' iYhS · 2S.~d4 .:rceS . 26.wg1 . 94 ' 27.tbd2 ~xd4+ 28.'lWxd4 , g3 29.h3 ' 'i!¥e2 30.1:I.ae1 'iWxd2 ' '31.1:I.xe4 : '/Wxd4+ 32.1:I.xd4 . J:te2 33.t'l.f3 · f4 ':, Wirig.Antho~', .c.; " , 34..l%dXf4 " l:I.e1+ . ' 3S~ttf1 ttxf4' " Moradiabadi.Elshan '. 36.l:xe1 llxa4 37.~f{l:.f4+' 38.c.t;;g 1 : . Nancy 2001'(8) ;:" : .' , nf2Y~ 39Jle3 l1xb2 ' 40J:txg3+ , ~f7 ~1.e4 cS 2.tbf3 d6 3.d4 'cxd4 4.ttixd4 41 ..:rf3+wg6 42.c4 a4 43.c.t;;fft'l.c2 tbf6 S.tbc3 a6 6 ..lte2e5 7.tbb3 .ite 7,' 44.rle3 ~fS . .. " ,."', ,> 0-1,,~; ~'" ~. .".~, ~, .I-.~ _~: ,.r;.", ~.'~ • -~, 'i?'~1 . ."., ••, •• " • • ',_ .......

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Sicilian Defence - Najdorf 6 .~ e3 B) 6 . ... e7-e5 A response in pure Najdorf style. Now White can retreat the knight to a solid position on f3, with the plan to castle kingside and limit Black's queenside counterplay with a2-a4-aS, or White may choose the more aggressive and more frequently played 7. ttJd4-b3

This move was barely dealt with, if at all, in the old opening tomes. It underwent a sudden boom in the 1990s, and is now one of the most commonly played moves. As it was introduced by Murray Chandler, Nigel Short and John Nunn in the 1980s, it was to become known as the English Attack. White prepares for 'iWd2 and 0-0-0 followed by f2 -f3 (more rarely by f2 -f4) and g2-g4, with an initiative on the kingside. Black has fundamentally three continuations at his disposal: 6 ... e6, 6 ... eS and 6 ... tbg4. A) e7-e6 6. is the most popular, but leads into the realms of the Scheveningen Variation (see that section).

which leaves the passage open for the f-pawn, and he can prepare to castle queenside, which is followed by opposite-side pawn storms. The main line is 7. 1i.cS-e6 S. 'iWd1-d2 ttJbS-d7 9. f2-f3 .ItfS-e7 10. g2-g4 h7-h6 b7-b5 11. 0-0-0 12. h2-h4 ttJd7-b6 with a complicated position and chances for both sides.

C) ttJf6-g4 6 .... This move, which was not even mentioned in the old opening manuals, was perhaps the most frequ ent of all in the 1990s! Yet another clear indication that opening theory is far from exhausted and new contributions keep cropping up. Often a move is not part of opening theory Simply because it has not been played yet - or at least, not often enough! 333

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume

7. ~e3-gS S. JiLgS-h4 9. ~ h4-g3 10. i.,f1-e2

h7-h6 g7-gS ~fS-g7

h6-hS

Now we have a position that is difficult to evaluate. It is easy to see why people have such differing views about this line: Black has lost a tempo to move the knight to a fairly unstable pOSition on g4. On the other hand, White has moved his bishop four times to put it on g3, whereas his adversary's bishop has already taken control of the long dark-squared diagonal. Naturally, the price Black pays for his piece activity is the strategically doubtful advance of his g- and h-pawns, which denies the black king a quiet refuge on the kingside. However, this assessment is academic and should not be seen as immutable: it 334

is not rare in practice that Black, haVing taken control of the centre, will use his g- and h-pawns to apply pressure on White's castled king's position! The most common continuation is 11. i.,e2xg4 i.,cSxg4 JiLg4-d7 12. f2-f3 13. ~g3-f2 tZlbS-c6 14. 0-0 e7-e6 Black has an active pOSition and the bishop pair, while White has a better pawn structure. Given the effectiveness of 6 ... tbg4, players are increasingly resorting to 6. f2-f3!?

to prevent the knight move, and then they enter the 6.i.,e3 variation. Black can try to take advantage of the negative aspects of this idea with 6. ... 'iWdS-b6!? ~" ~:'~ " ' «'~-'-

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Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

Ivanchuk,v~ily

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18•.!ldS tLle6 19.e3 J:Iad8 20.l:tfe1' 'iYg6 21.a4 )f,;>h7 22 ..be6 bxe6. 23JWxa6 dS ,24.aS fS 25.i.e5 l:ta8 26.'ifb6 ttf7, 27.b4 f4 28.f3 'h5 29.'iff2 A hS '" 30.il..d4 g4 , 31.hxg4 hxg4 , 32.fxg4 , f3 33.gxf3 -trafS , 34.~g2 l:txf335.'iVxf3l:txf3 3S ...t>xf3 ' " 'iVe2 ' ·37.aS .~ 'it'h2 38.~e5 'tIVa2 ', 39.1%a1 'iYe240.a7 iVd3+41.""f21-0 , . . , . ' " '.

1.e4 e5 2.tLlf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.tLlxd4 tLlfS 5.tDe3 as S:~e3 e5 7.tDf3 il..e7 S.~c4 0-0 9.0-0 il..e6 10.heS fxe6 11.tba4tLlg412.'iYd3 tLlxe313.'Wxe3 b5 14.tDb6 J:ta71S.tDd5 Ub71S.'fld2 tLle6 17.:t.ad1 , lld7 18:1Vc3 ctLlbS 19.ttJxe7+ 1!Vxe7 20.J:l:d3 hS 2UI:td1 ..rUd8 22.h4 wh7 23.l:t1 d2 fits ' ,. Kasimdzhanov,Rustam . x, ,24.1iVb3 'ife8 . 25.a4 'i!tg6 2S.axbS , Anand,Viswanathin -, axbS 27..lle3 tDa6 ' 2S.1!VxbS tLle5 '" S~' i.,uiS Wch·FIDE 2005 (t) i 29.1!Vc4 J:ta7 30.J::.e1 iVeS 31.b4 tDa4 .. 1.e4 eS 2.ttJf3 d63.d4 exd4 4.tLlxd4 32.'iYb3 ttJb6 33.J:ted1.llad7 34.'ifd3 ·· tDf6 5.tDc3 a6 6.il..e3 tDg4 7.~gS tis 'lIe8 35.e3 J:[a73S.'iVe3l:I.a6 37....e2 ··· 8.i.h4 9S 9.~93 ' ~91 10.h3 ttJe5 ' tDC4 3S.:a2 l:tae6 39.J:ta7 .!l6e7 ' 11.tLlf5 i!..xfS 12.exfS .tDbe613.tLld5 40.J:tda1±'iWf7??41.1it'xc4! , 1-0 ," eS1~.fxe6 fxe6 1S~tiJe3 0-0 16.ke2 V e7 17.0-0 J:tadS 1S.il..hS ""h8 Ivanchuk,Vasily ' 19.1:te1 dS 20.a4tDe4 21.tbxc4 dxc4 Shirov,Alexey 22.'ilVg41!Vb4 23.'i!txe6 J:td2 Wijk aan Zee'2001 (11) 24.J:tad1 tild4 2S.ii'e4tDfS2S .~eS 1.e4 cS 2.tDf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 4.elxd4 ' ',. .llxf2 27..tf3 rId2 ' 28..bg7+ ~x'97. ,tDfS S.tbe3 as 6.~e3 tDg4 7..tg5 tis 29.\\feS+' 11fS ' 30.a5tbh4 31.\'i'e7+: S.i..h4 g5 9..!lg3 A g7 10:h3 }t:lf6 ", J:[f7 32:iYeS+ lU633.il..hS tbg6 11 ..!le4 'iYb6 12.0-0 tbxe4 13.tbxe4 " 34;:bg6 ,', rIxd1 3S.J:txd1~xg6 'iYxd4 14.tbxd6+, exd6 15.'iYe2+ , 36.ife4+ ·, ~97" 37..l:1d7+ 'it;>g8 ii.e616 ...be6 0-0 17.J:lad1 lIff6 "=0'_.... 38:~fh7+ ,, , .,.1-0' , ..; _ ... """" ," 0.......' ,.. .. ,. , •

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Sicilian Defence - Najdorf 6.~ n5

Sicilian Defence Najdorf 6.~g5 1.e4 c5 2,.'d3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.t; Jxd4 !; .f6 5 . ~ ,c3 a6 6 ...i..g5

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countering an unprepared adversary. In the first years of the new millennium there has been a return of interest at the higher levels. This is perhaps because the quantity of theory for the so-called minor variations has now also reached disturbing proportions. After 6. ... e7-e6 White almost always continues with 7. f2-f4

... :

The last of the alternatives is the old main line 6.~g5. Though it is not so commonly played now, its appeal remains unaltered. The move was very popular from the 1950s until the 1980s - or more precisely, the line that continues with 7.f4 was by far the most common variation. With the advent of a burgeoning amount of theory, creative players started to look for alternatives in unexplored areas, as they had become tired of the fact that memory was becoming as important a factor as understanding. For this reason, the move 6 .~g5 was to become a rarity in the 1990s, at least at the higher levels. However, lower-level players have always continued to show a marked preference for this historically important and fascinating variation. Their choice is probably inspired by the hope of a qUick checkmate or of en-

with the idea of e4-e5. 7.'iWf3, which was popular in the early days of the variation, is now very rare. After 7 .f4 there is a major crossroads: Black has a healthy choice from six major continuations which are all perfectly playable, plus two minor lines (7 .. .~d7 and 7 ... h6). All of these have a lot of related theory and they are strategically very divergent as well; small wonder that 6 .~g5 is a daunting prospect for the lazy player! A) 7.... ttJb8-c6 The most recent of the alternatives is now part of established theory. A move that applies pressure to the centre would appear to be logical. since the moves ~g5 and £2-f4 have isolated the bishop on the kingside. with a resulting weakness of the dark squares in the centre and on the queenside. The question is if the pawn advance e4-e5, which

337

Ches s Open inn Essential s - Volume 1 Black does not appear to be worried about, is good or bad for White. White has two continuations, both of which produce unclear positions: A1)

S. e4-e5 9. jLg5-h4 Or 9 .. .tLlxd4!? 10. f4xg5 11. ttJc3xd5 12.e5xd6 13. ~d1-e2+

h7-h6 g7-g5 ttJf6-d5 e6xd5 jLfSxd6

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and the black king's precarious position seems to be compensated for by the weaknesses on White's queenside. B) ttJbS-d7 7.... Another way to prevent e4-e5, and also enabling the ... b7 -b5 push. When Black develops the bishop to e7, you transpose to the main line with 7 ... ~e 7, but here Black's idea is to immediately activate his pieces on the queenside. S. ~d1-f3 ~dS-c7 9. 0-0-0 b7-b5

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with complicated play. A2)

S. ttJd4xc6 9. e4-e5 10. ~g5-h4 11. f4xg5 12. ttJc3-e4 Or 12.tLlxd5. 12 ....

b7xc6 h7-h6 g7-g5 ttJf6-d5

~dS-b6

Now White has three continuations: 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

~f1xb5

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338

RaS-a5! g7xf6

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Sicilian Defence - Najdorf 6 .~ gS With two pawns for the piece and the Black king out in the open. White would appear to have abundant compensation: in reality practice has taught us that it is a struggle for White to maintain equality. 82) 10. e4-e5 Aiming to sacrifice two pieces! 10.... ~c8-b7 11. ~f3-h3 dSxe5 12. lLld4xeS f7xeS 13. 'tiVh3xeS+ .l1l.f8-e7 14. ..Itf1xb5 Alternatives like 14.lLlxb5 and 14 ..l1l.xf6 often tend to end in a draw as well. 14.... aSxb5 15. lLlc3xb5 ~c7-cS 1S. lLlb5-dS+ we8-d8 17. f4xe5 wd8-c7!

with a chaotic posmon whose extreme consequences have yet to be fully examined. However. the unwritten law of chess harmony teaches us that it is rare that such violent methods can refute variations with a solid positional foundation. A draw is the most likely result. 83)

10. ~f1-d3

White contents himself with increasing the pressure. and as such this is the most dangerous line. 10.... ~c8-b7 11. J:lh1-e1 Now Black can transpose with 11 ...Ji e7 to the main line Najdorf (7 .. .~e7). or otherwise maintain a position of a more individual nature with 11 ... 0-0-0. or with 11 .... 'tWc7-bS After this last move. the sacrifice 12. lLlc3-d5!?

is not for ced. but it is interesting. If Black is wise. he will not accept the piece (after 12 ...exd5, 13.lLlc6!! is very strong), instead h e should sacrifice his queen : 12 ... ~xd4! 13 . .l1l.xf6 gxf6 14 .~ xb5 'if c5 15. b4! ~xb5 16.lLlc7+ c;J;;e7 17.lLlxb5 axb5. with unclear play. 339

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume C)

7....

~da-c7

A logical move : before playing ...b7-b5, Black protects himself against the e4-e5 push without worrying about doubled pawns on the f-file . a. 'lWd1-f3 b7-b5 White doesn't seem to gain an advantage with either the solid 9 . ~xf6 gxf6 or the aggressive 9.0-0-0 b4 10.e5 ~b7 11.tLlcb5!? axb5 12.~xb5+ tLlbd7! 13 .1Wh3 b3!.

edly played the variation from 1959 until the 1990s, and it has never been refuted. Like the Dragon Variation it always rises from the ashes. Despite all this, it has never been as popular as the other variations. This is perhaps because of the excessive risks involved if you have not memorized a truly large number oflines.

After the thematic a. e4-e5 d6xe5 9. f4xe5 Black does not lose a piece on account of 9 .... ~da-c7

It is surprising that this variation is not

played more often.

Polugaevsky Variation D) 7.... b7-b5 This famous variation is named after its creator, the Russian grandmaster Lev Polugaevsky (1934- 1995). He devot-

340

and now we have reached a major crossroads: White can defend e5 to maintain his space advantage, but he will be left with a weak e5-pawn. He can also take on f6 conceding a central

Sicilian Defence - Najdorf 6 .~ 95 pawn and his dark-squared bishop, and put his faith in the lead in development that he gains. ItJf6-d7 10. 'iWd1-e2 11. 0-0-0 ~cS-b7 11 .. .tLlc6 is also interesting. 12. "ii\¥e2-g4

01)

Now Black can play either the cautious 12 ... 'ii:Vb6 to parry the threat of 13.ttJxe6, or the bold 12 .. .~xe5. White can meet the latter with the optimistic 13 .~xb5; however, it is b etter to choose 13 .~e2, with the idea of ~f3, which keeps Black under long-term pressure. Years of practical play have shown that White is unable to overcome the surprising resilience of Black's positio ns in both these lines. 10. e5xf6 ~ c7-e5+ 11. ~f1-e2 'fWe5xg5 After 12 .0-0 or the refined 12.llVd3, nobody has yet found a way to squeeze any advantage out of White's lead in development. even if it is evident that Black is walking on a tightrope.

02)

Poisoned Pawn Variation E)

7....

"ti¥dS-b6

This is the famous Poisoned Pawn Variation: since its inception, it has always been the subj ect of co ntroversy. Its colourful name would suggest a scant regard for the validity of the variation, but the experience gained from years of practical play is that the b2-pawn often proves to be a tasty morsel for Black, and not a small pellet of poisonous bait! The Poisoned Pawn Variation first appeared in tournament play in the 1950s and it was at first underestimated, in part due to the brilliant victories with the white pieces obtained by Keres and Tal. However, there is nothing as persuasive as victory, and Fischer's successes in the 1960s with the black pieces qUickly changed the opinion of opening scholars and players alike. This is made evident by the fact that 7.. .~b6 was Kasparov's favourite move. However, it rarely anyone felt brave enough to take him on with this line. In a certain sense. 7.. "~b6 is perhaps Black's most logical move : with the darksquared bishop no longer controlling b2 and e3. White's queenside is put under immediate pressure. S. 'ilVd1-d2 The timid 8.ttJb3 is playable, but brings no advantage. S. ... "tWb6xb2 341

Chess Opening Ess entials - Volume 1

White has two continuations: E1)

9. ttJd4-b3

The most solid. It seems unnatural to take the ttJd4 away from the centre, but the threat of a2-a3 and l::ta2 forces Black to act. 9 .... 'li'b2-a3 9 ... ttJc6 is also playable as after 10.a3 ttJaS 11.l::ta2, 11.. .ttJxb3 saves the queen. 10. ..\1l.g5xf6 g7xf6 11. ~f1-e2 h7-h5 12.0-0 and White's compensation is difficult to evaluate. E2) 9. J:la1-b1 The most natural, and it is considered to be the strongest, even if statistically the results are in Black's favour! 9. ... 'li'b2-a3

342

The following attempts fail to give White an advantage: 10.eS, 10 ..txf6 and 10. ~e 2. The same goes for 10. f4-f5 ttJb8-c6 11. f5xe6 f7xe6 12. ttJd4xc6 b7xc6

Here the positions become tactically highly complex after either the solid 13. ~e2,or

13. e4-e5!? d6xe5 13 .. .ttJdS is another line. 14. ~g5xf6 g7xf6 15. ttJc3-e4 Some continuations have been deeply studied until the endgame stage: with correct play Black maintains at least equality. However, it obvious that we are dealing with very risky lines that do not offer many opportunities for personal interpretation.

Sicilian Defence - Najdorf 6 . ~ g5 F)

7....

~f8-e7

The so-called Main Line. Black delays counterplay on the queens ide and develops naturally on the kingside. White continues with 8. ~d1-f3 to prepare queenside castling. An attentive student might ask why the queen is moved to f3 and not to d2. as is the case in the Richter-Rauzer. This is because on f3 the queen is more usefully placed than on d2: it is easier to transfer it to g3 or to h3 and the advance e4-e5 will gain force when Black plays ... b7-b5. Above all. the move 8 .~d2 would lead to a tactical problem here after 8 ... h6! and if9 .~h4 tLlxe4!. Back to 8.'i!Vf3. At this point we are at an important crossroads: 8 ... h6 or 8 .. :tlYc7. F1)

8 ....

h7-h6

The Gothenburg Variation, whose ambitious idea is 9. ~ g5-h4 g7-g5!? To break up the white pawn formation on the kingside. This variation made its simultaneous (!) debut in the 1955 interzonal tournament in Gothenburg. Remarkably, three Argentinean players, Pilnik, Panno and Najdorf, played it at the same time against three Soviet champions: Spassky, Geller and Keres, respectively. The result: three victories for White! The implied verdict has not changed with time: against correct play Black has an uphill battle maintaining equality after 10. f4xg5 tLlf6-d7 11. tLld4xe6! II .~h5 also makes a lot of sense. 11. ... f7xe6 12. ~f3-h5+ It>e8-f8 13. ~f1-b5!!

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Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1

17 . ~xh6, according to the most recent analysis the white attack remains strong and promising. The idea of playing ... h6 and, on the retreat of the bishop to h4, to continue with .. . g5 to give the white f4-pawn a kick, and place the d7 -knight on the e5 outpost is a characteristic strategic manoeuvre. We have already seen this manoeuvre in the Richter-Rauzer, and we will see it again in Variation F21 with 1 0 ..ilLd3 see below. F2) S. ~dS-c7 The most frequent response. It prevents 9 ..ilLc4, or rather this is the explanation given in the chess opening bibles. 9. 0-0-0 ttJbS-d7

idea stems from the highly risky GothenburgVariation) 11..ilLh4g5!?

and the interesting idea of making a positional pawn sacrifice becomes apparent: 12.fxg5 ttJe5 13 .'il!Ve2 ttJfg4 . Back to 1 0 .. .b5. Play continues with 11 ..!:!:he 1 iLb7. Now White can continue with Velimirovic's sacrifice 12.tt:id5!?, which is interesting but probably unsound: (please go to the appendix to look at the brilliant victory by Velimirovic when he first uncorked his sacrifice). However, White is not forced to play this sacrifice and he can play the quieter 12 . ~g3

We fmd ourselves confronted with another big dilemma for White: 10 ..ilLd3 or 10.g4? F21) 1O. ~f1-d3 Moving the last undeveloped piece to a natural square and inaugurating a strategy of central play. 10. ... b7-bS Consistent, but there exists a playable alternative that is safer: 10 ...h6 (an example of the irony of chess - this safe

344

and then after 12 ...b4!? (12 ... 0-0-0 had its trial by fire in the firs t Spassky-Fischer match, in Reykjavik 1972), the sacrifice on d5 becomes even more dangerous. However, it

Sicilian Defence - Najdorf 6.ii.g5 should not worry Black too much; provided that he is well prepared!

F22) 10. g2-g4 A standard attacking move in the Sicilian.

In this situation, there are two problems: the bishop on gS obstructs g4-gS and Black can still castle queenside, thwarting, at least pardy, White's pawn storm. Therefore White is required to take energetic measures before Black can quietly complete his development. 10. ... b7-b5 11. ~g5xf6 To speed up the initiative. 11. ... lbd7xf6 Fischer's move 11 ... gxf6!? is hardly ever played now, but it is not as bad as it might seem. 12. g4-g5 lbf6-d7 13. f4-f5! 13.a3 seems slow for the reasons explained above. 13. ... ~e7xg5+ To accept the pawn seems best; after 13 .. .ltJcS 14.f6 gxf6 IS.gxf6 ~f8 16 .~ gl! ii.d7 17.1:!g7!!, practical play has demonstrated that White has a highly dangerous initiative.

lbd7-e5 14. ~ c1-b1 15. ~f3-h5 Attacking e6 and gS. Wic7-e7 15.... Or IS ... ~d8. 16. lbd4xe6 ~c8xe6 g7-g6 17. f5xe6 18. e6xf7+ White gets back the pawn with a position which is difficult to evaluate: Black's king is a little exposed, the d6-pawn is weak, and the dS-square is in White's hands .. . yet this is not enough to yield a de cisive advantage! The powerful knight on eS and his control of the dark-square complex gives Black sufficient counterplay.

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Chess Opening Essentials - Volume J

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346

Sicilian Defence - Najdorf 6 .jLg5 ;

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' 7.14 b5 S.e5 dxe5 . 9.fxe5 Wic7 " 12...ltJxe4 13.ltJxe4 $i..xh4 14.f51 p O.exfS ",. 1We5+' 11 ;~e2 ;' fVx95 ~. exf5 15.*,b5+ axb5 " (15...'iPe7 ~12.0-0 .'ffe5 13.ltJf3 ~c5~14.~h1 16.Wif4gS. 17 .11ie3! i..e6 (17 ...fxe4 :WixfS ' 15.ltJe4 'ife7 ~· 1S.ttSfg5 0-0 . 18.'iWxe4+' .Jte6 19 ..Jte4±; 17 ... axbS ;1 V t:;ixf7 " Ibf7 1S.l:1xf7·, ,'iPxf7..:: 18.ltJxd6t! · Wxd6 (18 ... ~e 6' ;19..Jth5+ ,;:g7 40.ltJe2 ~ e7 41.'it>e1 h542 ...t>dfh4 , [27.\.lilt6+] 2S.ltJa5 bS [28 ... l:td7!?] 43.b3 lile5 44J:td4<MS , 45.l:txe4 ' 29.ltJc4 ltJd5 30lu edS ~e5 ;ltJxM 4S;~e2'iPe5 47,wd3 ltJf2+ "., (30 .,. <j.og6!?] 31.ltJb7 : J : teS : 4S.~e3ltJd1+ 49.~d2lilf2 50.lild4 : [3 L .tUe3'':'''"t Tal] 32.e4tUe3 33.J:tf3 'w f4 51.lileS+. 'iPg3 52;w e3 ltJd1+ It::lxe4 34.gxf4 g4 35.l:!.d3 h5 3S.h3 53.wd4 ~xg2 54.e4 bxc4 55.bxe4 ·.. lua5 37.lil7dS $i..xdS 3S.ltJxdS J:tc1 + \t;xh3 56.e5tUb2 57.eS ' ~' tUa4 39.<;t;g2 lilc4 AO.ltJeS+ <j.ogS 41.h4! ; 5S.ltJf4+ <;i;> g3 59.g1 1/2- 1/2 ' S7.lfxa4 'ifaH SS.<j.oe5(78) 1-0 ..

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,1.e4 e5 2.lilf3 dS 3.d4 exd4 4.lt::lxd4 tUfS 5.lile3 as S.~g5eS 7.f4 Wb6 c.S.'ilfd2 '(ifxb2 · 9.€ib3 'tWa3 [9 ... lilc6 'l O.,Lf6 : (lO.a3 ltJaS!) 10 ... gxf6 11.ltJa4 'ifa3 12.ltJb6 n b8 13 .ltJc4 ;'fja4 White has good.compensation for ; the pawn; 9... lilbd7 ~s possible in view 'of lO.a3?! ~cS] 10..l1i.d3 Ae7 11.0-0 ' hS , 12.~h4 ·[12 .~xf6 .itxf6 n.eS (with chances for both Sides)' 13 ... dxeS ,( 13 ... .l1I.e7. · ":, 14. ~fe1 ! ) ",,,.," 14.ltJe4]

ReykjavikWchm 1972 (11) 1.e4 e5 2.tUf3 dS 3.d4 exd4 4.lilxd4 ltJfS 5.ltJe3 as S.~g5eS 7.14 'i'bS S.1i'd2 'ifxb2 9.tUb3 'ik'a3 10.~xfS gxf6 11.~e2 h5 12.0-0 lileS 13.w h1 .ltd7 14.ltJb1 'lYb4 15.fVe3 d5? [15...ttJe7!] 1S.exd5ltJe717.c4 lilf5 1S.'tWd31 h4? [18 ... 1:I.c8] 19.~g4ltJdS 20.ltJ1d2 f5? 21.a3 'ifbS 22.e5 ifb5 23.'i1fc3 fxg4 24.a4+- h3 25.axb5 hxg2+ 2S.<j.oxg2 ' l:Ih3 27:VWfS lilf5 2S.eS ~eS 29.dxeS fxeS 30.:fe1 ", .lte73U1xeS . ~. 1-0 '.'

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Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1 Qi jin~~cm

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352

Index of Players The numbers refer to pages. If the page number is bold the player was Black.

A Adams

18,104,113, 114,115,232, 236, 241 , 261, 277,293,315, 335 226 Adly 242 Akopian 34,44,129,214, Alekhine 214 Alexandrov 76 18,328 Alexeev 76,130,274, Almasi 278,305 39,40,41,55, Anand 97,104,105, 114,114,134, ]57,168,250, 251,251,252, 252,260,269, 293,305,312, 315,335,335, 336,349,349, 349 28,56,89,277 Anderssen Andersson 269,315 76 Annageldyev 221 Antoms Arizmendi Martinez 328 75 Arkhangelsky Arlandi 315 85, ] 05 Aronian

Asrian Avrukh

152, 178 292

B

Bachin Bacrot Bareev Barle Bauer Beliavsky Belov Benjamin Benko Bernstein Bertok Bilek Bird Bischoff Bisguier Bogoljubow Boleslavsky Bologan Bondarevsky Borozan Bosch Botvinnik Brandenburg Bronstein Bu Xiangzhi Byrne

232 259 168 264 35 104, 113, 134, 328,346,350 313,314 129 168 226 350 348 ] 89 ]78 89 312 98,98 114, 168, 240 177 31 286 98, ] 77,2]4, 216,216,217 65 ]58,351 304 269 353

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume C Canal Capablanca Carlsen Castaldi Cebalo Chandler Chekhover Chiburdanidze Chigorin Ciocaltea City London City Paris Cosulich Cueto Chajtur

65 75,81,85,104, 214 227,261 35 303 241 302 346 55,55,89 86 174 174 172 66

Fernandes Fernandez Filippov Fine Fischer

Flamberg Friedel Fuderer

315 28 241 56 29,40,56,86, 89,96, 115,130, 143,156,158, 172,215,217, 221,221,240, 268,275,294, 294,322,323, 323,347,347, 348,350,350, 351 28 323 348

D

D'Arminio 66 De Firmian 328 De la Paz 268 De la Riva Aguado 275 Del Rio Angelis 264 Dominguez,L. 134,323,328 Dorfman 313 Dreev 75, 149 Du Shan 34 Dufresne 56 Dunne,A. 16 Dunne,F~ 16 Dvoiris 286,346 Dvoretsky 282 E

Efimenko Ehlvest Epishin Euwe

275,331 157, 268 269 96, 158, 236

G

Ganguly Gelashvili Gelfand Geller German Gik Gjedsted Gligoric Godena Golubev Gonzalez,B.M. Grischuk Griinfeld Guido Gupta Gustafsson

65, 286 153 157,331,345 233, 233, 323, 350,350 40 303 21 56,350 47,89,227,285 305 261 48,251,278, 278,304,322 29 31 55 81

H F

Fedorov

354

18,29,304,312, 324,324

Hansen,S.B. Harikrishna Hector

268,335 82,281 31

Himanshn Hjartarson Hort Hon Yifan Hracek

242 16 232 292 303

Ilyin Zhenevsky Inarkiev Iordachescn Ivanchnk

35 302 187 129, 134, 143, 153,157,241, 260,261, 274, 281,281,329, 336,336 251

Ivanovic

J Jobava John Jonkman K Kamsky Karjakin Karpov

Kasimdzhanov Kasparov

Kanfmann

303 195 226

125,195 335,335,349 14,39,39,83, 114,114, lIS, 143,153,168, 250,274,302, 303,304,313, 313,330,348 114,260,336, 348 39,41,54,55, 76,97,114,114, 142,153,157, 251, 260, 268, 274,278,305, 312,314,315, 322,322,329, 335,348 34

Kavalek Keogh Keres Khalifman Kholmov Kieseritzky Kobalia Kortchnoi

Kosintseva,N. Kotov Kotronias Kottnaner Kovacevic,S. Kovalev Kovalevskaya Kovchan KOZllI Kramnik

Kryvornchko Kiirschner Knzmin,A. Knzmin,G. Kuznbov

39 220 96,312,348 302 351 28 262 21,39,82,83,143, 174,196,221,292, 304 286 281 104,114,130 240 31 221 221 334 227, 293, 293 18,39,40,40, 76,105,153, 168,169,232, 232,241 334 187 246 105,220 242

L

Lahno Lalic Landa Lanka Larsen Lasker,Em. Lantier Leko

303 264 32,275 324 124,217,260 55,81,81,135, 142,215,226 314 40,104, lOS, lOS, 129, 153, 169,252,252, 261 355

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume Lilienthal Ljubojevic Luther Lutsko

M Macieja Malakhov Malinin Mamedyarov Marco Mariotti Maroczy Marshall Martz Marusenko Mas Hafizulhelmi Maslak McShane Mecking Megaranto Messa Metger Miagmarsuren Mieses Miladinovic Miles

Milov Miton Monticelli Moradiabadi Morozevich

Morphy Motylev Movsesian Movsziszian Murey 356

41,281 285,293,304, 315,351 348,351 324

31,274 157 105 51,157,227 34 21,56,220 187 16,104,142 130 282 81 178 221,242 82 323 220 97 172 16 275 44,168,227, 303,304 268 281 48,65,76 332 97,152,153, 157,242,292, 322 28 232,349 311 324 75

N

Nisipeanu Nunn

66,216,240,313 65,129,189, 269,351 221 196,240 153 313 216 75,178,214, 215,215 275,322 21,44,304

0 Okhotnik Olafsson,F. Onischuk Ost Hansen Ostermeyer Ott

134 133 331 21 236 351

Naiditsch Nakamura Naranja Nataf Nauryzgaliev Nevednichy Nijboer Nimzowitsch

P Panno Pantaleoni Pasik Paulsen Peng Xiaomin Petrosian Piket Pillsbury Pirc Pogrebissky Pohla Pokojowczyk Polerio Polgar,]. Polugaevsky Ponomariov Popovic,A.

350 314 28 89,277 34 156 54,261 55, 187 142 216 282 172 66 104,134,314, 331,331 330, 346, 346 47,48,97, lOS, 228,250 149

Porreca Portisch Postny Prokes Psakhis

350 187 65 113 262

Sedlak Shabalov Shanava Shirov

Q QiJingxuan Quezada

348 335

Short

Ragozin Rashkovsky Rauzer Ree Reshevsky Reti Riazantsev Rodzinski Romanenko Romero Holmes Rossolimo Rowson Rubinetti Rubinstein Rublevsky

35,216 66,82, 240, 277, 349,349 98,214 346 302 96 96,98 28,168,302 196 34 242 14 240, 242 285 322 189,236 51,274,281

Shtyrenkov Smeets Smirnov Smyslov

S Sakaev Salov Salwe Sandipan Sanz Alonso Satyapragyan Sax Schallopp Schlechter Schulten Schulz

227,311 285,324 178 242 227 226 313,313 48 89,113,264 28 16

R

Rabinovich Radjabov

So Socko Sofrevski Sokolov,A. Sokolov,L Sokolsky Soppe Sosonko Spanton Spassky

Spielmann Spraggett Stefansson Steiner,E. Steiner,L Steinitz Strikovic Stulik Sulava Sulskis

286 243 227 18,18,29, IDS, 134,241,251, 261,278,293, 303,336 55, 130, 130, 232,233,236, 260,293,322, 33 I, 33 I, 348 76 157,313 304 41,96,96,98, 217 314 195 324 216,324 61 96 66 302, 305 2 82 29,115,124, 130,133,143, 232,233,233, 240,252,268, 294,294,294, 323, 346, 347, 347,351 28,28,29, 76 324 196 85,129 215 61,189,214 262 142 264 264, 268 357

Chess Opening Essentials - Volume 1 Sveshnikov

Svidler

157,178,226, 246,250,251, 252,252 105, 124, 134, 143,261,269, 314,331

T Tal

Toth Tseshkovsky

158,168,187, 215,275,292, 328, 346, 349 28,28,81,97, 187,189,269 35,168,302 133,174 264, 269 195 21 130,133,216, 281,303,313, 345,350 124,149,227, 227,259,303 236 349 lIS, 125, 142, 169,312,312, 315,336 39 252

U Unzicker

115

V Vallejo Pons Van den Doel Van Wely Varga Vasquez

169 61 251,349 130 31

Tarrasch Tartakower Tatai Taubenhaus Teichmann Thingstad Timman

Tiviakov Tkachiev Tolush Topalov

358

Velimirovic Vera Verlinsky Vidmar Vlassov Vocaturo Vogiatzis Vo1kov Volokitin Von Bardeleben Vuckovic Vul

130,324,351 312 44 48 228 89 32 187 189 61,135 351 75

W

Wagman Ward Winawer Wippermann Wirig

264 304 214 278 332

Y

Yakovenko Yandemirov Ye Jiangchuan Yermolinsky Yu Shaoteng Yusupov

292 85 233 243 35 216,216

Z Zavadsky Zeleic Zhang Zhong Zhukhovitsky Zivkovic Zoldan Zugic Zuidema Zukertort Zunker

323 293 262 294 149 314 286 305 48 275