Kotronias Vasilios - Kotronias On The King's Indian 2. Mar Del Plata-I, 2015-OCR, QualityChess, 323p

Kotronias on the King's Indian 2
Mar del Plata I

By
Vassilios Kotronias
With contributions by Yannis Simeonidis
For my children, Adoria, Athanasia and Dimitrios
Quality Chess
www .qualitychess.co.uk
First edition 20 1 5 by Quality Chess UK Ltd
Copyright © 20 1 5 Vassilios Kotronias
Kotronias on the King's Indian - Mar del Plata I

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Introduction
The idea of defending Black's chances in the Mar del Plata variation was in my mind for quite
some time and Quality Chess gave me the opportunity to materialize it through this series on the
King's Indian. It proved to be an uphill task with many disappointments and joys waiting along
the way, but in the end I think I managed to solve the problems and provide a comprehensive
repertoire for Black.
During this great adventure I had the invaluable help of my good friend Yannis Simeonidis,
several strong engines, and my intuition. Looking back, I am certain that it would have been
impossible to accomplish such an enormous task were it not for a combination of strengths
such as the ones described above. Even at the moment of writing these lines I still stand in awe,
fascinated by the variation's complexity and beauty. I hope that the readers will feel the same
fascination by going through these volumes, experiencing the full flavour of the King's Indian in
such a unique way that only the Mar del Plata variation can offer.
The first volume is about the move 9 . tLle 1 (after the introductory moves 1 .d4 tLlf6 2.c4 g6 3. tLlc3
Ag7 4.e4 d6 5.tLlf3 0-0 6..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLlc6 8.d 5 tLle7), which produces in my opinion some
of the most sparkling variations the chessboard has ever seen. Deep sacrifices, brilliant positional
ideas and sharp tactical skirmishes are all to be found here, creating a melee that every chess player
should experience, even if only as a reader. I have no doubt by now that the King's Indian is an
absolutely correct opening, and this is perfectly exemplified by the material presented in this
volume. On the other hand, one might argue that the load of all these lines might prove too hard
to handle - even for a professional of the highest calibre. This may be true, but the same applies
to White players as well, and besides, chess is a game for bloodthirsty warriors where we come
equipped to fight, knowing that at some point we will be on our own.
In the 9 .tLle1 variation the creative Black players will have the opportunity to show their full
potential, as it requires a combination of positional and tactical mastery. The pawn chains show
the targets for each side, but obviously Black is playing for higher stakes as his own pawn chain
points directly at the white king. This is obviously a psychological advantage on our side as
the slightest mistake can lead to White's demise, while we can always hope to checkmate our
opponent, even large amounts of material down! Another advantage is that during preparation,
engines can be misleading in these sharp positions, even showing that White is winning just a few
moves before he gets checkmated!
I sincerely hope that this volume will enhance the chess understanding of those willing to explore
it and offer them success in their tournament games.
Vassilios Kotronias
Athens, 1 7th December 20 14
Contents
Introduction 3
Key to Symbols used & Bibliography 6
Exercises 7
10JiJd3
1 Various 11th Moves 12
2 11.f4 21
3 11.f3 33
1 3.g4
4 14.b4 & 14.c5 42
5 14.ie1 53
1 3.e5
6 14.'lWc2 71
7 14.cxd6 79
8 14Jk1 - Introduction 90
9 16.tDb5 102
10 15.tDb5 121
1 0.6 f5 1 1.g4
11 12th Move Alternatives 138
12 12.tDg2!? 150
13 12.ie3 167
14 12.h4!? 174
l O..ie3
15 13.c5 183
16 13.llJh5 188
17 13.h4 197
18 20.llJxa7! 2 10
19 15.Ekl! 224
20 13.g4 235
21 13.a4 243
22 15.h4 25 1
23 13.Ekl 268
24 14.llJd3 280
25 13.llJd3 2 98
Variation Index 3 15
Key to symbols used
;t White is slightly better
i Black is slightly better
± White is better
:; Black is better
+- White has a decisive advantage
-+ Black has a decisive advantage
equality
iD with compensation
+± with counterplay
CD
unclear
? a weak move
?? a blunder
a good move
!! an excellent move
!? a move worth considering
?! a move of doubtful value
# mate
Bibliography
Bologan: The King's Indian, Chess Stars 2009.
Golubev: Unders t anding the King's Indian, Gambit 2006.
Kaufman: The Kaufman Reper t oire for Bla ck and White, New In Chess 20 1 2.
Markos: Beat the KID, Quality Chess 2008.
Nunn & Burgess: The New Classical King's Indian, Batsford 1 997.
Panczyk & Ilczuk: The Classical King's Indian Uncovered, Everyman Chess 2009.
Vigorito: Attacking Chess - The King's Indian Volume 1, Everyman Chess 20 1 1 .
Periodiads
Chess Informant
New In Chess Yearbooks
Electronic/Internet resources
ChessBase Magazine
ChessPublishing.com
Exercises
While discussing this project, Jacob Aagaard joked that there were probably only five chess
players in the world capable of memorizing the full contents of this series. However, I think his
estimate may have been too high! There may only be two - one of whom has stopped playing
competitively.
It was never my intention to give the impression that all of these complicated lines should be
remembered; rather, I was trying to get closer to the absolute truth about the theoretical status of
the King's Indian. I hope at least some of the readers will be as interested in this question as I am.
I would like this series to be read as both an opening book and a middlegame book. In many
places the analysis continues far beyond the scope of any normal opening preparation, in order
to demonstrate how the King's Indian should, or at least could, be handled. It is my hope that,
by playing through the analysis of a certain variation in its entirety, the reader will deepen his
understanding of the position and develop a better appreciation of the resources available to both
sides. With this aspiration in mind, it was quite natural to start the book with a series of exercises
taken from the text.
The exercises on the following pages are mainly intended for developing intuition. My
recommendation is for you to look at each position briefly (say for a maximum of five to ten
minutes) and try to guess the best move. A limited number of the exercises do involve some
concrete tactics and thus calculation, but I have deliberately refrained from highlighting them, as
the feeling for w hen calculation is necessary is, in itself, a useful skill to develop.
I have decided not to include extra explanations to the positions I have chosen as exercises, as I
felt it would disrupt the flow of the book without adding a great deal of value. If for some reason
you do not agree with my solution, or are unable to find the answer to a particular question
you may have, I suggest that you analyse the position yourself with the assistance of an engine.
Moving the pieces around on the board/screen is often the quickest way to understand a position,
as well as serving as a general reminder to question what you read, and analyse independently.
I sincerely hope that you will make the effort to go through these exercises and, in doing so,
capture the dynamic spirit which is needed to play the King's Indian. But if you don't, I hope
the information contained in the other 25 chapters will serve you well for a long time to come.
In al l of the exerdses it is Bla(;k to play.

Kotronias on the King's Indian - Mar del Plata I
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10 Kotronias o n the King's Indian - Mar del Plata I
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lOJ�d3
a b c d e f g h
11th Move Alternatives

Variation Index
l .d4 lt:!f6 2.c4 g6 3.lt:!c3 j,g7 4.e4 d6 5.lt:!£3 0-0 6.j,e2 e5 7.0-0 It:!c6 S.d5 It:!e7
9.lt:!e1 It:!d7 10.lt:!d3
1 0...£5
A) l 1 .a4 13
B) l 1 .b4 14
C) 1 1 .j,g5!? 15
D ) 1 l .exf5 lt:!xf5 12.£3! It:!f6 13.lt:!f2 c5!? 16
D l ) 1 4.lt:!fe4 17
D2) 14.j,d3 19
A) after 1 1 .a4 DJ) note t o l s .id3N D2) after l S . a4
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
1 1 . . . fxe4!?N l S . . . b6!N l S . . . b6N

Chapter 1 - 1 1 th Move Alternatives 13
l .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 S.tLl£3

0-0 6.i.e2 eS 7.0-0 tLl c6 S.dS tLl e7 9.tLlel
a b e d e f g h
1 1 . fxe4!?N
••
b e d g h
Quite logical, in my opinion.
a e f
A move that has many dedicated fans all over 1 1 . . . a5 is the standard reaction and may
the world. The idea is to allow the f-pawn to transpose to subsequent chapters. A small tree
defend the centre by coming to f3, with White detailing these transpositions is as follows:
then having several plans to create play on
the queenside, where he is superior. Preparing 1 2 .f3 f4 ( 1 2 . . . b6) is line A of Chapter 3 .
c4-c5 is the main aim, and it can be pursued
by putting the bishop on e3, or alternatively 1 2.exf5 lD xf5 ! i s similar t o line 0 o f this
transferring the e l -knight to d3. The fight is chapter.
double-edged.
1 2 .id2 fxe4!?N is an improvement on
9 tLld7 10.tLld3 fS
••• 1 2 . . . lD f6, and I believe Black stands well.
In our first chapter we shall examine some
relatively minor tries for White: A) 1 1 .a4, 12.tLlxe4 tLlf6=
B) 1 1 .b4, C) l l ..tgS!? and D) l 1 .exfS . Black does not have any major problems
here. White must hurry to obtain full control
1 1 .f4 is covered in the next chapter, 1 1 .8 in over the e4-square, but in doing so he loses
Chapter 3, and 1 1 .id2 in Chapters 4- 1 0. time and allows the second player effective
counterplay based on a combination of
A) l l .a4 . . . lD e7-f5-d4 and . . . c6. A possible line is:
This move is designed to provoke 1 1 . . .a5, 1 3.£3 tLl fS 14.tLldfl tLl d4!
when White hopes that he will have an White has a slight edge after the following
additional lever for opening lines on the continuation:
queenside later on with b2-b4. Since Black 14 ... lD xe4!? 1 5 .lDxe4 ih6! 1 6.ixh6 lD xh6
has not committed himself to the .. .f4 advance 1 7.Wd2 lD f5
here, there are some extra options at his
disposal.
14 l O . lD d3
18 Vff d 7 1 9.Vff a 4 Vff xa4 20.�xa4 lDxd5

•••
2 1 ..tc4 .te6 22.lDxd6 h6 23 .td2 �ab8= •
Black can be satisfied with his chances in this

balanced position.
B) 1 l .h4
This move is rather weakening, yet Black

probably has no advantage after it.
a b e d e f g h
1 8 .f4!
Black is saddled with a weak e-pawn.
1 8 . . . lD d4!
1 8 . . . exf4?! 1 9 .�xf4 Vff e7 20.�e l id7
(2o . . . Vffg 7? allows the nasty reply 2 1 .g4! +-)
2 1 .id l ! Vffg7 22.g4 lD h6 23.g5 lD f5
24.ig4± gives Black a lot o f difficulties i n
view o f the weakness o f the f6-square.
1 9 . fxe5
1 9 .�ae l if5 =
1 9 . . . dxe5 20.�xf8t \!;>xf8 2 1 .�fl t
2 1 .Vff h 6t \!;>g8 22 .id3 if5 = a b e d e f g h
2 1 . . .\!;>g7 22.Vff e 3 1 1 . .. fxe4!?
22.id3 M5 23.Vff e 3 Vff e 7= Again this move seems logical.
22 . . .M5 23.lDc3 Vff e7 24.id a
Black should hold, but White's better pawn 1 1 . . . lD f6 1 2.f3 f4 transposes to line B of
structure allows him to press for a while. Chapter 3 .
15 .tg5 c6! 16 .td3 ad5 17.ad5 .tfS 18.a5

• • A tactical method o f trying to take advantage
1 8 . lD g4 ixe4 1 9 . fxe4 h5 2o.lD xf6t ixf6 of White's slightly weird 1 1 th move is
would be equal. 1 1 . . .a5 1 2.bxa5 �xa5 1 3 . f3 fxe4N 1 4.fxe4
�xfl t 1 5 .ixfl lD f5 ! ? when play becomes wild
8 and unbalanced:
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h a b e d e f g h
1 6.exfS e4 1 7.ib2 exd3 1 8 . fxg6 hxg6 1 9.'lMfxd3 C) l 1 ..igS!?

lD eS 20.'lMfd2 ElcS! 2 1 .Elel lD xc4 22 .ixc4 Elxc4
23.lD d l ixb2 24.lD xb2 Elh4 Both sides have
strengths and weaknesses here, as Black has a
better pawn structure and the bishop, while
White has the safer king. I think the result
should be dynamic equality.
12.c� he4 �f6+t

As usual, Black must opt for pressure against
the e4- and d4-squares. Play could continue
as follows:
13.£3N
Black stood well after 1 3 . lD xf6t ixf6 a b e d e f g h
1 4. ih6 ElO I S .Elb 1 as in Muskat - Koepf, This move could be considered a positional
Buchenbach 200 1 . nuance here. The idea is to provoke a
weakening with . . . h6 before the bishop retreats
13 ... c6 to settle on d2.
1 1 ...h6 12 ..id2
1 2 .ixe7?! is a terrible positional decision, not
j ust giving up a bishop but, most importantly,
exchanging it for a piece that Black finds
difficult to regroup. After 1 2 . . .'lMfxe7 1 3.if3N
( l 3.f3?! lD f6 1 4.b4 hS I S .'lMfb3 ih6 1 6. lD f2
\t>h8 1 7.id3 Elg8+ was really awful for
White in Kargoll - Bastian, Germany 200 1 )
1 3 . . . lD f6+ Black has all the trumps o n his side,
and White should work very hard to salvage
half a point.
a b e d e f g h
12 ... �f6 1 3.£3 gS!?
14.dxc6! A logical move.
Black is absolutely fine in case of 1 4.lD df2 1 3 .. .f4 1 4.cS gS will probably transpose
cxdS I S .cxdS lD fS f± . back to I I .id2. Obviously if Black manages
to enter a line where he subsequently moves
14...bxc6 1S.�dfl the pawn to hS all will be according to plan.
I S .cS dS 1 6 . lD d6 lD fS+ However, I did not want to spend my time
searching for any nuances in White's favour
l S ... �f5 16 ..igS Y!fc7 17J:�c1 �xe4 1 8.�xe4 with the pawn on h6 .
.ie6=
The position offers chances to both sides. 14.cS
This has to be played immediately.
16 l O .lDd3
After 1 4 . lD f2?! f4 White will certainly need to D) 1 1 .exf5

play 1 5 .b4 to open lines, which means that
his strategy is a failure. Black continues with After this move Black should have an easy
1 5 . . . lD g6 1 6.c5 h5 1 7Jk 1 E:f7 1 B .h3 MB game, as the e7-knight finds his way into play.
1 9 .1D b5 ( 1 9.cxd6 cxd6't) 1 9 . . . a6 20.lDa3 E:g7,
and obviously has an excellent position, with 1 1 ... c!t:lxf5
powerful attacking chances. Now White can try to control e4:
14 ... � g6
Black sets his sights on the f4-square. At the
same time, there is always the possibility to go
back to set-ups with . . . f4.
15J:tc1
1 5 .exf5N �xf5 1 6.cxd6 (it i s hard to believe
that 1 6. lD f2 ! ? dxc5 1 7 .Wb3 b600 offers White
more than equality, whUe 1 6.�e3 We7! 1 7.cxd6
cxd6 1 B . lD f2 e4= is level) 1 6 . . . cxd6 1 7. lD f2
Wb6°o looks okay for the second player. There
are ideas of . . . lD f4 and . . . e4 that make White's
life difficult.
12.£3!
Other moves are weaker:
1 2.f4?!
This completely loses control of the dark
squares.
1 2 . . . We7! 1 3.�g4
1 3 . fxe5 lD xe5 1 4 . lD f2 ( 1 4.lDxe5? �xe5+)
1 4 . . . lD d4!t
a b e d e f g h
1 5 ... � f4!?�
Black looks absolutely fine. As usual, the
engines are initially very optimistic about
White's chances, but gradually the evaluation
drops towards the equality zone. Black should
be aiming to exchange the f4-knight for the
a b e d e f g h
e2-bishop, push . . . f4 and follow up with the
usual kingside attack. White's counterplay on 1 3 . . . exf4!
the other side of the board seems too slow. Black gains the upper hand.
1 4.ixf5 12 �f6 13.�fl

A solid continuation b y White. I t has been
•••
It is already difficult to reduce the damage as

the following variations show: played by Tal, Gligoric, Hort and Vokac.
a) 1 4 . tth f4 tt:l e5+ However, Black should be able to equalize
b) 1 4j�� xf4 tt:l c5! ( 1 4 . . . id4t!? 1 5 . cj;> h l tt:l e5 with fairly simple moves. The results of my
1 6.13e4 tt:l g3t! 1 7.hxg3 ixg4 1 8 .13xg4 tt:l xd3 analysis can be summed up as follows:
1 9 .cj;>h2 ixc3 2o.Wfxd3 ie5 2 1 .ih6+)
1 5 . tt:l xc5 dxc5+ 13 ... c5!?
c) 1 4.ixf4 tt:l b6! 1 5 .13e l id4t 1 6 .cj;>h l In my opinion the only way to try for a win,
Wfg7+ and a good move at the same time.
1 4 . . . 13xf5 1 5 .ixf4 tt:lb6! 1 6 .Wfb3 id7 1 7 .13ae l
id4t 1 8 .cj;>h l Wfg7+ Here we should consider two replies for White:
Black has excellent coordination and the 0 1 ) 14.�fe4 and 02) 14.i.d3.
advantage of the two bishops, while the white
queen stands awkwardly on b3. 0 1 ) 14.�fe4 a6!?
1 2.tt:le4 fails to use control of the e4-square.

8
1 2 . . . tt:l f6 1 3 .f3 ( 1 3.ig5 ?! h6 1 4.ixf6 ixf6
1 5 .c5 [ 1 5 .ig4 ig7+l 1 5 . . . tt:l d4 1 6 .cxd6 7
cxd6 1 7 .ig4 if5+ Rellstab - Reefschlaeger, 6
Detmold 1 967.)
5
8 4
7 3
6 2
5 1
4 a b e d e f g h
3 This yields a safe square on c7 for the queen

and prepares . . . b5, according to circumstance.
2
I"=C,/,��"",,,,,/
1 15.i.d3N
Two other moves have been tried previously:
a b e d e f g h
1 3 . . . tt:l xe4!?N 1 4. fxe4 tt:l d4 1 5 .ie3 ( 1 5 .13xfBt 1 5 .ig5 was Zirngibl - Golz, Germany 1 962,
WfxfB 1 6.ie3 ih6 1 7.if2 Wff6+) 1 5 . . . 13xfl t and here 1 5 ... Wfc7N would have given Black
1 6.ixfl id7 1 7.Wfd2 c5 !oo Black is at least equality.
equal.
1 5 .a4 b6!N 1 6 .id3 tt:l d4
1 2 .id2 tt:l f6 1 3 .f3 produces a bad version 1 6 . . . tt:l xe4!? 1 7.tt:lxe4 Wfc7 1 8 .Wfe l 13b8 to be
of 1 2. f3! after 1 3 . . . c6 1 4 . tt:l f2 cxd5 1 5 .cxd5 followed by . . . tt:l d4 and . . .if5 looks possible
Wfb6=1+ Voekler - Michalczak, Germany too.
1 997. 1 7.ie3
18 l O .lLl d 3
1 7 . .ig5 Wfc7 1 8J�b l ( l 8 . lLl xf6t .ixf6 Black's pieces are optimally developed and
1 9 . .ih6 .ig7 20 . .ie3 .id7=) 1 8 . . . lLl xe4 he enjoys space on both flanks. We have now
1 9 . 1Ll xe4 .if5 20 . .ie3 :gab8= reached an important moment.
1 7 . . . :gb8 1 8 .:gb l
1 8 .lLlxf6t .ixf6 1 9 . .ixd4 cxd4 20 . lLl e4 .ig5°o 1 9.'We1
1 8 . . . lLl h 5 1 9 .b4 M5 20.g3 Supporting b2-b4 and controlling a5 with
2 0.a5 cxb4 2 l .:gxb4 lLl f4 22.axb6 :gxb6°o another unit, yet Black's reply nips the idea in
2o . . . Wfc7°o the bud.
1 9 .b4! ? is more testing, but all the same Black

1 5 ... �xe4
stands fine after 1 9 . . . cxb4 20.c5 Wfa7! 2 l . W h l
I think Black should continue with this
dxc5 22.lLlxc5 Wc8 23.lLlxd7 Wfxd7 24.Wfb3
natural-looking exchange, when my analysis
a5 2 5 . d6t Wh8 26 . .ixf5 gxf5 27.Wfd 5. White's
indicates that White has nothing.
centralized queen and passed d-pawn are
countered by Black's threatening queenside
16.�xe4
pawns. A sample continuation is: 27 . . . h6
Clearly the most logical. After other moves
28 . .ie3 a4 29.:gxc8 t :gxc8 30 . .ic5 b3 3 l .axb3
Black is close to achieving an edge:
axb3 32.:gb l b4! 33 ..ixb4 (33.:gxb3 Wfb5!
34.d7 :gd8=) 33 ... b2! 34 . .ia3 e4 3 5 . fxe4 fxe4
1 6. fxe4 lLl d4+ is pleasant for Black.
36.Wfxe4 Wfb5=
1 6 . .ixe4 should be answered dynamically
1 9 .<tt> h l seeks to play b2-b4 under better
with 1 6 . . . b5? with the idea: 1 7.cxb 5 ? ( l 7.b3
circumstances. I can see nothing wrong with
:gb8+) 17 ... axb5 1 8 .lLlxb5 .ia6=F
1 9 . . . bxc4!? 20 ..ixc4 :gfb8 2 l .b3 a5? in that
case.
a b e d e f g h
16 b5!
A good move, freeing Black's play.
•.•
17 .id2
•
1 7. cxb5 Wfb6!+ 20.�g5

White switches his attention to the e6-
17 'Wc7 1 8J�c1 .id7
•••
square.
Chapter 1 - 11 th Move Alternatives 19
After 20.cxbS Wb6 2 1 .ic4 ixbS 22.b3 a4 1 6. tLl fe4 transposes to the note on I S . a4 in
23.tLlc3 (23.ixbS?! WxbS 24. tLl c3 Wd3+) line 0 1 .
23 . . . id7 24.bxa4 ixa4°o the position is
double-edged, but I think Black is in no way 16 .. .i.d7=
worse. Black can follow up with moves such as
. . .gb8, . . . Wc7 and . . . tLl d4, although not
20 ... bxc4 2 1 .i.xc4 VlVb7!= necessarily in that order. Neither side has
The chances are balanced. Black's handling an obvious plan, but I think the chances are
of the position has rendered any invasion on approximately balanced.
e6 harmless.
Conclusion
D2) 14 ..id3
This chapter introduced us to the fascinating
There is little difference between this and the world of the 9 . tLl e l variation by dealing with
immediate j ump to e4. several of the less popular options available to
White on his 1 1 th move, after the standard
sequence 9 . . . tLl d7 1 0. tLl d3 fS. The options
examined in the chapter were l 1 .a4, l 1 .b4,
1 1 .igS ! ? and I I .exfS .
Against the first two options I chose set-ups
involving the move 1 1 . .. fXe4 !?, considering
Black to have sufficient activity despite
surrendering control of the e4-square to White.
In the case of I I .a4, after 1 1 . . . fXe4!?
1 2. tLl xe4 tLl f6 1 3 .f3 tLl fS 1 4. tLl df2 tLl d4!
I S .igS c6! 1 6.id3 cxdS 1 7. cxdS ifS, Black
is well centralized and fully developed while
the march of White's a-pawn seems to make
a b e d e f g h little sense. The position is obviously equal as
14 ... a6!? the d4-knight is a powerful piece that hampers
I n general, I do not like to move the fS White's movements.
knight to d4 too quickly, so as to prevent id . In case of 1 1 .b4, I think that the continuation
1 1 . . . fXe4!? 1 2 . tLl xe4 tLl f6 1 3 . f3 c6 1 4.dxc6!
15.a4 (White should avoid an opening of the c-file
Stifling . . . bS ideas, and asking Black what as then both c3- and c4-squares are weak as a
his next move is to be. result of l 1 .b4) 1 4 . . . bxc6 I S . tLl df2 tLl fS gives
rise to a tense, complicated struggle, where
The alternatives I S .ixfS gxfS 1 6.a4 (1 6.f4 Black's centre shouldn't be underestimated.
tLlg4+) 1 6 . . . b6°o, I S . tLl fe4 tLl xe4 1 6. tLl xe4 I I .igS ! ? is the third option we looked
bS= and I s .igS tLl d4 1 6.Wd2 ifS= all fail to at, but I think it loses any venom after the
achieve anything substantial for White. prudent reply 1 1 . . .h6 1 2.id2 tLlf6 1 3.f3 gS ! ?
1 4.cS tLl g6 I S .g e l tLl f4!?�, when Black is
15 ... b6N 16.i.g5 ready to take on e2 and follow up with the
1 6.aS bS!+ usual kingside pawn storm.
20 lO.ltJd3
Thus, rather unavoidably, the position after

1 1 .005 �xf5 became the main dish of this
chapter, featuring a struggle around the key
e4- and d4 -squares. After 1 2 .f3! �f6 1 3.�f2
I chose the ground-gaining 1 3 . . . c5!? as our
main line, seeking to bolster d4 and perhaps
go for . . . a6 and ... b5 later on, according to
circumstance.
I consider that after 1 4 . �fe4 a6!? 1 5 .�d3
( 1 5 . a4 b6! 1 6. �d3 �d4 gives Black good
play too) the line 1 5 . . . �xe4 1 6.�xe4 b5!
exemplifies in the best possible way what Black
is looking for, leading to equal chances . More
flexible is 1 4 . �d3, but even then 14 . . . a6!?
1 5 .a4 b6 1 6. �g5 �d7 looks fairly level, albeit
with no clear plan visible for either side. Black
should carry on development by .. J::!b 8, . . .'ef!c7
and . . .�d4, when several training games with
the computers convinced me that his position
is remarkably solid.
10.�d3
a b c d e f g h
11.£4
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti) f6 2.c4 g6 3.ti) c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.ti)a 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 ti)c6 S.d5 ti) e7
9.ti)e1 ti) d7 10.ti)d3 f5 1 1 .£4
1 l ... exf4
A) 1 2.J.xf4!? 22
B) 1 2.ti)xf4! ti) c5 13.J.e3!?N ti)xe4!? 25
Bl) 1 4.ti)xe4!? 26
B2) 1 4.�c2! 30
note after 1 1 ... exf4 A) after 1 4 .Wd2 B2) after 1 5 . h3
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1 5 . .. tt:l d4N 1 4. . .We7!N 1 5 . . . We8!!

22 Kotronias o n the King's I ndian - Mar del Plata I
I .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tLl a 1 3.l3xfBt

0-0 6 . .ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLlc6 S.d5 tLle7 9.tLle1 1 3 . lLl f2 lLl f5 1 4 . lLl fxe4 lLl c5+
tLld7 10.tLld3 f5 l 1 .f4 13 . . .WxfB 1 4.lLlxe4 lLlf5 1 5 .i.f4
A neglected move, which is perhaps not so
bad. White wants to open lines in the centre,
hoping to prove that the e7-knight is badly
placed.
4
a b e d e f g h
1 5 . . . lLl d4N
3 1 5 . . . i.d4t!? 1 6.i>h 1 lLl f6 1 7.lLl xf6t Wxf6
2 1 B .Wd2 i.d7t was also excellent for Black in
1
Bosetti - Sgherri, corr. 20 1 2 .
1 6.i.fl lLl b6! 1 7.l3c 1 i. f5 1 B . lLl ef2 i.xd3
a b e d e f g h 1 9 . 1Ll xd3 lLl f5 +
With a slight initiative for Black. Th e e3-
11 . .. exf4
square is weak in the white camp, and if Black
White can now recapture on f4 in three
manages to trade the f4-bishop for a knight,
different ways. We shall pay most attention to
White will have a permanent problem with the
A) 1 2 ..ixf4!? and B) 1 2.tLlxf4!.
dark squares.
A line that shouldn't cause Black the slightest
worry is 1 2 .exf5 f3!?N 1 3 .i.xf3 lLl xf5 1 4.lLle4
A) 1 2 ..ixf4!?
( 1 4 .i.f4 lLl b6+) 1 4 . . . lLle5 1 5 . lLl xe5 i.xe5+
when conquering the e5-square for the bishop 8
7
means strong pressure on both wings.
1 2 .l3xf4 6
The least critical of White's pawn recaptures 5
on f4.
1 2 . . . fxe4!? 4
1 2 ... lLle5 1 3 .exf5 lLl xf5 1 4.g4!N lLl h6 3
1 5 .l3xfBt WxfB 1 6.i.xh6 i.xh6 ( 1 6 . . . lLl xd3
2
1 7.i.xg7 Wf2t 1 B .i>h 1 lLl f4 1 9 .Wfl Wxfl t
20.i.xfl i>xg7 2 1 .l3e 1 =) 1 7. lLl xe5 dxe5 1
b e d g
1 B .'it>g2 is unclear; White has his trumps
a e f h
too.
The same goes for 1 2 . . . g5 1 3.l3fl f4 1 4.g3, This move is not to be dismissed lightly.
as White has some counterplay. White offers a pawn sacrifice, hoping to obtain
Chap ter 2 - 1 1 . f4 23
dangerous pressure on the dark squares in b) After l S .Wfd2!N hS 1 6. tLl c2 it is White who
return. has permanent pressure on the dark squares,
offering him serious compensation. A possible
1 2 ... fxe4 continuation is: 16 . . . Wfe7 1 7 .igS WfeS 1 8 .h3
I have chosen this as my main line. tLl cS 1 9 .if4 Wfg7 20.tLld4 � f7
Less safe but fully playable is 12 . . . ixc3!?

1 3 .bxc3 fxe4 1 4. tLl b4! tLl f5 and now there are
the following options:
a b e d e f g h
2 l .tLl xfS ixfS 22.ie3 �e8 23.�ae l ! (23 .id4

e3+ or 23.g4 id7 24.�xf7 Wfxf7 2 S .�fl Wfe7
26.ixcs dxcS 27.Wfh6 Wfg7 28 .Wfe3 hxg4
a b e d e f g h
29.hxg4 b6+) 23 . . . WfeS 24.Wfc l !� I believe the
a) Not l S .g4? tLl h4 ( l S . . . gS!?N looks even most likely outcome to be a draw.
stronger.) 1 6.Wfd2 ( l 6.ig3 �xfl t 1 7.Wfxfl
tLl eS-+) 1 6 . . . Wfe8 ! ( l 6 . . . tLl f3t!? 1 7 .ixf3 exf3 After 12 . . . fxe4, best play for both sides appears
1 8 .igS ! Wfe8 1 9 .ih6 �f7 20.tLl d3 and White to be as follows:
has compensation for the pawn. ) 1 7.�ae 1 tLl eS
1 3.tLlxe4 tLlf5 14.Y=Vd2
1 4.igS ? Wfe8 l S .if3 tLl d4+
a b e d e f g h
1 8 .h3!N ( l 8 .ixeS?? �xfl t 1 9 .�xfl WfxeS-+

Wade - Penrose, Hastings 1 96 1 ) 1 8 . . . id7
1 9 .Wfd4 as! 20. tLl c2 tLl hf3 t 2 l .ixf3 �xf4
22.ixe4 �xfl t 23.�xfl Black should have
the better game after either 23 . . . hS!?, with
initiative, or 23 . . . Wfe7+ .
24 Kotronias o n the Ki ng's Indian - Mar del Plata I
I 7.:B:ae l was Szrama - Chorfi, email 2000. 1 6 .. .hf4 17.Yffxf4 t£! d4

Here I7 . . . .id7Noo is worthy of consideration, The position is equal, but not entirely
but I prefer the lines beginning with I4 . . . We7!. drawish as the following lines demonstrate.
15.t£!dfl .ie5!? 1 8.Yffd2!

White may have a tiny edge after: I S ... h6 By pressing the d4-knight, White wishes to
I 6.:B:ae I gS I7 ..ig3 lLl eS I B . lLl d l ! .id7 force a simplification.
( 1 B ... lLl xg3 I 9 .:B:xfBt WxfB 20.lLlxg3 Wf4
I B .Wg3! ? Wg7 I9 . .id I
2 1 .Wxf4 gxf4 22.lLlhS lLl g6 23.lLlxg7 Wxg7
I 9 . lLl g4 lLl fS looks promising for Black.
24. lLl c3 .id7 2 S . :B:fl :B:fB 26 . .ihS lLleS 27.b3;!;)
I 9 . . . lLl fS !
I9 . .if2;!;/= There are remote chances to exploit
the slight weakening of the light squares White obtains a slight edge in case of:
I 9 . . . lLl eS 20.Wc3! .ifS ! 2 1 .lLl d2! (2 1 .cS :B:aeB
around the black king, but to do this would
22.'j{ h I lLl b S 23.Wb3 [23 .Wb4 a6l 23 . . . lLl d4
require the utmost of mastery.
24.Wc3 lLl b S =) 2 1 . . . cS The only move.
16J:tael 22.dxc6 lLl dxc6 23.lLlde4 :B:adB 24 . .ib3
<JihB 2 S . :B: d I lLl f7 26.Wc l ;!; A weakening in
The most natural and best.
Black's pawn skeleton has been forced.
Weaker is instead I 6 . .igS Wg7+ and Black 20.Wb3
achieves a dream configuration with strong 20.Wh3 lLleS 2 1 .Wc3 .id7=
pressure on the long dark diagonal.
Also possible is: I 6 . .ixeS lLl xeS I 7.:B:ae I

lLl h4 (planning . . . .ifS) I B .Wc3 (After I B .cS
Ms I 9 . lLl g3 :B:aeB 20.Wc3 WgS 2 1 .cxd6
cxd6 22.Wb4 lLl f7!f± Black has coordinated
everything so well that it is White who has to
be more careful.) I B . . ..ifS I 9 .cS ( 1 9.g3 .ixe4
20.lLlxe4 :B:xfl t 2 1 .:B:xfl lLl fS = ) I 9 . . . .ixe4
20.lLlxe4 :B:xfl t 2 1 .:B:xfl :B:fB = With a balanced
game. a b e d e f g h
20 . . . b6! 2 1 .lLlgS lLlcS 22.Wc2 aSoo

8 Black has achieved considerable gains, as his
7 queen and cS-knight have been established in
influential positions.
6
5 18 ... t£!xe2t
I B . . . Wg7? is bad now, due to I 9 . lLlg4±.
4
3 19J;xe2 t£! e5 20.b3

20.Wc3 .id7 2 I .:B:fe I :B:aeB gives counterplay.
2 The idea is: 22.cS .ibS 23.:B:e3 dxcS 24.WxcS
1 (24.lLlxcS ? :B:xf2!-+) 24 . . . WxcS 2 S . lLl xcS :B:xf2
26.<Jixf2 lLl g4t 27. <Ji f3 lLl xe3 2B.:B:xe3=
a b e d e f g h
Chap ter 2 - 1 1 .f4 25
20 .. .J.f5 2UUe1 b6 22.c!tld3 c!tlxd3 23.�xd3 1 3 .�f3 ? �xc3 1 4 . bxc3 fxe4+ was clearly better
:gae8 24.�d4 he4 25.:gxe4 �h4! for Black in Salama - Van Delft, Reykjavik
A nice way to prevent :ge6. 2006.
1 3.exf5 ? ! llJ xfS

This move leaves White on the ropes.
1 4. llJ d3
There is only a choice of evils:
a) 1 4 .�d2 a5!? ( l 4 . . .We7+N) 1 5 .llJ d3 Wh4
1 6. llJ f2 �e5 1 7. llJ g4?! �d4t 1 B . llJ f2 �d7-+
was already disastrous for White in Cortes
Parejo - Tissir, Seville 2002.
b) 1 4 .�g4 Wh4 1 5 .�xf5 hf5 1 6.�e3
:gaeB+ 1 7.g3 ( l 7.�d4 �d3! 1 B .�xg7 :gxf4-+
Galovic - Frindt, Kosice 20 1 1 ) was Hicker
- Hresc, Austria 1 993, and here I like
a b e d e f g h 1 7 . . . We7+N.
c) 1 4.�f3 llJ d4 1 5 .�g4 Wh4 1 6.�xcB
26.:g 1 e2 :gxe4 27.:gxe4 �f6 28.�xf6 :gxf6
:gaxcB+ was Schain - Rao, Boston 1 9B B .
29.:ge8t :gm=
d ) 1 4.<tt> h 1 Wh4 1 5 .llJ h3 �d7 1 6.�g5
With an inevitable draw.
Wd4+ led to a depressing position for the
B) 1 2.c!tlxf4! first player in Netusil - Znamenacek, Czech
Republic 1 997.
I think this simple recapture is best. The 14 ... �d4t 1 5 .<tt> h 1 Wh4 1 6.:gf3
alternatives seem to offer Black a few chances This occurred in Fabeta - Valkovic, Croatia
of an edge. 200B, and here Black would have a large
advantage after:
1 6 . . . �d7+N
Finally, 1 3 .Wc2N is worthy of a mention .
a b e d e f g h
b e d f g h
12 ... c!tlc5 13.i.e3!?N a e
A very strong move, as yet untried. The 1 3 . . . fxe4! ( l 3 . . . g5 1 4.llJh5 �d4t 1 5 .<tt> h 1 f4
alternatives have led to a catastrophic record 1 6.b4 llJ d7 1 7 .�b2 llJ g6=) 1 4. llJ xe4 llJ f5 gives
for White. Black a strong initiative.
26 Kotronias on the King's Indian - Mar del Plata I
I 5 . . . tLl xf3t I 6.�xf3 g5 I 7.tLlh5 is unclear.

I 6 .�ae I
I 6. tLl e6 �xe6 I 7.dxe6 tLl e5+
I 6 . . . tLle5
The knight's tour has been completed and
the small beast has found the square it
deserves on the board.
I 7.b3 g5 I 8 . tLl e6
I 8 .tLlh5 f4 I 9 .�d4 tLl f5 20.tLlxg7 tLlxd4
2 1 .Wfxd4 Wff6+
I 8 . . . he6 I 9 .dxe6 f4 20.�d4 c6+
With a slight edge.
a b e d e f g h
B l ) 14.�xe4!?
13 ... tihe4!?
I 3 . . . fxe4 I 4.g4 gives White strong A radical choice, but at the same time a
compensation as the e7-knight has difficulty principled one, as White will play exclusively
in getting into play. against the bad e7-knight from now on.
The two main options for White here are: B l ) 14 ... fxe4 1 5.g4!
14.ft�xe4!? o r B2) 14.�c2!. The only move, but a strong one, paralysing
the e7-knight.
I 4 .�d4 �e5 ! I 5 .Wfd3 0 5 . tLl xe4 fxe4+}
I 5 . . . c5!! I 6.dxc6 tLl xc6+
The following line is also complicated:

I 4 .�f3 tLlg5!
I4 ... tLl xc3 I 5 .bxc3 �xc3 I 6 .�d4!! �xd4t
I 7.Wfxd4 b6 I 8 .�ae I �d7 I 9 .h4 and White
has compensation.
I 5 .Wfd2
I 5 .�d4 �e5 !
a b e d e f g h
1 6.h3!?
I 5 . . . tLl f7! I 6 .�d4? �e5!+
Chap ter 2 - I I . f4 27
1 6.gxh5!? liJf5 1 7.�c 1 g5 ! ? ( l 7 . . .'IMfh4 I B .liJxg6 23 . . . e3! (23 . . . �g5t 24.i>f2 �h4t 2 5 . i>e3
�h3 1 9 .�g5 !oo or 1 7 . . . liJ d4!?) I B .liJg6 �f7+ �g3t 26.�f3 !!oo) 24.liJg2 �xfl t 25 .�xfl �h3
26.liJxe3 �eB+
1 6. liJ e6 �xfl t 1 7.�xfl �xe6 I B . dxe6 �f8
1 9.�g2 �f6+ b) 20.gxf5 �g5 t 2 1 .liJg2 �xf5 22.�d4 �h6
23.�f4 g5 24.�fl �d7 2 5 . �xf8t �xf8 26.�xe4
1 6 ...hxg4 17.hxg4 Axb2 �eB 27.�d3 �h7+
A critical j uncture.
1 8 .. ..le5
A curious situation. White is two pawns
down, yet his activity seems j ust enough for
equality.
19.'ilYd2!
Intending to double rooks on the f-file and/
or follow up with �d4.
1 9 .�c2? liJ f5 !-+
1 9 . 1iJ h3 i> g7 20.liJg5 liJ gB ! 2 1 .�xb7 liJ f6

22.liJe6t �xe6 23.dxe6 �e7+
a b e d e f g h
1 8J�b l ! 1 9 .�b3 g5 ! 20.liJh5 (20 . liJ h3 liJg6 2 1 .�xg5

White should avoid giving more material. �eB+) 20 . . . liJ g6 2 1 .�xfBt �xfB 22.�xg5
After I B .�d4!? �xa l 1 9 .�xa l liJ f5 ! ! the point

of 1 5 . . . h5!? becomes apparent as the white
king is now exposed too. In the lines that
follow, only Black is playing for the win:
a) 20.�b3 �g5 2 1 .�c3 �h6 22.gxf5 �xf5

23.c5
a b e d e f g h
22 . . . �f7! ? (22 . . . �d7 23.�xb7 �f7 24.�xc7

�fBoo) 23.�c2 �d7 24.�xe4 �eB 2 5 .�g2
�d4t 26.�h l liJf8 27.�h4 �g6 Black has a
dangerous initiative.
1 9 ... c5!?
19 ... �f7 can be met be 20.�f2 or 20.liJg2,
a b e d e f g h with compensation in either case.
20.tl�h3! 2 1 . e3
••
A devilish positional idea, highlighting the 2 1 . . .�d4t 22.i>g2=

weaknesses in the black camp.
Weaker is 20.dxc6 bxc6 2 1 .�d4: 22.'1Wel !
22.Wfd3 M6 23.�xf6 Wfxf6 24.gxfS WfeS
(24 . . . hfS 2 S .:1%xfS WfxfS 26.WfxfS :1%xfS
27.:1%xb7=) 2S .�g2 hfS 26.:1%xfS gxfS 27.�f3
:1%ae8 28.:1%g l t i> f7 29.tLlgSt i>e7rx>/+
22 :�c7 23.gxf5 .ixfS

••
Black has given a piece to activate his army,

and suddenly it is White who has to be careful.
24:�h4
b e d f g h
8
a e
2 1 . . . tLl f5 ! ! 22.�xeS (22.gxfS ? ? Wfgs t 23.�h l

:1%xfS 24.�xeS dxeS-+) 22 . . . dxeS 23.Wfxd8 7
6
:1%xd8 24.tLl xg6 tLl d4+
20. :1%f2 gS 2 1 . tLlhS :1%xf2 22. i>xf2 Wf e8 23.�xgS 5

Wf g6! is at least not worse for Black. 4
3
8
2
7
1
6
a b e d e f g h
5
24 JH'7!
4
••
24 . . . �xb l 2 S . :1%xb l :1%ae8 26.�g2;!;

3
25.:1%xfS!
2
The most dynamic and intricate way of
1 continuing.
a b e d e f g h
2S .�g4?? :1%h7-+ is out of the question.
20 ttJf5!
•••
A strong reaction, solving the problem of 2 S . tLl f4 :1%h7 26 .Wfg3 WfaS � leaves White
Black's backward development in a tactical struggling.
manner.
2S .�h6! ?
2 1 ..ig5! Th i s does set some traps, but there is a logical
2 1 .gxfS ? Wfh4 22.�f4 e3! is extremely strong reply:
for Black. 2S . . . :1%h7!
Chapter 2 - l 1 .f4 29
The outcome should be a draw. I don't trust squares. However, with the pawn on f5 rather
the following alternatives for Black: than on g6, the white king is exposed too, and
a) 25 . . .M6 26.%Vg3 (26.lLlg5 �xb l 27.�xb l the final result seems to be equality. Here is my
�e8oo) 26 . . . �xb l 27.�xb l %Ve7 was my first analysis:
intention , until I realized that after 28.�fl !
White has gathered too many forces in front
of the black king, which makes the chances
of survival slim. 28 . . . �h7 29.M4 �h4
30.%Vg4± Black is very weak on the light
squares, and I don't believe he can hold in
the long run.
b) A similar situation occurs after: 2 5 . . .�xb 1
26.�xb l --+
In contrast to the above lines, which relegate
Black to a long defence with an uncertain
outcome, rather forcing play occurs after
25 . . . �h7!.
26.lLlg5 a b e d e f g h
26.�h l !
Preparing to bring the rook to g 1 .
26.lLlf4
A natural blockading move bringing more
pieces near the black king.
26 . . . �h7
Black is at least equal after this logical
response, as the following variations show:
27.%Vg3
a b e d e f g h
27.lLlh5 %Vf7 28 .�xe3 �h8--+
27.�h5 �xf4 28.�xf4 %Vg7t 29.�h2
26 . . . �xb l ! (29 .�fl %Vd4-+) 29 ... �h8 30.�gl %Vb2t
2 6. . .�f6? 27.�xf5 gxf5 28 .%Vh5+-
3 1 .�g2 e2 32.�g5 %Ve5t 33.�h3 %Vc3t
27.�xb l
34.�h2 %Ve5t= (34 . . . �f8 3 5 . �xe2 f4 36.�e8
27.lLlxh7? %Vxh7 28.�xb l g5 29.%Vxg5 t
%Vc2t 37.�e2 %Vxe2t 38 .�xe2 �xh4t
�h8+
39.�xh4 �e8oo)
27 . . . M6 28 .%Vh3! �xg5 29 .%Ve6t %Vf7 30 .�xg5
27 . . . �xf4 28.%Vxf4! %Vg7 29. �g2 �h8 30.�gl
�e8
�g8 3 1 .�fl %Va l t=
The inevitable exchange of queens puts the
black king out of danger, and the position will
26.�xe3
eventually be drawn.
This loses time, allowing Black to organize
his defence:
25 ...gxf5 26 . . . �h7 27.�h5 �h8 28 .�g5
This position is highly complicated, as Black
28. lLlg5 �g8+
leads in material, but is weak on the light
28 . . .%Vg7 2 9 . � h l
30 Kotronias on the Ki ng's Indian - Mar del Plata I
In case of 29.'tt> f1 the astounding reply 30 ...Wg7 3 1 .a4

29 . . . 'it>gB!! creates the fiendish threat of 3 1 .E:g2 b 5 ! ? 32.cxb5 c4 3 3 . lt) f4 ixf4
. . .'I1*'hB ! . 34.ixf4 Wd4 3 5 . 'it>h2 c30e
29.l:m E:gB 30.E:xf5 M6 3 1 .'it>h2 ixg5
32.lt)xg5 Wb2t 33. 'it>h3 Wc3t 34. lt) f3 =
looks like a position where White i s s o tied
from the various pins that he can hardly be
better.
29 . . . E:fB 30.E:gl b5 3 1 .cxb5 c4 32.lt)f4 ixf4
33.ixf4 Wd4+±
Finally, 26.Wh6 is an attempt to infiltrate

which can be met as follows: 26 . . . E:h7 27.We6t
'it>hB 2B .Wxf5 Wfl 29 .Wxfl E:xfl=
26 .. J�h7
Tying the white pieces along the h-file. a b e d e f g h
3 1 ...b6 32.� f4 i.xf4 33.i.xf4 ti'd4=

27.i.h5 E:e8! 28.i.xe3 The pin on the h-file makes it difficult for
After 2B.E:gl ig7 29 .ixeB (29 .if4 e2 White to utilize the bishop pair. I don't see any
30.lt)g5 E:xh5 3 1 .Wxh5 e l =W 32 .Wh7t 'it>fB way to progress for either side here.
33.Wxf5t 'it>gB 34.Wh7t 'tt> fB=) 29 . . . E:xh4
3o.ixh4 Wa5 ! 3 1 .lt) f4 (3 1 .ih5? Wc3! 32.lt)f4 B2) 14.ti'c2!
We5+) 3 1 . ..'I1*'c3! 32.lt)e6 e2 33.E:xg7t (33.iflt
'it>hB!) 33 . . . 'tt> hB= the position is a draw. This may well be best, but all the same Black
need not worry if he keeps his good knight.
1
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
28 ... i>h8 29.i.g5!
2 9 . lt) g5?? if6-+ 14 ... � f6!?
A solid, human move. Alternatives do not
29 ... E:fB 30.E:gl yield an easy life, although it has to be admitted
30.E:f1 Wg7= that Black is not worse even then:
Chapter 2 - l 1 . f4 31
1 4 . . . i.d7 1 5 .1'!ae 1 c 5 1 6.tLlxe4 fxe4 i s unclear 16 tLl c6! 17 .tfl tLl eS

••• •
after either 1 7.Wxe4 or 1 7.g4. Thanks to a nice trick Black has deployed
his knight to an excellent position. However,
1 4 ... tLl xc3 1 5 .bxc3 c6 offers White good White still maintains j ust about enough
compensation after: 1 6.1'!ae 1 ( 1 6.i.d4 i.h6!?) compensation.
16 ... cxd5 ( 1 6 ... Wc7 1 7.i.f3) 1 7 .cxd5 Wa5
8
( 1 7 . . .Wc7 1 8 .c4 b6 1 9 .i.f3 i.d7 20.i.f2 1'!ae8
2 1 .tLle6 i.xe6 22.1'!xe6�) 1 8 .i.d4! i.xd4t
1 9 . cxd4� The knight on e7 remains bad 7
and the c3-pawn has been promoted to d4, 6
guarding important dark squares in the centre,
a fact that renders the position merely unclear. 5
4
IS.h3
3
Black now has a strong equalizing retort.
2
8 1
7 a b e d e f g h
6 1 8.cS!
5
Trying to open up the position, to exploit
the weaknesses at c7 and e6. Now there is a
4 choice for Black.
3
1 8 'i9f7
2
•••
This looks like the most natural.

1
1 8 . . . g5 is not so clear here in view of
a b e d e f g h
1 9 . tLl d3!?oo (Instead, 1 9 . tLl e6?! i.xe6 20.dxe6
IS JWe8!!
.• Wxe6 2 1 .cxd6 cxd6 22.i.d3
Creating the threats of ... tLl c6 and ... g5 .
8
16J�ae1 7
The most obvious, and probably better than
6
the alternatives listed below:
5
1 6. tLl b 5 ? tLl exd5+ is one of the chief points 4
behind Black's 1 5th move. 3
2
After 1 6 .Wd3 Black lashes out: 1 6 . . . g5 1 7. tLl e6
i.xe6 1 8 .dxe6 Wg6 1 9 .tLlb5 ( 1 9 . tLl d 5 ? tLl fxd5
a b e d e f g h
20.cxd5 f4+) 1 9 .. .f4 20.Wxg6 hxg6 2 1 .i.f2
tLl e4+ 22 . . . tLlh5! 23.Wd 1 tLlf4 24.i.c2 'it>h8+ is what
Black would have wanted to happen.)
1 B . . . a6! ? is interesting. Conclusion
Mter I B . . .'I1*'f7 White has the following route Chapter 2 has dealt with the rather neglected
to equality: 1 1 .f4, which is far more poisonous than it
actually seems. White wants to open lines in
19.cxd6 cxd6 20./t::J bS tLl e4! 2 1 .tLl c7 tLlxfl the centre, and puts pressure on the e5-square
22.tLlxa8! right away, creating a tense game.
22.E1xf2 E1bB 23.ttJce6 ixe6 24.dxe6 '!!1e 7+ Mter 1 1 . . . exf4 White has two main ways
to recapture on f4, namely 1 2.ixf4!? and
1 2.ttJxf4 !. A thoroughly satisfactory way to
continue after 1 2.ixf4!? is 1 2 . . . fXe4 1 3 .ttJxe4
ttJ f5 1 4.'!!1d 2 '!!1 e 7! 1 5 .ttJdf2 ie5 ! ? 1 6.E1ae l
ixf4 1 7. '!!1xf4 ttJ d4, when Black has secured
e5 for the d7-knight and can look forward to
equal chances.
Much more complex, however, is 1 2 .ttJxf4!,
eyeing e6. After 1 2 ... ttJc5, the strong pawn
sacrifice 1 3 .ie3!? gave me reason to worry, as
the position opens up and White plays to keep
the e7-knight passive.
b e d g h
I deemed it right to suggest the most clear
a e f
cut 1 3 . . . ttJ xe4!?, trying to relieve the pressure by
22 tLl e4 23.tLlc7 tLlg3 24.tLlfe6 tLlxfl
••• exchanges, when play seems to remain equal.
2S.E1xfl Le6 26.tLlxe6 E1e8 27.g4 g;,h8 White's idea to stifle the e7-knight becomes
28.gxf5 gxf5 29.'!!1xf5 YlYxf5 30.E1xf5 gc8= quite evident after 1 4.ttJxe4!? fXe4 1 5 . g4!,
but Black can fight against suffocation with
1 5 . . . h 5 ! ? 1 6.h3!? hxg4 1 7.hxg4 ixb2 I B .E1b l !
ie5 1 9 . '!!1d 2! c5 ! ? 20.ttJh3! ttJ f5 ! which I
worked out to a draw; this is a line that
definitely requires some memorization .
Less forcing b u t still equal i s 1 4 . '!!1c 2! when
Black has a fine retreat in 1 4 . . . ttJ f6!?, designed
to gain time by eyeing g4. Mter 1 5 .h3 '!!1 e B!!
1 6.E1ae l ttJ c6! Black gets his knight t o e5,
which, in conjunction with the extra pawn,
guarantees equality. White's best option is to
go for I B .c5! '!!1 f7 1 9 .cxd6 cxd6 20.ttJb5 ttJ e4!
2 1 . ttJ c7 ttJ xf2 22.ttJxaB which leads to a draw
after some further adventures.
10.�d3
a b e d e f g h
11.£3
Variation Index
l .d4 tLlf6 2.e4 g6 3.tLle3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tLl£3 0-0 6 ..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLle6 S.d5 tLl e7
9.tLle1 tLl d7 10.tLld3 f5 1 1 .£3
1 1 . .. £4
A) 12.a4!? a5! 34
AI) 1 3.h3 34
Al) 13.tLlh5! 35
B) 12.h4 tLl f6 13.e5 g5 14.a4 h5 15.tLlfl tLl g6 1 6.a5 gf7 36
B l ) 17.a6!? 37
B2) 17.e6!? 40
A2) after 16 . .txb4 B) note to 1 5 .ti:l f2 B2) after 1 7.c6!?
a b c d e f g h a b e d e f g h a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . c6!N 1 7 . . . cxb6!N 1 7 . . . bxc6!?N

34
I .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tLl£3 1 7. tLl c l !! E:a6 l B . tLl a2! E:dB 1 9 . tLl ac3 tLl fB
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tLl c6 S.d5 tLl e7 9.tLl el 20.tLldS Vff b 7 2 1 .tLl bc7 tLl xdS 22.VffxdSt Vff xdS
tLl d7 10.tLld3 f5 1 1 .£3 23.cxdS E:b6 24.�c4± Black is left with the
This option does not have independent annoying burden of defending a prospectless
significance from 1 1 .�d2, unless White tries position.) 1 6.cS! dS 1 7.exdS tLl xdS I B .tLl xdS
a2-a4 or b2-b4 on move 1 2. cxdS 1 9 .b4! axb4 20.tLl xb4 Vff xcSt 2 1 .�h l
White has a strong initiative in the open
1 1 £4
••• position that has arisen.
As mentioned above, this chapter will 14.i.a3

concentrate on A) 1 2.a4!? and B) 1 2.h4. 1 4. tLl b S tLl cS I S .�a3 ( 1 S .tLl xcS dxcS 1 6.E:a2
is equal after either 1 6 . . . �d7= or 1 6 . . . �a6= as
1 2 .�d2 gS 1 3 Jkl tLl g6 gives Black a favourable Black will manoeuvre his knight to d6 via cB .)
version of 1 1 .�d2 positions.
1 2.g4 gS 1 3 .�d2 tLl f6 transposes to Chapters

4 and S .
A) 1 2.a4!?
This should be met by:
1 2 ... a5!
Trying to stabilize the situation on the
a b e d e f g h
queenside. White now has two replies:
AI) 1 3.b3 and Al) 13.tLl b5! . I S . . . tLl a6! 1 6.b4 ( 1 6.Vff d 2 gSoo) 1 6 . . . axb4
1 7. tLl xb4 tLl cS I B . tLl d3 tLl b7°o This looks
AI) 13.b3 b6! excellent for the second player as White's
queenside play has been blocked.
13 . . . cS?! creates weaknesses. 1 4 . dxc6! bxc6
I S .�a3 Vff c7 (In case of I S . . . cS 1 6 .tLlbS Vff b6 14 ... tLl c5N 15.b4 axh4 16.,bh4 tLl b7
Chap ter 3 - 1 1 .f3 35
17.tikl c;fJh8 Black's strongly centralized knight yields

With a complicated game. The following considerable compensation and the game
lines show how play may continue: should end in a draw, provided Black does not
forget to activate his dark-squared bishop.
1 8.�b5
After 1 8 . lLl b3 the correct reaction is 1 8 . . . c5! 23.gbl gxa4 24.gxb6 .ie6 25 ..id3
I 9 .�a3 0 9 . dxc6 lLl xc6?) I9 . . . h5°o with 25 .c5 ga5 26.lLlb7 ga3 and Black's rook is
an unclear position, as White's queenside heading to c3 to pressurize the c-pawn.
offensive has slowed down considerably.
25 ... gfa8 26.f[} e2 �xe2t 27.i.xe2 .ifS!
28.gfbl .ixd6 29.gxd6 hc4 30.hc4 gxc4
3 1 .ge6 gac8=
Neither side can make much progress in this
endgame.
A2) 1 3.�b5!
a b e d e f g h
1 8 ... c6! 1 9.dxc6 �xc6 20.,bd6 �xd6
2 1 .'Wxd6 'Wxd6 22.�xd6
At this point Black has an effective way to
steer the game towards equality.
13 ... b6 14..id2!
I 4.b3 transposes to the note on I 4. lLl b 5 in
line Al above.
14 ... f[}c5 15.b4

I 5 .lLl xc5 dxc5 I 6 .�c3 �a6= is fine for Black,
who will succeed in effectively blockading the
position by posting a knight on d6.
15 ... axb4 16.,bb4

36 l O . ttJ d3
8
. . . g4; his defences on the other flank seem to
hold well . The computers favour White, but I
7 think their evaluation is wrong here.
6
B) l 2.h4
5
4 This move has been played by Vescovi .
3
l2 ... � f6 1 3.c5 g5
2 The position is double-edged, with play
1
raging on both flanks.
a b e d e f g h
l 6 ... c6!N
Adla - Martinez Martin, Mondariz 1 998,
continued 1 6 ... g5 1 7. tLl f2 tLlb7 1 8 .Wfd2 h5
1 9 .�fd 1 tLl a5 20.�xa5 �xa5 2 1 .c5;!;. The text
move allows Black to neutralize White's play
on the queenside before beginning kingside
operations.
17 .ft:k3 � h7! l8 ..ia3

1 8 .�b 1 c5 1 9 .�a3 <j{h8°o
a b e d e f g h
1 8 .dxc6 tLl xc6 19 .�a3 tLl d4+t
l4.a4
8
After 1 4 .�a3, the customary 1 4 . . . tLl g6 1 5 .b5
�f7 prepares ... �f8 , and the a3-bishop is rather
7 clumsily placed as it hinders the advance of the
6 a-pawn.
5 1 4. b 5 ! ? tLl g6 1 5 .a4 h5 1 6.b6N ( l 6.�a3 g4

4 transposes to the next note.) 1 6 . . . axb6 1 7.cxd6
cxd6 1 8 .�a3 �f7 1 9 .tLlb5 �f8 20.tLlb2 g4
3
2 1 . tLl c4 tLl h4!+t, intending . . . �g7, seems to
2 give Black excellent counter-chances.
1
l4 ... h5 l 5.�f2
a b e d e f g h 1 5 .b5 should be answered b y 1 5 ... g4! with a
l 8 ... c5 19.tLlh5 g5� sharp game, for example: 1 6.�a3 tLl g6 1 7.b6
Black will aim for the standard configuration Larsen and Vaganian have introduced this
with a rook on g6 and pawn on h 5 , before breakthrough, but White's deserted kingside
bringing his knight to h6, in order to push doesn't really j ustify it.
Chapter 3 - l 1 f3
. 37
2 1 .tLlxg4 Wfd7! is a really nice fork, isn't it?)

20 . . . if8 2 1 . tLl xg4 tLl xe4 22 .id3 if5 Black
has a strong attacking position, without any
material investments.
5
v·=·,·...... . . ,
a b e d e f g h 4
1 7 . . . cxb6!N 1 8 .cxd6 g3! The idea of moving 3
the f6-knight followed by .. .'IWh4 gives Black 2

strong counterplay: 1 9 . tLl b 5 ? tLl xe4-+ or
1 9 .Wfe 1 tLl xd5! 20 . tLl xd5 Wfh4 2 1 .h3 ixh3
a b e d e f g h
22.gxh3 Wfxh3 23J:1f2 tLl h4+t or 1 9 . d7 ixd7
20 .ixfB ixf8 2 1 .Wfb3 tLl h7!�. 1 8 . . .if8 1 9 .1':1a3 tLl h4 20.tLlb5 1':1g7 2 1 .1':1c3 a6!
2 1 . . .g4?! transposes to the above mentioned
game.
2 2 . tLl a3 id7 23.tLlc4 1':1c8 24.id2 g4+t
Black has excellent counterplay, having
managed to get in . . . g4 without giving
considerable ground on the queenside.
Bl) 17.a6!?
This should be answered as follows:
a b e d e f g h 7
15 . . til g6 1 6.a5 gf7

.
6
Now White has two basic tries to infiltrate 5
on the queenside: B l ) 17.a6!? or B2) 17.c6!?
4
Less critical is: 3
2
1 7. cxd6 cxd6 1 8 .h3!N
After 1 8 .tLlb5?! Black should prefer
1 8 . . . g4!-+N (Rather than 1 8 . . . M8 1 9 .1':1a3 1
b e d g
1':1g7 20.h3 tLl h4 2 1 .1':1c3 g4?! 22.fxg4 hxg4 a e f h
23. hxg4 a6 24. tLl a3 tLl h 5 Kosiorek - Linster,
Pardubice 20 1 0, and now 2 5 . tLl c4!N tLl g3 17 ... b6!
26.1':1xg3 fxg3 27. tLl h 1 ±) For example: Trying to slow White's offensive as much as
1 9 . fxg4 hxg4 20.1':1a3 (20.ixg4?? tLl xg4 possible.
3B l O . ttJ d3
1 8.i.b5! 2 1 .&g4!
Intending �c6 followed by tLl b 5 . This could well be the only move.
After 1 8 . cxd6?! cxd6 1 9 .b5?! �d7 i t soon 2 1 .tLl b 5 ?

becomes clear that the plan of putting a knight Th e computer i s initially quite optimistic
on c6 is unrealistic as it allows Black a strong about White's chances here, but in truth he
attack on the kingside. is in bad shape.
2 1 . . . g3! 22.tLlh3
This can be considered as the lesser evil.
22.tLld3?! should be answered with the
typically strong 22 . . . tLl h7!! (Instead
22 . . . gxh2t?! deprives the black position of its
dynamism, and after 23.Whl 1'!xb5 24.�xb5
h4 2 5 . tLl f2 tLl h 5 26.Wxh2 h3 27.gxh3!
[27.tLl xh3 �fB�] 27 .. .'IWh4 2B.1'!a2± I didn't
find a clean way of continuing the attack.)
Black's attack is on the verge of becoming
decisive. For example: 23.tLlxa7 (23.h3 Wh4
24.1'!a2 �xh3 2 5 . gxh3 Wxh3+, intending
simply . . . tLlh4 followed by . . .M8 and
. . . 1'!g7 is hardly enviable for White either.)
23 ... Wh4 24.h3 �xh3 25.gxh3 Wxh3 26.1'!a2
tLl h4 27.tLl e l MB 28 .1'!d2 1'!g7 29 .Wc2
g2 30.1'!xg2 tLl g5 !-+ White is dead lost as
Black has amassed a tremendous amount of
artillery against his bare king. The picture
19.bxc5 g4! 20.i.c6 gb8 of the board in this particular moment is
We have reached a critical position where very characteristic of the stakes each side is
White has to play accurately to avoid an playing for, as White's queenside forces on
immediate collapse. a7 and c6 cut inglorious figures compared to
the powerful Black cavalry.
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h 22 . . . �xh3 23.gxh3 WcB

Chapter 3 - 1 1 .f3 39
Black has ruined the enemy's kingside and

now targets it with his most radiant long
range piece.
24.We2 �xb 5!
Terminating the only source of trouble
before proceeding with the attack.
25 .ixb5 tLl h4 26.hxg3 fxg3 27.ig5 Wxh3
2B .ixh4 Wxh4--+
The gruelling weakness of the f4-square
means that White has not been relieved from
his troubles. Black keeps a valuable attack that a b e d e f g h
will be very hard for his opponent to repel. A unique sight, as the g-file is full of pieces.
28 . . . Wh l t 29.'it>f2 Wh2!-+ The f7-rook has
2 1 . .. hxg4 22.ib7! no good retreat square, so it should already be
Trying to trade off the dangerous cB-bishop. over.
22.tLl b 5 ? g3 23.hxg3 fxg3 24.tLl h3 ixh3

25.gxh3 WcB+ is j ust bad for White.
a b e d e f g h
26 ...�h4!
b e d g h
Adding more wood to the raging fire.
a e f
22 ... g3!? 27.�f5!

Black has other moves as well, but I decided Again, the only move.
to focus on this principled pawn push.
27. tLl xh5 ? ? is refuted by 27 . . . �xfl t 2B .Wxfl
23.hxg3 fxg3 24.ft::J hl! ig4! 25.�e1 � h5 �fB! and Black wins.
26.�xg3
White should terminate the evil pawn when 27 ... �xf5
he can. Now the tactics peter out to a study-like
situation, where the status quo is miraculously
After 26.�xf7? Black has the devilish 26 . . . Wh4!, maintained.
which should secure the win : 27.tLlxg3 tLl xg3
2B .ig5
40 l O . tLl d3
8
are mounting strong pressure against the bare
white king, while the b7-bishop is far away
7 from the defence. The following line could be
6
a logical conclusion:
5 3S..ta6 tLl g3t 39.�gl tLlxe4 40.i.fl tLl dl

4 41 .'lWb7 gg3t 42.�h2 tLl xf1 t 43.fu:fl gh3t
44.�gl gg3t 45.�h2 gh3t=
3 With a perpetual.
2
1
B2) 17.c6!?
a b e d e f g h In my opinion, the main move.

2S.'!Wxh4 fu:fl t 29.�xf1 tLlxh4 30.cxd6
cxd6 3 1 .i.e3 l:USt 32.�gl tLlxg2! 33.i.xa7!?
33.�xg2 1'%f3 34.i.xa7 tLl f4t 3 S .�gl 1'%g3t
36.�f1 1'%xc3 37.i.f2 i.e2t 3B.�gl tLl h3t
39.@g2 tLl f4t 40.�g l =
33 1'%8 34.i.b6!
•••
34.tLl e2? tLl gf4 3 S . tLl xf4 exf4-+
34 tLl gf4 35.a7 gg3t 36.�fl!?

•.•
36.�f2 tLl d3t 37.�f1 tLl hf4 3 B . aB=Wlt �h7

39 .i.cB 1'%f3t 40.�gl 1'%g3t=
36 fu:c3 37.aS='lWt �h7i

•.•
a b e d e f g h
17 bxc6!?N
.•.
8 My s uggested improvement. 1 7 . . . i.f8

I B .cxb7?! i.xb7 1 9 .1'%a3 1'%g7 20.h3 i.cB 2 1 .bS
7 tLlhB 22.tLla2 tLlf7 23.tLlb4 tLl h6 24. tLl c6 WleB
6 2 S .Wlc2 g4 26.fxg4 hxg4 27.tLl xg4 tLl hxg4
2B.hxg4 tLl xg4-+ was better for Black in
5
Vescovi - Krylov, Moscow 20 1 0, but I B .bS!?N
4 1'%g7°o is more critical.
3
l S.dxc6 i.e6
2 Preparing to slow White down by means of
1 the thematic move . . . a6.
a b e d e f g h 1 9.b5 tLl e7! 20.'lWa4 a6!

The resulting position is a really crazy one, Breaking up White's monstrous queenside
which the computers evaluate as equal in spite pawn front.
of Black's large material deficit. Black's pieces
Chapter 3 - 1 1 .f3 41
2 1 .bxa6 g4 2 2.i.c4 hc4 23.'!Wxc4 'WeS In case of 1 3 .b3 Black should play
24.lLl d5 lLl fxd5 25.exd5 1 3 . . . b6!, making it difficult for his opponent to
make headway. Typical lines include 1 4.tLlb5
8
tLl c5 1 5 .�a3 tLl a6! 1 6.b4 axb4 1 7.tLlxb4 tLl c5
1 8 . tLl d3 tLl b7 and 1 4 .�a3 tLl c5 1 5 .b4 axb4
7 1 6.�xb4 tLl b7 1 7. tLl c 1 �h8 1 8 .tLlb5 c6! with
6 excellent counterplay for Black, who gets great
compensation in return for the d6-pawn due
5 to powerful dark-square control.
4 1 3. tLl b 5 ! looked more critical, with the
3
intention of advancing the b-pawn to b4 in one
go, yet after 13 . . . b6 1 4 .�d2! tLl c5 1 5 .b4 axb4
2 1 6.�xb4 c6! I couldn't find any real problems
1
either. After 1 7. tLl c3 tLl b7! 1 8 .�a3 c5 1 9. tLl b5
g5f± Black can steadily proceed with his usual
a b e d e f g h kingside attack while it is not clear to me how
25 ... e4!? 26J:ta2 e3 27.� d3 lLlg6 White reacts on the other side of the board.
With a double-edged position that seems After 1 2.b4, on the other hand, a very
much easier to play as Black. complicated race arises, typical of the Mar
del Plata Variation. Black should continue
Conclusion 1 2 . . . tLl f6 1 3 .c5 g5 1 4.a4 h 5 , planning the
usual attacking configuration with a knight on
g6, bishop on f8 and rook on g7.
Continuing our examination of 9 . . . tLl d7
In my view the prophylactic 1 5 . tLl f2 is
1 O. tLl d3 5 , we arrived at the topical 1 1 . f3 .
then White's best as Larsen's 1 5 .b5 may well
This chapter demonstrated how Black should
lead the first player into trouble after 1 5 . . . g4!
react, by focusing on positions where White
1 6.�a3 tLl g6 1 7.b6 cxb6! 1 8 .cxd6 g3! . The
tries to avoid transposing to its twin line
position after 1 5 . tLl f2 led me to an important
1 1 .�d2.
branching point after the further 1 5 . . . tLl g6
After the standard reply 1 1 . . . f4, the
1 6.a5 :gO, with both 1 7. a6!? and 1 7 .c6!?
meaningful attempts at deviation from 1 1 .�d2
raising interesting questions.
are 1 2. a4!? and 1 2 .b4. Both have a certain
Examining these two continuations in
amount of logic, so Black should tread with
some depth I came to conclude that 1 7.a6!? is
care.
mostly dangerous for White, but after 17 ... b6!
I think that a reasonable attempt to contain
1 8 .�b5 ! bxc5 1 9 .bxc5 g4! 20.�c6 :gb8 2 1 .fxg4!
White's play after 1 2 .a4!? is 1 2 . . . a5!, trying
hxg4 22 .�b7! g3! ? the raging complications
to build an effective blockade on the dark
should peter out to a draw. More critical is
squares. Of course this is never so easy to carry
1 7. c6!? when the principled line of play is
out, but I believe I did manage to carve a path
1 7 . . . bxc6!? 1 8 .dxc6 �e6 1 9 .b5 tLl e7! 20.WI'a4
to equality after both 1 3 .b3 and 1 3. tLl b 5 ! .
a6! with mutual chances.
13.g4
a b c d e f g h
14.h4 & 14.c5

Variation Index
l .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLl c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 S.tLl£3 0-0 6 . .ie2 eS 7.0-0 tLl c6 8.dS tLl e7
9.tLle1 tLl d7 10.ct:Jd3 f5 1 l ..id2 ct:J f6 1 2.£3 f4 1 3.g4!?
1 3 ... gS!
A) 1 4.h4 hS l S .h3 ct:J g6 1 6.cS gf7 17.a4 .ifS 1 8.aS 43

AI) 1 8 ... gh7!? 44
Al) 18 ... a6!N 19.Wfh3 gh7 20.�g2 �g7 2 1 .gh1 .id7! 44
Al l) 22.cxd6 4S
A22) 22.gag1 46
B) 1 4.cS hS l S .h3 ct:J g6 1 6.gc1 gf7 17.Wfh3 .ifS 47
B 1 ) 18.ct:Jdl!?N 48
B2) 1 8.cxd6 SO
A I ) after 20.c6 A) after 1 8 .as B) note to move 1 8
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1
20 . . . �e7!N 1 8 . . . a6!N 2 1 . . .�xg4!+

Chapter 4 - 1 4. h4 & 1 4.c5 43
l .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 Black's hest reaction, reaching one of the
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 tLl c6 8.d5 tLl e7 9.tLl el tahiyas of the 1 1 .J.d2 variation. Black's plan
tLl d7 10.tLl d3 f5 1 1 .J.d2 is to follow up with . . . h 5 , opening the h-file
The main line, seeking to organize quick for use by his major pieces, and then try to
pressure on the c-file without allowing the infiltrate on the kingside. Sometimes he will
advance . . . f4 with tempo, as in the Korchnoi seek to destroy the pa wn skeleton e4-f3-g4 with
variation. piece sacrifices. This is particularly effective
when White's defence has been softened by a
bishop's placement on f2, rather than the more
traditional knight move to the same square.
Now, the most commonly adopted option is

nevertheless 1 4.J.e l , which examined in the
next chapter.
The current chapter will concentrate on the

pawn advances A) 14.h4 and B) 14.c5 .
A) 14.h4 h5 15.h3 tLlg6 16.c5 l:H'7

17.a4 J.f8 1 8.a5
8 1!i!I' �
•A�
W�r_'' ' %_'i_ �
a .lL �m�
f!� ��
WW�
7
6 L�'0" �.""�_� _ r�
�
5 �� '�""%%i' f� "
"j"
�� A ��"""%i'�
"j[j� � i"� &
"'''''� '''''''� '8" _ '8�'�
1 3 .c5 and 1 3 .1': k l g5 1 4.c5 transpose to %Lj�
4
m� "m�� K�� fj
Chapters 6- 1 0 .
'
3
1 3 ... g5!
2
""��
. D' ��
Yi' "
��'0��
�
8 1 /� � "ii � .: �
7 a b e d e f g h
6 In this line White generates a queenside

pawn advance, refraining from a quick J.e l
5 f2 . To advance c4-c5 without the bishop's
4 assistance requires the time-consuming b2-
b4, which has the additional disadvantage of
3 blocking attacks against b7.
2
1
AI) 18 .. J�h7!? is playable, but I think the best
move now for Black is A2) 18 ... a6!N.
a b e d e f g h
44 1 3 . g4
AI) 18 .. J�� h 7!? 19.a6 bxa6 20.c6

8
Black took on a6 because the pawn on b4 7
6
prevents White from moving his knight there,
and thus the sensitive a6-point cannot be
attacked with this agile piece. 5
4
8 3
7 2
6 1
5 a b e d e f g h
4 25 ... tLl g2! 26.'ifc1 ! E:h2 27.tLlfl tLlh4
3 28.tLlcdl E:b8�
I would feel very comfortable playing the
2
black side of this position .
1
b e d g
A2) 18 ... a6!N
a e f h
20 'ife7!N
•••
I believe this move is best.

20 . . . hxg4 2 1 .hxg4 Wie7 22J!:f2 E:b8 23 . .ie l
E:h6 24.E:h2;!; happened in Gavriushin -
Temirbaev, USSR 1 990.
2 1 .'t!;g2
Black is hardly worse, in spite of an inherent
problem the structure presents him with; the
c8-bishop cuts his position in two. On the
other hand, it is difficult for White to win the
a6-pawn without allowing counterplay.
2 1 . . .ti:J h4t!?
2 1 . . .E:h6 22.E:h l Wih7 is best answered with
the solidifying: 23.tDf2 (Instead, 23.Wifl ! ?
19.'ifb3
allows the typical 23 . . . tD h4t 24.'it>gl hxg4
This looks logical. The rooks are connected
2 5 . hxg4 E:b8 26 . .ie l tDxf3t! 27 . .ixf3 E:xh l t
and b4-b5 is on the cards from now on.
28 ..ixh l tD xg� with great compensation for
Black.) Even then 23 . . . E:b8� makes it difficult
Instead, 1 9 . tD a4 E:h7 20.cxd6 allows Black
for White to progress further.
to display the chief difference of a delayed
capture on d6 by playing 20 . . . .ixd6! , when he
22.'t!;fl E:h6 23.E:gl 'ifh7 24.'t!;f1 hxg4 is at least equal.
25.hxg4
Chapter 4 - 1 4 . b4 & 1 4 .c5 45
19 J�h7
•• surprising: 23 . . . c6! 24.tt:lb6 (24.dxc6 ixc6
Black continues with his plan of applying 2 5 .ic3 ixe4!?)
pressure down the h-file.
20.�g2
20.\tJf2 is also met by 20 . . . \tJg7.
20 �g7 2 1 .ghl
•••
After these natural moves an important

moment has been reached; now it is crucial
for Black to choose the most accurate
continuation:
a b e d e f g h
24 . . . cxd5! 2 5 . exd5 e4 26.tt:lxaB e3t 27.\tJf1

exd2 2 B . tt:l b6 ib5 2 9 .tt:lxf4 gxf4 3o .ixb5
axb5 3 1 .c6 \tJgB! 32.�h2 hxg4 33.hxg4 'lWeB!+
The resulting mess looks favourable for the
second player.
A2 1) 22.cxd6 cxd6 23.tila4
a b e d e f g h
2 1 . J.d7!
••
Controlling b5 and a4.
Instead, 2 1 . . .ie7 22.gag l ! tt:l h4t 23.\tJf1

'lWhB 24. tt:l a4! looks a bit better for White. For
example: 24 . . . id7 (24 . . . tt:l xf3?! 2 5 .ixf3 hxg4
26.hxg4 tt:l xg4 requires some analysis at this
point, but my intuition tells me it shouldn't
quite work.) 2 5 . cxd6 ixa4! 26.'lWxa4 cxd6
27.iel tt:l g6 2B.\tJg2 �cB;!;/= Although Black This is an attempt to improve on the previous
is fairly solid, it is White who will be calling note by inserting an exchange of the c-pawns.
the shots with a well-timed b4-b 5 . Black should then continue as follows:
Here we reach another split i n variations: 23 til h4t 24.�f2 hxg4 25.hxg4 .bg4!
•••
A21) 22.cxd6 and A22) 22.gagl . 26.gagl! J.xa! 27.Axf3 tLlxf3 28.gxh7t
�xh7 29.�xf3 'i'e8!
The rash 22. tt:l a4?! tt:l h4t 23.\tJf2 allows
Black to blast open the whole board with the
46 1 3 . g4
8
33 ... E1e8 34.�f5 i.e7 35.c!C!d7
3 5 .ie l E1h8 would give Black strong
7 counterplay.
6
35 ... f3t 36.�xf3 �xd2 37.c!C!xf6 E1f8!
5 38.c!l) h5t �g6 39.E1dl
4 39.Wfg3 mxh5 40.Wfg4t 'it>g6 4 1 .Wfe6t 'it>g7+
a b e d e f g h
30.c!lH'2!!
30Jhg5 ? ih6-+
30 ... �h5t 3 1 .�g2 �e2!

The penetration of Black's queen in the
white camp gives him sufficient compensation
for the sacri ficed piece.
32.�h3t �g7 33.c!l) b6

33.ie l g4 34 . tLl c3! Wfxe 1 3 5 . tLl xg4 Wfg3t
36.Wfxg3 fxg3 37. tLl xf6 'it>xf6 38.E1f1 t me7
39.tLle2 ih6 40.tLl xg3 id2= is an interesting
tactical skirmish that leads to a draw; it is worth
always keeping in mind that the manoeuvre
. . . ig7-h6-d2 can be a way to activate the
dark-squared bishop productively in some A22) 22.E1agl
endgames.
Most logical. Now the king may even go to
f1 in case of a check on h4, keeping g4 well
defended and f2 reserved for the pieces.
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 4 - 1 4 . b4 & 1 4.c5 47
22 .. ..ie7
Ideally, Black would like to triple his major
pieces on the h-file, but at the same time he
has to keep an eye on White's counterplay on
the other wing.
23.i.el
Defending the h4-square.
After 23.cxd6 cxd6 24. 1Z1 a4 (24 .1Z1£1 lZl h4t

2 5 . � fl b6!?) 24 . . . i.b5 ! 2 5 . 1Z1b6 E:b8 2 6 . 1Z1 c 1
i.xe2 27. 1Z1 xe2 1Z1 h4t 2 8 . � £1 1Z1 d7! Black i s at
least equal. An important detail is: 2 9 . 1Z1 c4 b5! a b e d e f g h
30.axb6 1Z1 xb6 3 1 . 1Z1 a5 24 ...�h8! 2S.hS! axhS! 26.tll xhS �c8!!=
For more details see page 59.
B) 14.cS
White may try to play for a quick assault via

the c-file without transferring the bishop to £1.
The defence of the kingside will be managed
with a knight on £1. Let's see how play unfolds
in that case:
a b e d e f g h 8
3 1 . . .1Z1 xd5!! 32.Wxd5 Wb6t 33.1Z1d4 exd4 7
34. 1Z1 c4 Wb5 3 5 .Wxd4t i.f6 36.Wd3 E:c8
37.E:c1 lZl g6 Black has kept a slight initiative 6
due to his better king. 5
4
23 ... E:h6
Black is now almost ready to triple his heavy 3
2
artillery.
24.i.f2! 1
After 24.Wc4 Wg8 2 5 .i.£1 Wh7 White has a b e d e f g h
lost a precious tempo, and his position is
already precarious as Black has managed to 14 ... hS l S.h3 tLJg6 1 6.:gcl
achieve his objective. 1 6.b4 transposes to line A on page 43.
With 24.i.£1! play transposes into line A2 of 1 6 .i.e 1 transposes to line C of the next chapter
the following chapter. I shall j ust mention here on page 6 5 .
that the main continuation is:
48 1 3 . g4
With a tremendous position for Black. The

game concluded:
22.lDxeS?
22.1'%f2+
22 . . . lD xeS 23.WxeS i.d6 24.Wc3 lD xe4!
2S .Wd3 lD xd2 26.Wxd2 i.h3 27.1'%f2 g4
2 B. fxg4 Wh4 29.1'%c3 f3 30.i.xf3 Wg3t
0- 1 Lam - Zeier, corr. 200B.
Bl) 18.tLldmN 1'%h7 19.tLl lf2
A logical attempt a t solidification. White

a b e d e f g h has kept the d3-knight in place, to maintain
1 6 J!f7 17.YlYb3 Am
••
control of cS, and has assigned his other knight
Since White has no bishop on f2, the the mission of defending the kingside. The first
cS-pawn is already under attack. He now has player is now planning to double rooks on the
the following options: B l ) 18.tLldl !?N and c-file, so Black must come up with something.
B2) 1 8.cxd6.
1 9 hxg4 20.hxg4
•••
I B .lD bS?! 20.fxg4 as! 2 1 .1'%c2 b6! 22.cxb6 cxb6

Th i s move is a mistake in view of: 23.1'%fc 1 i.b7+
I B . . . dxcS ! 1 9 .Wc3
1 9 .1D xcSN allows 19 . . . c6! 20.lDe6 (20.dxc6
Wxd2 2 1 .cxb7 i.xb7 22.lDxb7 Wxe2
23.lD7d6 We3t 24.Wxe3 fxe3 2 S . lD xf7
@xf7 26.l:: k 7t \t>gB+ is much better for
Black) 20 . . . i.xe6 2 1 .dxe6 1'%e7 22.i.b4 cxbS
23.i.xbS a6 24.i.xe7 Wd4t 2 S .\t>h l i.xe7
26.i.d7 @g7t with a strong Black initiative,
as the white king is quite exposed.
1 9 . . . a6 20. lD a3 hxg4 2 1 .hxg4
a b e d e f g h
20 dxc5!?
•••
I decided to analyse this slightly unnatural

move on the grounds that White's manoeuvre
cost him too much time and removed a piece
from the centre. The fruits of my analysis seem
to vindicate this choice and are presented below:
a b e d e f g h
2 1 .tLlxc5 b6! 22.tLl e6!
2 1 . . .i.xg4!+ 22.d6t \t>hB+
Chap ter 4 - 1 4. b4 & 1 4 .cS 49
22.lLla6 ixa6 23.ixa6 ics with an initiative 27 ... YlYd8 28.gdl YlYe7!
for Black. 28 . . . Wc8!? 29.1'%c6 lLl g8 30.1'%dc 1 1'%f6
3 1 .1'%xf6 lLlxf6 32.1'%c6 Wd8 33.Wfl ;!; is better
22 .. .i.xe6 23.dxe6 YlYxd2 24.e7t c;t>h8 for White.
25.exf8=YlYt gxf8 26 ..ib5
This was essentially the starting position of 29.gc6
my work on this line, since the last five moves After 29.Wfl lLl g6 30.1'%c6 1'%h2� Black gets
seem more or less forced. White has a bishop counterplay as . . . Wh7 is coming.
versus-knight advantage and controls the
central files, yet Black is a pawn up and should
have no major problems after retreating his
queen to assist with the defence.
a b e d e f g h
26 ... tll h4 The alternative 29 . . . lLl e8?! is bad in view of

This move, pressurIzmg f3 , seems quite 30.1'%e6! lLlxf3t 3 1 .Wfl ± .
logical to me. But it is not the only option:
30.c;t>fl
The immediate 26 ... Wd8! ? 27.1'%fd l (27.1'%c6 Now 30.1'%e6 lLl xf3t 3 1 .Wg2 lLl h4t 32.Wfl
1'%d7 28 .Wc3 1'%ff7! 29.lLlh3 1'%h7! 30.lLlxg5 lLl d5 W cS is okay for Black.
3 1 .exd5 Wxg5 32.1'%xg6 1'%h l t!=) 27 . . . Wa8!?
28.1'%c3 (28 .1'%c6?! a6!) 28 ... 1'%d8 29.1'%c6 1'%xd l t 30.1'%dc 1 1'%d8 is also perfectly acceptable for
30 .Wxd l WfB should be defendable too. the second player.
The aggressive 26 . . . lLl h4 has the slight 30 J�f6 3 1 .gc3!

••
disadvantage of weakening the e5-pawn, but 3 1 .1'%d7? Wxd7 32.1'%xf6 lLl xf3!-+
the position is complex and offers chances to 3 1 .1'%xf6 lLl xf6't
both sides:
3 1 . .. gd6 32.gxd6 YlYxd6
27J:k3! Trading a pair of rooks under favourable
Stopping the intended . . . We3. circumstances has helped Black to equalize. I
shall give some more moves to verify this:
50 1 3 . g4
33.�e2 This clarifying move is the most obvious.

33.1k6 W'd2=
1 8 ... cxd6 19.E:e2N
33 ...'Wd8 Taking a step towards doubling rooks.
Intending to reintroduce the h7-rook into
play via h6. 1 9 .1Ll b5N hxg4! ( 1 9 . . . b6 20.lLlb4 or 1 9 . . . a6
20.lLl c7) 20.hxg4 E:h7 2 1 .lLl f2
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h 2 1 . . .lLle8! 22.a4 W'f6? intending . . . i.d7 and

34J�� d 3! . . . W'g7-h6, and Black has counterplay.
34J�k6 can now be met by 34 . . . lLl e7.
1 9 .'it>f2 hxg4 20.hxg4 lLl h4 2 1 .E!: h l resulted
34 ...'We7 in a win for White in Felipe - Manzi, Rio
Suddenly . . . lLlf6 followed by . . . lLlg2 is a threat. de Janeiro 1 999, although Black had many
improvements along the way.
35J:l!d7 'Wffi 36J:l!xh7t �xh7 37.'We6 'We5
38.Ae4 'We3t 39.�dl 'Wxf3t 40.�cl 'We3t 1 9 E:h7 20.ltJf2 a6 2 1 .E:fcl Ad7 22.a4
• .
41.�dl 'WB t= hxg4 23.hxg4

The game ends in a perpetual. White seems to have acquired a slight edge
here, but Black has a shocking idea:
B2) 1 8.cxd6
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
Chap ter 4 - 1 4.h4 & 1 4 .c5 51
23 ... bS! 28.'it>fl ?! ixg4!! 2 9 . fxg4 CD xe4 30 .ixb5 CD g3t

This looks anti-positional, but with a knight 3 1 .'it> e l e4 32.�a6 Wi'b8 33.�xa8 Wi'xa8--+
instead of a bishop on f2 (as is the case here)
it might be possible. The idea is to activate
the queen on the b6-square, which would be
annoying for White.
24.axbS axbS 2s.tikd l !

Again, White relies on this solidifying
manoeuvre. Other moves are unconvincing:
2 5 .ixb 5 ? Wi'b6 26.Wi'c4 CD h4=F is quite bad for

White.
After 2 5 . CD xb5 ? ! Wi'b6 Black already has

dangerous threats. White can try to reduce the a b e d e f g h
damage as follows: 26.ie l (26Jk6 ?? �h l t!
27.'it>xh l Wi'xf2 28.Wi'd l CDh5!! 29.gxh5 Wi'h4t 28 .. J:th3!
30.'it>gl Wi'g3t 3 1 .'it>h l Wi'h3t 32.'it>gl CD h4-+ The tension has reached its climax. The game
is a stunning tactical sequence which results in should now logically peter out to a draw.
a win for Black.) 26 . . . �b8 27.�c6
29.'iMb6!
29.'it>fl ?! �g3 30.b4 CD h4=F looks awful for
8
White.
7
6 29 ... �g3t 30.�f1 tLl h4 3 1 .'iMxa7 �xa7

5 32 . .ixeS! .ixc6 33.dxc6 dxeS 34.c7 fu:c7
4 3SJhc7 tLlxf3 36.hf3 �xf3 37.�c3 �g3!=
3
Conclusion
2
Chapter 4 introduced us to the complicated

a b e d e f g h
struggle arising after 1 1 .id2 CD f6 1 2 .f3 f4 ,
starting with the blockading attempt 1 3 .g4 !?
27 . . . Wi'e3! 28 .Wi'xe3 fxe3 29.CD d l CD f4 30.CD bc3
By playing 13 ... g5! it i s obvious that the second
ixc6 3 1 .dxc6 d5 32.exd5 CD xe2t 33.CDxe2
player reconciles himself to 'just' an attack
CD xd5 34.CD dc3 CD b4 3 5 . CD e4 CD d3+ With a
down the h-file, but further examination
slightly preferable position for Black.
revealed to me that despite operating on a
narrow passage, Black has good chances to
2S ... 'iMb6! 26Jlc6!? 'iMd4! 27..ic3 'iMa7
turn this attack into a success.
The black queen has settled on the a7-g 1
The subject of the present chapter were the
diagonal and the c6-rook is en prise; in fact I
most direct White continuations 1 4.b4 and
was surprised to find a way out for White here.
1 4.c5, seeking to generate queenside play
as quickly as possible, while the more subtle
28.'iMxbS!
1 4.ie l is examined in the next chapter.
28.ixb 5 ? �b8=F
52 1 3 . g4
Playing 1 4 . b4 means that White will not be the more solid 22.l:l:ag l , as there are many
able to press b7 with his queen and will rely nuances there that are worth mastering.
solely on a suffocation strategy by advancing
the pawn armada. After 14 . . . h5 1 5. h3 tt:l g6 The immediate 1 4.c5, on the other hand,
1 6 .c5 l:l:f7 1 7. a4 .if B I B.a5 I decided that signals White's aim to attack by applying quick
trying to soften White's offensive with I B . . . a6! pressure down the c-file, and possibly reserve
is probably better than I B . . . l:l:h7!? 1 9. a6 bxa6 f2 for the knight, to defend against sacrifices .
20.c6, although, even in this case, the accurate After 1 4 ... h5 1 5 .h3 tt:lg6 1 6. l:l:cl 00 1 7 .Wb3
20 . . . We7!, preparing to attack by means of .ifS an immediate relocation of the knight
. . . l:l:h6 and . . . Wh7, seems to deny White any by means of I B . tt:l d l !? l:l:h7 1 9 . tt:l l f2 allows
plus. Black to change the character of the game by
The move I B . . . a6! has the advantage of 1 9 . . . hxg4 20.hxg4 dxc5!? 2 1 . tt:lxc5 b6! 22.tt:l e6!
not letting Black's position get cut in two .ixe6 23.dxe6 Wxd2 24 .e7t WhB 2 5.exfS=Wt
by an annoying pawn wedge on c6, and is l:l:xfS, when White does have compensation for
therefore strategically well founded. After t he pawn, but no more.
1 9.Wb3 l:l:h7 20.Wg2 Wg7 2 1 .l:l:h l.id7! the Therefore I concluded that I B.cxd6 was
plan of bringing more forces to bear down a more serious test of Black's set-up, but in
the h-file is slowly shaping up and I think that case the opening of the a 7-g 1 diagonal
that the analysis presented in the relevant can be used effectively for counterplay:
section convincingly proves that Black has I B . . . cxd6 1 9 .l:l:c2 l:l:h7 20.tt:lf2 a6 2 U!fcl .id7
a fair share of the chances . The reader is 22.a4 hxg4 23.hxg4 and here the star move
advised to carefully consult the sacrificial line 23 . . . b5! allows Black to access b6 with the
22.cxd6 cxd6 23.tt:l a4 tt:l h4t 24.Wf2 hxg4 queen, initiating strong pressure on the critical
25. hxg4 .ixg4! 26.l:l:agl ! .ixf3! 27 ..ixf 3 tt:l xf3 diagonal. As a result, play remains balanced in
2B .l:l:xh7t Wxh7 29. Wxf3 WeB!, as well as this line too.
13.g4
14.1el
Variation Index
l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 Ag7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 0-0 6.Ae2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7
9.� e1 � d7 10.�d3 f5 1 l .Ad2 � f6 1 2.f3 f4 1 3.g4!? g5! 14.Ae1 h5 15 .h3
1 5 ... � g6
A) 1 6.�g2 �f7 17.a4 AfB 1 8.a5 a6! 1 9.b4! �h7 20.c5 �g7 2 1 .Afl Ad7 54
AI) 22.cxd6?! 55
A2 ) 22.�b3! Ae7 23.�h1 �h6! 24.�agl! �h8!
25.b5! axb5! 26.�xb5 �c8!! 57
A2 1) 27.�a7 59
A22) 27.�b4 60
A23) 27.cxd6 61
B) 16.Afl � f7 17.�g2 AfB 1 8.b4 �h7 19J�h1 Ae7
20.�b3 �g7 2 1 .c5 Ad7 22.a4 �h6! 61
B 1 ) 23.�c4 62
B2) 23.�ag1 64
C) 1 6.c5 �f7 65
Cl) 17.cxd6 65
C2) 17.�c1 67
C3) 17.Afl!? AfB 1 8.�g2!? 68
C3 1) 1 8 ... �h7 68
C32) 1 8 ... � h4t! 69
54 1 3 .g4
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.tik3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 S.�6

8
0-0 6.J.e2 eS 7.0-0 � c6 S.dS t[j e7 9.t[j e1
� d7 1O.t[jd3 f5 1l .J.d2 t[j f6 12.6 £4 7
6
1 3.g4!? p! 14.J.e1
The most frequent option. White wishes to
transfer the bishop to f2 and enforce the c4-c5 5
advance. 4
14 hS IS.h3 t[jg6
•••
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
1 9.h4!
White must undertake a general queenside
advance in order to achieve something. Black,
on the other hand, will follow the well-known
pattern of preparing to attack via the h-file.
19 1'!h7 20.cS c.t>g7 2 1 .J.f2 J.d7

•••
Having guarded h4, White can place his 3

king on g2 and try to inflict weaknesses by 2
1
advancing his a-pawn.
16 ru'7 17.a4 J.fS I S.aS a6!

••• a b e d e f g h
Despite the weakening of b6, this is best.
White has two main tries here. AI)
22.cxd6?! is premature, while A2) 22.Wh3! is
Instead, 1 8 .. J�h7 1 9 . a6!N b6 0 9 . . . bxa6 ?!
much more testing.
20.1'!h l 'it>g7 2 1 .if2 ie7 22.lLlb4± shows the
advantage of not pushing the pawn to b4)
22.1'!b l ?!
2o.lLlb5 id7 2 1 .1'!h 1 rJlg7 22.if2 ie7 23 .Wb3
This doesn't help White in his quest to
1'!h6 might be defendable as well. However, the
advance b4-b 5 , as the queen has to move to
weakness on c7 makes it impossible for Black
b3 anyway.
to undertake active kingside play.
22 . . . 1'!h6 23.1'!h l ie7 24.Wb3
Chap ter S - 1 4.ie l 55
24.bS axbS 2 S . lLl xbS E:xaS 26.cxd6 cxd6 Black is already at least equal as the following
27. lLl c3 Wc8 is clearly not serious. lines indicate:
23J�hI
The rook hurries to the defence in
anticipation of ... Wh8.
After 23.lLlc5, Black has a couple of options:
a} 23 . . . hxg4!? 24.hxg4
24.fxg4 allows 24 . . .f3t.
24 ... Wh8 25.E:hl lLl xg4! 26. fxg4 f3t! 27.ixf3
lLl f4t 28.Wgl E:xh l t 29 .ixh l lLlh3t 30.'it>g2
a b e d e f g h
lLl xf2 3 1 .Wxf2 Wh2t 32.We3 ixc5t 33.bxc5
E:h8!
24 . . . Wh8 ! 2 5 . b S Wh7 26.c6 bxc6 27.bxc6 Black has a strong attack, but White can
E:h8! respond brilliantly and save the day:
Black is on time to create notable threats, an
example being:
28 .E:hgl hxg4 29.hxg4 ixg4! 30.fxg4 f3t!
3 1 .'it>xf3
After 3 1 .ixf3 E:h3!!=t White is helpless
against the terrible threat of . . . lLlh4t.
3 1 . . .E:h3t 32.ig3 lLl xg4! 33 .ifl E:h l 34.ig2
E:h2!!�
Black has a tremendous attack and the rook
cannot be taken.
3 S .ixh2?! Wxh2 36.'it>e2 lLl h4-+
The game is over. a b e d e f g h
34.We2!!
AI) 22.cxd6?! ixd6! After 34. lLl e2 ? E:h3t 3 5 .Wd2 ixg4 the
white king is too exposed to survive the
8 combined onslaught of Black's pieces, a
logical continuation being 36.Wfl ixe2
7
37.Wxe2 Wf4t 38.Wc2 Wf8! 39.Wb2 (39.d6
6 Wf7!-+ is the nice point) 39 . . . Wxc5 4o.if3
5
Wd4t 4 1 .'it>a2 Wc3 42.E:fl Wxa5 t-+ and
v, � ,,_ _ _ _ , White is doomed.
4 34 . . . E:h3t 3 5 .Wd2 Wf4t 36.'it>c2 E:h2 37.ig2
3
ixg4 38.Wd2
In spite of an intensive search I couldn't find
2 a win here.
1 38 . . . if3!?
38 . . . Wxd2t 39.Wxd2 E:xg2t 40.'it>d3 E:g3t
a b e d e f g h
4 1 .'it>c2=
56 1 3 .g4
39.:gg1 g;,fl 40.d6! W!xd2t 4 1 .'it>xd2 cxd6 2S . . . hxg4 26.hxg4 g;,g8! 27.:gag l
42.'it>e3 i.xg2 43.cxd6 g4 44.:gb l 'it>e6 4 5 . d7 27.lLlxd7? i s answered with the stunning
'it>xd7 46.:gxb7t 'it>d6 47.:gb6t= blow 27 . . . lLl xg4!!-+ .
White should be able to secure the draw 27 . . . :gxh l 28.:gxh l ljxh l 29.'it>xh l W!h7t
with a couple of accurate moves. 30.'it>g2 i.xg4! 3 1 . fxg4 f3t
Freeing f4 for the g6-knight in typical
b) Instead, Black can simply play 23 . . . W!e7! fashion, leading to a vicious attack.
24.:gh l :gah8 transposing to the note on 32.i.xf3 lLl f4t 33.'it>gl W!h3 34. lLl e2 lLlxg4
24.lLlc5?! below. 35 .i.g3
And now Black can deliver a hammer blow:
8 K� E �
��" " J"Aw. �, �
�
7 i W.i. _ _ K
Wh 8
�
,
f�""��.�-
7
6
u%� IIJIIJ �8%W8%�

4 ��t.""' ;_ f
6
5 5
I" ="""""/"�� '.
Wff£"" �%'' ''/; �� ""��

4
m �CZJ _ 8 _ 8
3
3
IIJ
��/'l' '''';� r� :�
2
2
1 IJ .IIIJ �" . : a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h 3S . . . lLl h2!!+
Practically settling the issue in his favour.
23 . :�e7!
.
This sensible reply precedes an inevitable

doubling of rooks on the h-file. Black seems to 24 ... :gah8 25.h5
In case of 25 .W!c4 it is again 2 5 . . . W!fl! that is
keep the upper hand in the following instructive
the key move. For example: 26.:gag l (26 . lLl cS
lines. I present my analysis in some detail:
hxg4 27.hxg4 lLl xg4-+) 26 . . . hxg4 27.hxg4
24.W!h3 :gxh l 28.:gxh l lLl xg4! 29.:gxh8 lLlxf2! 30.:gb8
lLlxd3 3 1 .W!xd3 lLl h4t 32.'it>f2 (32.g;,fl cS)
White is in a hurry to connect his rooks.
32 . . . g4+
24. lLlc5?!
Th i s is too slow.
24 . . . :gah8 8
It is likely that White is already lost here.
The best I could find for him was:
7
2S .W!b3 6
5
After 2 S . lLl xd7 W!xd7 26.W!b3 Black triples
major pieces at his leisure in the following
manner: 26 . . . :gh6 27.:gag l g;,g8! 28.b5 hxg4
4
29.hxg4 W!h7 White's position seems already 3
beyond salvation, for example 30.:gxh6
W!xh6 3 1 .g;,fl W!h3t 32.'it>el lLl h4 33.bxa6 2
bxa6 34.i.xh4 W!xh4t 3 5 . 'it> d l W!f2+. 1
a b e d e f g h
Chap ter 5 - 1 4.ie l 57
25 :�f7!-+
•• The only harmonious and logical move.
Yet again the motif of a knight sacrifice on White connects his rooks for defensive
g4 starts to rear its ugly head at White. p urposes while also preparing b4-b5 .
25 . . . :B:h6!? is also worthy of further analysis. 22 ie7

•••
Black prepares to triple pieces along the

26.b6 hxg4 27.hxg4 :B:xh l 28.:B:xh l �xg4! h-file, the typical way of attacking the white
29.:B:xh8 c![}xf2 30.c![}xf2 king.
30.:B:d8 lD xd3 3 1 .ixd3 lD h4t 32.�f2 ic5 t
33.�e2 lD xf3!!; 30.:B:b8 lD xd3 3 1 .ixd3 lD h4t 23.:B:hl
32.�f2 ic5 t 33.�e2 lD xf3!!-+ The only move.
8
23.cxd6 cxd6 24. lD a4? allows all the Black
pieces to join the attack in a most harmonious
7 and instructive way: 24 .. .'I&h8! 2 5 . :B: h l
6 ib5 ! 2 6 . lD b 6 :B:f8! A n impressive picture of
coordination. 27.:B:ac 1 hxg4 28.hxg4 lD xg4!
5 2 9 . fXg4 ixd3-+ The upcoming . . . f3t, vacating
4 f4 for the knight, will be lethal .
a b e d e f g h
30 �xh8 3 1 .bxc7 i.xc7 32.'iMxb7 .iu5+

•••
Black is a pawn up as well as having the

better position.
A2) 22.'iMb3!
24.:B:agl!
After 24.:B:ac 1 Wh8 25.b5 Wh 7 Black's attack
is very strong.
24.b5 allows 24 . . . hxg4 2 5 . hxg4 :B:xh l 26.:B:xh l

a b e d e f g h axb5 27.cxd6 cxd6 28 .ib6 WeB 29.lDxb5
58 1 3 .g4
lLl h4t 30.Wfl and now there is a splendid 25.h4? lLl xh4t 26.�xh4 gxh4 27.g5 E1g6+
blow:
A critical j uncture has been reached.
8
25 ... axh5!
7 The most clear-cut solution.
6
b/Hd"'O�/..
5 25 ... Wh7?! 26.c6 bxc6 27.dxc6± is clearly
4
worse.
3
25 . . . dxc5 ?!
2
This interesting move stumbles upon a
brilliant reply:
a b e d e f g h
3O . . . lLl xf3! 3 1 .�xf3 �xg4+t White's kingside

pawns have been annihilated, leading to
dangerous counterplay. It seems that White
has nothing better than to force the draw right
away with 32Jk l WhB 33.E1 h l WeB 34.E1c1 = .
After 24.E1ag l ! we reach a position that

occurred in line A22 of the p revious chapter
on page 47. The only difference is that here
White indulged in the �d2-e I -fl manoeuvre a b e d e f g h
before bringing his rook to g l . We will now
26.h4!
examine the position in more detail.
Taking advantage of the weakness of the e5-
square and the possibility of undermining
8 Black's position with b5-b6.
7
26 . . . hxg4
26 . . . lLl xh4t ? 27.�xh4 gxh4 2B .g5 E1g6
6 29.lLlxe5+-
5 26 . . . lLl h7 27.�xc5 �d6 2B.gxh5 E1xh5
29.b6! E1xh4 30. bxc7 �xc7 3 1 .d6 �xa5
4
32.lLld5 lLl f6 33 .�fl±
3 26 . . . lLl xg4 27.hxg5 �xg5 2 B . lLl xc5±
2
27.hxg5 gxf3t 2B .�xf3 �h3t 29.E1xh3 E1xh3
30.gxf6t Wxf6 3 1 .d6! �xd6 32.lLld5t �g7
1 33.b6!±
b e d g
White's last star move seems to clinch the
a e f h
issue.
24 ...�h8! 33 . . . E1xf3
24 . . . WcB 2 5 . cxd6 cxd6 26.lLla4;!; 33 . . . cxb6 34.Wxb6+- and 33 . . . c6 34. lLl c7
are two crucial components of White's last
25.h5! move.
Chap ter 5 - 1 4.ie l 59
34.�xf3 'lMf h 5 t 3 5 . �g2 'lMfe2 36. ttJc3!! In contrast to the above lines, 2 6 ... 'lMfcB!!
A fantastic retort. solves all of Black's problems in a convincing
36 . . .'lMfxd3 37.E:d l c4 3B .'lMfb2 ttJ h4t 39 .ixh4 manner. White must undertake some action,
Bt 40. � h l f2 4 1 .'lMfxf2 'lMfh3t 42.'lMfh2+- as there is now a pending sacrifice on g4 . This
action will come in the form of A21) 27.Ei:Ja7,
26.tlhb5 A22) 27.'Wb4 or A23) 27.cxd6.
At this point it took me some time to find
the best solution. 27.E:c 1 ? allows the straightforward 27 . . . hxg4
2B.hxg4 E:xh l 29.�xh l ttJxg4! 30.fxg4 ixg4-+ .
A2 1) 27.� a7
It can be unnerving to have a piece foraying so

deeply into enemy territory, but Black is able
to counter well.
27 ... 'Wb8! 28.00 fu:a7

Creating a material imbalance.
a b e d e f g h
26 'Wc8!!
• .•
Economic and active.
26 . . . 'lMfh7? is clearly too slow now. 27.ttJxc7

E:hB 2 B . c6+-
26 . . . E:xa5 ?!
Surrendering the initiative to White:
27.ttJxc7 'lMfcB 2 B . cxd6! a b e d e f g h
2 B . ttJ e6t i.xe6 29.dxe6 dxc5°o may even be 29 .ba7
•
better for Black. No real improvement is 29.cxd7 E:xa5

2B . . . i.xd6 29.ttJe6t i.xe6 30.dxe6 E:a3 30.h4! ? ttJ xh4t 3 1 .i.xh4 gxh4 32.g5 E:g6
3 1 .'lMfb l ! 33.ttJ xf4 (33 .'lMfc3 E:a2 34.�fl ttJ xd7 3 5 . ttJ xf4
3 1 .'lMfb6 'lMfc2! ttJ fB!!t) 33 . . . exf4 34.lt>h2 ttJ xd7 3 5 .'lMfc3t ttJ e5
3 1 . . .'lMfxe6 32.'lMfxb7t 'lMff7 36.'lMfxa5 i.xg5+ when Black's tremendous
32 . . . ttJ e7 33.E: d l;!; knight on e5 is worth almost as much as a
33.E:b l ! hxg4 34.hxg4 E:xh l 3 5 .�xh l 'lMfxb7 rook.
36.E:xb7t
The black king is forced to an awkward 29 Ei:J h4t 30.�f1 'Wxa7 3 1 .cxb7
••.
square, leaving White with the better ending. 3 1 .cxd7 'lMfe3 32 .'lMfd l ttJ xe4 33.fxe4 f3
36 . . . �h6 37.lt>g2 E:a2 3B.�fl E:al t 39.i.el;!; 34. ttJ f2 fxe2t 3 5 .'lMfxe2 'lMfc1 t 36.'lMfd l 'lMfc3+t
gives Black a strong attack.
60 1 3 . g4
33.tDxc5 ? should lose to 33 . . . 'lMfg4t 34.'it>e l

b6-+ .
This allows a tactical shot: 33.i.xc5?! is well answered by 33 . . . 'lMfg4t

34.'it>fl f3 3 5 . tD f2 'lMfg2t 36.�e l g4 37.tDd4
8
E:f8!!=t and White stands on the edge of a
precipice. For example: 38.tD e6t (38.tDf5 t ?
7 E:xf5 39. exf5 g3-+) 38 . . . �g8 39.E:fl g3
6 40.'lMfc4 i.xc5 4 1 .tD xc5 gxf2t 42.'it>d2 �h7
43.tDe6 E:Ot
5
4
V,� h",O;,.�/'
33 ...c6 34.d6 �g4t 35.�d2 cxb5 36.�xe5

3
36.dxe7 'lMff3 37.E:gl c4 38.E:xg5 'lMfxd3t
39.'lMfxd3 cxd3 40.i.c5 E:e8 4 1 .E:f5 =
2
1 8
a b e d e f g h 7
27 .. .tlhe4! 28.fxe4 hxg4 29.hxg4 i.xg4 6
5
30.�fl �xh1 3 1 .�xhl ,be2t 32.�xe2 dxc5
With excellent play for Black; a logical
continuation could be as follows: 4
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 5 - 1 4.ie 1 61
3 6. . .tihe5 37.YlYxe5t i f6 38.YlYd5 ge8 30 ...ixe6 3 1 .dxe6 hxg4 32.hxg4 gxh l

39.YlYxb7t �f8 40.gh7 ic3t! 33.gxh l YlYa8! 34.� b4 ga3 35.YlYb l �xg4!?
The game will end in a perpetual check. 36.fxg4 at 37.ixf3 � f4t 38.�g3 � e2t
39.�g2 �f4t=
A23) 27.cxd6 With another perpetual check.
With this incisive move White hopes to B) 16.ifl

generate play on the c-file.
This move results in similar positions to those
examined under variation A. White prepares
8 a breakthrough on the queen side, with Black
7 focusing his efforts on a kingside attack. Of
course, both sides must be wary not to neglect
6 their defensive duties.
5
a b e d e f g h
27 ... cxd6 28.gc1 YlYh8

Once again, best play for both sides will lead
to equality.
29.�c7
29 .W!b4 gc8=
29 ... �a5 30.� e6t

30 .W!xb7? ga2=F
1 9.9hl
1 9 .c5 a5 ! ? 20.a3 \t>g7 2 1 .:B:h 1 axb4 22.axb4
:B:xa 1 23.W!xa 1 ie7 looks equal too. The idea
is to transfer the queen to h8, and if White
hastens to prevent this by 24.W!a5 then simply
24 . . . id7 (intending . . . W!c8) 2 5 . cxd6 ixd6!
looks excellent for Black.
19 ...ie7 20.YlYb3 �g7 2 1 .c5 id7

The only difference here is that White will
not quickly push his pawn to a5, thus avoiding
a b e d e f g h
62 1 3 .g4
a weakening of the bS-square and keeping Although the position is double-edged, I tend
more options open. to favour Black's chances as he has easier play.
��,J"j�'% ��'1I0/, �
22.a4
To guard bS and enable tt:l b S if required. 8 �
7
'
� . w�.i.� .i
22.bSN leads to a draw: 22 . . . dxcS 23.tt:lxcS 6 '''''/-�
� ��'" "�/-_
"" �'""'�.i)m
if'"",,� ,��
� w� 8/-w� W� .
ixcs 24.ixcs WfhB 2S .E:ag l (2S .E:ad l ? tt:lh4t
26.'J1f2 hxg4 27.hxg4 tt:l xf3-+) 2 S . . . tt:l h4t 5
26.i>fl tt:l g6 27.�g2= 4 8�"" /-�
'�lr.lr��
3 .iim�, 8".
�
� =
' �
! . �
/-."",y.� �
22.E:ac 1
This is slow, giving Black enough time to 2
��
triple his pieces under favourable conditions:
1
��
%"'"
m � �:
a b e d e f g h
22 J�h6!N
••
Kamp - Wisskirchen, Germany 2007.

continued 22 . . . WfhB 23 .Wfc4 hxg4 24.hxg4
tt:lh4t 2S .ixh4 E:xh4 26.tt:lf2 Wfh6 27.E:xh4
Wfxh4 2B.E:h l Wfg3t 29.�fl ;l; and White
eventually won the game.
The text move leads to sufficient counterplay
and a draw. The following lines may seem a
a b e d e f g h
bit chaotic to the uninitiated but I think that
if Black obeys his straightforward plan the
22 . . . E:h6!N 23.a4
nuances may even be found without the help
White doesn't equalize after 23.bS dxcS
of a computer. We shall analyse further to
24.tt:lxcS ixcS 2S.ixcS WfhB 26.E:cg l , in
show this, concentrating on B l ) 23.'!Wc4 and
view of 26 . . . Wfh7! 27. tt:l d l hxg4 2B.hxg4
B2) 23.E:agl .
ixg4H (With the idea 29.E:xh6 [29. fxg4
tt:l xe4+] 29 . . . Wfxh6 30.E:h l tt:l h4t 3 1 . i>fl
Bl) 23.YlYc4 YlYg8!
tt:l h S !+.)
23 ... WfgB 24. tt:l b S ixbS 2 S .axbS Wfh7 26.cxd6
cxd6 27.h4
8
27.gxhS E:xhS+ 7
27 ... tt:l xh4t 2B .ixh4 gxh4 29.E:c7 i>f8
30.tt:lxeS! E:eB !! 6
A cool reply. 5
3 1 . tt:l d3!
4
3 1 . tt:l d7t tt:l xd7 32.E:xd7 hxg4 33.fxg4
Wfxe4t 34.if3 h3t 3 S .i>h2 Wfe3+ 3
2
3 1 . . .hxg4 32.tt:lxf4 h3t 33.i>gl h2t 34.i>g2
E:h3!--+
1
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 5 - 1 4 .ie l 63
24.gagl
The squeezing operation 24.b5 Wfh7 2 5 . c6
is adequately met with the counterattacking
25 . . . hxg4 26.hxg4 ghB, when it is White
who has to struggle for survival: 27.E:hgl
E:h2t 2B.cJifl Wfh3t 29.cJiel lO h4 3o.ixh4
(30.cxd7? lO xf3t 3 1 .ixf3 Wfxf3-+ sees the
white kingdom collapse immediately, as there
are too many threats. ) 30 . . . Wfxh4t 3 1 .'iii d l
bxc6 32.dxc6 ieB+
a b e d e f g h
24 .. .'!Wh7 25.c6 hxg4 3 1 . . .Wfxh4! 32.cJifl Wfh3t 33.'iii e 2 g4 34.lO e l !

Black is doing well no matter which capture (34.WfxbB? Wfxf3t 3 5 . cJid2 Wfe3t 36.'iii c 2 Wfxg l
White chooses. 37.Wfc7 g3 3 B .bB=Wf Wfh2t 39.cJib3 g2 40 . lO e2
Wfh3+ is an impressive line, showing how
26.cxb7 dangerous Black's play can become.) 34 . . . cJi f7
In case of 26.cxd7 there comes 26 . . . E:hB 3 5 .WfxbB Wfh2t 36.cJifl Wf h 3 t 37.'iii e2 Wfh2t
27.ixa7 g3! 2B.cJifl E:xh3 29.E:xh3 Wfxh3t 3B.'iii fl Wfh3t= Forcing a perpetual.
30.'iii e l Wfxd7. The precarious position of the
a7-bishop gives Black excellent counterplay 28 ... gxb7 29.YlYxb7 hh3t 30.gxh3 gxh3
after the further 3 1 .b5 g4 32.fxg4 lO h7°o, Black has enough compensation for the
intending the intrusion . . . lOg5. piece, in view of his mobile f- and g-pawns and
the huge concentration of forces in the vicinity
of the white king. I think White would do best
to bail out:
a b e d e f g h
26 ... gxf3t 27..ixf3 gb8 28.YlYxc7

The attempt 2B .h4!? lO xh4t 29 .ixh4 E:xh4
30.Wfxc7 should lead to a draw after the cool a b e d e f g h
30 . . . WfhB ! , temporarily defending the bB-rook 3 1 .YlYc8 g4 32.hg4 �xg4 33.YlYxg4 gxd3
to gain time for . . . g4. White has nothing better 34.iel f3t 35.�f1 YlYh6 36.YlYe6 if6
than 3 1 .E:xh4, and now: 37.YlYd7t �h8 38.YlYe6 �g7=
64 1 3 .g4
B2) 23.:gagl 27 ,ixb5!

•••
Normally I would be ashamed to exchange

8
two bishops for two knights in consecutive
moves, but there is an interesting tactical
7 j ustification here.
6
28.�xb5 � h4t 29.�fl
5 29 .'it>f1 is sufficiently answered by:
4 29 . . . hxg4 30.hxg4 lLl d7! 3 1 .if2 c6 32.dxc6
3
Elxc6= Making good use of the rook on h6.
2 29 b6! 30 .ia3 c6!

••• •
1
This is the brilliant point of Black's play.
White cannot capture this pawn either way on
a b e d e f g h account of the bishop on a3.
23 a6!
.••
Grabbing a little bit of queenside space and

avoiding nasty invasions on b 5 .
Weaker i s instead: 23 . . . 'lWg8 2 4 . lLl b 5 ixb 5

25. axb5 'lWh7 26.h4! lLl xh4t 27.ixh4 gxh4
28 .g5 Elg6 29.'�f1 ;!;
23 . . . ie8 ! ? may be playable.
24.b5!?
A principled line of play. 24.a5 transposes to
a position that we have already examined in
a b e d e f g h
line A2 on page 57.
3 1 .�b2 cxd5 32.gxh5!
24 axb5 25.lLlxb5 dxc5 26.lLlxc5 .ixc5!
••• Equality results from 32.'lWxe5 lLl g6 33 .'lWb2
27 .ixc5
• hxg4 34.hxg4 Elxh l 3 5 .Elxh l dxe4 36.Eld l
'lWe8 37.'lWxb6 exf3 38 .ixf3 'lWe3t 39 .'lWxe3
fxe3t 40.<;t>xe3 Elxa4=.
32 �h5 33.�xe5 lLlg6 34.�b2 dxe4

•••
35.:gdl �e8! 36.:gd6 �e5 37.�xe5 lLlxe5

38 .ib2 :ge8
•
The excellent centralization of the e5-knight

means that Black should hold easily. Here
is some further proof for those sceptics who
always prefer bishops:
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 5 - 1 4.ie l 65
8
Cl) 17.cxd6 cxd6
7 This is harmless no matter which of the
6
following three continuations White chooses:
a b e d e f g h
39.gel g4! 4O.gc7t �g6 41 .fxe4

4 1 .:gcc6 lLl xc6 42.:gxf6t cj;Jh7 43.:gxc6 gxf3
44.ifl :gd5 4 5 .icl :gf8 46.ic4 :g d 1 t
a b e d e f g h
41 . .. gxh3 42.i.xeS gxeS 43.,ixg4
43.:gcc6 :gh2t 44.<.t>fl f3 4 5 .:gxf6t <.t>g5 1 8.gel
46.id3 :gd2 is not at all worse for Black. White pays attention to mobilizing his
queenside forces rather than organizing the
43 ... gg3 44.,tSt �gS 4S.gg7t �h4 defence of the kingside.
46.gxg3 fxg3t 47.�f3 �gS 48.gxb6 g2 1 8 .if2 M8 1 9 .cj;Jg2 ( l 9 .Wfb3?! hxg4!
49.gbl 20.fxg4 [20.hxg4? lLl xg4!+l 20 . . . :gh7 2 1 . <.t>g2
49.cj;Jxg2 lLl xe4= ie7 22.:gh 1 WffS is obviously better for Black,
who went on to win in the game Kratochvil
49 ... ttl dS! SO.�xg2 ttl e3t= - Hertel, corr. 1 998.) 1 9 . . . lLl h4t!? This is not
The draw is trivial. strictly necessary, but looks okay once White
has wasted a tempo on if2. 2o.ixh4 gxh4
C) 1 6.cS 2 1 .lLl f2 :gg7N 2 2.cj;Jh2 a6°o Black is certainly
not worse in the complicated position that has
Opening up the c-file. arisen.
1 8 .<.t>g2 M8 1 9 .:gh 1 adheres to the rule
16 ... gf7 "safety first" :
This is a crucial position, as White's play
so far has been very principled. The main
continuations are now Cl) 17.cxd6, C2)
17.gel and C3) 17.,tf2!?
1 7.cj;Jg2 ifS 1 8 .b4 :gh7 1 9 .:gcl cj;Jg7N

( l 9 . . . id7 2o.if2 ie7 2 1 .:gh 1 cj;Jf7 22.a4;!;
was slightly better for White in Sharavdorj -
O'Carroll, Duisburg 1 992) 20.:gh 1 (20.cxd6
ixd6--+) 2o . . . id7 is typically about equal.
a b e d e f g h
66 1 3 . g4
1 9 . . . ie7!N (Improving on 1 9 . . .:1:!:h7 as played

in Meza - Echeveste, Brazil 1 99B.) 20.1'kl WfB
2 1 . lLl b5 (After 2 1 .if2 id7= the lLl b 5 sally has
been prevented, and 22.Wb3? loses as usual
to a sacrifice on g4.) 2 1 . . .idB 22.if2 lLl h4t
23.�gl (23.ixh4 gxh4+) 23 . . . a6 24.lLlc3 hxg4
2 5 . hxg4 lLl xg4 26. fxg4 f3 27.ifl ixg4--+ This
position looks rather dangerous for White, a
sample line being: 2B .Wb3 l::!:c8 2 9 . lLl d l l::!: x c l
30.lLlxc l Wh6 3 1 . lLl d3 Wg6 32.lLlc3 icB+
Black is ready to attack in big style, having
coordinated his forces to the maximum.
a b e d e f g h
20 ... a6 2 1 .a4 i.d7

Black has developed his last minor piece and
has a pleasant position .
22.i.f2 gc8 23.gh1 i.e8!

23 . . . WeB ! ? was an interesting alternative
tried in Lobron - Renet, Novi Sad (01) 1 990.
24.YlYh4N
Mamonovas - Wichmann, email 2002,
continued 24.a5 Wd7 2 5 .id l l::!: h 6 26.Wb6
b e d g
Wh7 27.ie2 l::!: c 7 2B .Wa7 WhB with Black
a e f h
going on to win.
1 8 .. .i.m 1 9.YlYb3
8
In this way White tries to prevent the . . . ie7
and . . .WfB formation.
7
6
19 ... l::!: h7
1 9 . . . ie7? is no good now because of the
simple 20.lLl b 5 , so Black has to change 5
direction. 4
3
20.cjJg2
After 20 .if2 there can follow 20 . . . hxg4 2
1
2 1 .hxg4 lLl h4! 22.ixh4 l::!:xh4 23.lLlf2 a6 24.a4
l::!: b BN 2 5 .�g2 id7 26.l::!: h l l::!: x h l 27.lLlxh l
ieB 2 B . lLl f2 �g7 29 .Wb4 lLl d7= and Black has a b e d e f g h
comfortably equalized. 24 ... YlYd7! 25.a5 gh6 26.b3 YlYh7�
With mutual chances.
Chapter 5 - l 4 .ie l 67
C2) 17J��cl 19.'ilYb3N

All the games which reached this position
Delaying the capture on d6 in this way has its continued with 1 9 .cxd6 cxd6, transposing to
disadvantages as well; White does not hurry to variation Cl above.
take the precautionary measures with �g2 and
:gh l , and allows Black to take with the bishop 1 9 .�g2N is once again met with 1 9 . . . dxc5 ! = .
on d6 later on.
1 9 <it>g7! 20.cxd6
•••
White had to release the tension. 20.\t>g2 ?!

dxc5 ! , intending 2 1 .lLlxc5 ? hxg4 22.hxg4
lLl h4t! (22 . . . lLl xg4 23.fxg4 f3t 24 .ixf3 lLl f4t=)
23 .ixh4 ixc5+ 24.ixg5 ? lLl xg4! !-+ is a line
illustrating the dangers White faces when the
enemy dark-squared bishop is allowed access
to the a7-gl diagonal.
2o ixd6! 2 1 .<it>gl
•••
Necessary, as . . . WhB was threatened.
2 1 . a6 22.:ghl !
••
2 2 . lLl c5 ? loses to the typical trick 22 . . . hxg4

23.hxg4 lLl xg4 24.fxg4 WhB-+ .
18.ifl
After l B 5�;>g2?!N Black should boldly
capture the pawn by l B . . . dxc5! when I see no
refutation.
18 J�h7
••
a b e d e f g h
22 'ilYe7!
• .•
Black is very well coordinated now,

threatening to build up pressure on the h-file
with simple moves.
23.� b l
White i s focusing o n c 5 with three pieces.
a b e d e f g h
68 1 3 .g4
23.a4 b6! C3) 17 .if2!?

•
A thematic response preventing a4-a5 and

tt:l c3-a4-c5 , which was White's intention. This prudent move maintains the most options
This is how play is likely to continue: for White.
24.a5 b5 2 5 . tt:l a2 �b7!
2 5 . . . �d7 26.tt:l ab4 Wfl 27.Wc2 �f8 28.tt:lxa6 17 .ifR 1 8.c.t>g2!?
.• .
hxg4 (28 . . . tt:l xe4 29.tt:lxe5 !) 29.hxg4 tt:l xg4

deserves some attention, but the computer
does not like it.
26.tt:l ab4 �ah8 27.Wc3 �h6! 28 .�cg l <j;Jg8!
With an excellent position for Black. For
example:
a b e d e f g h
White tries to defend the king by setting a

deep positional trap.
a b e d e f g h The final branch of this chapter sees us first

29.tt:lc5 �c8 ! analyse C3 1) 18 �h7, which does not quite •••
Much less dynamic is 29 . . . �xc5?! 30.Wxc5 work here, followed by C32) 18 �h4t!, the •••
Wxc5 3 1 .�xc5 tt:l h4t 32.<j;Jfl tt:l g6 33.gxh5 only move to ensure fully equal chances.
�xh5 34.tt:ld3 g4 3 5 . fxg4 �xh3 36.�xh3
C3 1) 1 8 J��h7 19J��h l!
�xh3 37. tt:l f2;!; with a slight advantage for
.•
White in the ending.

White has achieved his two objectives: playing
30.tt:l bxa6 Wh7 3 1 .gxh5 tt:l xh5 32.tt:le6
c4-c5 and safeguarding his king. I struggled to
32.<;t>fl tt:l g3t 33.�xg3 �xh3!
find a path to full equality here, and ultimately
32 . . . tt:l g3 33.�xg3 �xe6 34.dxe6 fxg3i
fell short despite coming very close.
Black holds a dangerous initiative.
8
23 b6 24.ti:J d2 .id7 25.� c4 b5! 26.�xd6
7
• .•
cxd6 27.� b4?!

6
This move is best according to the computers,
but I tend to disagree. In any case, Black is
already at least equal at this point. 5
4
27 J�ah8 28.�xa6 hxg4 29.hxg4 c.t>g8!H
3
.•
The idea of taking on g4 again makes its

appearance. 2
1
,. . -:-:-:-:- , /.,,,.,.,. /,
a b e d e f g h
Chapter S - 1 4.ie l 69
1 9 ... �g7!?N 20.gc1 a6 2 1 .'iMb3! ie7 22.a4!! The position remains defendable for Black,
but I'd rather choose the much more promising
8
alternative on move l B .
7 C32) 1 8 ... 'Ll h4t!

6
This move was discovered some time ago, but
5 it was pointed out to me by Yannis Simeonidis
4 when I reached a rather passive position in the
line starting with 1 B .. .l:l:h7.
3
1///.//."_ ..".,..,..
a b e d e f g h
This star move ensures nagging p ressure

for White. The resulting positions are not so
terrible for Black, but they are rather passive.
22 ...'iMh8
22 . . . dxcS ! ? 23.'Ll xcS ixcs 24.ixcs 'Ll h4t
2 S . m g 1 'Ll g6 is another way to play, but
White remains in charge after 26. 'Ll b l ! id7
(26 . . . hxg4 27.hxg4 WfhB 2B.c;t>g2 'Ll h4t
29.mfl ±) 27.'Ll d2;t.
23.a5!
23.cxd6 ixd6 24.'Ll b 1 hxg4 2S.hxg4 'Ll h4t
26.ixh4 gxh4 27.'Llf2 b6= is about equal. 20.gh1
I also looked at 20.cxd6 cxd6 2 1 .'Ll f2 a6N=
23 ... gh6! which looks fairly even to me.
23 . . . hxg4 24.hxg4 'Ll h4t 2s .ixh4 gxh4
26.gcg l;!; A practical example is 20.gel E:g7 2 1 .cxd6
ixd6 22.E:h 1 hxg4 23.hxg4 'LlhS 24.E:h3
24.cxd6 cxd6! id7 2S .Wfb3 b6 26.E:ch 1 'Ll g3+, and a draw
24 . . . ixd6?! 2 S . 'Ll a4 Wfh7 26.'Ll acS ± is j ust was agreed at this point in Hagstroem -
bad. Kristinsson, corr. 1 997, although I would rate
Black's chances as slightly superior.
25.�a4
2 S .Wfb6!? should also leave White with an Finally, it is rather too late for 20.b4 due to
advantage. 20 . . . hxg4N 2 1 .hxg4 h3t! 22.c;t>h2 'Ll d7+ and
Black has an excellent position.
25 ...id7 26.ft::J b6 gd8 27.�xd7 gxd7
28.'iMc4 id8 29.'iMa4 gf7�/=
70 1 3 .g4
direction by 26 . . . Wfc8!!= was a fine discovery,

showing that Black can defend and attack at
the same time.
I also examined a very similar set-up where
White does almost everything in the same
way but only pushes his pawn up to a4. After
1 6 .if2 �f7 1 7.�g2 if8 1 8 .b4 �h7 1 9 .�h l
ie7 20 .Wfb3 �g7 2 1 .cS id7 22.a4 �h6! the
recurring theme of tripling pieces along the
h-file puts White under heavy pressure, but
he can probably hold the draw with extreme
accuracy, as the analysis of the relevant section
a b e d e f g h reveals.
20 .. J�g7N 2 1 .c;t>fl The most difficult part of this chapter
2 1 .cxd6 cxd6 22 .Wfe l idTt and 2 1 .�f1 was deciding how to meet the waiting
ltJ h7!+ are both favourable for Black. manoeuvre 1 6.cS �f7 1 7.if2 ! ? if8 1 8.�g2!?
At first I didn't hit upon the right method,
2 1 . " �h7 22.�b3 �g5 23J�ac1 hxg4 analysing the interesting but ultimately rather
24.hxg4 h3!� inadequate 1 8 . . . �h7. The disadvantage of
Black is by no means worse, and the position this move is that after 1 9 .�h 1 ! White has
is rich in possibilities for both sides. coordinated his defence beautifully and can
attack without the services of the b-pawn,
Conclusion gaining considerable time. After 19 . . . �g7!?
20.�cl a 6 2 1 .Wfb3! ie7 22.a4!! Wfh8 23.aS!
The topic of this chapter was the posltlon �h6! 24.cxd6 cxd6! 2 S . ltJ a4 id7 26.ltJb6
arising after 1 3 .g4 !? gS! 1 4.ie l hS I S .h3 ltJ g6 . �d8 Black might be able to hold, but losing
B y transferring his bishop t o e 1 White wishes my precious light-squared bishop was not
to guard against unpleasant checks on h4 and what I wanted.
possibly support the c4-cS advance by placing Then, my friend Yannis Simeonidis pointed
it on f2 . out that 1 8 . . . ltJh4t! was the right move,
I examined various White set-ups, involving played before White could move his rook
small changes that could alter the flow of the to h I , rendering the check pointless. The
game, but Black seems to be fine in all cases. idea of this move is that it eliminates the
A major set-up was the one involving valuable dark-squared bishop, leaving Black in
placing the king on g2 and starting a massive excellent shape, as can be seen after 1 9 .ixh4
queenside pawn push. After 1 6.�g2 �f7 1 7.a4 gxh4 20.�h l �g7 2 1 .�f2 ltJh7 22.Wfb3 ltJgS
if8 1 8 .aS a6! 1 9 .b4! �7 20.cS �g7 2 1 .if2 23.�ac l hxg4 24.hxg4 h3!� . A knight on gS
id7 22.Wfb3! ie7 23.�hl �h6! 24.�ag l ! is a fine blockader in such situations, and I am
Wfh8! 2 S . b S ! axbS! 26.ltJxbS White's attack even inclined to think that Black has the more
seems to land first, but the brilliant change of pleasant position.
8
7
6
5
13.c5
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h
14.ic2
Variation Index
l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 j,g7 4.e4 d6 S.�f3 0-0 6.j,e2 eS 7.0-0 � c6 S.dS � e7
9.� e1 � d7 10.�d3 f5 1 l .j,d2 � f6 1 2.f3 £4 13.cS g5 1 4.VNc2 g4!! IS. �bS
I S ".g3!
A) 16.j,b4 74
B) 16.j,aS � fxdS!! 76
B l ) 17.cxd6 76
B2) 17.VNb3! 77
A) note to 26.�d2 B) after 1 6.�a5N B 2 ) note t o 24.ttl f2!!
a b e d e f g h a b c d e f g h a b e d e f g h
29 . . . �8e4!! 1 6. . . ttl fxd 5 ! ! 2s . . .�h2!!

72 1 3 .c5
l .d4 /l) f6 2.c4 g6 3./l)c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5./l)0 14 ... g4!!

0-0 6 ..ie2 e5 7.0-0 /l) c6 S.d5 /l) e7 9./l) e1 A move that the engines highly disagree
/l) d7 10./l)d3 f5 1 1 ..id2 /l) f6 12.0 f4 13.c5 with. Are they right? The double exclamation
mark implies not, and the following analysis
8
shows that humans can still outdo our silicon
friends on occasion.
7
6 Before proceeding, however, I would like to

point out that the more pedestrian 14 . . . c6! ?
5 1 5 .cxd6 Wxd6 1 6.dxc6 lLl xc6 1 7. lLl b 5 Wd8!
4 ( 1 7 . . .We7 1 8 . lLl b4!) 1 8 .Wb3t �h8 19 .Ab4
3
lLl xb4 20.Wxb4 g4 should also be sufficient for
equality.
2
1
15./l)b5
Clearly White should not take on d6
a b e d e f g h too quickly, as then lLlb5 would become
Most principled. From now on it becomes unplayable.
a wild race with mutual chances. This chapter
contains several nuances Black players need to Another option could be as follows:
memorize, all the more so as most of them are 1 5 .E:fc 1 N g3!
impossible to find over the board. All three of the moves 1 5 . . . We8 ! ? , 1 5 . . . Ad7 !?
a n d 1 5 ... lLl g6!? deserve attention too.
13 ...g5 14.V9c2 1 6. lLl b 5
1 4. cxd6 is examined in the next chapter, 1 6. cxd6? cxd6=t looks suicidal.
while 1 4.:1:k l is the topic of Chapters 8- 1 0 .
With the text, White tries to assault the

c7 -square quickly, but this has the disadvantage
of allowing Black's next reply.
a b e d e f g h
1 6 . . . We8!
This typical move hits the b5-knight and
prepares to switch the queen over to h 5 .
1 7 .Aa5!
1 7.lLlxc7 Wh5-+
1 7 . . . Wxb5 1 8 .Axc7 gxh2t 1 9 . �xh2
1 9 .�h l would be met by 1 9 . . . lLl h 5 .
Chapter 6 - 1 4 .W!c2 73
1 9 . . . We8! Now Black has a stunning bolt from the

This leads to a strong attack for Black. blue:
20.cxd6
20.ixd6 tLl h 5 --.
20 ... Wh5t 2 1 .�gl tLl g6 22.tLlc5 tLl h4 2 3 . tLl e6
23.ifl �h8+
23 . . . lff h 8!+
With the idea:
24.tLlxf8 tLl xg2
8 ! � j;}, , j%'N/J:I;�
7 ' r�.a1_��
r��
�""� ""'� , """ "'''�
a b e d e f g h
6
� lZJ'�lr_"""�
1 7 . . . tLl fxd5!!
'�. !�
5 � Already I don't see any salvation.
�'N
��'�
�
4 1 8 . tLl xa8
3
��/� ��' 0 �'8'�
�� ,�
A rook is a rook, and as they say the proof
of the pudding lies in the eating. However, I
8 r�if�..tm 8 r�%
2
1 %�""%.""'�� r� ""% feel the present situation is best described by
the expression: " He chose to die with a full
stomach."
a b e d e f g h a) An alternative "last wish meal" is 1 8 .exd5
tLl f5 1 9 . tLl e6 ixe6 20.dxe6 gxh2t 2 1 .lff x h2
1 5 ... g3!
The engines are highly critical of this move, Wh4t 22.lff g l e4--.
b) After 1 8 . tLl xd5 tLlxd5 1 9 .Wc4 ( l 9.exd5
yet it's the best way to continue. Now I believe
Wh4 20.h3 ixh3-+) 1 9 . . . Wh4! 20.Wxd5 t
White's two best options to be A) 16.i.b4N
�h8 2 1 .h3 if6!! (2 1 . . .ixh3 22.gxh3 Wxh3
and B) 16.i.a5N.
23.1'!f2 gxf2t 24.tLl xf2 Wg3t 2 5 .�fl is
unclear) 22.tLlf2 gxf2t 23.1'!xf2 1'!g8+ the
The meek 1 6.h3? led to a happy end for Black
unstoppable . . . ixh3 will give Black a raging
after 1 6 . . . tLle8 ( l 6 . . . ixh3!?N 1 7.gxh3 Wd7 is
attack.
also good) 1 7.1'!fc l tLl g6 1 8 .a4 (Black is spoilt
for choice even in case of 1 8 .ifl tLl h4 1 9 .Wd l
1'!f7+I+, as the white king is trapped on g l
and has to await a sacrifice on h 3 , f3 or g2. )
18 ... tLl h4 1 9 .cxd6 ? ( l 9.Wd l N was imperative)
1 9 . . . cxd6 20.tLlc7 ixh3! 2 1 .gxh3 1'!c8 22.tLle6
1'!xc2 23.tLlxd8 1'!xd2 24.lff fl tLl f6 2 5 . tLl e6
tLlxe4! 26. fxe4 f3 0- 1 Orgovan - Raj na,
Budapest 1 984.
1 6.cxd6?! cxd6 1 7. tLl c7

By the way, 1 7.Wc7 should again be a b e d e f g h
answered by 1 7 . . . We8 !+.
74 1 3 .c5
1 8 ... lik6!+ 17 ... tLl c6!?

Black is inching towards the white king. I Opening the way for the queen immediately
don't think that any further explanations are is spectacular and sound. We are entering rich
needed here; the attack is tremendous and tactical territory where every slip by White
Black's moves come naturally. leads to disaster.
A) 16 ..ib4N 1 7 . . . �h8!? could also be a winning try, after

1 8 .exd5 lLl f5� or 1 8 . . . lLl xd5 ! ?
This allows a brilliant tactical shot:
1 8.exdS
1 8 .Wxd5t?! �h8 1 9 .h3 Wh4 20 .ie 1 ixh3
2 1 .gxh3 Wxh3 22J�f2 gxf2t 2 3 . lLl xf2 Wg3t
24.�fl Elg8+ produces a typical situation
where White can hardly survive, as his
king cannot escape to the queenside with
impunity.
17.�b3!?
The best try.
I also analysed 1 7.exd5? lLl f5 1 8 .Wd2 gxh2t

1 9 .�xh2 Wh4t-+ when Black attacks
ferociously by playing . . J:!:f6 next.
1 7.Wc4?! is dubious, and the best attacking 23.tl:le6!

recipe is the following one: 1 7 . . . � h8! ( 1 7 . . . ie6 After 23.ifl ?? gxf2t 24.lLlxf2 Wg3t 2 5 .ig2
1 8 . lLl c3) 1 8 . exd5 lLlf5 1 9 .id2 ( 1 9 . hxg3 fxg3+ ixd4 26.ie 1 Elae8-+ the threat of . . . exf3
20.ie 1 [2o .id2?! lLl d4-+] 20 . . . ih6!+) 1 9 . . . a6 followed by . . . Ele3 cannot be parried.
2o.lLlc3 lLl d4-+
23 ... exd3 24..ixd3
Finally, Black is at least slightly better after 24.Wxd3? ? is swiftly punished by 24 . . . gxf2t
1 7. cxd6 cxd6 1 8 .ixd6 a6't 2 5 . �xf2 Wg3t 26.�fl Elf6-+ .
Chapter 6 - 1 4.'&c2 75
36.\t>g5 (36.\t>xh5 Wff3t 37.\t>h4 i.f6t

38 .\t>h3 g2t 39.'it>h2 i.e5 t 40.'it>gl Wfg3-+)
36 . . . Wff6t 37.\t>xh5 Wff3t 3 8 . \t>g5 i.f6t
39.'it>g6 i.e7!-+
After 32. \t> g l ! Black has to acquiesce to a
draw.
32 . . . i.h6! 33.1'l:fl i.e3t 34.\t>g2 1'l:xfl 3 5 . Wfxfl
Wfxe4t 36.\t>xg3 Wfxc2 37.Wff6!=
26.1'l:d2 seems to halt Black's attack, but

appearances are deceiving:
a b e d e f g h 26 J�xe6! 27.J.c3!
••
The rook is immune.

24 J��f6! 25.i.fl YlYh4!
••
Here White has to decide where he will place 27.dxe6?? loses immediately to 27 . . . i.d4t with
the f2-rook. mate soon to follow.
26J�d2 27.Wfc4 is answered by 27 . . . 1'l:e3 28 .i.g2

White's other possible rook move produces 1'l:ae8--+ when the attack continues unabated
some stunning variations: and White is in great danger.
26.l::k 2 ! ? 1'l:xe6 27.i.g2 1'l:e3 28 .Wfc4
28 .i.c3 i.xc3 29. bxc3 1'l:ae8+ 27 hc3 2S.YlYxc3
•••
After 2 8 . bxc3 there can follow 28 . . . 1'l:e7�

or 28 . . . 1'l:e3 ! ? 29 .Wfxb7 1'l:f8 , with great
compensation in either case.
6
5
4
a b e d e f g h
3
28 . . . 1'l:ae8!! 29.\t>fl 1'l:8e4!! 30.fxe4
30.Wfb 5 ? ? Wfh5 !-+ 2
30 .. .f3 3 1 .i.xf3 1'l:xf3t
White is the one struggling to draw despite
1 �L-�L-��
being a rook up: a b e d e f g h
32.'it>g l ! 28 J�e3 29.YlYc2 gaeS=
••
Only this move holds. With excellent chances for both sides! The
White loses abruptly after 32.\t>e2?? Wfg4-+ . computer shows 0.00 here, but there is still
32.\t>g2?? also leads to destruction: 32 . . . 1'l:f2t some play left and the position could go either
33.1'l:xf2 Wfh2t 34.\t>f3 Wfxf2t 3 5 .'it>g4 h5t! way.
76 1 3 .c5
B) 16 ..ta5N 1 8.exd5!
This looks like the best p ractical chance.
The main suggestion of the engines.
1 8 .'i'c4?! ttJ xa5 1 9 .Wxd5t �h8 20.ttJxc7 Wh4
2 1 .h3 .txh3 22.gxh3 Wxh3 23J�f2
23 . . . gxf2t!
16 ... �fxd5!!
It should come as no surprise now to see this Sometimes, even K I D players who are
generous by nature have to accept material.
stunning move make another appearance. The
Less clear is: 23 . . J�f6?! 24.E:g2 (24.d7 E:d8
remainder of the chapter will see us consider
2 5 .E:g2 E:h6 2 6 . ttJ f2 gxf2t 27.�xf2 E:xd7
B l ) 17.cxd6 and B2) 17.'i'b3!.
28 .Wxa5 Wh4t 29.�f1 Wh l t 30.E:gl
Wh3t 3 1 .� e l Wh4t 32.�f1 gives White
1 7 .exd 5?! ttJ f5+ allows Black to get the party
chances to hold as well.) 24 . . . E:h6 2 5 . � f1
started on the kingside.
Wh l t 26.E:g l g2t 27.�f2 Wh4t 2 8 .�xg2
E:g6t 29.�f1 Wh3t 30.� e l E:xg l t 3 1 .�d2
B l ) 17.cxd6 � c6!!
E:xa l 32.ttJxa8 ttJ c6 33.ttJc7� White's
strong passed d-pawn offers him sufficient
Illustrating the main point of Black's play. The
compensation.
position is highly complicated, so we will take
24.ttJ xf2 Wg3t 2 5 . � f1 ttJ c6 26.ttJxa8
a deeper look.
26.d7 .tf6-+
8 8
7 7
6 6
5
5
4
4 3
3
2
1 a b e d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 6 - 1 4 .'lBc2 77
26 . . . �f6 27.liJg4 �h4-+ 28.gxfl!?

White's fragile defences are about to collapse. After 28 .Wxf2 Wxc7 29.�f5 liJ c4! 30.liJe4
�f6--+ White is not out of the woods yet.
18 ... liJxa5 1 9.dxc7 'lWh4 20.h3 �xh3
2 1 .gxh3 'lWxh3 22.J.dl a6! 23.Wfg2
23.liJ d6? loses rather easily to 23 . . . e4!
24.Wg2 �d4t 25 J�f2 Wd7!-+ .
a b e d e f g h
28 ...'lWxc7 29.J.f5 gf8 30.J.e6t �h8 3 1 .'lWfl

'lWb6--+
b e d
With a complicated position; Black still has
a e f g h
a strong attack and holds the better prospects,
23 ... 'lWh6! 24.� c3 'lWb6t 25.�fl but the game is far from over.
The only move.
B2) 17.Wfb3!
25 ... gf6
Black is planning . . . gf6-h6-h2. According to my research, this is the best move.
1
26.J.c2!! gh6 27.gac1! gxflt! 17 ... �c6!!

27 .. J�h2? 2 8 . liJ a4!!± is an impressive motif, Still strong enough to upset White, although
with a sudden turning of the tables. I haven't been able to find more than a draw in
this specific line.
78 1 3 .cS
18.Wlxd5t �h8 19.tihc7! Wlh4 20.h3 .bh3 27 ...Wlh4t=

21 .gxh3 Wlxh3 22J:!f2 �U6 White has held miraculously; don't see
This is, perhaps, the point where Black can more than a perpetual at this point.
look for an improvement.
22 . . . gxf2t!? 23.tLlxf2 Wg3t 24.<Jif1 l:!acS Conclusion
2 S . cxd6 M6°o is worth examining.
Tactics, tactics, tactics! In this chapter we
continued our journey to the magical world
of 1 1 .i.d2 tLl f6 1 2. f3 f4 by introducing
8 ourselves to the intricacies of 1 3.cS gS . I think
7 that 1 4.Wc2 has been a worthy appetizer for
6
the whole line as the positions arising after
1 4 . . . g4!! l S . tLl b S g3! are a treat for the eye and
5 arm us with one of the most essential ideas
4
in the whole classical system : once a pawn
has reached g3, the dS-h4 diagonal acquires
3 paramount importance, and clearing it with
2 sacrifices is often the way to success.

This is evident after 1 6.i.b4 tLl fxd S!!
1 1 7.Wb3! ? 0 7.exd S ? tLl fS makes things easy
for Black) 1 7 . . . tLl c6!? l S .exdS tLl d4!! 1 9.tLlxd4
a b e d e f g h
Wh4 20.h3 i.xh3 2 1 .gxh3 Wxh3 22.l:!f2 e4!!
24.�f2!! when, in spite of being three pieces down,
The only move to stave off defeat. Black is at least equal. The same motif occurs
24.<Jif1 ? loses to the amazing 24 . . . Wh l t after 1 6.i.aS tLl fxdS!! 1 7.Wb3! tLl c6!! l S .WxdSt
2S .l:!gl l:!h2!! 26.i.c3 l:!f2t 27.tLlxf2 g2t <JihS 1 9 . tLl xc7! Wh4 20.h3 i.xh3 2 1 .gxh3
2S.<Jie1 Wxg 1 t 29.<Jid2 Wxa 1 30. tLlh3 Wh 1 Wxh3 22.l:!f2 l:!f6 23.l:!g2 l:!h6 24. tLl f2 ! ! gxf2t
3 1 .We6 l:!dS-+ . 2S.r;!;xf2 Wh4t 26.<Jif1 Wh3 27.r;!;f2 when
the fireworks are bound to end in a perpetual
24 ... gxf2t 25.�xf2 Wlh4t 26.�f1 Wlh3 check. I am not 1 00 percent sure that the final
27.�f2 word has been said in these lines, but what I
27.tLlxaS l:!g6+ am sure of is that White is walking a tightrope
and has to avoid several pitfalls in order to
secure the draw as things stand.
What I would like to add, wrapping up this
chapter, is that no particular memory markers
exist here; if Black knows the main ideas then
he should be able to find the details rather
easily as the flow of the moves is natural.
a b e d e f g h
8
7
6
5
13.c5
4
3
2
a b e d e f g h
14.cxd6
Variation Index
l.d4 � f6 2.e4 g6 3.�c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 0-0 6. .ie2 e5
7.0-0 � e6 8.d5 � e7 9.� el � d7 10.�d3 f5 1 l . .id2 �f6
12.f3 f4 13.e5 g5 14.cxd6 cxd6 1 5 . � f2 h5! 1 6.h3
16 ... � g6
A) 17.�b3 �H7 1 8J�ac1 .ifS 80
AI) 19.�b5 81
Al) 19J�e2 82
B) 17.�e2 �f7 83
Bl) 1 8.a4 84
B2) 18.�fc1 85
A I ) after 2 1 .i.e l ! ? A2) after 28.119xf3 8 1 ) after 1 9 .tLl b 5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
2 l . . . b6!N 28 . . . i.e7!N 1 9 . . . g4!N

BO 1 3 . c5
l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 S.�f3 18.gad

0-0 6.J.e2 eS 7.0-0 �c6 8.dS � e7 9.� e1 I B .E:fc 1 ! ? MB 1 9 . a4
� d7 10.�d3 £3 1 1 .J.d2 � f6 1 2.f3 f4 13.cS We have reached a delicate situation where
gS Black must be precise. The correct choice is:
a b e d e f g h
1 9 . . . g4! 20.fxg4 lil h4!N

a b e d e f g h Avoiding conceding the h3-square to the
14.cxd6 white queen.
Instead, 20 . . . hxg4?! 2 1 .hxg4 E:g7 22.lilb5
This is the main alternative to 1 4J'k l , which
a6 23.lila3 lil h4 allows 24.Wh3! (24.Wd l ?!
is covered in the following three chapters.
transposes to the position Black wants to
14 cxd6 IS.�f2
•••
transpose) 24 . . . E:h7 2 5 . lil c4 lilh5 26.E:c3
ih6 27.E:c2 lil g3 2B .ia5 Wg5 29.lilb6 E:bB
1 5 .Wb3 lil g6 1 6. lil f2 h5 1 7.h3 transposes to
30.E:ac 1 ± , when White seems to have the
line A below.
upper hand.
I S hS! 16.h3
•••
After 2o . . . lil h4!N White seems to have
nothing better than:
1 6.Wc2 g4 1 7. lilb5 g3--+
2 1 .lil b 5
2 1 .gxh5 E:g7�
1 6. a4 lil g6 1 7.h3 E:f7 is liable to transpose, for
2 1 .g5 E:g7! 22.gxf6 E:xg2t 23.�f1 Wxf6--+
example I B .Wb3 MB 1 9 .E:fc 1 reaches the note
2 1 .ie l hxg4 22.hxg4 lil xg4!--+
on I B .E:fc 1 ! ? in line A below, while I B .Wc2 is
2 1 .Wd l hxg4 22.hxg4 E:g7--+
line B 1 on page B4.
16 �g6
•••
This has been extensively tested in practice

over the years. In my view the position is
very good for Black. We will now consider
two logical tries for White: A) 17.Wb3 and
B) 17.�c2.
A) 17.�b3 gf7
We immediately reach another split. a b e d e f g h

Chapter 7 - 1 4. cxd6 81
2 1 . . .E:g7! 2 1 ...b6!N
Again denying Her Majesty access to h3. Black should react cautiously in this way. It
22.�d 1 hxg4 23.hxg4 seems to me that White's plan is not dangerous.
We have transposed to a satisfactory position
for Black, reached in line B1 on page 8 5 . 2 1 . . . a6 ? was met by 22.ttJa3 in Lotero -
0. Dominguez, Santa Rosa 20 1 1 , and White
8 won a long game. 22.ttJ c7N+- would have
7
been even stronger.
6 2 I . . . g4?! 22. fxg4 hxg4 23.hxg4 ttJ xg4 24.ttJ xg4
5
i.xg4 25 .i.xg4 E:xg4 26.�h3 �g5 27.ttJ c7+-
4 22.YlVc3
3 Mter 22.ttJd3 Black can push his opponent
back with 22 . . . a6 23 . ttJ c3 b5 24.i.xh4 gxh4
2 25.@h I ttJ d7 26.�a3 �g5 = reaching a
1 position where he is at least equal and can
contemplate a transfer of his bishop to b6 in
a b e d e f g h the future.
1 8 ... i.f8
Here White must consider which of the 22 ...i.d7! 23.tilc7
following moves he wishes to play first: 23 .�c7?! �e8! 24.ttJ xd6 �g6 25 .�b7
AI) 19.tLlb5 or A2) 19J3c2. g4!+ is an important variation, displaying the
inherent dynamism in Black's position.
AI) 19.tilb5 E:g7 20.E:c2 tLl h4 2 1 .i.el !?
White seeks to slow down the . . . g4 advance

and tries to penetrate the c7-square by placing
the queen on c3 .
Instead, 2 1 .E:fc l g4 22.hxg4 hxg4 23. fxg4

transposes to line A2 below.
24.fxg4 hxg4 25.hxg4 E:c8 26.i.a6 tLlxg2!!

27..bc8
27.�xg2 i.xg4=
82 1 3 .c5
A2) 1 9.:gc2
White prepares to double his rooks before

taking concrete action with the energetic
knight leap to b 5 .
a b e d e f g h
28 .txe6 29.YNxc8
• .• 1 9 :gg7 20.:gfc1 g4 21 .hxg4 hxg4 22.fxg4
.• .
29.'it>xg2 ixg4 30 .'lMfxc8 ixc8t 3 1 .�h2 tLl h4 23.tLlb5 J.xg4 24..txg4 tLlxg4 25.tLlxg4
1'!h7t 32.'it>g2 1'!g7t leads to a perpetual. lhg4 26 .tel ! f3 27 .txh4 YNxh4 28.YNxf3
• •
We have reached a crucial position introduced

29 .txc8 30.1'!xc8 tLl e3
• .• to grandmaster practice by Balashov, but first
Black threatens to regain the sacrificed seen in an earlier game between amateurs.
exchange and then win the weak pawn on g4. Now I have discovered a new idea for Black:
White should hurry to force a draw.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
28 .te7!N
.• .
3 1 ..tb4 tLl fxg4 32.J.xd6 tll f6 t 33.'it>hl 1'!h7t A move the engines fail to spot for quite
34. @ gl 1'!g7t= some time.
Chapter 7 - 1 4 . cxd6 83
Instead, 2B .. .l::\xe4?! 29.g3 Elg4? (29 . . . Wlg4;!;N 29 �hS!

•••
was the lesser evil) 30.�g2 e4 3 1 .Wlf2 EleB The position is clearly equal even though
32. l2k7 Ele5 leads to a decisive advantage for Black is a pawn short, as the following
White after: 33.Elh l !N (33 . tt:l e6?? allowed variations will demonstrate.
Black to turn the tables by 33 . . . Elf5-+ in
Balashov - Glek, Vladimir 2009 .) 33 . . . Wle7 30Jkst
34.tt:le6 Elxe6 3 5 . dxe6 Wlxe6 36.Elf1 +- After 30.Wlf2 !? Black should keep the
queens on to harass the white king. Correct is
Returning to 2B . . . �e7!, I don't see any real 30 . . . Wlg5 ! 3 1 .ElcBt �g7! 32.Wlf3! (32.ElBc7?
difficulties for Black. ElfB 33 .Wle2 �hB+ gives Black a dangerous
attack) 32 . . . ElxcB 33.ElxcB a6 34.tt:lc7 WI cl t
29.YlYf5!? 3 5 .Wlf1 Wle3t 36.Wlf2 Wlcl t= with a perpetual
The engines originally heavily favour 29.ElcBt check.
ElxcB 30.ElxcBt �g7 3 1 .Elc7, overlooking a
brilliant answer: 30 J:!xcS 3 1 .ElxcSt �g7 32.YlYfl Elxe4
••
Black may regain the pawn now, as he doesn't

seem to be in any danger.
33.YlYxh4 Elxh4 34.tlha7 ;ga4 35.;gc7 �a7

36.;gxe7t �ffi 37.;gd7 ;gxa2=
The rook ending is completely drawish.
B) 17.YlYc2
Kozul's trademark, White sets his sights on the

weak c7-point, seeking a fruitful penetration
a b e d e f g h
on that square.
3 1 . . .�gB! Now everything is in order in
Black's house. A likely conclusion is: 32.ElcBt
(32.Elxe7 Wle l t 33.Wlf1 Wle3t 34.Wlf2 Wlcl t
3 5 .�h2 Wlh6t=) 32 . . . �g7 33. Elc7 �gB=
a b e d e f g h
84 1 3 .c5
defence and attack. After the bishop drops To avoid this, White may try to put the other
back to f8 the rook will take its place on g7 to rook on c l , yet after 1 9 .E:ac 1 if8 20.tLlb5 g4!
enforce the . . . g4 thrust. We shall first consider the tactics seem to work for the second player
Bl) 1 8.a4, before moving on to the more again: 2 1 . fxg4 hxg4 22.hxg4 E:g7 23 .W!d l
commonly played B2) 18,gfc 1 . (23 . tLl c7? ixg4 24.ixg4 tLl xg4 2 5 . tLl e6
tLl e3!+) 23 . . . a6 24. tLl a3
B l ) 18.a4
This is designed to add strength to an early

tLl b 5 sally by providing a retreat square on a3
in case the knight gets evicted. Then White
would ideally direct his knight to b6 via the
c4-square, obtaining the advantage. All this
sounds nice in theory, but Black does not have
to fall in with White's plans:
1 8.Jilh4!?
a b e d e f g h
Black has ideas of his own on the kingside, as
the following variations show. 24 . . . tLl h 5 !N (Improving on 24 . . . W!b6 in
Luehrig - Noack, email 2004.) White is under
1 9.tLlb5 heavy pressure.
A direct approach.
8
7
White should avoid 1 9 .E:fc 1 g4! 20.fxg4 hxg4
2 1 .hxg4, when Black has a strong reply:
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
19 g4!N
•••
I see no reason for Black not to play this

2 1 . . .tLl xg4!N (2 l . . .if8 was played in two immediately. White has no choice but to enter
previous games.) The point is that 22.tLlxg4 the following line.
f3! 23.ixf3 (23.gxf3 ixg4 24.fxg4 W!b6t-+)
23 . . . E:xf3! gives a tremendous attacking 20.fxg4 hxg4 2 1 .hxg4 �f8 22.E:fc1
position. I would mention that 24.gxf3 ? tLl xf3t We have now transposed into a position
2 5 . �g2 ixg4-+ proves completely disastrous reached in several previous games through a
for White. different move order.
Chapter 7 - 1 4. cxd6 85
22 JXg7 23.'lWdl a6 24.tLla3

•• 60. tLl f5 �b2 0- 1 Yuferov - Kasparov, Minsk
Black has some choices here, but I believe 1 978) 2 5 . . . tLlh5 26.tLl h l ! f3 27.i.xf3 tLl f4
there is one especially accurate move: 28 . tLl f2 tLl xf3t 29.�xf3 E1f7 looks playable.
25.tLl c4 tLl g3 26.E1a3

26.i.a5 �g5 and Black has a strong attack.
a b e d e f g h
24 . . .i.xg4 2 5 .tthg4 tLl xg2 26.�f1 !?N (26.1':k 3 26 E1h7 27..ta5 'lWf6-+
•••
tLl h4N 27.E1h3 f3 28 .i.xf3 tLl xf3t 29.�xf3 This occurred in Learte Pastor - Olano
tLl xg4 is okay for Black.) 26 . . . tLl h4 27.i.e l Aizpurua, corr. 20 1 0, which was drawn shortly
tLl xe4 28 .�d3 tLl g3t 29.i.xg3 fxg3 30.�xg3 afterwards. However, I think there is still
�g5 needs analysis. A sample variation is plenty of venom left in Black's position.
3 1 .�e3 (3 1 .E1c3 i.e7) 3 1 . . .E1f7t 32.�gl E1f4
33.�h3! and it's not clear Black has enough.
B2) 18.E1fc1
(Weak is instead 33.E1c4 tLl f5 34.�h3 tLl d4�)
This move comes as a natural follow-up to
White's last, but it shouldn't be dangerous for
24 . . . i.d7N 2 5 .i.e l ! (25 . tLl c4? transposes to
Black provided he is well prepared.
a well-known Kasparov game which I am
going to present to the readers as a tribute to
18 g4! 1 9.fxg4 hxg4 20.hxg4
•••
the best ever King's Indian player: 25 . . . tLl xg2

26.�xg2 tLl xg4 27.i.xg4 i.xg4 28.�xg4
E1xg4t 29.tLlxg4 E1c8 30. tLl h2 �h4 3 1 .E1c3
E1c7 32.E1g1 E1g7t 33.�h l E1xg l t 34.�xg l
�h7 3 5 .i.xf4 exf4 36. tLl d2 �d7 37.E1c4 i.g7
38.b3 i.d4t 39.�h l i.c5 40.tLl df3 b5 4 1 .E1c2
�e8 42.E1g2t �f8 43.tLlg5 �h5 44.tLl e6t
�e7 45 .E1g7t 'i!if6 46.E1g4 bxa4 47.bxa4
i.e3 48 .tLlxf4 i.xf4 49.E1xf4t �e7 50.'i!ig2
�d l 5 1 . tLl g4 �xa4 52 . tLl e3 a5 5 3 . tLl f5 t
�d7 54.E1h4 �c2t 5 5 . 'i!i f3 a4 56 .E1h7t
�d8 57.E1a7 �d3t 58 . tLl e3 a3 59.�f4 �b3
a b e d e f g h
86 1 3 .c5
20 ... �h4!! 2 1 . . .ifB 22.ie l E!:g7 23 .Wfe2 a6

A brilliant novelty by Yannis Simeonidis, 23 . . . lD h 5 ? ! 24.lD h l ! is bad for Black, but
quite in the spirit of the lines we have witnessed 23 . . . Wfb6 24.i>fI ie7 and 23 . . . id7 24.a4
above. It is one of the best I've seen in my life. a6 2 5 .a5 WfeB are viable options.
Black at least equalizes here, as the following 24.a4 id7 2 5 .lD b l ! ?
analysis shows: 25 .a5 WfeB! i s balanced.
2 1 .�b5
The most obvious objection.
White would like to play 2 1 .a4?! but it

transposes to the note on 19 .E!:fc 1 in line
Bl above, where we saw that the brilliant
2 l . . . lD xg4!N 22.lDxg4 f3! 23.ixf3 E!:xf3! gave
Black fantastic chances.
2 1 .g5?! lD e8+ is also better for Black.

a b e d e f g h
2 1 .Wfd3 is hardly a problem: Mter 2 1 . . .ifS
25 . . . E!:cB 26.E!:xcB WfxcB 27. lD d2 ie7 2B.Wfc4
22.g3 there comes:
After 2B .E!:a3 , both 2B . . . b5� and 2B . . . idB ! ?
offer satisfactory play.
28 . . . WfbB! 29.E!:c1 idB ! 30.i>fI ! ia5 3 1 .b4 b5
32.Wfc3 ib6 33.a5 id4=
The position is level according to the
machines, and in this case I see no reason to
disagree.
2 1 . Wf d 1 is also easy to play fo r Black.

He can continue 2 1 . . .ifS 22.a4 (22.g5
E!:g7) 22 . . . E!:g7 2 3 . lDb 5 , transposing to line B 1
above, where 2 3. . . a6 24. lD a3 lD h 5 ! is excellent
for the second player.
22 . . . E!:g7!! and it is quite unlikely that White
Black also has an extra option in 2 1 . . . ih6 !?
can escape after 23.gxh4? lD xg4 24.ixg4 ixg4
22.a4 E!:g7 23.lDb5 a 6 24. lD a3 ixg4! which
2 5 .�fI (25.lDxg4 E!:xg4t 26.�fI E!:g3 27 .Wfe2
was a rather effortless equalizer in Kozlov -
Wfxh4-+) 25 . . . Wfxh4+.
Wolfrum, corr. 20 1 1 . The idea, no matter how
Instead White must try 23. � h I , but
White recaptures on g4, is to take on g2 with
23 . . . lD g6� gives Black full compensation for
the knight next move, when Black is at least
the pawn, while another idea is 23 . . . lD xg4
equal.
24.ixg4 ixg4 2 5 . lD xg4 E!:xg4 26.E!:gl lD g6°o
with unclear play.
2 1 . .. �xg4! 22.�xg4
2 1 .if3N
An attempt to hold on to the g4-pawn, but
all White's pieces become clumsy.
Chap ter 7 - 1 4 . cxd6 87
23 .. .i.xh6 24..txh6
A critical position, but it seems that Black
has several good replies:
a b e d e f g h
22 ...f3!!
The same typical breakthrough happens
again, only this time White has a knight on
a b e d e f g h
b5 instead of a pawn on a4. This fact actually
improves his chances somewhat, as the knight 24 ....tg4!
check on h6 is now acceptable and best. I chose this as my main line.
23.ttJ h6t! 24 . . . W!b6t!?N is a move which would normally

After 23 .i.xf3?! Black has two options: be winning with the knight on c3, but here
23 . . . �xf3 24.W!c7! (White should of course after 2 5 .\t>h2! Black should restrict himself
avoid 24.gxf3 ? tt:lxf3t 2 5 . \t>g2 i.xg4 26.i.e3 to 25 . . . \t>h8! (25 . . . fxe2 ?? 26.W!xe2 �f2 does
tt:lh4t 27.\t>f1 [27 .\t>gl W!e8-+1 27 . . . W!d7-+) not work because of 27.�xc8t!+-) . However
24 . . .i.xg4 25 .W!xd8t �xd8 26.i.g5 tt:l xg2 this does not mean his chances are inferior, a
27.i.xd8 tt:l f4= is only a perpetual. sample line being:
I rather prefer: 23 . . . tt:l xf3t!? 24.gxf3 i.xg4
a b e d e f g h
b e d f g h
a e
26.�f1 (26.i.xf3 i.d7�) 26 . . . i.d7 27.W!c7
2 5 . fxg4 W!b6t 26.\f{h l W!xb5 27.i.e3 �f3 W!xc7 2 8 . tt:l xc7 �g8 29.i.xf3 �h7= Black
28.� e l �af8 29.�ac l W!e8! 30 .W!g2 W!g6 recovers his piece, while the remaining
3 1 .i.xa7 �3f4 with a strong initiative for pressure ensures that he will have sufficient
Black. compensation.
88 1 3 .c S
Also possible i s 2 4 . . . 'it>h7!?N, attempting to

gain the g7-square for the black rook. 2 S .Wfd2!
8
fxe2 26.Wfe3! id7 27.lLlxd6 (In case of 27.igS 7
the counter-blow 27 . . . lLl xg2! 2B.�xg2 �g7
6
5
29.�h l t 'it>gB 30.'it>f2 WfxgS 3 1 .WfxgS �xgS
32.lLlxd6 �fBt 33.'it>e3 �f6 34.lLlc4 ib S =
leads t o a level position.) Black has a nice route 4
3
to equality:
2
1
a b e d e f g h
2s hB!?
.• .
2S ... lLl xf3t 26.gxf3 ixf3 27.Wfd2 �hB

2B .Wfh2 �h7 29.�c7! �xc7 30.lLlxc7 Wfxc7=
is also equal as White has no good discovered
check.
a b e d e f g h
26.'1Wf2! he4 27.%Yg3t �h8 28.i.gS %Yb6t
27 . . . lLl f3t! 2B.gxf3 Wfh4!! 29.lLlxf7 �gB t
29.i.e3 lLl f3t! 30.%Yxf3 hB 3 1 .i.xb6 gg8
30.igS Wfg3t 3 1 .�h l Wfh3t=
32.�c8!?
An aesthetic way to defuse Black's pressure.
2s.hBN
2 S . gxf3? Wfb6t! 26.�h l �h7! 27.�gl �xh6
2 B .�xg4t 'it>hB 29 .Wfc 1 �h7 30 .Wfc7! lLl g6t
3 1 .Wfxh7t 'it>xh7 32.�ag l �gB+ is at least
slightly better for the second player.
2 S .Wfd2 as played in Oortwij n - A. Volkov,

email 20 1 2, is clearly not dangerous for Black
after: 2S . . . fxe2N 26.Wfgs t WfxgS 27.ixgS
lLl xg2 2B.�xg2 �g7 29.lLlxd6 �xgS 30.'it>f2
�f8t=
Chapter 7 - 1 4 . cxd6 B9
Conclusion The second one, found by my good friend

Yannis Simeonidis, comes after 1 7.�c2 .!:!f7
In Chapter 7 we continued our examination of IB . .!:!fc l g4! 1 9 . fxg4 hxg4 20.hxg4 and is the
1 3 .c5 g5 by looking at the clarifYing 1 4 . cxd6. rather surprising 20 . . . ttlh4!!. Black eyes both
Mter 14 . . . cxd6 1 5 .ttlf2 h 5 ! 1 6.h3 ttl g6 Black f3 and g2, making several sacrificial motifs
gets ready to attack by transferring his rook to possible, but it was only after some painstaking
g7, so White must counterattack by utilizing analysis that I could establish its full
the weakness of the c 7-square. viability.
To this end both 1 7.�b3 and 1 7.�c2 have The critical line after 2O . . . ttl h4 ! ! runs as
been tried, and I have to admit that they follows: 2 1 .ttl b 5 (2 1 ..if3 is an attempt to
contain a certain amount of poison. However, hold on to the g4-pawn, but after 2 l . . . ifB
with the aid of some very important novelties, 22 ..ie l .!:!g7 23.�e2 a6 Black will sooner or
I think that I have been able to neutralize later acquire access to the a7-g l diagonal
White's pressure. with satisfactory compensation) 2 1 . . .ttl xg4!
The first of those important novelties comes 22.ttlxg4 f3 !!, when the position of the white
after the long sequence 1 7 .�b3 .!:!f7 1 B.'!:!ac l MB king opens up drastically giving Black a lot
1 9 . .!:!c2 .!:!g7 20 . .!:!fcl g4 2 1 .hxg4 hxg4 22.fxg4 of tactical chances. I worked the position out
ttlh4 23.ttlb5 ixg4 24.ixg4 ttlxg4 25. ttlxg4 to a draw after 23.ttlh6t! .ixh6 24 . .ixh6, the
.!:!xg4 26.ie l ! f3 27.ixh4 �xh4 2B.�xf3 and is most clear-cut continuation being 24 . . . ig4 !
no other than the typically coordinating move 25 ..ixf3 .ixf3!? For further moves, the reader
28 . . .ie7!, which Black missed in the game is advised to look at the relevant section,
Balashov - Glek, Vladimir 2009 . It practically although I believe that they should be easy
guarantees the draw as the reader can witness by to guess once someone has reached this
consulting the relevant section. point.
13.c5
a b c d e f g h
14J�cl - Introduction
Variation Index
l .d4 tt) f6 2.e4 g6 3.tt) c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tt)f3 0-0 6 . .ie2 e5 7.0-0 tt) e6 8.d5 tt) e7
9.tt)e1 tt) d7 10.tt) d3 f5 1 1 ..id2 tt) f6 1 2.f3 f4 13.e5 g5 14J�c1 tt)g6 1 5.cxd6 cxd6
16.a4!? gf7 17.tt) f2 .ifS 18.tt)b5 h5 19.h3
1 9 ... gg7
A) 20.gc3 91
B) 20.a5! tt) h8!?N 94
B l ) 2 1 .b4 95
B2) 2 1 .'!We2 96
B3) 21.gc3 a6 22.tt) a3 .id7! 23. tt) e4 g4! 24.fxg4 hxg4
25.hxg4 gc8! 26.g3! tt) g6 27.b3! '!We7! 97
\ B3 1) 28.�g2!? 98
\
B32) 28.gd3 99
A) after 20.:Elc3 B) after 20.a5! B 1 ) after 26.ti:lb6
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
20 . . . a6!N 20 . . . ti:lh8!?N 26 ... ixg4!N

Chapter 8 - 1 4 .1:l: c l - I ntroduction 91
l .d4 ttl f6 2.e4 g6 3.ttlc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.ttl£3

0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 t£J e6 8.d5 ttl e7 9.ttl el
t£J d7 10.ttld3 f5 11 .i.d2 ttl f6 1 2.£3 £4 13.e5
g5 14J�cl
The latest fashion, immediately committing
the rook to the c-file without including a trade
of the c-pawns.
18.h3 i.f8 19.ttlb5 gg7

We have arrived at a critical position.
8
7
6
5
1 5 cxd6 16.a4!?
•••
This is not the most forcing course of

action, yet there are still dangers ahead for 4
Black. White wants to apply strong queen side
3
pressure by putting his knight on b5 and the
pawn on a5, a formation that would make 2
1
Black's life very difficult, as . . . a6 would always
weaken the b6-square.
a b e d e f g h
1 6. tLl b5 is the topic of the following chapter. I am perfectly satisfied with Black's chances
after A) 20.gc3, but B) 20.a5! is a real test of
Pointless seems 1 6.ie 1 ?! E1f7 1 7.if2 h 5 , with the whole system, and the second player must
excellent kingside attacking chances for Black. proceed with extreme care.
For example: 1 8 .h3 (Mter the decentralizing
1 8 . tLl b 5 the typical sacrifice 1 8 . . . g4 1 9 .'I1tlb3 g3! A) 20.ge3
20.hxg3 fxg3 2 1 .ixg3 h4 22.M2 tLlh5--+ gives
Black fantastic dark-square compensation.) This alternative gives Black an opportunity to
18 . . . g4 ( I 8 . . . id7°o) 1 9 . fxg4 hxg4 20. hxg4 play straightforwardly:
ih6 2 1 .if3 ig5 Black's major pieces are ready
to switch over to the h-file to attack the enemy.
92 1 3 .cS
Another way might be 22 . . . b S ! ? 23.axb6 'lWxb6

24. tLl c4 'lWa7 2 S . cj;J h l :gc8, although I must
admit I have not delved too deeply into my
analysis here.
a b e d e f g h
20 ... a6!N 2 1 . ttl a3

Although Black's 20th move was a novelty a b e d e f g h
(all previous games continued with 20 . . . tLl h4) ,
A sample line is 26.tLlaS (26.b3 tLl h8! 27 . .ie l
White's reply immediately transposes into a
tLl f7 2 8 . tLl d3 g4f±) 26 . . . :gxc3 27 . .ixc3 g4
position reached twice in the database.
2 8 . tLl c6 'lWcS 2 9 . tLl d3 'lWe3f± with a position
that looks okay for Black.
2 1 ... .td7N
Again . . . tLl h4 is the only move which has 23.fxg4 hxg4 24.hxg4
been tried previously. From here on we are in This is the standard recapture in such
fresh territory. positions, trying to avoid the opening of the
d8-h4 diagonal.
22.a5
My preference now is for Black to continue Out of curiosity I also looked at 24 . .ixg4
dynamically: tLl xg4 2 S . tLl xg4 .ixg4 26.'lWxg4 tLl h4 27.'lWe6t
'it>h7 28.:gf2, only to confirm what I suspected
8 to be likely; the second player has an excellent
7 game. The white queen on e6 is cut off from

the rest of her army, a fact which dents White's
6 chances of stemming the Black initiative. A
5 possible follow-up is as follows:
4
3 I"" " """ , " , /,
2
1
a b e d e f g h
22 ... g4!
Seeking to open lines without delay.
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 8 - 1 4. E k l - I ntroduction 93
28 ... bS! 29.ttJc2 b4! 30.Ek6 WxaS 3 1 .ixb4 White's extra pawn does not really matter and
Wa2? with the idea 32.ixd6?? Wb l t 33.'it>h2 Black stands excellently.
E1xg2t!! 34.E1xg2 ttJ f3 mate!
25 ...Yltxb6
As we have noted elsewhere, a knight on
f2 quite often invites a pin from b6 by the
black queen, and this pin can turn out to be
annoying.
26.�c4 Yltd4! 27.i.c1

27.ie l is best met by: 27 . . . E1cB! (More
dangerous is 27 . . . ttJ xe4?! 2B.Wxd4 exd4
29.ttJxe4 dxc3 30.ttJf6t 'it>hB 3 1 .ixc3t)
2B.Wxd4 exd4 29.E1a3 ttJeS 30.ttJ xeS dxeS
3 1 .E1xa6 ttJ xg4 32.ttJxg4 ixg4 33.ixg4 E1xg4
34.E1c6 E1bB 3 S .E1f2 E1b3= Black's activity
ensures equality.
8
7
4
25.axb6
White agrees to the exchange.
3
2
2 S . ttJ c2 is well met by 2S . . . E1c8! 26.E1h3
(26.E1xcB WxcB =) 26 . . . ttJhB! with a double
edged position, as the black knight is en route 1
to gS. The engines suggest 27.g3!?, but then:
a b e d e f g h
27 ...Ylta7!
A thematic continuation. 27 . . . ttJ xe4
2 B.Wxd4 exd4 29.ttJxe4 dxc3 30.ttJf6t �hB
3 1 .gS ibS 32.E1f3! (32.'it>f2 E1h7 33.ttJxh7
�xh7 34.bxc3 E1cB=) 32 . . . E1h7 33 .id3 ixc4
34.ixg6 E1h4 3S. E1xc3 ibS 36.E1c7i again
appears dangerous, although Black might be
j ust holding.
28.'it>hl gh7t 29.gh3 gxh3t 30.gxh3 �h7!

a b e d e f g h
3 1 .�a5 �g5 32.�c6 Yltb7�
27 . . . ttJ g6 2 B . ttJ e l ttJ h7! 29.ttJg2 ttJ gS 30.E1hS Black has fully fledged counterplay for the
ieB! 3 1 .b3 E1cc7? Yielding a position where pawn.
94 1 3 .c5
B) 20.a5! 26.ixf3 lLl f4t 27.i>g3 lLlh5t 28.i>g2 Ied to a

draw by repetition in Shirov - Spasov, Manila
A worrying continuation. However, I have 1 990.) 22.lLla3 b5!N 23.:1:k3 id7= This is a
managed to work out a narrow path to equality. line recommended by Alexei Shirov and looks
perfectly okay for Black.
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h 2 1 . . . a6 22.lLla3 g4
20 �h8!?N
•••
22 . . . id7N 23.lLlc4 �c8;!; may be defendable,
but White maintains a nagging edge.
I think this harmonious move solves Black's
Shirov's recommendation of 22 . . . b5!?N
problems. The idea is to add punch to a . . . g4
23.axb6 Wlxb6 is logical, but I think that
breakthrough without jeopardizing the knight's
position by placing it on h4. The knight is not White keeps a slight edge by playing 24.lLl c4
Wla7 2 5 . � h 1 id7 26.�g l !;!;, stopping any
that bad on h8 and may actually later come to
fl and h6, eyeing the all-important g4-square. sacrificial ideas on g2 and preparing to get
Of course there are some alternatives: on with his queenside pressure.
23.fxg4 hxg4 24.lLl xg4 lLl xg4 2 5 . hxg4 Wlg5
26.�c3! ixg4 27.ixg4 Wlxg4 28.Wlxg4 �xg4
20 . . . a6N 2 1 . lLl a3 id7 22.lLl c4;!; is better
29.ixh4 �xh4 30.�c7 �h7 3 1 .�fc 1 �e8
for White, but probably only a little. Black
32.b4N;!;
should continue 22 . . . :1:k8, when there is still
everything to play for. Black is suffering in the ending. 32.�xh7
i>xh7 33.�c7t was also unpleasant for Black
20 . . . lLl h4 in Nordal - Le Page, email 2008, although the
game later ended in a draw.
The only move tried previously, but as I said
above, I do not like the knight on h4.
2 1 .ie l ! Returning to 20 . . . lLlh8, we will examine three
replies for White: B l ) 2 1 .b4, B2) 2 1 .YlYc2 and
A strong move, eyeing the knight, and
making it more difficult for Black to carry B3) 2 1 .�c3.
out . . . g4.
2 1 .i> h 1 allows 2 1 . . . g4!� with good
Alternatively, 2 1 .ib4?! looks pointless due to:
2 1 . . . a6! er am sceptical about 2 1 . . . g4?! 22.fxg4 counterplay. For example, 22. fxg4 hxg4
23.�xc8! (23.hxg4? a6 24. lLl a3 lLl xg4!+)
hxg4 23.hxg4 lLlh5 24.lLlc7 lLlxg2 25.�xg2
f3t due to the bold 26.<;hf3!?N, when I can't 23 . . . �xc8 (23 . . . Wlxc8 !?) 24.lLl xg4 lLl fl
see a clear path to equality for Black. Instead, 2 5 . lLl xf6t Wlxf6 26.lLlxa7 �a8 27.lLl b5 lLl g5
Chapter 8 - 1 4J k l - Introduction 95
2 8 . lik 3 �xa5 29.,ig4 Wh6 with an unclear 26 ...hg4!N 27.tLlxa8

position. 27.,ixg4 0, fxg4!+ gives Black a dangerous
attack, for example: 2 B . 0, xaB? Wh4 29. 0,h3
Bl) 2 1 .b4 Wg3 30.�f3 Wh2t 3 1 .cj,lfl Wh i t 32.cj,le2
Wxg2t 33.i>d3 0, h2!-+
Initially suggested by some engines. The idea is
that White gains space on the queenside, since
27 .. .'!Wxa8
Black cannot place the knight on f7 without
Black has tremendous compensation for the
allowing 0, c7. White then simply waits for the
exchange, despite not even having an extra
weakening . . . a6 before re-routing his knight to
pawn as added value. The main point is that g2
b6. This is how play may evolve:
and e4 are weak and Black can generate threats
8
by posting his queen to a7 or g6.
7 28.�c4
6
2B.,ie l WeB! 29.0,xg4 0, hxg4 30.,ixg4
0, xg4 3 1 .Wf3 Wh5 32.Wh3 Wg6 33 .�cB Wxe4
5 34.,if2 Wxd5 3 5 .�fc l e4 36.�xfBt! cj,lxfB
4 37.WhBt i>f7 3B .�c7t cj,le6 39 .WcB t i>e5

40.WeBt cj,lf5 = is an impressive line, revealing
3 Black's compensation.
2
1
a b e d e f g h
2 1 . .. g4 22.fxg4 a6 23.tLla3 hxg4 24.hxg4

tLlf7! 25.tLl c4 tLl h6! 26.tLl b6
As has been the case on several occasions, the
position has weaved in and out of previously
played games thanks to move-order subtleties.
Here Black saved his rook with 26 . . . �bB in
Lechtynsky - Tomes, Klatovy 1 99B. I have
chosen a different idea:
a b e d e f g h
28 ...YlYa7!? 29..bg4 tLlhxg4 30.YlYa gh7

3 1 .YlYe2 gg7!
3 1 . . .0,h2? 32.�fc l 0, h 5 33.� l c3!! 0, g3
34.�xg3t fxg3 3 5 .,ie3± is something to be
avoided.
32.gfc1
After 32.�cB, the accurate 32 ... Wd4! 33 .Wd3
Wa7!= keeps White tied.
a b e d e f g h
% 1 3 .c S
8 B2) 2 1 .'Wc2
7 Another main move, but I am confident Black
6 will navigate his way through the difficulties

White poses here:
5
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
32 ... ttl h5 33.'Wf3

33Jk 8 tt:l g3 34.'1Wf3 transposes.
33,..ttlg3 34.�c8 'Wd4 35 ..ic3 'We3 36.'Wxe3

ttlxe3 a b e d e f g h
The position is dynamically balanced. I
2 1 ...g4! 22.fxg4
will present a line of analysis to illustrate the
2 2 . tt:l c7? gxh3 23.tt:lxa8 id7 24. tt:l c7 �xg2t
direction a practical game may take from here.
2 S . W h l tt:l h7-+
22,..hxg4 23.hxg4
After the "curious" 23.tt:lc7 gxh3 24. tt:l xa8
:gxg2t 2S .Wh l tt:l h S ! 26.ixhS Y:YgS 27.ig4!
ixg4 28 .Y:Yb3 tt:l g6 29.tt:lxg4 (29 .tt:lxh3 ?! Y:YhS
30.Wxg2 f3t! gives Black dangerous attacking
chances) 29 . . . Y:Yxg4 30.Y:Yf3, one draw for
Black is 30 . . . :gg1 t = , another being 30 . . . Y:Yg3!?
3 1 .Y:Yxg3 fxg3=.
23,..ttlxg4 24.i.xg4
24. tt:l c7 tt:l h2! can only be worse for White.
a b e d e f g h
37.�el ttlgf5! 38.ex5 �g2t 39.�hl �xf2

40.�gl t �f7 41 .�c7t �f6 42 ..ie1 �f3
43.�g8 �f1 t 44.�h2 �xf5! 45.�f7t �e4
46.�gl �f3 47.�xf8 ttl f1 t 48.�hl ttl e3
49.�h8 �xd5
Black's incredible piece activity and central
chain of passers sufficiently compensates for
being a rook down.
Chapter 8 - 14.!:kl - I ntroductio n 97
2 4.. .hg4 25.tihg4 �g4 26.tLlc7 gcB 25 ... gcB!

27.'lWdl 'lWh4 2B.'lWe2 tLlf7 29.�e6 tLlg5 Black is ready for . . . tLl h8-f7-h6, so White
30.�xg5 l:hc1 3 1 .gxc1 'lWxg5= must undertake some action of his own:
With a balanced position.
26.g3!
B3) 2 1 .gc3 This aggressive undermining of Black's pawn
chain seems to pose the most problems. Some
White's most critical response, with the brutal alternatives are presented below:
plan of penetrating on c7. However, Black
should not panic. 26.b3 tLl f7� and 26.if3 tLl f7� are both too
slow.
2 1 . ..a6 22.� a3 i.d7! 23.tLlc4
White's queenside pressure is becoming In the long line 26.tLlb6 E1xc3 27.ixc3 ie8!
increasingly unbearable, so it is time to launch 28.Wc2 tLlf7 29 .ib4 tLl h6 30.Wc8 Wxc8
an attack: 3 1 . tLl xc8 tLl hxg4 32.tLlxg4 tLl xg4 33.ixd6
(33 .ixg4 E1xg4 34.ixd6 ig6=) 33 . . . tLl e3
34.E1f2 ixd6 3 S . tLl xd6 ig6 36.g3 �f8 37.E1h2
E1d7! 38.gxf4 exf4 39.eS E1e7 40.E1h4 E1xeS
4 1 .�f2 �e7 42.tLlxb7 tLl xdS 43.ixa6 tLl f6
44.b4 tLldS 4 S . b S id3 46.tLlcS E1e2t= Black
draws without too many difficulties.
26 ... tLlg6 27.b3!

27.Wc l is a blow in empty space due to the
simple 27 . . . tLlh8!�, underlining the weakness
of the g4-pawn.
8
7
6
5
4 b e d
3
a e f g h
27 ...'lWe7!
2 This accurate move gives Black sufficient
1 play. Should the e-file open, Black will have

pressure on the important e4-square.
a b e d e f g h
98 1 3 .c5
Worse is 27 ... fxg3?! 28Jhg3 lLl f4 29 .Axf4 28 &g3

•••
exf4 30.:gg2±, as Black has shown his hand too 28 . . . lLl h7!? is a riskier winning try.
early and White has various threats to increase
his influence on the light squares. 29J�xg3 lLl f4t 30.hf4 exf4 3 U�h3 tLlxe4
32.tLl b6 ge8!?
27 . . . lLl h7 28.Wlc l ! (28.Wg2 lLlg5f±) I prefer this active move, which seems to
maintain the dynamic balance.
Instead, 32 . . . :gc7 33.lLlxd7 :gxd7 34.:gfh 1
(34.lLl xe4 Wlxe4t 3 5 .Af3 Wlf5 36.:gfh l :gc7!
37.:gh8t @f7 38.:g l h5 Wlc2t 39.Wlxc2
:gxc2t 40.@fU also looks a bit clumsy for
Black) 34 . . . lLlxf2 3 5 . Wxf2 :gh7 36.Ad3 :gxh3
37.:gxh3 gives White some initiative.
33.tLlxd7 W!xd7 34.tLlxe4 :gxe4 35.gfhl

3 5 .Wlc2 Wle7 36.M3 :ge l =
8
a b e d e f g h
7
28 . . . Ab5 (28 . . . lLlg5 29.gxf4 exf4 3o.Axf4 lLl xf4
3 1 .Wlxf4 ID 32 .Wle3 Ag7 33.e5! dxe5 34.:gd3
e4 3 5 . lLl xe4 :gxfl t 36.@xfl lLl xe4 37.Wlxe4
Wlh4 38.@g2 &8 39 .Wlf3;!;) 29.lLl h3!;!; is better
6
for White too. 5
4
The final split of the chapter sees us consider
B3 1) 28.cJ7g2!? and B32) 28.:gd3. 3
I also looked a t 28.Wlc l lLlh8!f± and 28.gxf4 2
lLl xf% concluding that Black is in no way
worse.
1
a b e d e f g h
B3 1) 28.�g2!?
35 ge3!
•••
This seems to me to be a logical 'human' move. White, despite appearances, cannot achieve
anything, as Black's heavy artillery generates
strong counter-threats.
36.gh8t!?
What could be more natural than penetrating
into the heart of the black position?
Instead, 36.:gxe3 fxe3 37.:gh3 (37.Wld4 Wle7
38 .:gh6 :gh7 39.:gxh7 Wxh7 40.@f3 Ah6=)
can be met actively with 37 ... Wlf5 ! 38.:gxe3
Wlf4 39.:gh3 (39.:gg3 :gm 39 . . . :gf7 40.:gf3
WI e4 when it is difficult to detect any advantage
for White.
Chapter 8 - 1 4 J:! c 1 - I ntroduction 99
36 ... �f7 B32) 28.gd3

The position has several nuances, and both
sides have to tread with care: Best, according to the computers. This is a
multi-purpose move; the c4-knight threatens
37.YNc2! to j ump to b6, while the option of attacking
After 37.�fl I like the dynamic 37 . . . f3! ? d6 by ib4 has also made an appearance. Yet
3 8 .ixf3 YNc7 39.�g2 (39.1'H h2 Wc3 40.1':1:f2 Black has a remedy:
�e7�) 39 ... Wc3 40.Wfl E:g6! 4 1 .Wf2 E:f6
42.E: l h3 E:eS�, fully activating the black
8
7
pieces and keeping White at bay.
37.E: l hS allows 37 . . . Wc8 ! 38.if3 �e7!, and 6

5
by slipping through the dark squares Black has
reached a position where he is threatening to
take over the initiative. White seems to have 4
nothing better than: 39.E: Sh6 Wc3 40.E:e6t
E:xe6 4 1 .dxe6 E:xg4t 42.ixg4 Wxh8 43 .Wc2=
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
28 ... gc7!
A strong and useful waiting move.
Weaker is instead:
28 . . . fxg3 ?! 29.E:xg3 lLl f4 30.gS lLlh7 3 1 .ig4!
3 1 .g6? Wh4!! 32.gxh7t �xh7 33.E:xg7t
ixg7 34.ixf4 exf4=F is winning for Black.
8
a b e d e f g h
7
Returning to 37.Wc2 !, this is a moment
6
when Black has to be incisive:
5
37 .. Jhg4t! 38.�f2 i.g7 39.g 1h5!? 4
39.E:8h4 E:xh4 40.E:xh4 E:h3 4 1 .E:xf4 t 3

�g8 42.We4 E:h2t 43.�gl E:h6 44.ig4 Wd8 2
4 S .ie6t �h8= promises White nothing more
than a draw.
a b e d e f g h
39 ... gxe2t! 4O.YNxe2 i.xh8 4 1.gxh8 YNf5 3 1 . . .WxgS!

The position is equal and will ultimately lead 31 ... lLl xgS 32.ixd7 lLl gh3t 33 .ixh3 E:xg3t
to a draw. 34.�h2 Wh4 3S .E:gl +-
32.ixf4!
1 00 1 3 .c5
After 32.tt:lb6 Black has the stunning dxc4 37.�d7 'lWc5t 3 8 .<j;Jg2 tt:l c3 ! ? eventually
32 . . . l::k 3!! 33Jhc3 (33.ixc3?? 'lWh4-+) proves better for White after: 39 .ixc3!
33 . . .ixg4 34.tt:lxg4 tt:l f6! 3 5 J:\g3 tt:l xg4 (39 .'lWc2 tt:l xe2 40.'lWxg6t �g7 4 1 .'lWe4 'lWc6
36.ixf4 exf4 37Jhg4 'lWxg4t 38 .'lWxg4 42.�xg7t <j;Jxg7 43.'lWxc6 �xc6 44.bxc4
�xg4t 39.<j;Jf2 �g3= with complete equality. �xc4=) 39 . . . 'lWe3 40.if3 tt:l h4t 4 1 .<j;Jh2
32 . . . 'lWxf4 33 .�g2;!; 'lWxc3 42.�xc7 �xc7 43.e7! �xe7 44.'lWd 5t
The resulting position is better for White, as cj;Jh8 4 5 . tt:l xf4--+ The black king is the more
the exchange of light-squared bishops means exposed of the two.
that he will gain the f5-square for his knights. 3 5 .ie l 'lWg7�
However, even then the game is far from over. Black has tremendous compensation for the
pawn and is probably better.
After 28 . . . �c7!, there is nothing at all for
White, as a consultation of the following After 29.gxf4 the tactics culminate in
variations will show. exchanges and a drawn ending:
29.gxf4
I chose this to be my main line as I find it
rather anti-positional to remove the bishop
from the fight for f4.
29 .ib4 tt:l e8 30.tt:lh3 �h7 3 1 .gxf4 exf4

32.ic3!
32.�f2 ig7� gives Black powerful
compensation in view of his control over the
e5-square.
a b e d e f g h
34 J�xg4t 35.�xg4t �xg4t 36.�g2 �xg2t
••
37.�xg2 gg7t 38.�f3 gg3t 39.�e4 gxd3

32 . . . tt:l f6!! 33.e5 tt:l e4!
40.�xd3 dxe5 41 .�e4 .ib4 42.tt:lxe5 ha5=
The dynamism of Black's position outweighs
his pawn deficit.
34.e6!
34.exd6?! 'lWh4!!--+
34 . . . ib5 !
The tricky 34 . . . ixe6?! 3 5 . dxe6 d5! 36.ie l !!
Chapter 8 - 1 4.l3c l - I ntroduction 101
Conclusion Black has the very concrete 22 . . .g4! 23.fXg4

hxg4 24.hxg4 b 5! 25.axb6 Wxb6 26.tL'l c4
Continuing our examination of 1 3 . c5 g5 we Vf! d4 !, when his queen exerts annoying pressure
arrived at the critical 1 4 Jk l tL'lg6 juncture, on the a7-g 1 diagonal, providing sufficient
and this chapter has all been about some compensation for the sacrificed pawn.
complex situations arising after 1 5 .cxd6 cxd6 The reason that 20.a5! gave me unpleasant
1 6.a4!? problems to solve was that the traditional
This last pawn move i s designed to add recipe of 20 . . . tL'l h4 wouldn't quite work in
strength to the tL'l c 3-b5 sally by providing the view of 2 1 .Ae l ! , putting the knight under
knight with a good retreat square on a3 in case observation. As soon as it became clear to me
it is evicted by . . . a6, and is a typical stratagem that I couldn't rely on this move I sought to
from White's point of view. Black should open the g-file in a different manner and this
avoid prematurely weakening b6, as then a is how the relatively weird 20 . . . tL'lh8!? sprang
combination of a4-a5 and tL'l a3-c4 will leave to mind. The idea is of course to combine . . . g4
his queenside under a bind. with the . . . tL'l h8-f7-h6 manoeuvre, and as far
Therefore, the usual continuation is 1 6 .. J�f7 as I can see the plan works. The way to set
1 7 .tL'lf2 i.ffi 1 8 . tL'l b 5 h5 1 9.h3 �g7, reaching

Black the most problems is 2 1 .l3c3 a6 22. tL'la3
a critical position where both sides are well .id7! 23. tL'l c4, but after 23 . . . g4! 24. fXg4 hxg4
placed to carry out their plans: Black would 2 5 . hxg4 l:k8! the position is about equal in my
like to push his g-pawn in a successful manner, opinion, even if in a slightly laborious manner.
while White obviously wishes to infiltrate on The reader is advised to study the rest of my
the queenside. analysis carefully, not only for the mere sake of
Possible ways of preparing the infiltration being well prepared, but also in order to derive
are 20Jk3 and 20.a 5 !, the second one being pleasure and understanding; it is not often
far more subtle - as the punctuation indicates. that such a rich combination of tactical and
Indeed, after 20.�c3 a6! 2 1 . tL'l a3 i.d7 22.a5 positional nuances arises on the board.
13.c5
a b c d e f g h
16.4Jb5
Variation Index
l .d4 �f6 2.e4 g6 3.�e3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 0-0 6 ..ie2 e5 7.0-0 �e6 8.d5 �e7
9.� e1 � d7 10.�d3 f5 1 1 ..id2 �f6 12.f3 f4 13.e5 g5 14J�c1 �g6 15.exd6 cxd6
16.�b5! ru7 17.�e2 � e8 18.a4 h5 19.�f2
1 9 ....ifS
A) 20.�xa7 1 03
B) 20.@h1!? �g7 2 1 .�b3 .id7! 104
B 1 ) 22 ..ic3 105
B2) 22 . .ie1 !?N 106
C) 20.a5 .id7! 2 1 .�b3 �g7 22.h3 � h4 23 ..ie 1 a6 24.�a3 � f6 106
Cl) 25. � e4 107
C2) 25.�d3 108
D) 20.h3 �g7 1 12
D 1 ) 2 1 .a5!? 1 13
D2) 2 1 .�b3 � h4 22.�e2 g4! 23.fxg4 � f6! 24 . .ie1 ! b6!?N 1 14
D21) 25.�c3!? .id7 26.�d3!? 1 16
D2 1 1) 26 ... �e8 1 16
D21 2) 26 ... hxg4!? 1 18
D22) 25.g3! 1 18
B I ) after 22.�c3 C l ) after 29. hxg4 D2) after 24.�e l !
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
22 . . . a6!?N 29 . . . �g5 !N 24 . . . b6!?N

Chapter 9 - 1 6. llJ b 5 1 03
l .d4 tilf6 2.c4 g6 3.tilc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tilf3 White now has a wide range of options
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 til c6 8.d5 til e7 9.tile1 at his disposal. I examined A) 20.tilxa7,
fO d7 10.tild3 f5 1 l .i.d2 til f6 12.f3 £4 13.c5 B) 20.�hl !?, C) 20.a5 and D) 20.h3.
g5 14J�c1 tilg6 1 5.cxd6 cxd6 16.tilb5!
The old main line, which is still topical and 2o.Wlb3 �g7 2 1 .h3 transposes to line 02 on
is favoured by Ivanchuk. White wants to force page 1 1 4.
the knight back to e8 and thus slow down
Black's kingside counterplay.
A) 20.tilxa7
This move has been underestimated, but I

believe Black has a principled continuation:
20 �c7! 2 1 .i.a5!
•••
White's only move, as he cannot continue

with 2 1 .CD c6? bxc6 22.dxc6 CD e7+.
2 1 . M �xc2 22.i.xd8 �xe2 23.tilxc8 �a4

24.i.xg5!
24. CD d3 g4 25 .�f2 �e3 26. CD e 1 �a8 27.�fc2
�b3 28.';i{ f2 �a2 29.�b 1 <;i{f7= poses Black no
problems.
24 J�xb2 25.�bl
••
2 5 . CD d3N �b3 26.�fd 1 �a8 is unclear.
17.�c2 til e8 1 8.a4 h5 19.tilf2 i.fS 7
6
Black has been temporarily forced to retreat
his forces, but he hopes to come back with a
vengeance. The position is complicated, but 5
after further analysis I became convinced that 4
3
the chances are approximately balanced.
8 2
7 1
6 a b e d e f g h
5 25 J�c2N
.•
25 . . . �aa2 and 25 . . . �ab4 are the two moves

4 to have been tried previously. Now we have
3 reached a crossroads:
2 26.til b6!?
1 This looks like the best try.
a b e d e f g h
1 04 1 3 .c5
26.�fc l is met eloquently b y 26 ... �b4!=, both B) 20.<i!? hl!? �g7 2 1 .YlVb3
defending and attacking in the same moment.
An attempt to do without the move h2-h3 .
26.�bc l can be answered by: 26 . . . �aa2!? The idea is to hit a knight arriving on h4 with
(26 ... �b2=) 27.�xc2 �xc2 2 B . tLl b6 'it> f7 29.�b 1 g2-g3 . However, Black has an accurate reply:
fie7 3D .fixe7 'it>xe7 3 1 . tLl d3 �c3! 32.tLl e l 'it>dB
33.'it>f2 tLl c7 34.'it>e2 tLl a6 3 5 .'it>d2 �c7°o With
an unclear position.
26 �aa2 27.tLl d7 i.e7!?

•••
A radical solution, but by no means forced.

For example, 27 . . . �ab2= is not out of the
question.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2 2 1 . . . tLl h4 22.g3! fxg3 23.hxg3;l; is a bit better
1 for White.
a b e d e f g h
I believe White's best two continuations are
28.i.xe7 tLlxe7 29.�xb7 tLl g6 30.tLlb8! �ab2 now: B l ) 22.i.c3 and B2) 22.i.emN
3 1 .�xb2 �xb2 32.tLl c6 tLl h4 33.tLla5
33.�cl tLl c7 allows the black knight to I analysed several other moves, but Black seems
progress to b 5 . to obtain interesting attacking chances against
each of them.
33 �c2 34.tLlb3 tLl c7 35.�a1
•••
3 5 .� c l �b2 36.�xc7 �xb3= 22.�c3?!N is answered by 22 . . . a6 23.tLla3 tLl f6

24.a5 (intending tLl a3-c4-b6) 24 . . . g4!� with a
35 tLlb5 36.tLl c1 tLl d4 37.tLl cd3 <i!?f8
••• powerful attack. Also of interest is the pawn
Despite the fact that White i s a pawn up, grabbing 24 . . . Wxa5 2 5 . tLl c4 WdBoo with the
I cannot see any real way for him to make idea 26.tLlb6 fib5 ! .
progress. Black should be able to hold the
position with a little care. Th e immediate 22.tLla3?! removes the p ressure
from c7, allowing the eB-knight to join the
attack immediately:
Chapter 9 - 1 6. lD b S 10S
Preparing to bring the knight to f6 for

attacking p urposes.
22 . . . lD f6 23 .i.b4 i.eB 24.'lMfa3 �d7 2 S .'lMfc3

looks a bit awkward for Black.
22 . . . lD h4 is a logical try, when play could

well evolve as follows: 23.g3!?N (23.lDd3?! g4
24.lDxeS dxeS 2S .i.xeS g3--+ is initially heavily
evaluated in White's favour by the silicon
a b e d e f g h entities, but the truth is that Black's attack
22 . . . lD f6!N White dare not take the pawn by should be at least enough for equality, and
23 .'lMfxb7? in view of 23 . . . g4+ For example: the result did indeed go the way of the second
24.i.aS (24.'lMfc7 'lMfeB+ or 24.'lMfa6 g3 2S .i.aS player in Rozenberg - Chocenko, email 200B.)
'lMfe7+ or 24.lDc4 g3+) 24 . . . 'lMfeB 2 S . lD b S 23 ... fxg3 24.hxg3 g4! ? 2 S . fxg4 'lMfgS 26.'lMfd l !
(2S .i.c7 lD h4 26.�g l �cB+) 2S . . . lD h4--+ hxg4 27.i.d2 'lMfg6 2B.gxh4 g3 29 .i.gS 'lMfh7
30 . ..t>g2 gxf2 3 1 . ..t>xf2 i.e7 32 . ..t>e3!oo The white
22.�c2!?N is a logical attempt to double the king escapes from the threatened sector, leaving
rooks, but all the same Black stands fine after: Black with the burden of proving equality.
22 . . . a6 23.lDa3 lD f6 ! (23 . . . lD h4 24.g3 fxg3
2S. hxg3;!;) 24.lDc4 bS 2 S . lD aS g4 26.axbS 23.�a3
axbS 27. lD c6 'lMfeB 2B .g3 (2B .i.xb S lD h4--+ or After the knights retreat, Black has t o decide
28.�gl lD h4--+) 2B ... h4!--+ on the best way of continuing his plan.
Bl) 22 ..tc3 8
A strange choice, which has never been 7
played in an over-the-board game. I would 6
recommend pressing on with a standard plan:
5
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
23 ... � h4!
I prefer this to 23 . . . lD f6?!, as the latter
allows 24. lD c4 bS 2S .i.aS ! 'lMfeB 26.lD b6! bxa4
27.lDxd7!;!; and Black loses his precious light
squared bishop. After the text move I found
nothing better for White than the following
continuation:
1 06 1 3 .c 5
24.g3 g4! 25.fxg4 hxg4 26.i.d2 f3 27.i.dl 26.�a3

And now there is a star move: 26.lik3 l::1 h 7 27.l::1 f2 g4! 2 8. fXg4 h4! 29.l::1 h 2
ih6+±
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
27 ... b5!�
Black is assured of at least equal chances. 26 .. Jlh7 27J:Hl g4 28.fxg4 h4 29J�h2 �f6t
The computer evaluation is almost level,
B2) 22.i.el !?N � h4!? but it is Black who possesses the dangerous
initiative.
This move seems perfectly playable in the
C) 20.a5
current position.
White prepares to take on a7 and then sacrifice
8 � m E�_.m a piece by lD a7-c6 in reply to either . . . l::1 c7 or
7 . �rB:rB""'��
6 %... � � � ,,,, , y,
. . . id7.
� _� � , �
.
5 �ltJ. 8 �,
��"" � ��
w� W� ,
4 8� �� '8%. " " %_,
.
� �� N "� �.....
�
.
23 �, W� �� %�
_ .i, � ��r�
8 W�
1 .'''' %�� 7�If�f� �
a b e d e f g h
23.g3 fxg3 24.hxg3 �g6 25.�d3 a6

I like Black's position here, and he will soon
develop interesting attacking chances. The a b e d e f g h
motif will more or less be the same: playing 20 ...i.d7!
the rook to h7, following up with . . . g4 and, in 20 . . . l::1 g7 2 1 . lD xa7!? is another example of
reply to fXg4, seizing dark squares with . . . h4. A the above mentioned sacrifice, which leads to
possible continuation would be: an interesting game.
Chap ter 9 - 1 6 . ttJ b 5 1 07
2 1 .YlYh3 gg7 22.h3 tLl h4 23 .ie1 a6 24.tLl a3

• 27 tLlxg4 28..ixg4 hg4 29.hxg4
.•.
tLl f6
With reasonable chances for both sides.
From here we can branch off again, between
Cl) 25.tLle4 and C2) 25.tLl d3N.
Cl) 25.tLl e4 g4 26.fxg4 hxg4
A critical position , in which Yannis Simeonidis

pointed out the most interesting recapture on
g4:
30.YlYd l!
30 . .ixh4 Wxg4!! and Black stands well.
a b e d e f g h 30 ge8 3 1 .gc3 gee7! 32.h3

••.
27.tLlxg4! 32.�f2 �h7! gives excellent counterplay for

Instead: 27.hxg4?!N ttJ h 5 ! 28.gc3 gc8 the pawn.
29.\t>h2 gc7! 30 . .id2 (30.gh l Wf6 3 1 .�gl
tLl g3 32.gxg3 fxg3 33.Wxg3 tLl g6 34.tLlh3 32 gh7•••
tLl f4°o looks okay for Black too.) 3O . . . gxc4! A Black is not worse, as the following lines will
brilliant and thoroughly unexpected resource, show.
bearing in mind that the rook moved to c7
on the previous move. 3 1 . .ixc4 (In case of 8
7
3 Uh c4 tLl g3 32.ge l .ib5 33 . .id l Wf� Black
has excellent compensation, the idea being
of course . . . gh7.) 3 1 . . ..ixg4 32.tLlxg4 �xg4 6
33 . .ie l �xg2t 34.\t>h l �g7-+ Black has strong
attacking chances, but the most likely result
5
is a draw if White defends correctly and stays 4
alert to any danger.
3
I must admit that I was scratching my head for 2
several days to find an antidote to 27.tLlxg4!, 1
but now I a m satisfied with Black's chances
after the following analysis. a b e d e f g h
1 08 1 3 .c5
33.c.t>f2!? 36 � h8!?
•••
An attempt to escape from the dangerous This move again!

area.
37.� d2 YlYg6 38.YlYe2 �f7 39.gc7 �g5
Instead, 33 J�h3 can be answered with the 4O.gc4 YlYe8 41.�f3 �xf3! 42.gxf3 YlYb5�
inCiSiVe 33 . . . lLl xg2!?f± or with: 33 . . . Ekg7 Black's encircling strategy seems to have
34J�f2 (34.t.b4 lLl xg2 35 .Elxh7 Elxh7 36.<it>xg2 paid off well. The queen attacks the queen side
Elh2t 37.<it>xh2 'l¥fh4t=) weaknesses, while the doubled black rooks are
keeping White at bay on the kingside. Some
8 play remains, but I would expect the final
7 result to be a draw.
6
C2) 25.�d3N
5
4 Pressurizing the h4-knight in an attempt to

3 prevent . . . g4, but Black has another way to
2 carry out the attack.
a b e d e f g h
34 . . . t.e7! Intending 35 .Elc2 lLl xg2 36.Elxh7

Elxh7 37.Elxg2 'l¥fh6 38 .g5 'l¥fh 1 t 39.<it>f2 f3
40.Elg1 (40.'l¥fxf3 Elm 40 . . . 'l¥fh2t 4 1 .<it>n
'l¥fh3t=
33... gh6 34.gg1 gch7 35.�f1 �g6 36.t.f2

After 36.lLld2 the (by now) familiar
manoeuvre 36 . . . lLlh8!? (36 . . . 'l¥fd8 ! ? 37.b4
'l¥fd7f±) 37.gc8 'l¥fg6 38 .t.f2 lLl fl 39.b4
lLl g5 40 .'l¥fc2 Elflf± gives Black satisfactory
counterplay as both e4 and g4 are vulnerable.
25 . . . lLl g6 26.'l¥fxb7 g4 27.'l¥fb6 'l¥fe7 (27 . . . 'l¥fe8

2 8 . lLl c4) 28.'�h 1 gxh3 (28 . . . lLl e8!?) 29.gxh3
is less clear, but deserves analysis as well. My
main concern is that the h5-square isn't free for
a black knight to occupy.
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 9 - 1 6. tLl b 5 1 09
27.\t>h2 tLl h7!

Threatening . . . g3t followed by an assault
on h3. This looks even stronger than in the
main line.
2B .Wb6!?
Best according to Houdini.
No salvation is offered by:
2B.:gg1 g3t 29.Wg2 tLl g5 30.:gh 1 �xh3t
3 1 .:gxh3 tLl xh3 32.\t>xh3 Wd7t 33.\t>g2 h4+
Or 2 B . fxg4 hxg4 29.tLlxf4 exf4 30.:gxf4
(30.hxg4 Wg5+) 30 . . . �e7�
8 a b e d e f g h
7 27 tLl h7!
•..
6 Even after White's more prudent 27th move

h,,",·,/" · " ··
5 I believe that Black should still opt for this
traditional attacking set-up.
4
3
r,. · · ·. . ··///�,,// The following alternative is also possible:
2 27 . . . gxf3 2B.�xf3 �xh3 29.:gg 1 �g4! 30.tLlf2
:gcB!!
a b e d e f g h
2B . . . We7!
A strong move. Black keeps the queens on
the board, while preparing to strike on the
kingside.
Surprisingly, 2B . . . g3t ? fails: 29.Wg2 �xh3t
(In case of 29 . . . Wh4 30.:gh 1 tLl g5 3 1 .:gc7
�xh3t 32.\t>g l +- the attack has run out
of steam.) 30.\t>xh3 tLlg5t 3 1 .\t>g2 Wd7
32.:gh 1 +- The game is over.
29.:gg1 a b e d e
29.:gc7 now won't work on account of

Black has curious compensation; a mix of
29 ... g3t 30.\t>g2 �xh3t 3 1 .\t>xh3 Wxc7+.
tactics and positional motifs. As I explained
29 . . . g3t 30.Wg2 tLl g5 3 1 .:gh 1 �xh3t 32.:gxh3
in an email once to Jacob Aagaard, I often
32.\t>gl :gcB! 3 3 . tLl c4 h4 34.�b4 :gg6�
find it hard to write appropriate texts in
32 . . . tLl xh3 33.\t>xh3 Wd7t 34.Wg2 h4 35 .�d2
this King's Indian series, as sometimes the
h3t 36.\t>h 1 :gcBt
compensation j ust exists, and there is no
I would be much happier having the black
rational explanation for it! The present
pieces here.
position is such a case, so I will let the moves
speak for themselves.
3 1 . tLl c4
Principled.
1 10 1 3 .c5
The only comment I can make is that after 28 . . . We7!

3 1 .E:xc8 Wxc8 32.Wd l (32.Wd3 Wcl =) Black gets powerful compensation, although
32 . . . ie7 Black's compensation persists the lines are admittedly not easy:
because the a3-knight is a bit offside: 29.lLlc4
33.E:g2 �f7 34.ic3 (34.b4 E:g8) 34 . . . id8 ! By far the best. Other tries bring White to
Eyeing the weakness on a5, and perhaps also the edge of disaster:
intending . . . id8-c7-b8-a7, according to a) 29 .Wxb7? ? g3-+
circumstances. 3 5 . lLl d3 E:g5 ! = b) 29 .E:c7? g3+
After 3 1 .lLlc4, the following long line shows c) 29.E:gl g3 30.�g2 lLl g5 3 1 .E: h l ixh3t!
the way to equality: 32.E:xh3 (32 . � g l h4+) 32 ... lLl xh3 33.�xh3
Wd7t 34.i>g2 h4i
29 . . . E:c8! 30.b3 gxf3! 3 1 .E:xf3
3 1 .ixf3 ! ? ixh3 32.E:gl ig4 33.Wf2 Wf6�
might be a stiffer test.
a b e d e f g h
3 1 . . .E:cc7! 32.Wd3
32.E:c2 is answered by a doubling of rooks
along the g-file: 32 . . . E:g6 33.lLl d l Wc8!
a b e d e f g h
34.ih4 E:cg7 3 5 .E: e l ixf3t 36.Wxf3 Wg4!!
37.Wxg4 hxg4 38.ixf6 E:xf6 39.i>g2 E:h6 3 1 . . . E:c5 !! 32.lLl xc5
40.E:gl E:gh7 4 1 .�fl g3 42.lLld2 E:h2 In the case of 32.ifl Black has the
43.i>el E:h l 44. lLl f3 E:xg l t 4 5 . lLl xg l E:h l harmonious follow-up 32 . . . Wg5 33.if2
46.�fl ie7= E:b5 34.Wa7 ig4! 3 5 .lLl e l Wg6! 36.lLld2
32 . . . ixf3t 33.Wxf3 E:xg l t 34. �xg l Wc8 ! lLl g5 37.E:d3 E:xa5� with at least enough
35 .Wb3 lLl g4!! 36.E:c3 E:g7 37.�fl f3 ! compensation in a crazy position.
3 8 . lLl xg4 Wxg4 39 .if2 E: f7 ! 40.lLle3 Wh3t 32 . . . Wg5 33.ig3 fxg3 34. lLl xd7 g2t 3 5 .�h2
4 1 .i> e l Wh i t 42.i>d2 Wh2 43. lLl d l Wg2 Wxc l 36.Wgl Wxg l t 37.�xg l E:xd7=
44. i> c l Wg4! 4 5 . E:c4 h4 46.lLle3 Wf4 47.i>b l The wild complications have petered out to
h3 48.Wd l h2 49 .Wh l E:h7= equality.
White is so tied up that he can make no
progress. 28 ... hxg4 29.J.xg4!
This looks risky, but it is strategically correct
28.fxg4 for White to exchange his inactive bishop.
28 .Wb6! ?
I also analysed 29.hxg4 Wg5 ! 30.E:c7 (30. lLl f2 ?
Computers will tell you here that White
f3) 30 ... Wh6t 3 1 .�g2 ixg4 32.E:xg7t Wxg7
has a large advantage, but sometimes one
33.ixg4 Wxg4t 34.i>h l Wh3t 3 5 .� g l lLl g5�
shouldn't believe them too much.
when Black is at least equal.
Chapter 9 - 1 6. ltJ b 5 III
29 ,bg4 30.hxg4
••• 32 �g5 33.�f2 '!We2! 34.'!Wd3
•••
Now Black has two options:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
34 �xe4!!
•••
3O '!Wg5!?
••• Were it not for this tactic, Black's entire
This is m y preferred choice. concept would be a failure.
30 . . . ltJ g5 35.E!:h3
Allowing White a dynamic solution: After 3 5 .Wxe2 lt) g3t 36.<;t>g2 lt) xe2t 37.<;t>f3
3 1 . lt) xf4! exf4 32.E!:xf4 We7 33. <;t>g2! It) g3! 38.E!:gl e4t 39.lt)xe4 It) xe4 40.E!:xg7t
33.E!:c4 E!:h7t 34.<;t>g2 Wg7� <;t>xg7 4 1 .<;t>xf4 <;t>g6= the game is completely
33 . . . lt) xe4 34.E!:c4! equal.
34.Wf3 E!:e8�
34 . . . lt) g5 3 5 . lt) c2! 35 '!Wxd3 36.�xd3 � f6 37.�c4 �xd5
.••
Better than 3 5 .�h4 E!:h7! 36.Wg3 (36.�xg5 Black has three pawns for a piece and good
Wxg5+) 36 . . . �g7 37.E!:f5 We2t 3 8 .Wf2 Wd3! piece activity.
39.E!:xg5 E!:xh4 40.E!:c3 (40.Wxh4 Wd2 t=
or 40.E!:xg7t <;t>xg7 4 1 .Wxh4 Wxd5t!=) 38.� b4!
40 ... We4t 4 1 .Wf3 Wd4 42.<;t>g3 E!:h7� when White's best move, but Black still has two
Black has serious compensation due to the pleasant ways to continue his counterplay:
idle a3-knight.
35 . . . E!:e8 36.Wd3!
36.�d2 ?! It)h3!=
36 . . . E!:h7 37.E!:f5!
37.Wg6t E!:g7 38.Wf6 We2t 39.�f2 lt) f7�
37 . . . �g7 38 .We3!;!;
White succeeds in exchanging queens and
keeping a slight edge.
31 .E!:c2! '!Wxg4 32.E!:h2!

32.lt)b4 E!:c8 33.Wf3 Wg6�
1 12 1 3 .c5
38 ... t[} c7!?+t 23.a5 g4 24.fxg4 a6 2 5 . lLl a3 hxg4 26.lLlxg4

Or 38 . . . lLl f6�.
Inferior is the trade 38 ... lLl xb4 39 .i.xb4, as

after 39 . . &8 40.b3 �g6 4 1 .�f2;!; White is
.
slightly better.
0) 20.h3
This move is logical, slowing down the . . . g4

advance, yet it weakens the g3-square.
a b e d e f g h
26 . . . i.xg4! 27.i.xg4 lLl f6 28 .i.e6t (28 .i.f3

Wfe8 29.�c4 Wfg6 30 .i.e 1 lLl xf3 3 1 .Wfxf3 i.e7
3 2 . lLl c2 �f8� looks like a harmonious massing
of Black's troops, which should grant him
enough play.) 28 . . . �h8 29.�c4 lLlh5 30.�f2
Wfe8 3 1 .i.g4 Wfg6 32.i.e 1 Wfh7! 33.Wfd 1
lLl f6� Black has reached an optimal attacking
configuration and is not at all worse.
After 2 1 . Wf d 1 Black has a choice:
a b e d e f g h a) 2 1 . . . lLl h4 is not as bad in this position

as in the analogous lines examined in the
20 .. J�g7
Another critical position. Now 0 1 ) 2 1 .a5!? previous chapter, because the knight is on e8,
is dangerous, while the more common 02) defending c7. However, this may not be
enough for full equality: 2 2.a5 This move is
2 1 .'i«b3 requires even more detailed analysis.
again a headache. (White may also be better
after 22.�c3, while 22.i.e 1 i.d7 23.a5;!;
2 1 .lLl xa7 �c7 22.i.a5 �xc2 23.i.xd8 �xe2
24. lLl xc8 �xa4 2 5 .i.xg5 (25 . lLl d3 g4 26.�f2 transposes to 22.a5.) Play should continue
22 . . . i.d7 23 .i.e 1 a6 24. lLl a3 lLl f6 2 5 . lLl c4 �c8
�e3 27.lLl e 1 g3 28.�fc2 �b3 29.�f1 �a2
when Black does not stand so terribly, but
30.�b 1 �f7 led to a rather unclear position
after 26.�c3;!; or 26 .lLlb6 �xc l 27.Wfxc l i.e8
in Averkin - Kasparov, Moscow 1 979)
2 8 .Wfc3;!; or even 26. b3;!; it is clear that White
25 . . . �xb2= is about equal.
has the more pleasant game.
2 1 .b3 i.d7 22.lLla3 lLl h4N� looks excellent
b) 2 1 . . . lLl f6! is the best move, transposing to
for Black.
the position reached after 19 moves in the
previous chapter (both sides having spent
2 1 . 'it>h 1 N is a non-committal waiting move,
two extra tempos) . I would remind you that
tucking the king away in the corner in order to
22.a5 lLlh8!?N is the critical continuation - see
minimize the effect of the . . . g4 push at a later
stage. I recommend: 2 1 . . . i.d7 22 .Wfb3 lLl h4 Chapter 8 for the details.
Chapter 9 - 1 6. ttJ b S 1 13
D l ) 2 1 .a5!? 23 .. J:gc8!
This looks like the best choice. The following
Black should be careful here; my inclination is analysis indicates that the position is double
to continue as follows. edged, with mutual chances:
24Jhc8
24.lLlxa7 Elxc l 2 S JWxc l g4!
Giving Black valuable time to attack:
26.hxg4
26.fxg4N lLl f6! 27.'1Wc3 hxg4 2 B . lLl xg4
(2B.hxg4?! lLl hS!+!) 28 . . . lLl xg4! 29.i.xg4
i.xg4 30.hxg4 Elxg4 3 1 .Wlh3 WIgS 32.i.xh4
Elxh4� gives Black sufficient compensation,
the idea being to pull the rook back along
the h-file and follow up with . . . Wlh4 .
26 . . . lLl f6! 27.Wld l
27.lLlc6 is best ignored by 27 . . . WleB ! .
a b e d e f g h
2 1 .. .id7!
•
2 1 . . .lLl h4?! 22.lLlxa7! Elc7 23.lLlc6 bxc6

24.dxc6t as played in Swiercz - Caspi, Aix
le-Bains 20 1 1 , looks like a dangerous position
for Black as the white pawns have advanced
too far.
22.YlVdl!?
22.'1Wb3 transposes to line C on page 1 07.
a b e d e f g h
22 tLl h4 23 .iel
••• •
27 . . . hxg4N
27 . . . WleB 2 B. a6 bxa6 29.lLlc6 Wlg6 also
ended well for Black in Dzenis - Tleptsok,
corr. 20 1 2.
2 B . fxg4
In case of 2B.lLlxg4 lLl xg4 29. fxg4 WIgS+!
Black intends a doubling of the major pieces
on the h-file.
2B . . . lLl h S ! ?
White seems to have nothing better than the
following line:
29.lLlh3 lLl g3 30.i.xg3 fxg3 3 1 .Wle l lLl g6
This is simply good for Black.
a b e d e f g h
24 YlVxc8
•••
1 14 1 3 .c5
At this point, we have reached a parting of

the ways, but none of the options available to
White are particularly scary for Black.
25.t«b3
Trying to increase the p ressure on Black's
queenside.
After 2 5 .ib4N WbBoo everything is in order in

the black camp.
It is obvious to ask what happens after the

capture of the pawn: 2 5 . ltJ xa7!?N Wc5 26.ltJ c6!
bxc6 27.b4 We3 2B.dxc6 ixc6 29 .id2
(29.b5 g4!) 29 . . . Wa7! (29 . . . Wd4?! 30.Wb3t
�hB 3 1 .Wd3 1tJ c7 32.�cl ib5 33.Wxd4 exd4
34.ixb5 ltJxb5 3 5 .�cB ltJ g6 36.�bB ltJ c3
37.b5;!;) 30.b5 g4!� Black has satisfactory
counterplay.
D2) 2 1 .t«b3 tLlh4 22.gc2 g4!
22 . . . a6 23.ltJa3 id7 24.�fc 1 �bB 2 5 . ltJ c4

b6 26.a5 was better for White in Ivanchuk -
Timman, Hilversum 1 99 1 .
a b e d e f g h
25 ... a6N
Schmidt - A. Volkov, corr. 20 1 2 continued
25 . . . WbB 26.ltJc3 WdB 27.ltJb5 a6 2 B . ltJ a3 g4
and was soon drawn.
26.tLl a3 tLl f6 27.tLlc4 g4!

Black is in time to create counterplay once
more.
28.fxg4
2B . ltJ b6? gxf3 29.ltJxcB ? fxe2-+
Chapter 9 - 1 6 .tLl b 5 1 15
24.J.e1 ! advantage.) 26.ixh4! ixe2 27.E!:xe2 ie7

24.E!:fc 1 hxg4 2 5 . hxg4 ixg4 26.ixg4 2B.E!:c1 tLl eB;!; with a worse but playable
(26. tLl xg4 tLl xg4) 26 . . . tLl xg4 27. tLl xg4 E!:xg4 position for Black.
2 B .ie l f3°o is similar to line A2 of Chapter 7 2 5 . . . tLlh5
(see page B2), except that the white pawn is White should choose the powerful reply:
on a4.
8
7
6
5
4
I''''''' ",/.';;:
2
a b e d e f g h
1 26.tLl d l !
Instead, 26.tLl h l ?! allows 2 6 . . . ixg4!
a b e d e f g h 27.ixg4 E!:xg4 2B .Wh3 Wg5 as in Cardilli
Virzi, Italy 200 B, when Black should be fine.
24 ... b6!?N
Now the queen will be able to harass Black
This logical move prepares to push the b5-
via the h3-square, forcing him to curb his
knight back with ... a6, without allowing any
kingside ambition.
tricks.
26 . . . ixg4 27.ixg4 E!:xg4 2B .Wh3 Wg5 29.tLlc7
E!:cB! 30.<.ifh l !
24 . . . hxg4
We have reached a j uncture where I believe
Now White seems to have a rather pleasant
White will be able to maintain a slight plus
choice of recaptures:
with correct play:
2 5 . hxg4
30 . . . E!:xc7
Also interesting is: 2 5 . tLl xg4!?
The move analysed by Krasenkow. The
alternatives are weaker:
30 . . . tLlg3t? 3 1 .ixg3 E!:xg3 32.WxcB Wh5
33 .We6t <.ifhB 34.WeB Wh6 35.<.ifgl +-
30 . . . tLl g6?! 3 1 .tLle3!! fxe3 32.E!:f5 tLl g3t
33.ixg3 E!:xg3 34.E!:xg5 E!:xh3t 3 5 . gxh3 s1J f7
36.E!:gg2! tLl f4 37.tLle6 E!:xc2 3B.E!:xc2 e2
39.tLlg5t±
3 1 .E!:xc7 tLl g3tN
3 1 . . .ih6 32.E!:c3 <.ifh7 33 .if2 f3 34.E!:xf3
tLl f4 3 5 .E!:xf4 exf4 was Myers - Bennborn,
a b e d e f g h email 2009, and was eventually drawn.
2 5 . . . ixg4!N (2 5 . . . tLl xe4?! 26.Wd3! tLlc5 32.ixg3 E!:xg3 33.E!:g l !!
27.E!:xc5 dxc5 2B.d6± allows White a large A stunning defence.
1 16 1 3 .cS
2B .Wb7 hxg4-+ or 26.ClJc7 hxg4 27.hxg4 l::1 c B

2B .ia6 ClJ xg2! are all at least okay for Black
Black now has an important choice to make:

02 1 1) 26 ... l::1 c 8 or 0212) 26 ... hxg4!?
Instead, 26 ... a6?! is not so good. After 27.ClJc7

hxg4 2B.hxg4 l::1cB 29.ClJe6 ixe6 30.dxe6 l::1x c2
3 1 .Wxc2 dS 32.b4! bS (32 . . . dxe4 33 .Wc4 i>hB
34.ClJ xe4 ClJ xg4 3 S .Wd3!± is better for White)
a b e d e f g h 33.axbS (33.exdS ? WxdS) 33 . . . axbS 34.Wa2
33 . . . WhS ! 34.Wh2 l::1 g 6! 3 S . l::1 x b7! We2! 36.l::1 b 3 i>hB 3 S . exdS ClJ xdS 36.WaS ClJ c7 37.ClJ d3
Wxe4 37.l::1 h 3 ClJ f5 3 B . ClJ c3! Wc2 39.l::1 h Bt �f7 Black is struggling.
40.g4! Wxh2t 4 1 .l::1 x h2 ClJ e3
4 1 . . .ClJ g3t? 42.�g2 e4 43.l::1 e 1 l::1xg4 02 1 1) 26 ... l::1 c 8
44.�f2+-
42.gS ! ? l::1gB 43.g6t l::1 xg6 44.l::1xg6 i>xg6
4 S . � g 1 as;!;
Black has some chances to hold here but he
is obviously struggling.
After 24 . . . b6N, 021) 25.�c3!? is interesting,

while 022) 25.g3! is best according to
Houdini.
2 S . a S ? a6+ allows Black to block the queenside,

giving him the upper hand.
2 S . ClJ d3 should be answered by: 2S . . . ClJ xg2! a b e d e f g h

(Also possible is 2S . . . ClJ xe4!? but White I originally had high hopes for this move,
comes out on top after 26.ClJc7! [26.ClJ xeS but after further analysis I started to realize
dxeS 27.d6t �hB 2B .WdS ib7 29 .WxeS that Black is struggling somewhat.
ClJ xg2 30.l::1 c 7 WeB 3 1 .WxeB l::1xeB 32.d7 l::1 d B
33.l::1 x b7 ClJ xe 1 34.l::1 xe 1 l::1 dxd7=l 26 . . . l::1xc7 27.llJxa7
27.ixh4 ie7 2B.ie l!;!;) 26.�xg2 hxg4� An important pawn has fallen and White
Black has a powerful attack for the piece and has gained the c6-square for his knight, facts
is at least equal. that would normally spell doom for Black. Yet
despite this, there is counterplay to be initiated
02 1) 25.�c3!? .td7 26.�d3!? against the white king.
Defending e4 and threatening to either move 27 ... l::1 x c2 28. �xc2 hxg4 29.hxg4!
the f2-knight or play ClJ c7. Weaker is 29.ClJc6 ixc6! 30.dxc6 gxh3 3 1 . c7
l::1xc7 32.Wb3t dS 33.Wxh3 icS! with the
26.Wb3 icB or 26.Wc7 WeB! 27.ClJxd6? Wg6 idea: 34.Wxh4 l::1 h 7 3S .WgS t �f7�
Chapter 9 - 1 6 . ltJ b 5 1 17
29 tihg4 30.tihg4 i.xg4 3 1 .tLJ c6!

• .•
I had missed this intermediate move when

first looking at the position.
Black is fine after 3 l .ixg4 E1xg4 32.ixh4

Wlxh4 33 .Wle2 (33.Gik6 E1g3�) 33 . . . E1g7
34.ltJc6 E1h7 3 5 .Wlf3 Wlh2t 36.�f2 Wlh4t
37.�e2 Wlh2 38.E1f2 E1g7 39.g4 (39.�d2 E1g3
40 .Wle2 Wlg l 4 1 .�c2 �h7) 39 . . . Wlg l ?
This is what looks to b e best play after 3 l . ltJ c6!:
a b e d e f g h
36.tLJd4!!
Extremely strong, but fortunately not
decisive.
36.a5 bxa5 37. bxa5 Wlg4= is much less

troublesome for Black, who should draw easily.
36 E1a3! 37.tLJ f5
. .•
Now the f8-bishop looks paralysed, but

strangely enough Black still has enough play
b e d f
to draw.
a e g h
3 1 . 'ilYg5
.• 37 Jha4 38.'ilYxb6
•.
3 1 . . . ltJ xg2? 32.ltJxd8 'Ll e3 33.ixg4 'Llxc2 38.b5 E1b4=

34.Wh2 E1xg4 3 5 .if2± is a hopeless ending.
38 'ilYg5!
•.•
32.i.xh4 The star move, initiating pressure against g2

32.ixg4 Wlxg4 33.ixh4 Wlxh� gives Black and preventing the enemy queen's penetration
sufficient compensation. on d8.
32 'ilYxh4 33.i.xg4 'ilYxg4 34.'ilYfl 'ilYh5

••. 38 ... E1a2?! 39.Wld8!± is something we don't
35.b4 gg3 want to happen.
Now it is time to take a break and assess
the situation. An analysis of all the factors 39.'ilYfl E1xb4 40.'ilYa gb2 41 .E1c1 gb7
suggests that White is the one pressing; he is 42.E1c8 gbl t 43.�h2 gb7
material ahead and the outside passed pawn Black should just wait now, but in view of
is ominously placed. But with the utmost the diminished material the position looks like
accuracy Black should hold: a draw.
1 18 1 3 .c5
D212) 26 hxg4!?
•••
This may well be Black's best attempt.
27.hxg4
27.tLlxg4 tLl xg4 28.hxg4 Wlg5 is fine for
Black, for example: 29.l::k 7 (29.tLl c7? tLl xg2!!-+
is a nice point) 29 . . . a6 30.Wlh3 tLl g6 3 1 . tLl a7
l:lli7 32.Wlxh7t r;!;xh7 33.Ei:xd7t r;!;g8+t
a b e d e f g h
3 1 ...YlYe8!? 32.Ei:xb6 .ixa4

Black looks perfectly okay to me. The bishop
will return to d7 while the queen is heading for
g6, building up pressure against the g4-square.
D22) 25.g3!
a b e d e f g h
27 tLle8!?
••.
27 . . ..ie8 2 8 .tLl d l tLl g6 may also be explored

in further detail.
28.Ei:c6
28 .g3 tLl g6�
28 a6 29.tLl a3
•••
29.tLlc3 tLl f6 is less of a concern, as the white

rook is trapped on c6 and the c3-knight has a b e d e f g h
fewer prospects.
25 hxg4! 26.tLlxg4!
•.•
26.hxg4?! fxg3 ! 27.Wlxg3 tLl h5+ is awful for

29 tLl f6
White as the black knight enters on f4.
•••
Th e last few moves have all been logical.

26 tLlxg4 27.hxg4!
30.YlYh3
•••
27 ..ixg4?! .ixg4 28.hxg4 tLl g6 29 .Wlf3

30. tLl c4 b5 is unclear.
(29.Ei:c6 a6 30.tLla3 Wlg5 3 1 .Wlf3 fxg3 32 . .ixg3
Ei:aa7--+) 29 . . . a6 30.tLlc3 is initially evaluated as
30 J�h7 3 1 .YlYb3
••
better for White by the computers, but this is
Now Black has a cool reply:
easily overturned:
Chapter 9 - 1 6 . tLl b 5 1 19
8
29.�f3 a6 30.�c3 .id7 3 1 .i.f2 .ixc6
32.dxc6 :gc8 33.�d5 :gxc6 34.i.xa6 �g5CD
7
Resulting in a complicated but rather
6 balanced position.
5
4 Conclusion
3
2 In Chapter 9 we plunged into heavyweight

theory by deeply analysing the line 1 3 . c5 g5
1 4.E:c1 tLl g6 1 5 .cxd6 cxd6 1 6 .tLl b 5 ! . White's
a b e d e f g h
1 6th move is designed to force Black to retreat
3O . . J'%aa7! 3 1 . tLl e2 �f7 32J'k6 Wd7 33.g5 his knight to e8, slowing down his kingside
ie7 34.Wh5 ixg5!+ counterplay, and has been favoured by such an
opening connoisseur as Ivanchuk.
27 �g6
••• After the more or less established sequence
Black is by no means worse. For example: 1 6 . . . E:f7 1 7.Wc2 tLl e8 1 8 . a4 h5 1 9 . tLl f2 if8
White has a wide choice at his disposal, and
28J�c6 Black must tread carefully to avoid falling into
2 8.Wc3 ib7 29.Wf3 a6 30.tLla3 (30. tLl c3 an inferior position. I examined no less than
ic8 3 1 .id 1 E:aa7) 3o . . . ic8 3 1 . tLl c4 fxg3 four important continuations.
(3 1 . . .E:aa7 32.a5) 32.tLle3 tLl f4 33 .ixg3 tLl h3t The direct 20.tLlxa7 does have some bite,
34.�g2 tLl g5 3 5 .ih4 tLl xf3 36.ixd8 tLl d4 but I concluded that the long line 20 . . . E:c7!
37.E:d2 ixg4 38 .ixg4 E:xd8 39.�f2 E:f7t 2 1 .ia5! E:xc2 22.ixd8 E:xe2 23.tLl xc8 E:xa4
40.tLlf5 ih6 4 1 .E:d3 E:c8 42.E:g1 ctff8= should 24.ixg5! E:xb2 2 5 .E:b 1 E:c2 26.tLl b6!? E:aa2
be an easy draw. 27. tLl d7 ie7!? 28 .ixe7 tLl xe7 29.E:xb7 tLl g6
30.tLl b8! �b2 3 1 .:gxb2 E:xb2 3 2 . tLl c6 tLl h4
3 3 . tLl a5 E:c2 34. tLl b3 tLl c7 35.E:a1 tLl b5
36. tLl c 1 tLl d4 gives Black enough for the pawn.
Actually I analysed this ending in more detail,
but there are certain limitations in an opening
book, and in any case I believe that White is so
tied up that the draw is easy to achieve.
20.�h l ! ? E:g7 2 1 .Wb3 has the idea to meet
2 1 . . . tLl h4 by 22.g3! fxg3 23.hxg3;!;, yet after the
correct 2 1 . . .id7! I couldn't find any advantage
for White. After 22.ie l ! ? tLl h4!? Black gets a
better version of the 2 1 . . .tLl h4 sally as the line
23.g3 fxg3 24.hxg3 tLl g6 2 5 . tLl d3 a6 26.tLla3
a b e d e f g h E:h7 27.:gf2 g4 2 8. fxg4 h4 29.E:h2 tLl f6i
28 J�h7!
•. reveals. The main thing here is that Black gets
Planning a transfer of the queen to h6. excellent play on the dark squares thanks to his
clever pawn sacrifice.
Inferior are 28 . . .id7? 29.tLlc7± and 28 . . . a6 Important positions also arose in the line
29.tLl a3;!;. 20.a5, where White threatens the typical piece
1 20 1 3 .c5
sacrifice 2 1 .llJxa7 l:k 7 22.llJc6. I deemed it continuations 2 1 .a5 ! ? and 2 1 .Wb3 as White's
right to avoid the sacrifice by 20 ... i.d7 !, when most dangerous weapons, but noticeable is
2 1 .Wb3 .B:g7 22.h3 llJ h4 23 .Ae l a6 24 . llJ a3 that 2 1 .Wd l llJ f6! 22.a5 llJhB!?= transposes
llJ f6 leads to an important crossroads for to a no-Iess-important position, analysed in
White. Chapter B.
The obvious 25.llJc4 g4 26.fxg4 hxg4 After 2 1 .a5 ! ? we should alertly play
27.llJxg4 ! (27 .hxg4?! llJh5! is typically excellent 2 1 . . .Ad7 !, avoiding 2 1 . . .llJ h4?! 22.llJxa7!
for Black) tortured me for quite a while but .B:c7 23.llJc6 bxc6 24.dxc6t. Then 22.Wd l !?
in the end I found out that after 27 . . . llJ xg4 llJ h4 23.Ae l .B:cB! is an instructive point to
2B .i.xg4 i.xg4 29.hxg4 Wg5 ! 30.Wd l ! l:kB remember as taking the a7-pawn would allow
3 Uk3 .B:cc7! 32.b3 .B:h7 Black is not worse. Black enough time to launch an attack Of
There is a plan of doubling rooks on the h-file course there are many nuances here but I
as well as a peculiar idea of re-deploying the think it is worth mastering this section as it
knight to the fine g5-square via hB, which can is a minefield for both sides. If you are too
make White's life uneasy. lazy to do so then I suggest you take up the
The other option 2 5 . llJ d3 leads to a chaotic Slav!
position after the brilliant sacrifice 25 . . . llJ xg2! The other main line is 2 1 .Wb3 llJ h4 22 . .B:c2
which I analysed in some detail. My feeling is g4! 23.fxg4 llJ f6! 24.i.e l ! when the important
that the game remains balanced with correct move 24 . . . b6!? prepares to evict the b5 -knight
play, but the reader is advised to memorize without allowing any llJ b5 -c7 tricks. After
the lines carefully here as they are almost 2 5 .g3! hxg4! 26.llJxg4! llJ xg4 27.hxg4! llJ g6
impossible to find over the board. White has an extra pawn, but his disrupted
Finally, there's also the prophylactic 20.h3 pawn cover on the kingside allows Black
which was this chapter's main line. After the enough counter-chances. In my view the game
customary 20 . . . .B:g7 I promoted the critical is balanced.
13.c5
a b c d e f g h
Variation Index
l .d4 tO f6 2.e4 g6 3.tO c3 .tg7 4.e4 d6 s.tOf3 0-0 6 . .te2 eS 7.0-0 tO e6 S.dS tO e7
9.tO e1 tO d7 10.tOd3 f5 1 1 ..td2 tO f6 12.f3 f4 13.eS g5 14J�c1 tOg6
lS.tO bS!? �f7 16 . .taS!? b6 17.cxd6
17 ... cxd6
A) l S . .tb4 .tfs 19J�e6 tO eS 1 22
AI) 20.�b3 1 22
Al) 20.a4 1 23
B) l S . .te1 1 27
B 1 ) l S ... a6 19.tOc3 as 1 27
B 1 1) 20. tO fl 1 27
B 1 2) 20.tO b S 1 29
B2) l S ... g4!? 131
B2 1) 19.tOb4 131
B22) 1 9.fxg4 1 33
A I ) after 2 1 .119a3 B 1 I ) after 2 5 .E:c3 B22) after 2 1 .if3!
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
2 1 . . .E:d7!?N 25 . . . E:c8!N 2 1 . . . tLlg3!!N

1 22 1 3 .c5
l .d4 ttl f6 2.e4 g6 3.ttlc3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.ttl£3 square for his bishop. Unclear play arises
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 ttl e6 8.d5 ttle7 9.ttl el after A) 18.J.b4, while B) 1 8.J.el is more
ttl d7 10.ttld3 f5 1 1 .J.d2 ttl f6 1 2.£3 £4 13.e5 commonly employed.
g5 14.gc1 ttlg6 15.ttl b5!?
By not taking on d6, White indicates his A) 18.J.b4 J.fS 19.ge6 ttl e8
plan to continue with �a5 next.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h Black is a little tied up for the moment, but
the white forces will gradually be driven back.
1 5 gf7 16.J.a5!?
..•
This poses some tricky problems for Black The challenge is to achieve this goal in the least
to solve. weakening and provocative manner. White
can now play AI) 20.Wfb3 or A2) 20.a4.
16 b6 17.c:x:d6 c:x:d6
AI) 20.Wfb3 a6 2 1 .Wfa3
•••
After 1 7 . . . bxa5? 1 8 .dxc7 WffB 1 9 .Wfa4 Black

has failed to muster a single half point on my Much weaker, and inconsistent with his last
database. move, is 2 1 . llJ a3?! b5 22J�fc 1 �d7 23.g6c2
llJ f6--+ when White's queenside demonstration
looks like a complete failure.
Black seems to have several ways of repelling
the pressure against d6:
8
7
6
5
4
a b e d e f g h 3
The first branching point of the chapter 2
sees White having to decide on a retreat 1
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 0 - l S . ltJ b S 1 23
2 1 ..J:td7!?N 24.'lMfb3 cj;>h8 25.J.f2

This may appear passive, but there seems 2 S . a4 lLl e7 26.axbS axbS 27.lLl b4 ixc6
to be nothing wrong with it. The only slight 2 8. dxc6 lLl xc6 29.lLlxc6 'lMl'b6t 30 .if2 'lMl'xc6
problem is that it takes away the natural d7- 3 1 .ixbS 'lMl'b7 32.'IMI'dS 'lMl'xdS 33.lLlxdS E:g7
base from the bishop. However, as we will see 34.b4 lLl c7 3 S .ic6 lLl xdS= is equal.
in the note below, Black may also ignore the
attack on his d-pawn and develop the bishop 25 �e7 26.E:b6 �c8 27.E:c6=
•••
immediately. 27.E:xb7 E:xb7 2 8 . lLlb4 lLl e7 shouldn't

concern Black as White has no concrete
Indeed, after 2 1 . . .id7 22.lLlxd6 lLl xd6 compensation, despite having the a2-a4 break
23Jhd6 ixd6 24.ixd6 ibS the position is available. For example: 29.a4 bxa4 30.'IMI'xa4 as
approximately equal. Correct is: 2S .ib4!N= 3 1 . lLl d3 lLl f6 32.E:al hS't
Intending to follow up with E:d 1 and ic3
or iel , coordinating White's forces. Instead, A2) 20.a4
in Rabar - Udovcic, Sombor 1 9 S7, White
continued with 2S.E:c 1 ?, a poor move under Aiming to attack Black's queenside structure,
the present circumstances as it fails to bring as well as preparing a suitable retreat for the
the bishop back to the defence. It should have knight on a3 should it be evicted from b S .
been swiftly punished by 2S . . . g4!N+ when, in
addition to his slight material advantage, Black
8
7
would have had a strong attack.
2 1 . . .E:f6!? is another move which prepares 6

5
. . . id7 without allowing the exchange sacrifice.
After 22.ie l id7 23.lLlc3 lLl e7! 24.'IMI'b3 bS
2 S . lLl xeS! dxeS 26.E:xf6 lLl xf6 27.d6t Wh8 4
28.dxe7 'lMl'xe7= the chances were balanced in
Ruzzier - Sardella, Italy 1 993.
3
2
22.J.el J.b7 23.ft:k3 b5�
A n unclear position has arisen. A possible
1
follow-up is: a b e d e f g h
20 a6
•.•
This looks like the most natural move, trying

to force the knight to a3 .
2 0 . . . hS!?
The following subdivision i s interesting:
2 1 .ie l N
2 1 .lLl f2 tries to halt the attack, but now the
knight loses access to the queenside and
the weakened b4-square. There can follow
2 1 . . . id7 22.'IMI'b3, as in Liu - Lee, Milwaukee
2009. Now 22 . . . a6!?N 2 3 . lLl c3 lLl e7!oo gives
a b e d e f g h
1 24 1 3 .c 5
a n unclear position, where Black's chances 21.�a3

do not seem worse to me. Th e choice o f GM Meier; it looks more
natural than 2 1 . tLl c3 �b7, which loses White
an exchange but yields him some light-square
compensation. I don't think Black is worse
here, a possible line being 22 .�a3 �xc6
23.dxc6 tLl e7 with unclear play.
� ""'i��.�
8 i. �.i.� % "",y,
� � � �
:5 �
!.'.�jl'
N'.t. �� ' ' ��
�� 8�.
a b e d e f g h
2 1 . . . gg7 22.gc3 4 '8 �

22.�f2 g4! 2 3 . fxg4 Wg5 24.gxh5 tLl h4--+
leads to a dangerous position for White. 3 ��
�� % �W'0
22 . . . a6 23.tLla3 a5! 2 �" " , ;�p�
�[j� -�. 8 ��
An important move, guarding b4 against
invasions.
1 M"" � ;_r=""
24.�f2 a b e d e f g h
2 1 . ..old7 22J�c1
Having provoked a loosening of Black's
queenside, the rook retreats. One idea is tLl c4
followed by a4-a5, while another is to retreat
the b4-bishop in order to force the further
weakening . . . a5 . This would be followed
by either an attack on b6 or an attempt to
infiltrate via the light squares and the c-file.
Vigorito considers the following line:

a b e d e f g h 22.Wb3N �xc6 23.dxc6 �g7
The engines consider this thoroughly
24 . . . gbB! 2 5 . tLl b 5
balanced, but the position is still unclear. Let
2 5 . tLl c4 �d7 26.Wb3 g 4 gives Black a
us analyse further:
powerful attack.
24.�c3
25 . . . tLl f6 26.Wc2 g4 27.gc1 �d7 2 B . tLl c7
After 24.gc 1 gc7 2 5 .�e l I prefer the
2 B . tLl e l g3 29.hxg3 fxg3 30.�xg3 (30 .�e3
immediate: 25 . . . d5+t (25 . . . gacB 26.Wxb6
tLl g4+) 30 . . . h4�
d5 27.Wxa6 dxe4 2 B . fxe4 �xa3 29.bxa3
2B . . . h4--+
Wd4t 30.�f2 Wxe4 3 1 .tLlc5t leaves
Black is not worse, for instance:
White with some initiative.) For example:
29.tLle6 �xe6 30.dxe6 d5! 3 1 .Wb3 gxf3
26.exd5 tLlf6 27.Wxb6 tLl xd5 2B .Wb3 gccB
32.�xf3 �e7
29.Wc4 (29.Wb7t gc7= or 29.�f2 tLl e3+t)
With a wildly unclear position.
29 . . . Wb6t 30 .�f2 tLl e3 3 1 .We6 (3 1 .We4
Chapter 1 0 - 1 5 . lil b 5 1 25
'lMfd4) 3 1 . . .l:k7 32.a5! 'lMfxa5 33. lt:k4 'lMfd5 After 22 . . . h5 23.ie 1 a5 (23 . . . :i:l:g7 24.lLl b4t
With approximately balanced play. was better for White in Meier - Feller, Belfort
20 1 2) 24.if2 lLl f6!?N (24 . . . :i:l:bB 2 5 . lLl b5N± is
worse for Black as lLl a7 is threatened.) 25 .'lMfb3
:i:l:bB 26.lLlb5 White is ready to penetrate on a7
again, but at least the queen has been lured to
b3 in this case. 26 . . . g4 27. lLl a7 Vigorito deems
the position as better for White, but in fact
things may be not so clear:
a b e d e f g h
24 . . .l:k7 !? 2 5 .l:% d 1 ! ?
2 5 .'lMfxb6 'lMfcB 26. lLl b4 a 5 27.lLld5 :i:l:xc6 is
another complicated position with mutual
chances.
25 . . . :i:l:xc6! 26. lLl b4
26.lLlxe5? lLl xe5 27.ixe5t dxe5 2B.:i:l:xdB
b e d f g h
:i:l:xdB+ brings several inactive black pieces a e
to life. 27 . . . g3! ? 2B.hxg3 fxg3 29.ixg3 ixa4

26 . . . :i:l:c7 27. lLl c4 lLl f6 (29 . . . ih6!?) 30.'lMfxa4 :i:l:xa7 3 1 . lLl b4 lLl h7!
White has j ust about enough compensation 3 2 . lLl c6 'lMfg5 33 .ih2 :i:l:g7 Black has some
here. counterplay.
23 ..td2N
After 23.ie 1 lLl f6 24.if2N (24 . lLl f2 was
drawn two moves later in Dorner - Arancibia,
corr. 20 1 1 ) 24 . . . g4 Black has a tremendous
attacking position. He has succeeded in playing
. . . g4 without throwing in . . . h5, meaning the
h5-square is already available for use by the f6-
knight in case of the customary . . . g3 sacrifice.
23 ... tilf6 24.tilfl h5

Now the services of the pawn are needed but
Black is fine, as White has lost a lot of time.
25.tilb5
Intending an immediate invasion on c7.
2 5 .ib5 ? ! should be answered by 25 . . . icB !
26.ic6 :i:l:bB, when . . . g4 is unstoppable and
Black will have a strong attack.
1 26 1 3 .c5
2 5 Jk4 l::1g 7 26.ltJb5 g4 27. fxg4 hxg4 2 B . ltJ xg4 8

ltJ xg4 29.ixg4 1tJ h4 30.h3 l::1 c B 3 1 .l::1 c6 ixg4
7
32.hxg4 W'd7 33 .ie l l::1xg4 34.ixh4 l::1 xh4
6
35 .W'b3 l::1eB 36.l::1 c7 W'g4 37.W'f3 W'g6 3B.i>f2
l::1g4 39.l::1 h l l::1g3 40.W'h5 l::1 x g2t 4 1 .i>f1 W'xh5 5
42.l::1 x h5 l::1 x b2 43.l::1 g 5t '\t>hB= is a long, but I 4

think correct, line ending in another perpetual 3
check.
2
a b e d e f g h
30 . . . ltJ xg2!! (30 . . . g3! ? 3 1 .hxg3 ltJ g6!+t

is also possible) 3 1 .'\t>xg2 gxf3t 32.ixf3
l::1 g 7t 33. i> h l ltJ g4 34.ltJxg4 hxg4� With
tremendous compensation for the piece.
29 ... g4 30J;c1
A good line of play for Black is as follows:
27.h4
Immediately opening lines.
27 ... axb4 28 ..bb4 t£! h4!?

The resulting positions should be fine for a b e d e f g h
Black. 30 gxf3 3 1 ..bf3 ig4 32.i>f1 gg7 33.'Wc3
..•
33.i>e2 l::1 g 6!+t with the idea . . . ltJ xg2.

2B . . . g4 29.fxg4 hxg4 is not so effective here
due to: 3o.ixg4! (30.ltJxg4 ltJ xe4 3 1 .id3 33 ...ixf3 34.gxf3 'Was?
W'g5 32.ixe4 ixg4 33 .W'd2 l::1d 7+t) 30 . . . ltJ xg4 Chances remain for both sides.
3 1 .ltJ xg4 W'g5 32.h3;!;
29.'Wh3
29.W'cl g4 30.'\t>h l is met with a stunning
response:
Chap ter 1 0 - l S . ttJ b S 1 27
B) 1 8.Ael
a b e d e f g h
22 .. J:�g7 23.a4 Ad7 24.�hl

24.E:c3 E: c B 2 S .E:xcB looks fi n e for Black
The two most common continuations here are after either recapture, but most effective seems
B l ) 1 8 ... a6 and B2) 1 8 ... g4!? to be 2S . . . WlxcB with the idea 26.Wld3 (26.h3
g4--+) 26 . . . g4--+ .
B l ) 1 8 ...a6 19.i[}c3 a5
This has been Radjabov's preference. I will

present some analysis as the line has been quite
popular:
White can first try Bl l) 20.i[}f2, or

immediately play the more common B 1 2)
20.i[} b5.
BB) 20.i[}f2 Am 2 1 . i[} b5 h5
Black shouldn't have any problems here, and

his attack can develop without too much a b e d e f g h
hindrance. At this point the second player has a choice
of interesting continuations:
22J:�c6
22.11Jh3!? llJeB! 23.<j;Jh l (23Jk 6 E:g7 is also 24 ... i[} h8
fine for Black) 23 . . . E:g7 24.E:c3 id7 2 S . a4 This is the usual thematic move, designed to
llJhB! 26. 11J f2 1lJ f7 27.h3 llJ h6+t was unclear facilitate . . . g4.
in Ragger - K. Szabo, Haguenau 20 1 3 . After
the further 2B .Wlc2 E:cB 29.11Ja7? (29.E:c6!?N Also possible is 24 . . . ixc6N 2 S . dxc6 E:cB
ixc6 30.dxc6 <j;JhBoo would have been unclear) 26.Wlb3t r;!{h7 27.c7 E:gxc7 2B.llJxc7 Wlxc7°o
29 .. . E:xc3 30 .Wlxc3 g4 3 1 . fxg4 hxg4 32.hxg4 with an unclear position, where I think White
llJ f6=t Black's attack was playing itself and he has j ust enough compensation for the pawn.
soon won.
1 28 1 3 .c5
24 .. Jk8!?N comes strongly into consideration solution in 29 . . . lD h7!-+) 26 . . . lD h6 27.lD d3!

too. 2 5 JhcB �xcB! 26.lDa3 (26.b4 g4! is not easy to handle for Black as 27 . . . g4 is
27.bxa5 bxa5 2B .i.xa5 g3 29.lDd3 h4 gives answered by 2B .i.h4±.
Black a powerful attack.) 26 . . . g4! 27.lDc4 26.�c3!
(27.�gl g3-+ or 27.i.b5 gxf3 2B.gxf3 lD h4-+) 26.lDd3 i.xc6 27.dxc6 �cB 2B.�c2 lD g6°o
27 . . . gxf3! 2B.gxf3 Black now has a tremendous 26 . . . �cB
shot:
8
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
27.lD d l !
2B . . . lD h4! 2 9 . lD xb6 i.h3! 30.�gl �xg 1 t 27. lD d3 g4 2B .i.h4 lD g6 29 .i.g5 lDhB
3 1 .�xg 1 �c5 32.�b3 i.g2-+ With the better 30.�xcB i.xcB 3 1 .i.h4 lDg6=; 27.lDa7!? �xc3
game. The threat is . . . lD f6-h7-g5. 2B .i.xc3 i.xa4 (2B . . . g4!?) 29.�xa4 �xa7=
27 . . . �xc3 2 B. lD dxc3 i.eB
25.�c3 Stopping lD a7.
Retreating, so as to threaten a knight j ump 2 9 . lD a3 lD d7°o
to c7. The position remains murky and unclear.
25 .�b3!N
Perhaps a better try, although Black should
not be worse:
a b e d e f g h
2 5 . . . �h7!
25 . . . lD f7?! 26.�c3! (after 26.i.d2 g4 27.�fc 1
g3 2B.hxg3 fxg3 29.lDh3 Black has a drastic
Chapter 1 0 - 1 5 . ltJ b 5 1 29
26.tLla7 �c3 27 .ixc3 YlVeS 2s.lilc6

• 20 g4!
•••
28 .ib5 g4°o is unclear, because Black has Playing this pawn break immediately seems
gained a lot of time and space in return for the to be the best course of action, granting Black
exchange of light-squared bishops. excellent play.
20 . . . if8?!
Radjabov's move, but it is not the best as it
allows White a chance to slow down ... g4.
2 1 .gc4!
Perhaps the strongest reply, as . . . g4 is not
possible now.
2 1 .gc3 g4! Given a second chance, Black need
not be asked twice. 22.Wic2 (Black has an
excellent position after 22.fXg4 lLlxe4 23.gc4
lLl f6-+) 22 . . . gg7!N Black now seems to be
playing for higher stakes. (22 . . . gxf3 is a solid
continuation, sufficient for equality. 23.ixf3
a b e d e f g h lLlg4 24.if2 lLlh4 25 .ixg4 ixg4 26.ixh4
2S YlVg6 29.lild3 tLl f7! 30.YlVb3 g4 3 1 .YlVxb6
•••
Wixh4 27.lLl e 1 Wih5 28.lLlf3= was agreed
gxf3 32 .be .ig4 33.tLl cxeS dxeS 34.tLlxf4
•
drawn at this point in Banikas - Radjabov,
exf4 3S.YlVxf6 .be 36.YlVxg6 :gxg6 37.gxf3 Porto Carras 20 1 1 .) I spent a great deal of
.ig7= time analysing this position, and concluded
The position is approximately balanced. that 23.ltJc7 gb8 24.lLle6 ixe6 25.dxe6 d5
isn't at all better for White. In fact he runs the
B12) 20.tLl bS serious risk of becoming significantly worse.
The main move, returning to the recently

weakened a5-square. White refrains from
moving the knight to f2 too early, instead
aiming to make the most out of his control of
the c-file.
6 a b e d e f g h
5 2 1 . . .ia6!!N
It may well be that this is the only move
4 which gives chances to save the day.
3 2 l . . .h5 was tried first, followed by 22.Wic2
ia6 in Postny - Bacrot, Rogaska Slatina
2
20 1 1 . Black eventually won, but his position
1 at this stage is decidedly unpleasant.
a b c d e f g h
1 30 1 3 .c5
22.a4 E:cB 23.Wb3! in Cummings - Sambuev, Toronto 20 1 0,

White continues to try and hold back the and here 27.lD c7N+- looks like a winner for
. . . g4 push. White.
23 . . . g4!
Black presses on regardless! If 23 . . . h5?! 23.E:c4N
24 . .if2 E:xc4 (24 ... g4? 25 .E:c6! E:bB After 23 ..ixb6?! the brilliant point is:
26.E:fc l ±) 2 5 .Wxc4i the pressure on the
queenside becomes annoying.
24. fxg4 E:xc4 2 5 .Wxc4 .ixb5! 26.axb5 E:c7
27.Wa4 WcB�
Black has some compensation, the extent of
which is difficult for a human to measure. I
would rate the chances in the area between ;!;
and =, but closer scrutiny is required.
2 1 .Ek6 Am 22.Afl
Targeting the b6-pawn.
a b e d e f g h
Alternatively, 22.fxg4 lD xe4 23.lDf2 lDg5! 23 . . . WbB!! 24 . .ic7 E:xc7+. The continuation
24 ..id3 f3 ! (24 ... .id7 2 5 . lD e4±) 2 5 . g3 e4!! 2 5 . lD xc7 .ixc6 26.lD xaB .id7 27.b4?! WxaB
26 . .ixe4 (26.lDxe4 .ixg4 27.lD xg5 Wxg5 2B .Wb3 Wa7t 29.� h l We3 30.lD c l Wb6
2B . .if2 Wh5--+) 26 . . . lD e5 27 . .ic3 lD xg4! 3 1 .a4? axb4 32.lDa2 gxf3 33.gxf3 .ih3 34.E:gl
2 B . lD xg4 lD xe4 29.lDf2 lD xc3 30.E:xc3 .ig7 Wf2 3 5 . .id l lDh5 36.Wc2 Wh4 37.a5 b3
3 1 .E:xf3 E:xf3 32.Wxf3 .ia6 33.a4 .ixb5 3B .Wxb3 lD g3t 0- 1 saw Black triumph in
34.axb5 .ixb2 is an interesting position which Wagner - Bacrot, Deizisau 20 1 2.
can hardly be worse for Black in view of his
distant passer. 23 g3! 24.hxg3 fxg3
•••
Also interesting is 24 . . . lD h 5 ! ? 2 5 .gxf4

(25 .We l fxg3 26 . .ixg3 E:cB 27.E:xcB .ixcB)
25 . . . lD gxf4.
a b e d e f g h
22 Ab7!
• .•
b e d
I nstead, 22 . . . E:bB ? 23 .Wc2 g3 24 . .ixb6
a e f g h
gxh2t 2 5 .@xh2 E:xb6 26.E:xcB We7 happened
Chapter 1 0 - 1 5 .ttJ b 5 131
2S.hg3 ttl hS 2 6..ih2 .ia6 27.a4 .ixbS

28.axbS .ih6 29.�hl .ie3i
Black can be satisfied with his compensation.
The following line appears to be best play:
30.f4 ttlhxf4 3 1 .ttlxf4 exf4 32..ig4 �h8

The position is bordering on equality.
B2) 1 8 ... g4!?
a b e d e f g h
2 1 ...ttlxe4!
This tactic gives Black a good game here.
Other tries are weaker:
2 1 . . .g3?! 22.Wa3 gxh2t 23.'it>xh2 �d7 24.ib4

GLl eB 25 .�h l .if6 26.'it>gl ib7 27.GLl ba7 �c7
2 B.b3N (2B .ic3 b5 29.ia5 �g7 was also
dangerous for Black in Spasov - Tesic, corr.
b e d f
2004, although the second player later escaped
a e g h
with a draw.) 2B . . . ih4 29 .ic3 ig3 30 .Wb4 b5
I like this move, as it is aggressive and most 3 1 .a4 bxa4 32.bxa4 Wg7 33 .�h3 GLl h4 34 .ifl
direct. White can decide to continue queenside Wg6 35 .Wb2 �g7 36.'ifi h l GLl f6 37.ia5 'ifihB
operations with B2 1) 19.ttlb4 or capture 3 B .idB ± A sample line showing how easily
immediately with B22) 1 9.fxg4. things can go wrong for Black.
B21) 19.ttlb4 a6 20.ttlc6 2 1 . . .ih6?! 22.Wa3! GLl xe4 23.fxe4 f3 24.�c2

axb5 25 .WxaB ie3t 26.�f2 fxe2 (26 . . . ixf2t
20.'tk3 g3! 2 1 . GLl c6 WfB transposes to the note 27.ixf2 fxe2 2B.�xe2 GLl f4 29.�c2±) 27.�cxe2
on 2 1 . GLl c3 below. ic5 2B.b4 GLl f4 29.�c2± does not look at all
pleasant for Black.
20 ...V9ffi!
A tense situation has arisen on the board. 22.fxe4 f3
Avoiding playing . . . ih6 has actually
2 1 .V9a4!? accelerated Black's counterplay here.
2 1 . GLl c3 g3 22Jk 2 (22.h3?! GLlh4-+ or
22.GLla4 �b7!?) 22 . . . GLlh5? leads to excellent 23 . .idl
chances for Black, for example: 23.h3?! ixh3! The move favoured by the computers.
24.gxh3 WcB 25 .id3 Wxh3 26.�g2 GLl h4
27.Wc2 GLl f6=F 23.gxf3 ? GLl f4 24.id l gxf3 2 5 . �c3 (2 5 .ixf3?
GLl h3t-+) 2 5 . . . ih3-+ is worse for White.
1 32 1 3 .c5
23.g3 ih6 24.�c2 fxe2 2 5 . �xf7 ie3t 26.�f2 8

Wxf2t 27.ixf2 e l =Wt 2B.Wg2 ixf2 29.�xf2
7
axb5 30.WxaB Wxe4t= is a draw by perpetual.
6
23.liJxd6 Wxd6 24.gxf3 liJ f4 25.Wd l liJ xe2t 5

26.Wxe2 gxf3 27.Wd3 Wg6t 28 .ig3 h5 29.d6 4
h4 30.liJe7t �xe7 3 1 .dxe7 hxg3 32.�xf3 3
(32.WdBt Wh7 33.�xf3 gxh2t 34.<.t>xh2
ig4=) 32 . . . gxh2t 33.<.t>xh2 ig4= is given as
equal by the engines. It is clear that perpetuals
are also lurking here. a b e d e f g h
27.�c3 ! fxg2 2 B. �xf7 <.t>xf7 29.<.t>xg2 (29 .id6

2 3.�c2 id7! 24.liJxd6 (24. liJ c3 ih6!f±) ifl3 !oo) 29 . . . id2 30.�c2 ixb4 3 1 .liJ xb4 <.t>e7
24 . . .Wxd6 2 5 . gxf3 liJ f4 can be only better for 32.�c7 h5 33.�b7 liJ f4t 34.Wg3 h4t 3 5 . <.t> f2
Black. a 5 36.liJ c6t W d6 37.�xb6 <.t>c5 Leading to a
highly unclear position .
2 5 . g3 h5!? ( 2 5 ... liJ e7?! 2 6 .i b 3 ! liJ c B !

[ 2 6 . . . liJ xc6 27.dxc6 ie6 2B.id5±J 27.if2;!;)
26.if2 (26.ib4 Wf6) 26 . . . h4!� with the idea
27.ixb6 ih6 (27 . . . liJ fl3 ! ?) 2 B.�c2 (2B .�c3
�h7) 2B . . . ig5 ! , giving Black a dangerous
initiative.
25 .. .ti�f4
I am satisfied that Black obtains a good game
here.
a b e d e f g h
26.ti'b3
23 ... .id7! 24.tihd6! 26.<.t>h l liJ d3 is marginally better for Black.
24.liJc7? fxg2 2 5 .�xf7 Wxf7 26.if2 �fl3
27.Wc2 ih6-+
24.liJc3? ih6-+
24...ti'xd6
I couldn't find anything impressive for
White here.
25.gxf3N
The engines prefer this materialistic move.
2 5 .Wb4!? Wxb4 26.ixb4 ih6!N (deviating

from the immediate 26 . . . fxg2 in Rosenova -
Semov, corr. 20 1 0) a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 0 - I S . ttJ b S 1 33
26 .. :�h6! 27.cl>hl gxf3 28 ..ixf3 ftl d3CD

The action is still raging on either side of
the board, and both players will be hopeful of
picking up the full point.
B22) 1 9.&:g4
The most critical response by White, leading

to a change in the pawn structure.
a b e d e f g h
22 . . . f3-+
Black had a strong attack in Sebenik -
Nestorovic, Sarajevo 20 1 3 . The game
concluded with:
23.gxf3 tLl f4 24.tLle4 tLl xe4 2 5 . fxe4 YMg6
26.if3?
26.ig3N had to be played.
a b e d e f g h
19 ... ftlxe4 20.ftl b4

A complex position has arisen, with
both sides having peculiar pawn structures.
However, the wild imbalances seem to lead to
equality here as well.
a b e d e f g h
20 ... a6
20 . . . tLl g5 26 . . . ia6! 27.ih4 YMh6-+ 2S .ie7 ixfl
A worthwhile alternative for Black, who is 29.YMxfl tLl e2t 30.YMxe2 YMxe l t 3 1 .�g2 Ms
trying to enforce . . .f3 . 32.idS �cS 33.h4 �xc6 34.dxc6 YMxc6 3 5 .g5
2 1 . tLl c6 YMf6 22.tLlc3 ? �f4 36.�g3 YMcS 37.if6 ig7 3s .ig4 YMe l
Correct was 22.h4!N f3 ! 23.ixf3! (23 .id3 39 .ie7 YMg l t 40.�h3 YMh l t 4 1 .�g3 �xe4
ixg4-+ or 23 .ic4 ixg4-+) 23 . . . tLl xf3t 0- 1
24.YMxf3! (24Jhf3 tLl f4 2 5 .g5 YMg6�)
24 . . . ixg4 2 5 .YMxf6 �xf6 26.�xf6 ixf6 2 1 ..if3!
27.tLl xd6 tLl f4± with a position that looks White has little advantage after 2 1 . tLl c6 YMg5
holdable for Black. 22.�c4 axb5 23.�xe4, as the white rook looks
clumsy on e4 and Black has obtained free
play for his pieces. After 23 . . . fu4 (23 . . . �xa2
24.�b4 id7 2 5 .if3 e4 26.�xe4 �xb2 27.�f2
�xf2 2s.ixf2 �fS!?) 24.tLl b4 (24.�xa4 bxa4
1 34 1 3 . cS
8
2S.if3 e4 26.ixe4 ixg4 27.Vfic2 f3 2S.g3 ifS
29Jhf3 ixe4 30.Vfixe4 �xf3 3 1 .Vfixf3 ixb2
32.Vfie4 ttJeS 33.ttJxeS VfixeS =) 24 . . . id7°o 7
the position is merely unclear. For example: 6
2 S . W h l if6!? 26.a3 �g7 There are already
ideas for . . . hS in the air, while the a4-rook can 5
always be brought back quickly to the kingside. 4
3
8
2
7
1
6
a b e d e f g h
5
26.�e2 �xf1 t 27.� hg4!
4 Accelerating the counterplay.
3
28.VfJb3t!
2 There is another complicated line:
1 2S.Vfid St!? WhS 29 .ixg3 e3 30.ixa6!
b e d
30.Vfie4 e2 3 1 .ixe2 id7 32.�c7 �eS 33.Vfif3
a e f g h
id4t=
2 1 . .. til g3!!N 30 . . . e 2 3 1 .�cl
Unleashing some of Black's dynamic
potential, and a strong improvement over 8
2 1 . . .ttJgS?! 22.ttJc3 ib7 23.ttJe4 ttJ xe4 7
24.ixe4 ih6 2 S .�c3 VfigS 26.h4 ttJ xh4
6
27.�h3 f3 2S.�xh4 Vfie3t 29.�f2 �cS 30.ttJc6
5
Vfixe4 3 1 .�xh6 ixc6 32.dxc6 �xc6 33.gxf3
Vfif4 34.id2 Vfid4 3 S .Vfib3 1 -0 Ragger - 4
Papaioannou, Eretria 20 1 1 . 3
2
22.tilxd6
22.ttJc6 VfifS 23.hxg3 axbS 24.gS e4 2 S .ixe4
a b e d e f g h
ixb2+±
3 1 . . . ttJ f4!! 32.VfigS
22 ... VfJxd6 23.�c6 VfJf8 24.hxg3 fxg3 25.d6 32.ixf4 Vfixf4 33.Vfixast ifs 34.ixe2
e4! Vfixc l t 3 S . � f2 Vfif4t 36.if3 ixf3 37.Vfixf3
The point of the novelty is already apparent: Vfid2t 3S.�gl Vfie l t 39.Vfifl Vfie3t=
the g7-bishop is alive and kicking. 32 . . . Vfixd6 33.Vfixg4 Vfixb4 34.�cSt �xcS
3 S .Vfixcs t ifS 36.Vfic3t Vfixc3 37.bxc3 ttJdS
3S.ie l !
3S .ixe2 leads to an immediate draw after
3S . . . ttJ xc3 39 .ic4 bS! 40 .ie l (40.ieSt ig7
4 1 .ixc3 ixc3=) 40 . . . ics t 4 1 .Wfl bxc4
Chapter 1 0 - 1 5 . llJ b 5 135
42.ixc3t Wg8 43.We2 (43. a4 W f7 44.a5 32.ttha6!

We6 4 5 .�e2 �d5 46.�f3 �c6 47.�e4 32.�b7 �f8 33 .ie3 ie5 34.Wg5 (34.We 1
�b5 48.g4 ia3=) 43 . . . Wf7 44.Wf3 �e6 It) f4) 34 . . . ib5!! 35 .�xb5 axb5 36.lt) c6 M4
4 5 .�e4 �d6 46.a4 �c6 47.g4 if2 48.id4 37.ixf4 �xf4 38 .ixb5 Wxb2 39.d7 Wf2t
ie 1 49.ig 1 ia5 = 40.Wh2 �h4t 4 1 .Wxh4 Wxh4t 42.�gl We 1 t
38 . . . ig7 39.ixe2 llJ xc3 40.ic4 b5 4 1 .ib3 43 .ifl We3t 44.�h2 Wh6t 45.�gl We3t=
id4t 42.Wh2!
42.M2 ixf2t 43.Wxf2 h5= is an easy draw
in view of the resource 44.�e3 h4! 45.�f4
h3! .
42 . . . lt) e2
42 . . . lt) e4!?
43 .ib4!?
43.Wh3 Wg7 4 4.Wg4 ic3! 45 .if2 id4 forces
a bishop swap when the result again is a draw.
43 . . . �g7 44.�h3 h5!
Leading to a draw, a s White cannot exploit
the advantage of the two bishops in view of his
inactive king.
a b e d e f g h
32 ...�e5!!
The best move, and one I had to find by
intuition (centralization!) , as the computer
doesn't find it quickly. Nowadays of course it's
easy to put a position in the engine cloud and
wait for the solution (if one exists) .
32 . . . ixb6?! 33 .ixb6 �f8 (33 . . . Wxb2?

34.We3±) 34.ie2! (34.We3 lt) e5 3 5 .ie2 ib5 !
36.ixb5 It) f3 t 37.� h 1 �f6 3 8 .id4 It) xd4
39.d7 Wh6t 40.Wxh6 �xh6t 4 1 .Wg1 �d6+)
34 . . . Wxb2 (34 . . . lt) f4 3 5 .Wxg7t �xg7 36.ic4
a b e d e f g h
�c8 37.b3±) 35 .We3 Wa i t 36.Wh2 We5t
28 ... <;t>h8 29.�xg3 �d7! 37.g3± looks awful for Black.
29 . . . ixb2 30.ic3t ixc3 3 1 .Wxc3 t Wg7
32.Wxg7t Wxg7 33.�xb6 e3 34.�xa6± 33.�g5!!
33.We3 It) f4= with the idea 34.�b7 �g8
30J�xb6 �d4t 35 .g3 It)d5 36.Wxe4 ixg3 37.�xd7 ixf2t
30 . . . a5 3 1 .lt)d5± 38. �xf2 Wxb2t=
3 1 �fl �g7!
From now on it is a pure exercise in tactics,
where both sides have their chances, but in the
end it's a draw.
1 36 1 3 .c5
3S.�xe4 �g4! 39.13a7!

39 .�xg4!? �xg4 4o.id4t 13f6!! 4 1 .ixf6t
(4 1 .lD xf6 ih2t!) 4 1 . . .'�g8 42 .ic4t �f8 and
Black is okay.
a b e d e f g h
33 JH8!!
•.
33 . . . if4 34.�d5 13e8 3 5 .13b8+-
34.13bS!
34. lD c5 h6 3 5 .�c1 13xf2 ! ; 34.13b4 if4
3 5 .�h5 (35 .�d5 lD e5-+) 35 . . . ixd6�
34 ... icS! 3S.tikS! ixd6 36.13aS
a b e d e f g h
36 ... �f4!
36 . . . ie5 37.lDxe4 �b7 38.13a4 �xb2
39 .�d2 �b 1 40.13b4±
37.'WhS lD eS!
All Black's pieces are focusing against the
white king. And yet it is Black who has to
make the draw!
Chapter 1 0 - 1 5 .llJ b 5 1 37
Conclusion There is of course more analysis from

this position as White tries to prise open
In Chapter 1 0 we examined the modern the queenside by 27.b4, but Black's
treatment of the 1 3 .c5 g5 1 4 J:kl variation. counterattacking chances on the other flank are
Mter 14 . . . tLl g6 White indulges in 1 5 . tLl b 5 !? sufficient as the reader can verifY by consulting
!!.O 1 6 ..ia5!? in order to weaken the c6- the lines I have included.
square, hoping this will add momentum to his Considering the above remarks, it is l S .�e l
queenside infiltration. that emerges as the critical test of Black's
Black has no choice bu tt 0 allow the weakness position. Now l S . . . a6 1 9 . tLl c3 a5 has been
by playing 16 . . . b6 17.cxd6 cxd6, leaving Radjabov's preference, when Black shouldn't be
White with a fundamental decision to make. worse as my long analysis indicates. However, I
He can either try to force matters by l S.�b4 believe that l S . . . g4!? is even more to the point
Ms 1 9.!!.c6 or choose a more venomous retreat in spite of allowing the enemy to penetrate our
in l S ..ie 1 , threatening a knight invasion on c6 camp.
via the b4-square. The two crucial variations that justifY the
After l S . �b4 Ms 1 9.!!.c6 Black has to retreat above claim are 1 9 . tLl b4 a6 20.tLl c6 'oWfS!
by 1 9 . . . tLleS but he is threatening to push his 2 1 .'oWa4!? tLl xe4! 22.fxe4 f3 23 .�d l �d7!
opponent back, so White must act. The direct 24 . tLl xd6! 'oWxd6 and 1 9 .fxg4 tLlxe4 20 . tLl b4
20.'oWb3 a6 2 1 .'oWa3 can be met by either a6 2 1 ..tf3! tLlg3!! 22.tLlxd6 'oWxd6 23.!!.c6 'oWfS
2 1 . . . 1::!.d7 !? or 2 1 . . .!!.f6!?, reaching positions 24.hxg3 fxg3 2 5 . d6 e4! when the g7-bishop
that are harmless for us. More to the point springs to life, creating all sorts of tactical
seems 20.a4, but even in that case Black seems possibilities .
to have at least one good reply, my main line I have included a lot of analysis to support
being 20 . . . a6 2 1 . tLl a3 .id7 22.!!.d (Vigorito's the correctness of these two lines and I am
exchange sacrifice 22.'oWb3 �xc6 23.dxc6 satisfied with the results at the end of the
�7 offers White no more than equality as day. There are real chances to win the game
my analysis has shown) 22 . . . a5 ! 23 .�d2 tLl f6 if White is caught unawares and, objectively,
24 . tLl f2 h5 2 5 . tLl b 5 !!.cS 26.!!.xcS .txcS=. Black is not worse.
10,£3 f5 1 l,g4
a b c d e f g h
Variation Index
l .d4 ti)f6 2.c4 g6 3.ti)c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.ti)6 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 ti) c6 8.d5 ti) e7
9.ti)e1 ti) d7 1 0.6 f5 1 l .g4 @h8! 12.ti)g2!?
12 ... a5
A) 13.h4 ti) c5 14.exfS!?N gxf5 15.J.g5!? gg8!? 1 6.�e1 J.d7
17.h5 h6 1 8.J.e3 b6 19.�d2 �f8 20.gae1 @h7 151
AI) 2 1 .ti)b5 1 52
Al) 2 1 .J.d1 153
B) 13.J.e3 ti) c5 154
B 1 ) 14.h3 154
B2) 14.h4 ti) g8 1 56
B2 1) 15.g5N 156
B22) 1 5.exfS 158
B23) 15.�d2 1 59
B24) 1 5.a3!? 1 60
B25) 1 5.gfl 161
B26) 1 5.gb 1 1 62
B27) 1 5.gcl!? 1 64
8 2 3 ) after 26.�c3 825) after 1 5 .gf2 826) after 23.fxe4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
26 . . . c6!N 1 5 b6!?N
... 23 . . . lt:l g3!N
Chapter 1 1 - 1 2th Move Alternatives 1 39
1 .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.� c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3

0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7 9.�e1
8
� d7 10.f3 f5 l 1 .g4 7
White declares his aim to stop Black's attack
6
before it gets off the ground. In turn, Black
should try to avoid a total kingside blockade 5
and try to improve his passive knight on e7. 4
l 1 .lLl d3 was covered in Chapter 3 , while
l 1 .ie3 transposes to Chapters 1 5-2 5. 3
2
a b e d e f g h
13.h4 h6 14J�f2
1 4.<tt> g2 E:f7N ( 1 4 . . . �gS was Hungaski
- Melekhina, Pawtucket 200S) 1 5 .E:h l
lLl fS! is similar. For example: 1 6 . lLl d3 lLl h7
1 7.Wg l hxg5 I S .hxg5 <tt>gS 1 9 .<tt> fl ( 1 9.<tt> f2
c6! ?t or 1 9 ... id7t) 19 ... id7 20.Wg2 lLl cS
2 1 .E:gl ifS+ White seems to have inadequate
compensation for the loss of the g5-pawn.
a b e d e f g h
14. <tt> f2 was played for the last time in the game
1 l ... g;,h8! V. Belov - Ulko, Moscow 20 1 0, which White
1 1 . . . lLl f6 1 2. lLl d3 c6 1 3 .ie3 �hS 1 4.h3 won. I think Black should continue as follows:
b5 1 5 . lLl b4 was better for White in Lukacs -
Loginov, Budapest 1 993.
In o u r current chapter, we will examine how

best to deal with the following four options for
White. A) 1 2.g5, B) 12.g;,h l , C) 12.g;,gl and
D) 12.�d3.
1 2. lLl g2 is examined in Chapter 1 2, 1 2 .ie3 i n

Chapter 1 3, a n d 1 2. h4 in Chapter 14.
b e d f g h
A) 12.g5 a e
1 4 . . . lLl gS ! ? 1 5 .E:h l N ( 1 5 .E:gl E:f7 1 6. lLl d3 ifs

An attempt to close the kingside and cramp 1 7.ifl ie7 I s .ih3 hxg5 1 9 .hxg5 occurred
Black, but it fails against correct play. in the earlier game Bitalzadeh - Haast,
Hoogeveen 200S, and now Black should
12 ... f4! have simply played 1 9 . . . ixg5+N) 1 5 . . . E:f7
Of course now Black does not choose to put 1 6.E:h2 ifs 1 7 . lLl d3 ( 1 7 . lLl c2 c6 I S .b3 E:h7+t)
his knight on gS . 17 . . . E:h7 I S .Wh l ie7 1 9 .id2 lLl fS!+t
1 40 1 0 . f3 f5 1 1 .g4
14 .. J3f7 15J3h2 16 ... �h7! 17.Yffl hxg5 1 8.hxg5 �g8

19.Yfg2 .id7 20.�f2 �c8 2 1 ..id2 Yfxg5CD/�
It is questionable whether White has
sufficient compensation for the pawn.
By tucking the king in the corner, White

plans g4-g5 followed by :gg 1 . However, in my
opinion this is an artificial move.
a b e d e f g h
1 5 ... � f8!N
This is my idea, configuring the black pieces
harmoniously for the up coming capture of
the g5-pawn. Surprisingly, Houdini does not
mention it, at least in the first two options.
1 5 . . . tLl gS 1 6. tLl d3 Ms 1 7.<.!,Jf2 i.e7 I S .W!g U
ended successfully for White a short while
later in Jumabayev - Bajarani, Porto Madryn
2009.
16.�d3
1 6.h5 tLl h7! 1 7.hxg6 tLl xg6 I S .gxh6 i.xh6+
leads to a clearing up of the pawns that should
be favourable for Black. 1 2 . . . h6N is not so clear due to 1 3 .exf5
( l 3 .gxf5 ! ? gxf5 1 4.:gg 1 ) 1 3 . . . gxf5 1 4 .i.e3;!;.
12 . . . tLl f6 is possible, although after 1 3 .i.e3!N

( l 3 .tLl d3 ? fxg4 1 4. fxg4 tLl xg4!) 13 . . .f4 1 4 .i.f2
g5 1 5 .c5 tLl g6 1 6.:gc1 :gO 1 7. tLl d3 h5 I S .h3
Ms 1 9 .'it>g2 :gh7 20.:gh u White keeps a
slight edge.
13.gg1 f4
At this point White has two possibilities.
I will firstly demonstrate why I don't believe
Bl) 14.�d3?! is anything to be concerned
about, before giving some ideas against the
interesting novelty B2) 14.g5!?N.
Chapter 1 1 - 1 2th Move Alternatives 141
B l ) 14.tLld3?! i. f6 15.i.d2 The computer's first choice, but it is well met

by:
1 7 . . . g5! 1 B .if! ttJf8 1 9 .c5 l::1 h 7 20.cxd6 cxd6
2 1 .ttJ f2 a6f±
Planning . . . 'WdB-eBxh5, with excellent
chances for Black.
16.b4 tLlf'7 17.c5 i.e7 18.cxd6 cxd6 19.1::1 c 1

tLlf6!;
Black stands nicely, while White lacks a
constructive plan. An immediate attack on the
queenside could be countered by the following
line:
20.tLlb5
Proven to be a shot in empty space b y Black's
reply:
Weaker is: 1 5 . . . h5?! 1 6.g5! ixg5 1 7.ttJb5;!;
But Black has another fully pIa yable alternative:

1 5 . . .l:U7!? 1 6.ie 1
1 6.b4 h5 1 7.gxh5 g5 1 B .c5 l::1h7 1 9 .1::1 c l a6f±
2 1 . tLl c7 l::1 c8 22.tLl e6 he6 23.dxe6 gxc1

1 6 . . . h5!N 24.i.xc1 tLlg5 25.'1Wb3 �c8
Less accurate is 1 6 ... h6!? 1 7.if2 l::1 h 7 as The e6-pawn falls, with a comfortable game
played in Kiss - Toth, Hungary 20 1 1 , for Black.
although even then Black does not seem to
be worse. 1 B .c5N can be met by 1 B . . . dxc5! B2) 14.g5!?N
1 9.ttJxc5 ttJ xc5 20.ixc5 ig5 ! , intending
2 1 .d6?! c6+. Trying to prevent Black from seizing control of
1 7.gxh5 the dark squares on the kingside, the down side
142 1 0. f3 f5 1 1 .g4
being that this pawn will become a target for 16 ... h6!
counterplay. 1 6 . . . ie7?! 1 7.Wgl lDf8 1 8 .h4 h6 1 9 .E!:h2
E!:h7?! 2o.lDxf4!± looks distinctly unpleasant
for Black.
17.gxh6
1 7.h4?! allows Black excellent counterplay
on the h-file: 1 7 . . . hxgS I 8 .hxgS E!:h7t 1 9 .'it>gl
lD cS!+ Black's pieces are harmoniously
placed and will soon be ready to infiltrate
into White's half of the board. A sample line
could be: 2o.lDxcS dxcS 2 1 .'it> f2 ih3 22.E!:gl
ie7 23.'it> e l ixgS 24.�d2 ih4 2S .'it>c2 if2
26.E!:h l lD f6+
17 ...g5
Black looks at least equal to me. A tense and
interesting battle is on the horizon.
C) 12.�g2
1 5 ...i.f8!
1 5 . . . lDf8 1 6.h4 h6 1 7.E!:g2 lDh7 1 8 .'1Mf g l;!; is This move is the prelude to g4-gS followed by
closer to the position White envisaged when h2-h4. White frees h I for his rook, to help his
playing his 1 4th move. strategy of restriction on the kingside.
16J�g2
1 6.Wfl can be met with 1 6 . . . h6 as in
the main line. Now after 1 7.gxh6, both
1 7 . . . gSoo and 1 7 . . . lD e7°o lead to unclear
positions, but Black should not be dissatisfied
with his position.
Also possible is: 12 . . . lD f6 1 3 . lD d3 c6 1 4. a4!N

( l 4.id?! bS !oo) 14 . . . aS I S .id id7 In
comparison to the line with 1 2.h4 (variation
B2 of Chapter 1 4) , White has played the 1 7. ttJ f2 :gh7 1 B . ttJ h3 ttJ c5°o should be okay
rather more useful �g2 instead of the h-pawn for Black.
push, yet after 1 6.lk1 :gcB it is not clear how
he can profit from this improvement.
13.g5 f4
Trying to isolate and win the g5-pawn.
1 3 . . . a5 ! ?N
This move has yet to be tried here.
1 4 . h4
1 4.exf5?! gxf5 ! 1 5 .f4 ( 1 5 .h4 f4Ft) 1 5 . . . ttJe7
1 6 .h4 ttJ g6t
1 4. ttJ d3 b6 1 5 .h4 ttJc5 1 6.:gh 1 will transpose
to 1 4.h4.
1 4 . . . ttJ c5 1 5 . ttJ d3 a b e d e f g h
1 5 .:gh 1 h5 1 6. ttJ d3 b6= 17 J�h7!
••
1 5 . . . b6 1 6. ttJ xc5 bxc5 1 7 .:gh 1 h5 This move allows White to sacrifice on f4,
Black is now able to defend the kingside but I believe Black should emerge safely from
successfully: the complications.
17 . . .ie7 1 B . ttJ b 5 ! a6 1 9 . ttJ d4!t gave White

a strong initiative in Kiss - Almasi, Hungary
1 999.
1 7 ... c6! ? l B . �f1 does not completely solve

Black's problems either.
We will now consider the consequences of

the immediate piece sacrifice on f4 with
Cl) 1 8.ttlxf4N, before looking at the most
b e d f g h
a e
popular move, the preparatory C2) 1 8.c;t>f1 .
1 B .gxh6 !? ixh6 1 9 .ixh6!
1 9 .h5?! f4+ 1 B .id2 hxg5 1 9 .hxg5 Wlxg5t 20.�f2 Wlxg 1 tN
1 9 . . . ttJ xh6 2o .Wld2 c;t>g7! 2 1 .:gag 1 fxe4 2 1 .:ghxg 1 (2 1 .:gaxg 1 a6!) 2 1 . .. ie7! 22.:gxg6
22.ttJxe4 :gf4 23.c;t>f2 M5 24.id3 ttJ f7 2 5 . ttJ g3 ttJ b6+ is better for Black, if anything.
ig4! 26.ie4 Wlf6! 27.Wld3 �f8?
With a perfectly playable position.
Cl) 18.ttlxf4N exf4 1 9.Axf4
White has two pawns for the piece and many

14.h4 h6 15.:ghl
of Black's own pieces are passively placed.
As was mentioned earlier, this move is a
There is obviously some pressure to withstand,
crucial part of White's strategy.
but with White's king still on g2 restricting
the range of his queen, I am confident in the
1 5 J�f7 16.ttld3 ifs 17.Wlgl!?
solidity of Black's position.
••
1 44 1 0 . f3 f5 1 1 .g4
24 . . . id7 2 5 .id l Wfc8 26.f5 gxf5 27.e5 f4

28 .ixf4 lLl f5 29 .Wfh3 dxe5 30 .ixe5 ixe5
3 1 .Elxe5 Elf7+ sees Black maintain his material
advantage.
23 ... lLl cs 24..tdl

After 24.f5?! gxf5 25 .e5 f4! 26 .ixf4 lLl f5
Black will next capture with 27 . . . dxe5, with a
dominant position.
1 9 ... hS!
It is best to play this move immediately.
1 9 . . . lLl e5 20 .ig3 h5 2 1 . f4 lLl g4 22 .'1Wd4t ig7
23 .Wfd3 lLl e7 24.Elafl leaves White with some
pressure.
20..tg3
20 .ie3 Elf7 2 1 .f4 should be okay for Black
after either 2 1 . . . lLl e7 or 2 1 . . .ig7+. The idea
should be (after posting a knight on e7) to
play . . . a5 and . . . lLl c5 , with a sound defensive
structure.
20 ....tg7
20 . . . 00 2 1 .f4 lLl e7 is possible too. 2S ..tc2 i.xc3!! 26.Wfxc3 �H7
Black should at least hold. For example:
27.5!?
27.Wfd4 Wff8 and the black queen is heading
for g7.
8
7
6
5
4
a b e d e f g h 3
2 1 .f4 lLle7 22.Wfe3 as 23J�� af1 !
23.Elhfl lLl c5 24.Elae l (24.id l Wfd7!)
1
a b e d e f g h
27 .. .tihe4!?
This is a simpler solution than 27 . . . gxf5 ,
which may well be objectively better but is
rather wild. The text move begins a forced
sequence which ultimately ends up in equality.
28.he4 i.xf5 29.i.xf5 tLlxf5 30J:�e1 'Wd7

3Ule6 <!>h7 32J�he1 &f8 33.<!>h2 b5=
C2) 18.<!>f1
This is the move that has been preferred in

practice. Black should proceed by pressurizing
the g5-pawn.
1 8 ...i.e7
We have reached a critical crossroads:
After 20 . . . ltJe5 2 1 .ie3! White threatens to
mobilize the mass, and with the bishop badly
placed on e7 this offers him tremendous
compensation. For example: 2 1 . . .l::1 f7 22.f4!
h5 (22 ... Wf8 23 .Wg3±) 23.@g2 1tJ g4 24.id4t
@h7 2 5 .l::1 fl -+
20 . . . l::1 f7 !? 2 1 .ie3 h5 was played in Arizmendi

Martinez - Migot, Lille 20 1 2. This looks
better than placing the knight prematurely on
e5, and after 22.<.!le 1 ?! (22.<.!lg2N if8 23.f4
ltJ e7°o with an unclear game was undoubtedly
more critical) 22 . . . ltJe5 23 .Wg3 if8 24.@d2
a b e d e f g h ig7 2 5 .l::1afl c5 26.<.!lc2 a6 27.f4 1tJ g4 28 .id2
19.tLlxf4 We7+- Black was at least equal and a draw was
This sacrifice has been the automatic shortly agreed upon.
choice in practice, and enjoys a high scoring
percentage. 2 1 .'Wd4t
There seems to be nothing else. 2 1 .ie3?
Instead, 1 9 .id2N hxg5 20.hxg5 ixg5 hxg5 22.hxg5 l::1 x h 1 23.Wxh 1 ixg5+
2 1 .l::1 x h7t @xh7 22.<.!le1 ih4t 23.<.!ld 1 ltJ gf6
24.@c2 1tJ h 5 offers White some compensation, 2 1 . .. <!>f8 22.<!>fl tLle5!
but probably not enough as the g3-square is in Black activates his pieces, with good
Black's hands. prospects. I will present some sample lines:
1 9 ... exf4 20.hf4 23.'We3

A critical position for the evaluation of the None of the other options look at all playable
whole line starting with 1 2.@g2. for White:
1 46 1 0 . f3 f5 1 1 .g4
23.i.xe5?? dxe5 24.Wlxe5 hxg5 25.hxg5 i.c5 t 12 ... tLl g8!

26.<Jig2 i.d6-+ It now becomes evident that White cannot
successfully counter the plan of . . . i.h6 as he has
23J�hgl hxg5 24.hxg5 lLlf7 2 5 .Wle3 �h5+ made no preparatory moves in this direction.
23.�af1 lLl f7+

1 3.�g2
1 3 .<Jih l f4 1 4.�gl i.f6+ transposes to line
23.Wg2 hxg5 24.hxg5 i.xg5! 2 5 . �xh7 i.xf4+
Bl on page 1 4 1 .
8 1 3 .i.e3 transposes to line B of Chapter 1 3 on

page 1 69 .
7
6 13 ... f4
5 Playing for the attack.
4 1 3 . . . i.h6!?= is also possible.

3 14.i.d2 h5 15.h3 i.f6
2 1 5 . . . lLl h6 1 6.i.e l i.f6 1 7 .i.f2 i.h4 1 8 .Wle l
i.xf2 1 9 .Wlxf2 lLl f7 20.c5 is equal.
1
a b e d e f g h 16.i.e1
23 ... lLl f'7 24.c5 hxg5
Preventing White from utilizing the b5-
square by playing 24 . . . a6! ? is also possible.
25.hxg5 gxhl 26.gxhl tLlxg5!;

Black can have no complaints about the
direction the game has taken. Note that
26 . . . i.xg5 27.i.xg5 Wlxg5 28 .Wlxg5 lLl xg5
29.lLlb5!f± allows White better chances.
0) 12.tLl d3
8 a b e d e f g h
7 The final branch of this chapter sees Black

decide between 0 1 ) 16 ...i.h4 and 02)
6
1 6 ... gf/!.
5
4 0 1 ) 16 ...i.h4
3 A principled reply, Black goes directly for the

2 exchange of White's precious dark-squared
bishop.
1
a b e d e f g h
17..ixh4 'lWxh4 1 8.'lWel 19 ...a6

With the king on g2 White has a slight The typical precaution, but it is not strictly
improvement over the usual structure without necessary.
dark-squared bishops.
Also possible is: 19 . . . 1'%f7!? 20.lLl b 5 ! ? (20.b4oo)
1 8 'lWe7
••• 20 . . . lLlc5 (20 . . . lLlfB 2 1 .c5±) 2 1 .lLlxc5 dxc5
22.1'%d l 1'%h7! 23.d6 cxd6 24 .lLlxd6 hxg4
2 5 . hxg4 �e6=
1 9 . . . b6 20.b4 (20.lLlb5 lLl c5) 20 . . .�a6°o is

unclear, but also seems perfectly reasonable.
20.b4 �h6
Probably best. Bringing the knight to
f7 consolidates the defence and eyes the
important g5-square.
20 . . . 1'%f7 2 1 .c5 1'%h7 is another possibility.
a b e d e f g h 2 1 .c5 �f7CD
19J�c1!N Black controls the dark squares and is quite
1 9 .1'%h l is not needed for the time being. solid on the queen side. The position offers
1 9 . . . 1'%f7! 20.Wf2?! (20.1'%c 1 ) 20 . . . 1'%h7 2 1 .1'%ac 1 him good long-term prospects. His next two
(2 1 . lLl b5 lLl c5) 2 1 . . .lLl h6 22.b4 a6 23.c5 lLl f7 moves should normally be . . . �g7 and . . . 1'%h8,
24. cxd6 cxd6 2 5 . a4 lLl f6 26.lLlb2 'iff g 7 improving his coordination and preparing to
create play along the h-file in the future. Play
8
may continue as follows:
a b e d e f g h
27. lLl c4 �d7 2 8 . lLlb6 1'%ah8 2 9 . lLl xd7 Wxd7

30.b5 hxg4 3 1 .hxg4 1'%xh l 32.1'%xh l 1'%xh l
33.�xh l Wc8 34 .We l a5 3 5 .�g2 lLl d7 36 .Wc 1
lLl g5 37.We l 'iff f6 38.Wal Wc5 39.We l Wd4 a b e d e f g h
40.Wc1 0- 1 This was Tikkanen - E. Berg, 22.� a4 d1g7 23J�hl
Kungsor 2009. A well-played game by Black, 23.cxd6 cxd6 24.1'%c7 Wf6 gives Black a
illustrating the potential of the position. niggling edge.
1 48 1 0 . f3 f5 1 1 .g4
23 ... b5 24.cxb6 tLl xb6 25.�ab2 i.b7 26.�c4

hxg4 27.hxg4 E:h8�
D2) 16 ... E:m
Again I have Yannis Simeonidis to thank for

pointing out the subtlety of this move. Black
waits for the e l -bishop to move to f2 before
offering the trade.
a b e d e f g h
20.�f2 E:h7
We have transposed to the game Enchev
- Perske, Deizisau 20 1 4, which reached this
position with one more move played. That
game continued 22.E:h l �f8 23.c5 id7
24.a4 a6 2 5 . cxd6 cxd6, with Black eventually
holding his higher-rated opponent to a draw.
2 1 .E:ac1N b6
2 1 . . . � h6 22.b4 � f7 23.�b5 �g5 24.E:h l
� f6--+
22.h4 i.a6 23.E:hl �h6;

With the better chances for Black.
18.i.xh4
1 8 .'We l ixf2 1 9 .'Wxf2 �7 20.E:h 1 � h6!
2 1 .E:ac1 �f7 22.c5 � f6 23.cxd6 cxd6+ is
perfect for Black, as the h7-rook guards c7.
After l 8 .ig l ?! the infiltration l 8 . . . ig3+

forces the g l -bishop to return to f2 if White
wants to avoid an immediate disaster along the
h-file.
18 ... �xh4 19.�el �e7

Black is a tempo ahead on the Tikkanen -
Berg game above, as his rook is already on f7.
A likely continuation is:
Conclusion Another move that failed to impress me

was the preparatory 1 2.�h l , because after
In Chapter 1 1 we started our examination of 12 ... llJg8! l3 .gg1 f4 14.g5!? (14.llJd3?! M6
the variation 1 0.f3 f5 1 1 .g4 �h8! by looking allows Black to achieve his positional aims)
at some of White's less popular 1 2th-move 14 ... gf7! 1 5 .llJ d3 M8! 1 6.gg2 h6! White's
options. As expected, most of these options wedge has been undermined and he has no
revolve around blocking the kingside, while advantage, to say the least.
Black tries to keep it open by fighting for This left 1 2.�g2 and 1 2.llJd3 as the most
control of the dark squares there. serious tries of the chapter, but I found out
1 2.g5 was the first move I examined but it that they have their flaws too. 12. �g2 should
seems rather premature to me, as White will be answered with 12 ... llJg8!? l3 .g5 f4 14.h4 h6
not be able to support this pawn sufficiently. 1 5 .ghl gf7 16.llJd3 i.f8 17.'.Wgl!? gh7! 1 8.�f1
A good solution lies in 1 2 ... f4! 1 3.h4 h6 14.gf2 .te7 19 .1lJxf4 exf4 20..txf4 �g7!N when I
(after 14 .�g2 gf7 1 5.gh 1 the manoeuvre don't regard White's compensation to be fully
llJf8! 16.llJd3 llJh7 again puts the g5-pawn sufficient. In the other line, namely 12.llJd3,
under serious pressure) 1 4 ... l:!f7 1 5.gh2 llJf8! after 12 ... llJg8! 13.�g2 f4 14 ..td2 h5 1 5 .h3
1 6.llJ d3 llJ h7! 17 .'.Wfl hxg5 1 8.hxg5 �g8 M6 1 6 ..te 1 , Yannis' suggestion of 16 ... gf7!
1 9 .'.Wg2 .td7 and White's g-pawn is already convincingly dismisses any thoughts of a White
heavily exposed. edge and may in fact lead to the opposite.
10.£3 f5 1 l.g4
a b c d e f g h
Variation Index
l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 j,g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 0-0 6.j,e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7
9.�e1 � d7 10.f3 f5 1 l .g4 �h8! 12.�g2!?
12 ... a5
A) 13.h4 � c5 14.exf5!?N gxf5 1 5.j,g5!? �g8!? 1 6.'iMe1 j,d7
17.h5 h6 1 8.j,e3 b6 19.'iMd2 'iMfS 20.�ae1 �h7 151
AI) 2 1 . � b5 1 52
Al) 2 1 .j,d1 1 53
B) 1 3.j,e3 � c5 1 54
B1) 1 4.h3 1 54
B2) 14.h4 �g8 1 56
B2 1 ) 15.g5N 1 56
B22) 1 5.exf5 158
B23) 1 5.'iMd2 1 59
B24) 1 5.a3!? 1 60
B25) 1 5.�f2 161
B26) 15.�b1 1 62
B27) 1 5.�c1!? 1 64
823) after 26.Wc3 825) after 1 5 .:i::1 f2 826) after 23.fxe4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h a b e d e f g h a b e d e f g h
26 . . . c6!N 1 5 . . b6!?N
. 2 3 . . . ltJ g3!N
Chapter 1 2 - 1 2 .ttJg2 ! ? 151
l .d4 til f6 2.e4 g6 3.tilc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.til£3 I S .�f2 c6!

0-0 6.Ae2 e5 7.0-0 til e6 8.d5 til e7 9.tilel I S . . . h6 1 6..ixe7 Wfxe7 1 7.�h l c6 I B .hS gS
til d7 1 0.£3 f5 1 l .g4 <bh8! 12.tilg2!? 1 9 . ttJ e l
=
A move introduced by Pinter and Lukacs, l S . . . .id7 1 6.�h l .ieB 1 7. ttJ e l h6 I B . .ixe7
and later employed by Miladinovic. The idea is Wfxe7 1 9 . ttJ d3 ttJxd3t 20 . .ixd3 �gB 2 1 .Wfg l
to play h2-h4 and maybe exfS , often followed .if6 22.gS hxgS 23.hxgS .ixgS 24.Wfh2 Wfg7
by g4-gS and f3-f4. Otherwise, White will keep 2S .cS�
things stalled on the kingside and try to slowly
open up lines on the other wing. However, the
knight is passive on g2 and this impedes the
success of the plan.
12 ... a5
Black must first establish the d7 -knight
on cS before moving the e7-knight to gB.
Now White's two most common moves are
A) 1 3.h4 and B) 13.Ae3.
A) 13.h4 til e5 a b e d e f g h
White now has another choice. 1 6.�h l .if6!

1 6 . . . Wfb6 1 7.�f1 ttJ gB I B .hSt
1 7 . .ixf6 t �xf6+
In view of the unnatural placement of the
white king, Black seems to have an edge.
After 1 4 . exf5 ! ? , my analysis p roduced the

following line:
14 ... gxf5 15.Ag5!?

l S .gS? f4+ prevents the formation White
wants and achieves a favourable one for Black.
a b e d e f g h
14.exf5!?N
It is surprising that this has not been played
here before. Most games continue with
1 4 . .ie3 , transposing to line B2.
1 4 . .igSN
This should be answered as follows:
1 4 . . .f4!
14 ... WfeB ! ? 1 S .hS fxg4 1 6 . fxg4 gxhS 1 7.gxhS
ttJ gB 1 B .Wfd2 .ih3 1 9 .�h2 Wfd7
1 52 1 0 . 6 f5 1 1 .g4
I 5 .. J�g8!? 24.ic2 is more logical . I think Black should

15 ... f4 1 6.h5 if6 1 7.ixf6t :gxf6 1 8 .id3 is go for 24 . . . e4 2 5 .g5!? (2 5 . fxe4 Wixg4 26.:gf2
unclear. :gae8 27.exf5 liJ c8+) 2 5 . . . ixg5 26.fxe4
liJ xe4 27.ixe4 fxe4 28 .ixg5 Wixg5 29 .Wixg5
I 6.'i:Ye1 i.d7 I7.h5 h6 I8.i.e3 b6 I9.'i:Yd2 :gxg5 30.:g0t :gg7 3 1 .:gxg7t �xg7 32.liJf4
'i:YfS 20J:�ae1 �h7 �f6 33.:gxe4 :gg8t 34.'it>f2 :gg5 3 5 .:ge6t
�f5 36.:gxe7 �xf4 37.:gxc7 :gxh5't with a
slight advantage in the ensuing rook ending,
8
although objectively the game should end in
7 a draw.
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
The path splits once more: AI) 2 1 .ttl b5 or

Al) 2 1 .i.dl .
a b e d e f g h
2 1 .f4 if6 22.fxe5 (22.id l Wig7 23.fxe5
ixe5 24.if4 if6 2 5 . � h l :gae8't) 22 . . . ixe5 24 ... a4!?
23.id4 ixd4t 24.Wixd4 Wig7+ leaves White A strong move, eliminating the possibility of
with a worse king and bishop, as well as being ixc5 in case the a8-rook comes to e8.
vulnerable on the dark squares. In addition, the
pawn on h5 could easily turn into a weakness. An unclear game arises after 24 ... e4 25 .ixc5
bxc5 26.fxe4 fxg4 27.e5! dxe5 2 8 . d6 cxd6
AI) 2 1 .ttlb5 i.xb5! 22.cxb5 i.f6 29.Wixd6t, although it is actually White who
23.i.dI 'i:Yg7 has the initiative then.
Producing another situation where Black 24 . . . :gae8 2 5 .ixc5 bxc5 26.Wixa5°o is

is better placed and has attacking chances, complicated, but the onus is on Black to prove
mostly due to the possibility of . . . e4. compensation for the pawn.
24.�hl!? 25.i.c2 e4!

Removing the king from a dark square and A typical breakthrough for such positions.
the sensitive g-file.
26.i.xc5 bxc5 27.ttlf4
After 24.:gf2 :gae8 ! , with the idea 2 5 .ixc5?! 27.fxe4 a3! is quite difficult for White.
bxc5 26.Wixa5 e4+, Black i s fine.
Chapter 1 2 - 1 2 . lLl g2!? 1 53
2 1 .. ..ifG 22 ..ic2 'lWg7

Also interesting is the thematic sequence:
22 . . . e4! ? 23.gxfS
23 . .id4°o
23.tDbS .ixbS 24.cxbS Wlg7 transposes to
the note on 24 . .ic2 in line Al above.
23 . . . tD d3 24. fxe4 tD xe 1 !
24 . . . tD xb2 2 S .eS tD xc4 26 . .ixh6 W1 f7 27.exf6
tD xd2 28Jhe7 Wlxe7 29.fxe7 tD xfl 30 . .if4
\t>g7 3 1 .\t>xfl \t>f6 32.tDh4±
2S .Wlxe I Wlg7 26.Wlf2 Wlg4°o
White definitely has compensation for the
exchange as his pawns obstruct the activity of
the e7-knight, yet Black may not be worse, in
view of the exposed position of the king on g 1 .
23.ge2 gafS 24.ttlel!

To bring the rook t o e 2 , fully coordinating
the white army.
29 . .idl a3 30.b3 gae8!-+
There is no need for Black to take the 8
exchange; he is so strong on the dark squares
that White will have a tough job remaining in
7
the game. 6
5
A2) 2 1 ..idl
4
It seems most logical to try to deploy the 3
inactive bishop to c2.
2
1
a b e d e f g h
24 ....ig5!
Exchanging dark-squared bishops is almost
always good for Black in the King's Indian,
especially in the Classical system.
25J:�g2 �h8 26 . .ixg5 'lWxgS 27.£4! exf4

28.gxf5 'lWfG 29.ttle2 gxg2t 30.clLJxg2 .txf5
3 1 .ttlexf4
3 1 .1'l:xf4 Wlg7 3 2 . tD d4 .ixc2 33.1'l:xf8t Wlxf8
a b e d e f g h 34.Wlxc2 Wlg7 3 S .Wld2 tD e4 36.Wle3 tD g3 is no
worse for Black.
1 54 1 0 .f3 f5 1 1 .g4
8
Black must gain space to build up his attack.
1 7 . . . .th6?! 1 8 . .tf2! is less clear. The exchange of
7 dark-squared bishops has to either be achieved
6 forcefully, or yield a concrete gain in the case
of its prevention by White.
5
4 I S ..ifl h5
The knight on g2 is looking fairly miserable,
3
and at the same time White cannot block the
2 kingside, a fact that gives Black chances for a
1
successful attack:
a b e d e f g h
3 1 . .. lWg7 32.Lf5 grlS 33.t'ilg6t ebh7=

With equality.
Now White can choose how far to push his

h-pawn; we will consider Bl) 14.h3 and
B2) 14.h4.
Bl) 14.h3
This covers g4 with an extra unit, but it looks

passive. At the same time, it does not prevent
Black from infiltrating on the kingside in the
future.
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
1
2
b e d f
1
a e g h
14 ... b6 1 5.b3 .id7 1 6.lWc2 t'il gS 17.gadl f4!

a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 2 - 1 2 . ltJ g2 ! ? 155
27.i.el 28 .�d3!?N hxg4!

27.g5N is an attempt to slow down the 28 . . . ltJ g5 29.h4 ltJ xf3t 30.�dxf3 hxg4
momentum of the enemy's pressure by 3 1 .�xf4 exf4 32.ltJ xf4f± leads to a position
preventing the black knight from coming to with chances for both sides, as the wave of
g5 , but it doesn't succeed as Black can now the Black pawns has been annihilated at the
attack fiercely with a direct g-pawn push: cost of an exchange.
27 .. .ixg5 28.�a1 W!d7 29.h4 ie7 30.a5 g5 29.fxg4 W!d7 30 .W!c2!
3 1 .hxg5 �g8 ! 32.W!b2 �hg7 33.a6 This may have been more tenacious, for
example:
��'0 ��'0 �"I_

8
7 8
�
8 "• , • • .,
6 7
.lr� 'lr. � ��i'

.
6
�� . Q � '%"
"A��
� � ""��
5
��M �!:
� �
.""�� 8��
5
4
�
3 � 4
2
��l.��
n��• ��;��
�lLl� " ",//. 3
1 ""�'' ' ''� �_iw 2
a b e d e f g h
33 . . . W!h3!! 34.ie 1 (34.ih4 ltJ f7-+) 34 . . . �xg5 a b e d e f g h
3 5 .�a2 ltJ g4! A masterly offer, rejecting 30 . . . �g7!?

material and playing for the attack. 36. fxg4 Preparing even more pressure on the h-file.
�xg4 37.a7 f3 38.�xf3 W!xf3 39 .a8=W! �xg2t 3 1 .�c3! �c8!
40.W!xg2 W!xg2t 4 1 .�xg2 �xa8+ The result 3 1 . . .id8 ?! blocks the rook.
of the complications is a better endgame for 32 .id2
Black, with a valuable extra pawn. In case of 32.W!c l !? ltJ g5 33 .h4 ltJf7 34.g5
ixg5 3 5 . hxg5 W!g4 36.id2 �ch8 37.ixf4
8
�h 1 t 38.�f2 �xfl t 39.W!xfl exf4 40 .W!e2
W!xg5 4 1 .W!f3 ltJe5 42.�xc7t �g8 43 .�c8t
7 � f7 44.�c7t �e8 45 .W!c3 ltJ g4t 46.'it>e2
6 f3t! 47.W!xf3 ltJe5 48 .�c8t �e7 49.�xh8
ltJ xf3 50.�h7t �f6 5 1 .'it>xf3 W!d2 5 2 . ltJ e3
5 W!xb4+1+ it is obvious that White is
4 struggling, but a draw might be attainable.
32 . . . ltJ g5
3
The standard technique, luring the pawns
2 forward so as to achieve an open line by
1
sacrificing the bishop.
33.h4 ltJ f7 34.g5 ixg5 ! 3 5 . hxg5 ltJxg5 36.ie 1
a b e d e f g h
27 ... � f7 28.i>f2?!
A mistake in a difficult position. But even if
a solution existed, it was very hard to find it.
1 56 1 0 . f3 f5 1 1 .g4
8 B2) 14.h4 ttlg8
This can be considered our tabiya for the

7
6
1 2 .lLlg2!? line. Black's main focus is the g4-
5 pawn from now on.
4
a b e d e f g h
36 . . . c5!! 37.dxc6 W!g4 38 .id2

Although the resulting position looks
onerous for White, I haven't quite been able
to find a win. For example:
38 . . . lLlh3t 39Jhh3 W!xh3 4o.ixf4 g5 !!
4 1 .W!d2!
4 1 .ixg5 ?? W!h2t 42.�f2 Elf8t 43.�el
W!g3t-+
4 1 . . . gxf4 42.W!xd6 Ele8 43.Elf3!! W!xf3 44.W!d7t
'it>h6 4 5 .W!xe8't
28 ... hxg4 29.fxg4 �g7 30J�d3 V9d7-+

White is simply doomed. The pawns at h3
and e4 are juicy targets. 1 5 .W!c2 b6!N+± and 1 5 .b3 b6!+± are similar to
the lines discussed below, and both offer good
play for Black.
B2 1) 15 .g5N
Rather premature, giving Black targets on the

kingside.
a b e d e f g h
3 1 .�e2 ttl g5 32.ih4 ttlxe4 33.�f3 ixh4

34.�xe4 J.g3! 35J�xg3 fxg3 36.V9xg3 Elxa4
37.V9c3 Elxh3! 38.V9xh3 Elxb4t 39.�f3 V9f7t
0- 1 Miladinovic - Istratescu, Elista 1 998.
Chapter 1 2 - 1 2 . tLl g2 ! ? 1 57
15 ... b6! 17 ...hf5 18.f4

1 5 .. . f4?! 1 6.�xc5! ( l 6.�f2 h6=F) 16 . . . dxc5 I B .h5 gxh5! 1 9 . tLl h4 tLl e7+
1 7.'it>f2;!; illustrates what White is aiming for.
White's choice is rather unappetizing:
16.Wfd2
Neither this nor the alternatives offer White
a clear (or good) plan:
1 6.exf5 ? ! �xf5+
1 6.h5?!
19 ... gxh5 20.J.xh5 :B:ffS 2 1 .fxe5 he5

Black is at least equal.
22.J.d4 tLl d3! 23.tLl b5

a b e d e f g h
23.�xe5t tLl xe5+
1 6 . . . gxh5! ( l 6 . . . f4 1 7.�xc5 bxc5 I B .h6 Wlxg5
1 9 .hxg7t 'it>xg7 20 .Wle l �h3 2 l .Wlf2 tLl f6
22.'it>h2 �d7 23 .Wlh4;!;) 1 7.Wle l �d7 I B .Wlh4
�eB 1 9 .f4 tLl e7+
16 .. J�f7!
Highlighting White's inability to undertake
anything of substance on either flank.
Instead, committal is: 1 6 .. .f4 1 7.�xc5 bxc5

I B .'it>f2 a4 1 9 .:B:h l °o
17.exf5
Aiming to break through with the f-pawn .
White's other options are weaker:
1 7. tLl e l is met by 1 7 . . . �fB� or 1 7 . . . Wld7!?
1 7.b3 f4! Now Black is ready for this : I B .�xc5

bxc5 1 9 .'it>f2 h6 20.:B:h l �fB+
1 58 1 0 . f3 f5 1 1 .g4
B22) 15.exf5 gxf5 16.g5 2 1 .i.d3

2 l .hS!N E1b6! 22.b3 E1gB 23.cS E1b4 24.ic4
Intending 1 7.f4±. ifS 2 S . d6 E1xc4 26.bxc4 cxd6°o is a better try
for White.
8
2 1 . E1g6!
7
•.
Black has tremendous attacking chances,

6 as gS is a fragile defensive point.
5 22.E1f2?!
4 A human reaction, but it is not enough.
3 The computer choice 22.Vfid2!?N should be

2 answered with 22 . . . c6! 23.E1ac l , and now:
1
a) 23 . . . tLl d4?! 24.d6!? (24.E1f2 h6�)
a b e d e f g h 24 . . . h6 2 S .Vfie l ! ? ifS 26.cS hxgS 27.hxgS
1 6 £4! 17.,bc5
••• dxc5 18.tLJe4 tLJ e7! ixe4 2B .Vfixe4! ? (2B.ixe4 E1xgS 29.r,!(f2
1 9.tLJxc5 E1xg2t=)
1 9 .Q;>f2N, followed by E1h l , has been
suggested as an improvement, but after
1 9 . . . tLl fS 2o.E1h 1 tLl g3! 2 1 .tLl xg3 fxg3 t
22. Q;>xg3 Vfi d6--+ the white king is caught in an
unpleasant situation, and it cannot flee from
g3 without heavy consequences.
1 9 tLJ f5 20.tLle4
•••
8
b e d f g h
7 a e
2B . . . E1f5! 29.Q;>f2 VfixgS 30.E1h l t Q;>gB 3 1 .E1cg l

6 Vfig3t 32.r,!(fl E1fgS 33.d7 i f6 34.tLl xf4! Vfixf4
5 3 S .Vfixg6t E1xg6 36.E1xg6t Q;>f7 37.E1h7t Q;>fB
3B .E1hBt r,!(f7 39.E1xf6t Vfixf6 4o .ic4t Q;>g7
4 4 1 .dB=Vfi Vfixf3t 42.Q;>e 1 Vfie3t 43.r,!(d 1 Vfig l t
3 44.Q;>d2 Vfif2t 4S.Q;>d 1 Vfig l t= It is fair to say
that both sides saved their bacon as the game
2
ends in a draw.
1
a b e d e f g h b) 23 . . . h6! ? Now the undermining operation
is in full swing. 24.hS E1xgS 2 S . tLl xgS VfixgS--+
20 J�a6!
••
Black's attack gives him the upper hand as
An aesthetically pleasing rook switch. White has no real counterplay.
Chapter 1 2 - 1 2 . ltJ g2 ! ? 1 59
1 6.h5 f4 1 7.i.xc5 bxc5 1 8 .hxg6 hxg6 1 9. Wf2

i.h6 20J�h 1 Wg7 2 1 .Wd3 ltJ f6 22.:Sh3 i.d7
23.:Sah 1 i.g5 24.i.d 1 a4°o looks at least equal
for Black, who has impressively placed minor
pieces.
16 ... gxf5 17.gS?!

White hope to achieve f3-f4, but he will
never get that far.
Better is 1 7.h5N f4! ? 1 8 .i.xc5 bxc5 1 9 .i.d3

tLl f6 +t , although even in that case Black has
a b e d e f g h nothing to worry about by placing his bishop
22 ... h6 23. 'it>fl hxgS 24.hxg5 :SxgS! on h6 next. The g2-knight remains a bad piece.
2S.c!lhgS c!LJg3t 26.'it>e1 �xgS+
Black had a strong attack in Zilberstein - 17 ... £4! 1 8.i.xcS bxcS 19.c!LJe4
Petrushin, USSR 1 979. 1 9 .i.d3 tLl e7 20.tLlb5 tLl f5 2 1 .:Sfe 1 i.d7+
B23) IS.�d2 19 ... c!LJ e7 20.J.d3 c!LJf5 2 1 .'it>fl �e8! 22.:Sh l?!
Making matters worse. White's only chance
One of the main preferences of the engines, was to prevent the black queen from arriving
but it does not look at all critical. at h5 by: 22.h5!N h6!? (22 . . . Wxh5 23.:Sh 1
WeB 24.:Sh2�) 23.:Sh l ! (23.g6 tLl g3! 24.tLl xg3
fxg3t 2 5 .Wxg3 e4-+) 23 . . . hxg5 24.tLlxg5 i.f6t
Black, nevertheless, keeps the better position.
a b e d e f g h
I S ... b6!?
Rowson's move, seeking to play for a win.
I fully recommend it.
16.exf5
1 6.g5 transposes to line B2 1 above.
1 60 1 0 . f3 fS 1 1 . g4
l S . . . fxg4!?
This is possible, but perhaps a bit premature:
1 6. fxg4 �xfl t 1 7. ctlxfl !
1 7.ixfl ttJ f6+ or 1 7.'Wxfl ttJ b3+
1 7 . . . ttJ f6 1 B .if3
a b e d e f g h
26 ... c6!N
26 . . . ttJ d4 27.�f2 ctlgB 2 B .ttJ e l �fbB 29.�hh2
a4 3o.id3 ctlf7+ Y2-Y2 was Chernuschevich - a b e d e f g h
Rowson, Bratislava 1 993.
1 B . . . ttJ fd7!?N
1 B ... hS?! 1 9 .9S! ttJ g4 2o.ixcS dxcS 2 1 . W g 1
27.dxc6 i.xc6+
if8 22.'Wd2N i d6 23.ttJbS id7 24.ixg4
Black has a significant advantage. Sometimes
ixg4 2S .�fl ± is a static position where
we should remember that pa wn breaks enhance
White's knights are the better minor pieces .
the potential of our well-placed pieces, and
1 9 .9S !
such is the case here.
Th e point o f Black's play i s that 1 9.b3 is
B24) 15.a3!? answered by 1 9 . . . a4! , with the idea: 20.b4
ttJ b3 2 1 .�a2 ttJ d4+
This has been played by Gipslis. Black has 1 9 . . . a4 20.�b 1 ttJb6!
various ways of responding: After 20 ... ttJ b3?! 2 1 . ttJ xa4 ttJ d4, the brilliant
22.ttJ e l ! ! c6 23.ctlg2;!; coordinates White's
forces, depriving us of full compensation.
2 1 .ixcS dxcS 22.ie2
22.ttJe3 ! ?;!;
22 . . . id7 23.'Wd2 ttJ cB 24.'We3 b6 2S.We l !
ttJ d6 26.ctld2 'We7 27.�h 1 ;!;/=
The position is more pleasant for White,
in view of the bad bishop on g7, but should
obviously be a draw. The d6-knight is a fine
blockader as usual.
l S . . . b6N
This is fine too, as White does not have an
a b e d e f g h immediate b2-b4.
1 6. exfS
15 ... � f6
Or 1 6.'Wc2 a4! ? 1 7.ixcS bxcS 1 B . ttJ xa4 fxg4
Th e easiest equalizer.
Chapter 1 2 - 1 2 . ttJ g2!? 161
1 9 . fxg4 tt:l f6 20.tt:le3 i.xg4! 2 1 .tt:l xg4 tt:l xg4 B25) 1 5.�f2
22.�xf8t i.xfB 23.i.xg4 Wlxh4 and Black is
guaranteed at least a draw. A sophisticated move, directed against both
1 6.b4 axb4 1 7. axb4 �xa 1 I B .Wlxa 1 tt:l b3 . . . fxg4 (by having the rook conveniently
1 9 .Wld 1 tt:l d4't is perfect for Black. protected by the e3-bishop) and . . . tt:l f6, as then
1 6 . . . gxf5 1 7.b4! the knight intrusion on g3 (after exf5 followed
1 7.Wlc2?! a4! I B .�ad 1 O B .i.xc5?! bxc5 by g4-g5 and f3-f4) will not come with tempo.
1 9 . tt:l xa4 e4!--+) 1 B . . . tt:l f6t The move has been employed only once, in the
game Gralka - Schmidt, Lubniewicze 1 993.
Black has several ways t o proceed:
a b e d e f g h
1 7 . . . axb4 1 B .axb4 �xa 1 1 9 .Wlxa 1 tt:l b3 2o.Wld 1

tt:l d4 2 1 .i.xd4 exd4 22.tt:lb5 fxg4 2 3 .fxg4
�xfl t 24.i.xfl tt:l h6 25 .g5 tt:l g4 26.i.e2!
26.tt:lxd4?! WlfB 27.tt:lf3 i.c3t a b e d e f g h
26 . . . tt:l e3 27.tt:lxe3 dxe3 2B.Wlfl i.d7 29.Wlf3
1 5 ... b6!?N
I like this traditional recipe the most.
i.xb5 30.cxb5 Wle7 3 1 .i.d3 Wle5=
The position is nothing but a dead draw.
1 5 . . . fxg4?! 1 6. fxg4 �xf2 1 7.i.xf2;l; gives White
16.h5N
a space advantage while getting nothing in
Heading for a blocked structure.
return.
Black has good chances after 1 6.exf5 gxf5
1 7.g5 tt:lh5 I B .f4 tt:l g3 1 9 .�e1 b6! 20.i.d3 1 5 . . . i.d7 was chosen by Schmidt, but I think
(20.i.xc5 bxc5 2 1 .i.d3 �bB?) 20 . . . tt:l xd3 after 1 6.exf5N gxf5 1 7 .g5;l; White has a slight
2 1 .Wlxd3 i.a6 as the two bishops are valuable pull.
creatures. For example: 22.�ac l (22.i.xb6
cxb6 23.Wlxg3 i.xc4't) 22 . . . tt:lh5! 23 .Wld 1 1 5 . . . f4! ? is a solid move, yielding a well-known
WleBoo Black is pressing on both wings, with dra wish structure after: 1 6.i.xc5 dxc5 1 7. WIe 1 !
almost all his pieces excellently placed. ( l 7.g5 h6t) 1 7 . . .i. f6 I B .�fl =
16 ... f4 17 ..hc5 dxc5 1 8.hxg6 hxg6 19.c;!?f2 1 6.exf5

lLl e8 20.�hl t c;!?g8 2 U�h2 .id7 22.Wld3 1 6.Wld2 f4! 1 7.i.xc5 bxc5 1 B .Wle 1 i.f6
lLl d6= 1 9 .�fl a4 2o.Wlf2 i.e7 2 1 .i.d3 tt:l f6+ is better
A typically equal type of position has been for Black in view of his space advantage and
reached. the bad g2-knight.
1 62 1 0. 8 f5 1 1 .g4
1 6 ... gxf5 17JWd2 /t)a6!? 1 5 .. .i.d7

This clever move exploits the position of the A logical move, played by Nunn. It stops the
f2-rook. plan of a2-a3 .
1 7 . . . 11J f6 1 B .g5 llJh5 1 9 . f4 llJ xf4!? 0 9 . . . 11J g3 Also possible is: 1 5 . . . 11J f6!? 1 6.exf5 gxf5 1 7.g5!
20.i8;!;) 20.11J xf4 exf4 2 1 .ixf4!?;!; (2 Uhf4 0 7 .h5? ggB 1 B .h6 MB 1 9 .95 f4! 20.ixc5
ie5 =) gxg5 2 1 .ia3 �d7 22.gf2 �h3 23 .id3
ixh6-+) 1 7 . . . 11J h 5 1 B . f4
17 . . . a4 1 B .ge 1 llJ f6 1 9.95 llJh5 20.f4 llJ g3
2 1 .if3;!; is also slightly better for White.
a b e d e f g h
This has been evaluated as ;!;, but it may not

actually be so after: 1 B . . . llJ g3 1 9 .9f3 11J xe2tN
20 .�xe2 llJ e4f±
a b e d e f g h
1 8.gm. f4! 19 ..tfl h5! 20.g5 /t) e7 2 1 ..td3 1 5 . . . b6!?N is, as we already know, also viable.
'i!Yd7!?+t 1 6. a3 can be met by 1 6 . . . a4! ? 1 7.ixc5 bxc5
With an interesting position. The idea of 1 B . llJ xa4 fxg4 1 9 . fxg4 gxfl t 20.'it>xfl if6!
a queen invasion on h3 causes White severe 2 1 .g5 and now Black has at least a draw:
concern.
8
B26) 15.gbl
7
Once again this i s nothing special. 6
8 4
3
7 V-='-. """,
2
6
5 a b e d e f g h
4 2 1 . . .ixg5 22.hxg5 lMfxg5 23.'it>gl ih3 24.ifl
3 ixg2 25 .ixg2 lMfe3t 26.'it>h 1 (26.'it>h2 llJ h6
27.11Jc3? gfB 2B .lMfe2 lMff4t 29.'Ji g 1 llJ g4-+)
2 26 . . . lMfh6t= (26 . . . 11J h6? does not work with
1
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 2 - 1 2 . lLl g2 ! ? 1 63
the king on h I in view of 27.4Jc3 �fB 2B .Wfe2 17 ... a4!;

Wfg5 29.�f1 +-) Black is already better.
16.b3 1 8.b4?!
White waits. Also possible is: 1 6.Wfd2N Better was I B .ixc5!N bxc5 ( 1 B . . . dxc5
4J f6!? 1 7.h5! ( 1 7.exf5?! gxf5 I B .g5 4Jh5 1 9 .f4 1 9 .bxa4 4J e7!?) 1 9 .bxa4 ( 1 9.b4 ? cxb4 20.axb4
4J g3 20.�f3 4J ce4 2 1 .4Jxe4 4J xe4 22 .Wfc2 c6 WfbB+) although even here after 1 9 . . . 4J f6!
23.fxe5 dxe5't) 1 7 .. . f4 I B .ixc5 dxc5 1 9 .hxg6 White is facing difficulties. For example:
hxg6 20.';i{f2 ih6 !? (20 . . . 4J eB=) 2 1 .�h l c;i{g7 20.4Je3
22.�h3 �hB 23.�bh l Wfe7=
1 6 ... b6!
This useful move has become a recurring
theme of the chapter.
1 6 . . . ih6? 1 7.if2 !± was bad in Berkovic -

Lanka, Pula 1 9B9.
17.a3?!
White crumbles in the war of nerves.
a b e d e f g h
1 7.Wfd2N was logical and best. Then 1 7 . . . 4J f6 2o . . . ih6!! The engines don't see this. 2 1 . 4J g2
I B . exf5 gxf5 1 9 .h5 f4 2o.ixc5 bxc5 2 1 .id3 (2 1 .g5 ixg5 2 2.hxg5 4Jh5--+) 2 l . . .if4!
�gB (2 1 . . . 4J xg4?! 22.fxg4 ixg4 2 3 . 4J e4! ixh5 22.4J xf4?! exf4 23.exf5 gxf5 24.g5 4Jh 5 --+
24. 4J e l f3?! 2 5 .Wfh2!±) 22.4Je4 (22 .Wfc2 With a dangerous attack for Black.
ih6! 23.if5 WfcB 24.4Jh4 e4! 2 5 .ixh7 4J xh7
26.4Jg6t �xg6 27.hxg6 exf3 2B .Wfh2 WffB 1 8 .tl� b3 19.�b5
••
29.gxh7 ixg4 30.c;i{ h l ig7+) 22 . . . 4J xe4 1 9 .�b2 4J d4 20.�d2 WfcB preys on the
23.ixe4 if6 24.a4 ih4 25.4Jxh4 Wfxh4 weakness at g4.
26.Wfh2 Wfg5 looks defendable, albeit more
pleasant for Black. 19 ... � f6 20.exf5 gxf5 2 1 .� c3
A sad necessity.
2 1 .g5 is strongly answered by: 2 1 . . .f4! 22.gxf6

ixf6 23.if2 (23.id2 4J xd2 24.Wfxd2
ixh4-+) 23 . . . �gB 24.c;i{h2 (24.�e l ih3
2 5 .ifl �xg2t 26.ixg2 WfgB 27.c;i{fl Wfxg2t
2 B.c;i{e2 e4-+) 24 . . . �xg2t! 2 5 . c;i{xg2 ixh4
26.�h l Wfg5 t 27.�fl ixf2 2B .c;i{xf2 Wfg3t
29.�fl �gB and White will be mated.
2 1 .h5 f4 22 .if2 e4 is also clearly in Black's

favour.
1 64 1 0 . f3 f5 1 1 .g4
B27) 1 5J�c1!?
Markowski's idea, to go for a2-a3 and b2-b4.
a b e d e f g h
2 1 . .. e4! 22.g5
22. fxe4 t'Ll xg4 23.i.xg4 fxg4+
a b e d e f g h
22 .. .tl�h5 23.fxe4
Reaching a position where Black has a 1 5 ... b6!?N
substantial advantage. Again, I believe this move to be the strongest.
1 5 . . . 'IMI'e7?! was played in Markowski -

Dolmatov, Polanica Zdroj 1 993. Here White
missed the typical:
a b e d e f g h
23 ... ttlg3!N a b e d e f g h
This was given by Vigorito in Attacking Ch ess
- The King's Indian Volum e 1.
1 6. exf5!N ( 1 6.a3?! fxg4 1 7. fxg4 :B:xfl t 1 8 .�xfl
t'Ll f6 1 9.i.f3 i.d7 20.b4?! axb4 2 1 .axb4 t'Ll a4
23 .. .f4!? was played in Pinter - Nunn, 22.t'Llb5 c6! 23.dxc6 bxc6 24.t'Llxd6 [24.'IMI'xd6?
Thessaloniki (01) 1 98 8 , but after 24.i.f2N the 'lMl'f7 -+ 1 24 . . . t'Ll xg4 25 .i.xg4 i.xg4 26.'IMI'xg4
situation would not have been so clear. 'lMl'xd6 was the game continuation.) 1 6 . . . gxf5
1 7.g5!;!; The black queen does not stand so well
24J:�f3 ttlxe2t 25.ttlxe2 fxe4+ on e7 in this type of position as it takes away
White's task of seeking salvation is quite that square from the g8-knight.
unenviable.
Chapter 1 2 - 1 2. lLl g2!? 1 65
1 5 . . . �d7!? is possible. White then has the 23 .�g4?! hxg5 24.hxg5 �xg5 25 .:Bc2 �a6
peculiar idea of: 26.Wd3 lLl f6=F
8
7
6
5
4
3
a b e d e f g h
2
1 6 .�xc5 ! ?N dxc5 1 7.d6 fxg4 1 8. dxc7 Wxc7 1
1 9 .1Lld5 Wd6 20.fxg4 :Bxfl t 2 1 .�xfl lLl e7 a b e d e f g h
22.g5;!; with, perhaps, a very slight pull.
23 ... hxgS 24.h5! tClf6! 25.hxg6 Ve8 26.tCl e3
16.a3!? Vxg6 27..lf3! g4
1 6.b3 �d7 1 7. a3?! a4+ 27 . . . @g7!? 28.<;t>gl �d7 29.:Bh2 :BfB 30.We2
g4 3 1 .:Bg2 lLlh5 32.lLlf5t!=
28J�h2t �g7 29J�g2 g3 30.�gl .lh3

3 1 .tt:J5t i.xf5 32.ex5 Vh6 33.Vd2=
White is j ust in time to hold.
Conclusion
Chapter 1 2 has dealt extensively with one of

White's most important 1 2th-move options
(after 1 0 .f3 f5 1 1 .g4 @h8!) , namely 1 2. lLl g2!?
Besides shielding the white king, this move is
designed to meet the ... lLl e7-g8-f6 manoeuvre
with the typical positional retort e4xf5 followed
by g4-g5 and f3-f4. The downside of White's
plan is that after a good waiting move such
as the recommended 1 2 . . . a5 it is not easy for
him to make progress on either flank if Black
17.,bc5 bxc5 1 8.tt:Jxa4 fxg4 19.fxg4 �hf1 t does not do something really provocative. The
20.�xf1 .lf6 2 1 .g5 .le7 long-term prospects of the g2-knight could
Here this is forced, but Black has excellent easily turn out to be bleak after a timely . . . f4,
counterplay. especially in positions where this advance
does not mean an automatic blockade of the
22.tt:Jc3 h6 23J�c2!? kingside.
Relatively best.
1 66 1 0.f3 f5 1 1 g4
.
White's main moves after I 2 ... a5 are g2-knight is a very bad piece. Therefore, 14.h4
I 3.h4 and 13 .�e3. In the first case, after It'l g8 seems to be best play for both sides, when
the principled continuation 13 .h4 ctJc5 White has a wide variety of moves but no
I 4.exf5!? gxf5 1 5 .�g5!? 8:g8!? 1 6.�el �d7 advantage.
1 7.h5 h6 1 8.�e3 b6 1 9.�d2 �f8 20.8:ae I A 'human' attempt to initiate some action is
\t>h7 we are witnessing an effort by White to I 5 .exf5 gxf5 1 6.g5, but after 1 6 . . . f4! 17.�xc5
achieve control of critical light squares such dxc5 1 8 .ctJ e4 lt'l e7! the black knight is coming
as e4 and f5 on the kingside, and Black's to f5, with at least equal chances.
attempts to nullify this. The most principled Against most other non-committal ideas
try seems to be 2 1 .�dI , but after the fine Black could consider bolstering his position
regrouping 2 1 ...�f6 22.�c2 �g7, followed by with ... b6 and ...�c8-d7 before proceeding
... 8:a8-f8, Black is pressing on the g-file and with kingside activity; an important remark to
keeps the possibility of an exchange of bishops be made here is that if White tries to disrupt
via g5 in hand. In my view the position is Black's plan with a quick a2-a3, Black may
equal, but in practice it is easier for White to even sacrifice his a-pawn for the bishop pair
go wrong. and excellent dark-square control. A line
The standard tabiya of this variation arises demonstrating such a development is 1 5 .8:cl !?
after I3 .�e3 ctJc5, when I4.h3 is too feeble b6!? 1 6.a3!? a4!! I7..txc5 bxc5 I 8.lt'lxa4
in view of 14 ... b6 I 5.b3 �d7 I 6.�c2 It'lg8 fXg4 I 9.fXg4 8:xfl t 20.\t>xfl M6 2 1 .g5 �e7
I 7.8:ad 1 f4! 1 8.�f2 h5 when Black is ensured 22.ctJ c3 h6 when Black's counterplay should
of attacking chances down the h-file, while the suffice for equality.
10.£3 f5 1 l .g4
a b e d e f g h
12.1e3
Variation Index
l .d4 tLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tLlf3 0-0 6. .ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLl c6 8.d5 tLl e7
9.tLle1 tLld7 1 0.f3 f5 1 l .g4 @h8! 12 . .ie3
12 ... tLl g8
A) 13.tLlg2 1 68
B) 13.tLld3 1 69
C) 13J�'d2 171
B) after 1 5 . fxg4 B) after 1 7 . h4 C) after 1 5 .h3
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1 5 . a5!N
.. 1 7 . . J::1 x f2t! 1 5 . . . i.f6!
1 6B 1 0 . f3 f5 I l . g4
I .d4 til f6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 S.ttlO 1 4.if2 h 5 ! ?

0-0 6.i.e2 eS 7.0-0 ttl c6 S.dS ttl e7 9.ttl e1 Th e only thematic move.
til d7 1 0.0 f5 1 1 .g4 cj;lhS! 12.i.e3 In general, . . . gS is not so effective when time
This is an interesting possibility, toying with has been spent on . . . 'it>hB and . . . tLlgB, because
the deployment of the e l -knight. in the resulting structure Black needs to
deploy his knights on g6 and f6. After 14 . . . gS
1 2 ... til gS I S .b4 ( I S .h4? hS! 1 6.gxhS tLl df6! 1 7.hxgS
Preparing to fight for the dark squares. tLl xh5 I B .ih4 tLl e7 1 9 .'it>f2 tLl g6 20Jl:h l
g;,gB+) I S . . . hS 1 6.h3 as 1 7.a3 b6 I B .tLl e l
1 2 . . . a5?! 1 3 . tLl d3! b6 1 4 . a3 f4 1 5 .if2 g5 tLl e7 1 9 .tLld3 tLl f6, the simple 20.�c 1 i leaves
1 6.b4i Black almost a tempo down on line B4 of
Chapter 20 (see page 24 1 ) as he has played
The main three moves detailed in this the useless . . . g;,hB instead of . . . tLl g6 .
chapter will be A) 13.tilgl, B) 13.ttld3 and
C) 13.�d2.
1 3 .gxf5 gxf5 1 4.g;,h l as played in Sitnik

- Rudolf, Bled 2000, should probably be
answered by 14 . . . ih6N 1 5 .ixh6 tLl xh6= with
a good game for Black.
A) 13.ttlg2
a b e d e f g h
1 5 .g5!
A brilliant refutation, found b y Lesiege.
I S .h3 ?! hxg4 (also good is 1 5 . . . if6 1 6.b4
�f7 1 7.cS �h7 I B .\Wd3 tLl h6 1 9 .cxd6
cxd6 20.tLlb5 tLl f7t as in Mirovshchikov -
Solovjov, St Petersburg 2002) 1 6.hxg4 if600
plays into Black's hands, and was easily
drawn in Bolotov - Lobanov, corr. 2002.
I S . . . \WxgS 1 6 .ih4 \Wh6 1 7. tLl b S
This is the point of White's operation, as
now Black's queenside is vulnerable with his
queen missing from its defence.
1 7 . . . g5 I B .if2!
I B .tLlxc7? gxh4 1 9 .tLl xaB h3 20.tLl e l tLl gf6
2 l . tLl c7 �gB 22.tLlbS ifBt 23.g;,h l \Wg6
24.\Wc2 h4! is almost winning for Black.
I B . . . b6! ?
1 3 . . . f4! ?
I B . . . tLldf6 1 9 .tLlxc7 ih3 20.tLlxaB ± was better
A n interesting try, but it doesn't quite seem
for White in Lesiege - Fedorowicz, New York
to work:
Chapter 1 3 - 1 2 .ie3 1 69
1 993, although White eventually lost. 16 b6CD

•••
1 9 . 1lJ xc7 Elb8 1 6 . . . id7°o is also possible. Black can be

In this complicated position there is excellent happy with the position, although admittedly
way to maintain the pressure: White is safer than with the pawn on h4.
Now Black has a thematic reply:
8 .i � .i.� � ��
7 _r __ m"",v..T
6 " " " %_"''' %� ��
i!IiIl 'i��
5 � . K. !.
a b e d e f g h
4 ��
�%'8�
n/" �%/'�h '0%�
��8��
� ltJ� 8 m
20.b4!Ni �
3 �
:d"' ' �BIm ��
White plans a march of his queenside pawns,
without sending his queen out on any wild 2
adventures of her own. Also possible is 20. llJ e6
Ele8 2 1 .Wa4N Elb7 22.Wc6 intending b2-b4
and c4-cS , although the computer thinks that
1 �d""��;� rm" " �
a b e d e f g h
22 . . . Wg6! 23.b4 llJ b 8 24.Wxd6 ixe6 2 S . dxe6
13 .ih6!
••
Elxe6+± is not so bad for Black.

Placing the bishop on this square works
well when White has posted his knight on d3
14.exf5!? rather than g2, as then a siege of f4 is realistic,
1 4.h4 llJ cS transposes into line B2 of
because the d3-knight can be exchanged.
Chapter 1 2 .
14.if2!
14 gxf5 15.Wc2 tLl c5 16J:�ael
•••
Anti-positional is 1 4 .Wd2?! ixe3t I S .Wxe3
1 6 .a3 a4! 1 7.ixcs dxcS 1 8 . llJ xa4 e4 1 9 . fxe4
f4!N ( 1 S . . . b6?! 1 6.exfS gxfS 1 7. f4i) 1 6 .Wf2
id4t 20.� h l id7 2 1 . llJ c3 fxg�
hS 1 7.h3 ( 1 7.gxh S ? gS! 1 8 .cS llJ df6 1 9 .�h l
[ 1 9.Elac l llJh6-+ 1 1 9 . . . llJh6 20.Elgl Elg8-+)
17 ... b6 1 8 .b4 as+ with excellent chances for
Black.
14 fxg4!?
•••
I like this clear-cut move, trying to improve

on Gleizerov's idea witnessed below.
1 4 . . . aS
The Russian player has tried this immediately.
However, White has an improvement here:
1 70 1 0 . 6 f5 I l .g4
a b e d e f g h
1 5 .exf5!?N
1 5 .<JJ g2 b6 1 6J:,(h l ?! ( 1 6.h4N ttJ c5 1 7 .g5 a b e d e f g h
ixg5 = was preferable) 1 6 . . . ttJ c5 1 7. ttJ xc5 1 5 ... a5!N
bxc5 1 8.h4 if4 left Black in control in Most thematic. Black is preparing to occupy
Zarubin - Gleizerov, Voronezh 1 987. c5, in order to reduce White's control over f4
15 ... gxf5 1 6.h4! fxg4!? by trading the d3-knight.
A dynamic solution, but it may not be best.
1 6 . . . ttJ e7 1 7.g5 is evaluated as ;!; by 1 5 . . . if4!? is an interesting way to play for a
Houdini, and will need some more analysis win, which certainly paid off in Naumann -
if Black wants to play the position without Hertel, Krumbach 1 99 1 . That game continued:
exchanging on g4. Perhaps simply 17 . . . ig7, 1 6.ttJ xf4?! Giving Black the e5-square too early.
and if 1 8 .f4 then 1 8 . . . ttJ g6 1 9 .Wld2 b6 1 6 . . . exf4 1 7.id4t ttJe5 1 8 .Wld2 g5 1 9.ixe5t
20.ig3 ttJc 5 , with a playable position. dxe5 20.if3? (20 . ttJ d l !N ttJ f6 2 1 .ttJ f2 c5
1 7. fxg4 E!:xf2 1 8 . ttJ xf2 Wlxh4 1 9 .\t>g2! 22.Wlc3 Wld6oo) 20 ... ttJ f6 2 1 .h3 h5 22 .Wle2
1 9 . ttJ ce4 if4 20.<JJ g2 Wlh2t 2 1 .\t>f3 Wlh6 hxg4 23.hxg4 \t>g7+
22.E!:h l Wlg7 23.g5°o is merely unclear.
1 9 . . . ttJ df6 20.ttJce4 ttJ xe4 2 1 . ttJ xe4 Wle7 22.c5! 16.�g2!?
White should open lines before Black attacks Other moves also have their weak points.
him.
22 . . . dxc5 1 6 .h4 E!:xf2!f2
22 . . . if4 23.cxd6 cxd6 24.E!:xf4 exf4
2 5 .Wld4t Wlg7 26.Wlxg7t \t>xg7 27.E!:c l 1 6.a3 b6! 1 7 .b4
ttJ f6 28.E!:c7t <JJg6 29.ttJxf6 <JJ xf6 30. <JJ f3 1 7.h4 E!:xf2 1 8.\t>xf2 Wlxh4t 1 9 .\t>g2
\t>e5 3 1 .E!:xh7 \t>xd5 32.<JJ x f4 ie6;!; may be ttJ df6 20.E!:h l Wlg5 2 1 .ttJ f2 ttJh5 22.ttJh3
tenable but obviously Black is suffering. ttJ f4t 23.ttJ xf4 exf4 24.e5! Wlxe5 2 5 .Wlc2
23.d6! cxd6 24.Wlxd6 Wlg7 2 5 . ttJ g3! ixg4 Wlg7 26.E!:h3 (26.E!:h2 ttJ f6 27.E!:ah l ixg4!
26.ixg4 Wlxg4 27.Wlxe5t ig7 28 .Wlxc5 ixb2 transposes) 26 . . . ttJ f6! 27.E!:ah l ixg4!!
29.E!:ae 1;1; 28.E!:xh6 if5 29 .id3 ttJh5 30.E!:6xh5 gxh5t
White maintains a small and nagging 3 1 . \t>f1 WI g3't
initiative despite the exchanges. 17 . . . axb4 1 8 .axb4 E!:xa l 1 9 .Wlxa l
This should lead to a draw after the following
15.fxg4 accurate entry:
Chapter 1 3 - 1 2 .ie3 171
8
Interesting, but ultimately inadequate for full
equality, is:
7
17 . . . gS ! ? 1 8 .hS :B:f4!? 1 9 . ttJ xf4!
6
Other moves are favourable for Black:
5 a) 1 9 .if3 :B:xf3! 2o.Wlxf3 ttJ df6 2 1 .ie3
4 ixg4 22.Wlg3 Wle7 23.:B:ae 1 :B:f800 with the
3 idea 24. ttJ f2 ixhS 2 s .ixgS? (2S . ttJ h3 :B:f700)
2S . . .ixgS 26.WlxgS :B:f7=t
2
b) 1 9.ie3 ig7�
a b e d e f g h
1 9 . . . id2! 2o.Wlb2 WIgS !

Seizing the dark squares. White now has to
be content with equality.
2 1 . h4 Wlh6 22.gS ixgS 23.hxgS Wlxgst
24. � h 1 Wlh6t 2S. �g2 ttJcS! 26.bxcS ih3t
27.�g3 id7 2 8 . �g2
2 8 .ig4?? ixg4 29.�xg4 WlhS t 30.�g3
:B:f3t-+ is a quick reminder that it is never
too late to lose.
a b e d e f g h
28 . . . ih3t=
1 9 . . . gxf4! 2o.if3 igS 2 1 .:B:g1 ttJ h6 22.�f1
1 6 b6 17.h4
•••
ttJ f6 23 .Wle2 Wld7 24. � e 1 ttJ hxg4 2S .�d2 h6
With Black's plan becoming even more 26.:B:g2;!;
visible, White launches his own counter Black is certainly very solid, but it is White
action. who will be calling the shots.
On the contrary, after 1 7 . . . :B:xf2t! Black has

8 full compensation:
7
1 8.ttJxf'2 Y!Yxh4 19.:B:hl Y!Ye7;;
6
The engines rate this as equal, yet some more
5 analysis is required. There is an abundance of
4
life left in the position .
3 C) 13.Y!Yd2
2
The main move in practice, controlling h6 and
1 keeping Black guessing about the future of the
a b e d e f g h e l -knight. However, in my opinion it is non
critical.
17 :B:xf'2t!
• .•
The accurate choice.
17 . . . ttJc S ? 1 8 . ttJ xcS bxcS 1 9 .9S±

1 72 1 0 . f3 f5 I l .g4
17.WI'e1
Trying to get rid of the h4-bishop as quickly
as possible.
17 . .td l Elf7 1 8 .i>g2 Elh7 1 9 .Elh l liJ f8 ! 20.c5

.txf2 2 1 .Wxf2 g5 22.cxd6 cxd6 23.Elcl .td7
24 . .ta4 .txa4 2 5 . liJ xa4 liJ g6't is at least slightly
better for Black.
a b e d e f g h
13 ... £4!
The key advance, preparing to exchange
dark-squared bishops and ensuring Black of a
good game.
14 ..tfl h5 15.h3 a b e d e f g h
1 5 .h4? g5!=t
26.b4 liJ f6 27.liJab2 Wd7-+ was Jacimovic
- Vukic, Kassel 1 98 8 . Black is already
15 ....tf6!
threatening to take on e4 with the knight, and
I like this direct move, continuing with the
has great pressure.
plan of exchanging bishops.
1 5 . . . Elf7 1 6. liJ d3 M6 1 7.c5!?N is less clear.
16.ltld3
1 6. liJ g2?! liJ h6!N-+ is perfect for Black.
16... .th4
a b e d e f g h
17 ....t&t 1 8.WI'& Elf7 19.�g2 gh7

20.ghl ltlf8!
Again, the key move; the knight heads to g6.
2 1 .c5 g5 22.h4
22.a4 liJ g6 23.a5 liJ h4t 24.i>fl liJ f6 2 5 . b4
Chapter 1 3 - 1 2 .ie3 1 73
�g7 26.� e l was similarly good for Black in Conclusion

Rodin - Peli, corr. 2002. Now the second
player should have continued with 26 . . . a6!N Chapter 1 3 has dealt with the flexible 1 2 .ie3,
with the idea 27.cxd6?! cxd6 2 B . lLl a4? hxg4 keeping the deployment of the e l -knight
29.hxg4 ixg4!+. as an open question. After 1 2 . . . lLl gB White
can choose to move it to either g2 or d3, or
postpone this decision by first reinforcing the
dark squares with 1 3 .Wd2.
1 3 . lLl g2 a5! only has independent
significance if White plays 1 4.exf5 ! ? at this
point (instead, 1 4 .h4 lLl c5 would transpose to
the previous chapter) . After 1 4 . . . gxf5 1 5 .Wc2
lLl c5 1 6J:!:ae l b6 the ensuing struggle appears
complex to me, but overall, Black's position
makes a healthy impression.
After 1 3 . lLl d3 I concluded that Black should
follow a very concrete recipe; 1 3 . . . ih6!
1 4 .if2! fxg4!? 1 5 . fxg4 a5!, preparing slowly
but surely to occupy c5, in order to exchange
the d3-knight and eventually conquer the
f4-square. My main line was 1 6.�g2!?
( l 6.h4 :1:!:xf2!+t i s a n important point) 16 . . . b 6
1 7.h4 :1:!:xf2t! I B .lLl xf2 Wxh4 1 9 .:1:!:h l We7�
with good compensation for Black, who has
the bishop pair and a pawn in return for the
exchange, as well as some beautiful control on
the dark squares.
The main option of the chapter, namely
1 3 .Wd2, is strongly met with the cramping
1 3 .. .f4!, Inltlanng dangerous kingside
pressure. After 1 4 .if2 h5 1 5 .h3 if6! 1 6 . lLl d3
( l 6 . lLl g2?! lLl h6! is a major point to remember)
Black trades bishops by 1 6 . . . ih4, obtaining an
excellent position. Then, the follow-up 1 7.We l
ixf2t I B .Wxf2 :1:!:O 1 9 .�g2 :1:!:h7 20.:1:!:h l
lLl f8 ! illustrates a typical way of deploying our
pieces, with the idea of . . . g5 and . . . lLl f8 -g6
being unstoppable. I think that the resulting
structure is easier to play with Black who has
scored quite well whenever he reached it in
practice.
10.£3 f5 1 l.g4
a b c d e f g h
12.h4!�
Variation Index
l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 �c6 8.d5 �e7
9.�e1 �d7 1 0.f3 f5 1 l .g4 @h8!
1 2.h4!?
A) 1 2 ... c6 175
AI) 13.@g2 176
Al) 13.g5!N 177
B) 12 ... � f6! 179
B 1 ) 13.�g2 1 80
B2) 13.�d3! 181
A I ) after 20.cxd5 B2) note to 1 4.a4! B2) after 1 6.�e3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
20 . . . fxe4!N 23 . . . 'MIe6N 1 6 . . Jlc8!N

Chapter 1 4 - 1 2.h4!? 1 75
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.� c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 24.lLlxd6 �c6 25 .c5 �xa4� is excellent for
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 �c6 S.d5 � e7 9.� e1 Black too.
� d7 1O.f3 f5 l 1 .g4 �hS! 1 2.h4!? 2 1 . . .lLl xe4! 22.lLlxe4 cxd5 23.cxd5 lLl xd5--+
Black gets two pawns and lasting pressure
against the white king, as his bishop will soon
be well-placed on c6.
1 3 .ie3
The most commonly played move by White,
but I see no reason for Black to fear the
ensuing variations.
1 3 . . . lLl f6! 1 4 .lLld3
1 4.E:c 1 N �d7! proves to be okay for Black
after a small skirmish: 1 5 .c5!? fxg4 1 6. fxg4
lLl xg4 1 7.E:xfBt ixfB 1 B .ixg4 �xg4t
1 9 .�xg4 ixg4 20.cxd6 lLl cB=
a b e d e f g h
A continuation designed to keep the

kingside under control, and perhaps even close
it if things go well on the other flank. Black has
a choice: A) 12 ... c6 or B) 12 ... �f6!.
A) 12 ... c6
This refined move by Radjabov may not be

best, but it contains many interesting nuances
and tricks. It is instructive to see how to best a b e d e f g h
deal with AI) 13.�g2, before moving on to
1 4. . .b5!?
the interesting novelty Al) 13.g5!N.
1 4 . . . b6 may n o t be bad either, for example:
1 5 .�g2 id7 1 6 .id2 cxd5 1 7.cxd5 b5 1 B .h5
1 3 . a4N
fxe4 1 9 . fxe4 gxh5 20.g5 lLl g4 2 1 .E:xfBt
Logical, in anticipation of . . . b5. However,
�xfB 22.�h 1 �f7 23 .�h3 a5 24.E:fl �eB
Black can gain a dangerous initiative:
2 5 . a3 E:cB't Black was dictating events in
1 3 . . . �b6t! 1 4.cj;>g2 fxg4!
Konstantinov - Yarmolyuk, email 20 1 1 .
1 4 . . . a5 1 5 .ig5 ! ? may cause Black some
1 5 . lLl b4
problems.
1 5 .c5!? cxd5 1 6.cxd6 �xd6 1 7.ic5 �e6
1 5 . fxg4 E:xfl 1 6.ixfl lLl f6 1 7 .ie2 a5! 1 B .E:a3
1 B .g5 lLlh5 1 9 .exd5 lLl xd5 20.ixfB i.xfB
id7 1 9 .E:b3 �c7 20 .ie3 E:fB
2 1 .lLl xd5 �xd5 22.lLlf2 �e6 23.ixb5 ib7�
White is left with a weak g4-pawn and a
gave Black good compensation for the
general looseness in the centre.
exchange in Pilkin - Zavrazhnov, corr. 20 1 2 .
2 1 . lLl d3
1 5 . . . cxd5 1 6.cxd5 id7=
Aiming to regroup by bringing the knight
Black held comfortably in Rumiancevas -
to f2.
Winkler, corr. 2009.
2 1 .ib6 �cB 22.g5 lLl xe4 23.lLl xe4 cxd5
1 76 1 0 . 6 f5 I l . g4
AI) 1 3.�g2 19.'!Wd2 cxd5 20.cxd5 ttl eg8?!

Black still stands well, but it is surprising
Played by Eljanov, this move allows Black to that Radjabov didn't go for the following
carry out his plan of . . . b 5 . continuation: 20 . . . fxe4!N 2 1 . fxe4
a b e d e f g h
2 1 . . .ltJ exd5 ! 22.exd5 ltJ xd5 23.�h2 Wl'c6+

With a powerful attack.
2U�ac1 .ta8 22.'lWc2

22.h5 h6 23.ih4 fxg4 24. fxg4 gxh5 2 5 . gxh5
Wl'e8OO holds possibilities for either side.
15.b3?!
The most popular move in this position, but 22 JH'7 23.'lWd3?!
••
to me it seems highly dubious. 1 5 . ltJ b4N cxd5 23.ltJb2!?N looks to be an improvement

1 6. cxd5 id7 leads to equality. here, as the queen seems misplaced on d3. I
would advise the reader to follow the stem
game to its conclusion, with Black giving an
exemplary lesson in how to play these types of
position.
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 4 - 1 2 .h4!? 1 77
23 ... � e7 24.c�gl h5! 25.Lffi E1xf6 26.g5 cxd5 22.cxd5 E1c8 23.E1el Wxa2 24.ltJe l !;!;
fxe4 27ixe4 E1f4 28.E1c4 E1xh4 29.Wg3 E1f4 White is better, as his extra piece counts for
30.�d3 .bd5! 3 1 .exd5 �c4 32.bxc4 Wxa4 more than the three black pawns.
33.c5 Wxa2 34.cxd6 � f5 35.E1xf5 Wxe2
36.E1fl We4 37.d7 Wxd5 38.�h2 �h7 Next, I thought it may be possible to settle
39.E1f6 Wxd7 40.�xe5 Wd2t on c5 without checking on b6 as the queen
Black triumphed in Eljanov - Radjabov, is vulnerable there. However, after l 3 . . . a5
Elista 200B. 1 4 .ie3 ( l 4. ltJ d3 b6oo) 1 4 . . . cxd5 1 5 . cxd5 b6
1 6 . ltJ c2! ltJc5 1 7. ltJ a3! f4 I B .if2 ih3 1 9.E1e l
A2) 13.g5!N h6 20.lt>h2;!; White still maintains a nagging
pull.
This move shuts the e7-knight out of play and
looks much more difficult to handle. It took I also switched to ideas involving . . . a6, but
me a lot of time and effort to fully understand they don't seem to work either:
the complexities of this position. 1 3 . . . a6 1 4 .ie3!
White plays simply, avoiding any
complications and making it difficult to find
any serious counterplay.
Instead, 1 4.dxc6 Wb6too or 1 4. a4 Wb6t
1 5 .r,f;g2 a5 or 1 4. ltJ d3 b5! all offer Black
excellent chances.
a b e d e f g h
13 ... � c5!
After much consideration, I arrived at the
conclusion that this knight move should be a b e d e f g h
played immediately.
1 4 . . . cxd5
14 .. . f4 1 5 .if2 c5 1 6. ltJ d3;!; is solid but
My first idea was to establish the knight on
passive.
c5 by means of 13 . . .'IWb6t?! 1 4.r,f;g2 a5?!, but
1 5 .cxd5 b5 1 6.ltJd3!
after the correct 1 5 . ltJ c2! ltJ c5 1 6 .ie3 ! Black
Avoiding the needless complications of
is suffering: 1 6 . . . fXe4 Trying to j ustify his play
1 6 . a4?! b4 1 7.ltJ b l a5 I B .ib5 ib7 1 9 .1tJd2
by tactical means. (Instead, after 1 6 . . . cxd5
ltJb6 20.ltJd3 ltJ bxd5 2 1 . exd5 ltJ xd5�.
1 7. cxd5 id7 I B .'IWd2 E1acB 1 9 . 1tJ a3! Black is
16 ... ltJ b6 1 7.b3! id7
positionally worse as White controls all the
17 . . . ib7 I B .Wd2 E1bB 1 9 .E1ae l iaB
critical squares on the queenside.) I analysed
20. ltJ d 1 !;!;
the following line: 1 7. fXe4 E1xfl I B . ,.hfl
I B .E1e l WbB!?
Wxb2 1 9 .Wd2 ltJ xe4!? 20.ltJxe4 if5 2 1 .if3
1 78 1 0 . f3 f5 1 1 .g4
If 1 B . . . a5?! 1 9 .tLlb2!! then suddenly b 5 is a l s ... lil b7!?

gruelling weakness that forces Black onto I prefer this positionally sound move.
the defensive. After 1 9 . . . ElbB 20.Wd2! b4
(20 . . . Elf7 2 1 .a4 bxa4 22.bxa4t) 2 1 .tLl ca4 1 5 . . . tLl a6 1 6.Wb3!
tLl xa4 22.tLlxa4;l; White keeps all the pressure 1 6. tLl d3?! b5 1 7.cxb5 cxd5+
in view of his superior minor pieces. 1 6 . tLl c2!? is also possible and needs further
1 9 . tLl b4 Wb7 analysis.
This is the right defensive plan, but White It now proves unrealistic for Black to carry
keeps an edge. out . . . b 5 :
20.Wd2;l; 1 6 . . . f4
This move carries with it a concealed trap if
14 ..ie3 White becomes careless.
Clearly the only critical reply. No better is 1 6 . . . tLl c7, when White generates
a massive queenside advance with 1 7.a4! f4
1 4.tLld3?! tLl xd3 1 5 .ixd3 b5! is at least equal 1 B .id2! a5 1 9 . tLld3! tempting his opponent
for Black. to create weaknesses in order to block it:
19 . . . c5 20.bxc5 (20 . b 5 ! ? , intending a
After the tempting 1 4.b4 tLl a6 1 5 .a3, there sacrifice on f4 in the future, is not out of the
comes: 1 5 . . . tLl c7 (The experimental 1 5 . . . cxd5!? question.) 20 . . . bxc5 2 1 .tLlb5i
1 6. cxd5 Wb6t 1 7.�g2 id7 1 B. tLl c2 ElacB
1 9 .id2 fxe4 20.fxe4 Elf4!? needs analysis.)
1 6 .ie3 ( 1 6 . tLld3?! b5+) 16 .. .f4 1 7 .if2 ih3
1 B .tLl g2 h6 1 9 .�h2 Wd7 20.c5 cxd5 2 1 .exd5
(2 1 .cxd6 ixg2 22.�xg2 Wxd6=) 2 1 . . . tLl f5
22.tLle4 ixg2 23.�xg2 dxc5 24.d6 tLl e6
2 5 . tLl xc5 tLl xc5 26.bxc5 b6! 27.Wd5 bxc5oo/=
a b e d e f g h
1 7.id2!
1 7.if2 ih3 1 B . tLl g2 c5 1 9 .a3 h6°o
17 . . . tLl c7 1 B .a4! Wd7 !? 1 9 .Elf2!;l;
With the better game. Instead, 1 9 . tLl d3?!
allows a brilliant drawing resource: 1 9 ... Wh3
20 .ie 1 ib7! 2 1 .Elcl cxd5 22.cxd5 tLl cxd5!!
23.exd5 e4 24. tLl xe4 ixd5 2 5 .Wd 1 ixe4
26.fxe4 id4t 27.if2 Wg3t 28.�h 1 Wh3t=
16.lild3 cS!?
16 ... id7 1 7.Wb3 ElcB ?! 1 B .a4! is annoying.
An interesting position arises after the text

move.
Chapter 1 4 - 1 2.h4!? 1 79
17.bxc5 B) 1 2 ./t:J f6!

••
Most logical.
8 � %%�.r�""'%%·"4"'''Y.%i'�''''
�J.� � �B 11
7 � ' r� ., � ,
1 7. a4 is answered with the clever: 1 7 . . . cxb4 '�
1 8 . lLl xb4 Wfd7!+t

6 ' ' , %�� %. � _l � ""' """ '
1 7.\Wb3 id7 I B .a4 cxb4 1 9.Wfxb4 lLl cBt.I=

may well be White's best, but on the other o � K_i �
5 �� '� �Y!%
hand Black's position is difficult to break down.
: 0 �� ' !'�
2 !O" N �'� ��
1 7. a3!? id7 I B J�b 1 Wfc7 1 9 .Wfd2 E:f7 20.bxc5
dxc5 2 1 .a4 lLl d6 22.Wfa2 E:afB 23.a5 lLl ecB is
� �,�
1 �� vm �
%""},,,,�� ,� %'''//.
evaluated as highly as 0.40 by the computers,
but this is rather hard for me to understand.
��
Black, with his fine blockading knights, stands a b e d e f g h
rock solidly. While we have seen that the lines after
1 2 . . . c6 offer interesting possibilities for both
sides, my personal preference is for this knight
move. I am less concerned if White follows up
with Bl) 13.lL\g2, while B2) 13.lL\d3! looks
best.
1 3 .ie3?! Wfd7!
The game has already turned slightly in
Black's favour. For example:
1 4.c5!?
Surprisingly, the computers consider
1 4 . lLlg2? to be equal, even after long
meditation. Yet after the brutal 14 . . . fXg4
1 5 . fXg4 lLl xg4 1 6.E:xfBt ixfB 1 7.Wffl ig7
I B .ixg4 Wfxg4 1 9 .Wff7 lLlgB!! 20.Wfxc7
Wfg3! 2 1 .if2 (2 1 .Wff7 ig4 22.Wff2
Wfh3-+) 2 1 . . .Wfh3!-+ they suddenly realize
1 8 ./t::J a5! 19.tik l
••
that White is completely lost.
O f course not 1 9 .1Ll xc5 ?, allowing: 1 9 . . . f4
20.M2 bxc5 2 1 .ixc5 ih3 22.E:e 1 E:cB=F
19 .ia6 20.f[}b5 YlYd7CD

••
We have reached a position that bears

some characteristics of a Griinfeld. The over
extension of White's kingside coupled with
Black's control over the d6-square contrives to
give the second player good chances.
a b e d e f g h
1 80 1 0 . 6 f5 I l .g4
14 . . . fxg4 1 5 . fxg4 lLl xg4 1 6Jhf8tN 15.Wd3!?N

Inferior is 1 6.ixg4 Wxg4t 1 7.Wxg4 as Only 1 5 .exf5 has been tried here previously,
in Lien - Carneiro, Al-Ain 20 1 3 , where but I like Black's position. 1 5 . . . gxf5°o is
Black should have continued: 1 7 .. .l::i:x fl tN unclear, and White must be careful to avoid
1 8 .�xf1 ixg4 1 9 .1Llb5 dxc5 20.ixc5 lLl g8+ 1 6.g5 ? f4!+.
1 6 . . . ixf8 1 7.ixg4 Wxg4t 1 8 .Wxg4 ixg4
1 9 . 1Ll b 5 c6 20.dxc6 lLlxc6 2 1 .lLl xd6 �g8+ 15 ... fxg4
Adventurous, though there is also the cool
Bl) 13./tlg2 c6! 1 5 . . . Wc7! ?=.
This is fine for Black. For example: 1 6.&g4 /tlxg4 17J:!xf8t

1 7.ixg4 Wxg4 1 8 J�xf8t ixf8 1 9 JW id7
14 ..ie3 20.c5 lLl g8 2 1 .cxd6 Wg3! ? 22.lLle2 (22. dxc6
ih3! 23.gf2 ixg2!)
1 4.a4!? a5 1 5 J�f2 id7 1 6.ie3 was Laznicka
- Nakamura, Ohrid 2009, and now Black can
easily maintain equality:
a b e d e f g h
22 . . . Wh3! 23.dxc6 (23.gf7?? lLl h6!-+)

a b e d e
23 . . .ixc6 24.lLl d4! Wd7 2 5 . lLl xc6 bxc6 26.gd 1
(26.ic5 gd8) 26 . . . ge8°o is a wild variation
1 6 . . . f4=N The only problem with this
which is still unclear at this point.
blockading manoeuvre is that it is very drawish.
17 ...hf8 1 8.gfl We8 19 ..ig5
14 ...Wd7!? After 1 9.c5, Black will still play 1 9 . . . lLl g8 .
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 4 - 1 2. h4 ! ? 181
1 9... �g8 20.'ilYg3 h5ID 23 . . . We6N gives Black tremendous

The resulting position is difficult for both compensation for the piece, as does 23 . . . Wg?
sides. White can try to put his advantage in 24.Wg3 We? 2 5 . tD f2 E:gS , as played in
development to good use - by challenging Black De Souza - Balcazar Novoa, email 2006.
on g4 with tDe3 in combination with a well
timed c4-c5 - but I think Black should be able 14 ... a5! 15.c.t>g2!?
to defend as he can fortify g4 with . . . tDgS-h6. 1 5 .i.e3 f4 1 6.i.f2 c5 should be equal as the
sacrifice on c5 hardly works, and Black is ready
B2) 13.�d3!
to close all gates to his position by . . . b6.
Putting the knight in the centre looks more
logical. On the other hand it does encourage
15 .. .i.d7
1 5 . . . f4!?N is another interesting try.
. . . b5 ideas.
1 6 ..ie3
What else? 1 6. tD f2 Wc? is j ust equal.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
1 6 .. J:�c8!N
The overextending 1 4.h5?! fXe4 1 5 .fXe4 16 . . . tD egS 1 ? exf5 cxd5 I S .cxd5 gxf5 1 9 .95
gxh5 1 6.gxh5 E:gS 1 ? h l tD exd5!! I S .exd5 f4 20.gxf6 tD xf6 2 1 .i.f2 We? 22.E:h l E:gS�
tD xd5 1 9 .We l tDxc3 20.bxc3 i.f6 2 1 .E:gl M5 was Plischki - Dziuba, Ostrava 2009, which
22.E:xgSt WxgS 23.h2 eventually ended in a draw.
Now we reach a critical position.
17J:�a3
Not necessarily best (as claimed by the
computers) .
1 ? E: c l allows 1 ? . . cxd5 I S . cxd5 fXg4 1 9 . fXg4

E:xc3! 20. bxc3 tD xe4�, for example: 2 1 .E:xfst
(2 1 .c4 tD f5 ! ! 22.gxf5 gxf5 23.Wel i.f6
a b e d e f g h
1 82 1 0 . 8 f5 1 1 .g4
24.i.f2 1'!g8t 25. 'it> h 1 lLlxf2t 26.lLl xf2 i.xh4-+) Conclusion

2 l . . .Wxf8 22.c4 h5! 23.lLlf2 (23 .i.f3 lLl f6
24.g5 lLl g4-+) 23 . . . i.h6! 24. lLl xe4 i.xe3f± In this chapter we examined the posltions
arising after 1 2.h4! ?, a move that has the aim
1 7. lLl f2 The most solid. 17 . . . h5 1 8 .g5 ( l 8 . dxc6 of keeping the kingside under control, and
i.xc6 1 9 .95 lLl d7! 20.Wxd6 fxe4 2 1 .fxe4 lLl f5 ! perhaps even closing it down at a subsequent
22.Wd3 We8!� yields fantastic compensation stage. Black has two interesting replies in
for the pawn) 1 8 . . . lLle8= practically leads to a 12 . . . c6 and 12 . . . lLl f6!, but as the punctuation
blockade. implies, I definitely prefer the second option.
The main reason for this preference lies in
17 YHc7
•••
the fact that 12 ... c6 allows White to cramp
It is hard to see how White improves his the d7-knight by means of 1 3 .g5!, a move that
position. Black is extremely solid. seems to have been underestimated so far. The
best I could find then was 1 3 . . . lLl c5 ! 1 4 .i.e3
18.1'!b3 b6! 1 5 .b4 lLl b7!? 1 6. lLl d3 c5!? with a solid
This seems like a logical attempt, but it runs position for Black, but with White having a
into the following line: few chances to press due to his slight space
advantage.
8 Thus, I chose the move 1 2 . . . lLl f6 ! as my
7
main line, after which I see no advantage for
White. The knight transfer to the f6-square
6 puts the enemy centre under pressure, and at
5
the same time underlines the slight weakness
of the g4-pawn. It is clear that White cannot
4 stay with the knight on e1 for too long, so the
3 critical replies to Black's choice are 1 3. lLl g2
and 1 3 . lLl d3!.
2 After 1 3 . lLl g2 Black should continue to
1 create tension with 1 3 . . . c6! , when it is safest for
b e d
White to allow an almost complete blockade of
a e f g h
the position by 1 4. a4!? a5 1 5 .1'!f2 i.d7 1 6.i.e3
1 8 fxg4 1 9.fxg4 c:x:dS 20.c:x:dS �xe4!?
••• f4! ? Instead, riskier is 1 4 .i.e3 Wd7 !? 1 5 .Wd3!?
2 1 .�xe4 �xdS? fxg4 1 6. fxg4 lLl xg4 1 7.1'!xfBt hf8 1 8 .1'!n We8
With dangerous counterplay for Black. The 1 9 .i.g5 lLl g8 20.Wg3 h 5 , when White has
bishop will find a home on c6, creating some compensation for the pawn but no more.
nervous moments for the white king and his The other option at White's disposal,
forces along the c6-g2 diagonal. namely 1 3 . lLl d3 ! , is perhaps more critical, but
at the same time encourages . . . b5 ideas. After
1 3 . . . c6! ? 1 4. a4! a5! 1 5 .�g2!? i.d7 1 6 .i.e3 1'!c8!
these ideas have been contained, but White's
position has lost dynamism on the queen side.
Black is extremely solid on both wings and the
correct evaluation is equality.
8
7
6
5
IO.ie3
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h
13.c5
Variation Index
l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 .tg7 4.e4 d6 5.�B 0-0 6 ..te2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7
9.�e1 � d7 1 0 ..te3 f5 1 1 .B £4 12 ..tfl g5 1 3.c5 �xc5 14.h4
14 ... � d7
A) 1 5J�cH! 1 85
B ) 15.a4!? 1 85
note to 1 4.b4 A) after 1 7 .�c2 B) after 26.�f2
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1 4 . . . a6! ?N+ 1 7 . . . iLl f6! 26.. .�d7!

1 84 1 0 .ie3
1 .d4 tilf6 2.c4 g6 3.til c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.til£3

0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 til c6 S.d5 til e7 9.tile1
til d7 10.i.e3
I am tempted to name this the Korchnoi
Variation as the great man has contributed a
lot to its development over the years. White
goes all out on the queenside, willing to accept
the dangers this move entails; the e3-bishop
will be hit with tempo after . . . f! -f5-f4, which
serves to accelerate Black's attack on the
other wing. My feeling is that the chances
are approximately balanced, but the positions
are so complicated and sharp that brute-force a b e d e f g h
memorization is required in many of the lines. 13 ... tilxc5 14.h4
1 4 .ixc5 dxc5 1 5 . tD d3 b6't is slightly better
for Black, who went on to win in Khechumyan
- Rajlich, Budapest 2000.
1 4. a4 a5 1 5 .ixc5 dxc5 1 6.ic4 'it>h8't was

reached by a slightly different move order in
Golubovic - Zezelj , Zadar 1 99 5 . Again Black
can be satisfied with his chances.
1 4.l::k l may be met by 1 4 . . . a6! ?N't, or

by 14 ... E!:f6, transposing to line C of
Chapter 23.
a b e d e f g h
14 ... til d7
1O ... f5 1 1 .£3 f4 12.i.fl We will focus on two follow-up moves for
Thus, the bishop has settled on the critical White. I do not hold A) 15J�c1?! in high
g 1 -a7 diagonal, and White is ready to launch regard, while B) 15.a4!?N seems much more
his queenside campaign by preparing c4-c5. to the point.
12 ... g5 1 3.c5 After 1 5 . tDb 5 a6! ? 1 6. tD a7 tD f6 1 7. tD xc8

This sacrifice is a bit premature, yet the E!:xc8°o White does have some compensation,
resulting positions do not seem worse for but it is hard to say if it is fully adequate. It is
White if he continues meaningfully. Having certainly not a bad practical choice, as White
said that, Black is not in real danger either. has the bishop pair and control of the precious
light squares, which to a certain extent defuses
There are many alternatives: 1 3 .tD b5 is Black's attacking potential. On the other hand
examined in Chapter 1 6, 1 3 .b4 in Chapters Black is a pawn up, and comfortably won both
1 7- 1 9 , 1 3 .g4 in Chapter 20, 1 3 . a4 in Chapters the games in my database which reached this
2 1 -22, 1 3 Jk l in Chapters 23-24, and 1 3 . tD d3 position.
in Chapter 2 5 .
Chapter 1 5 - 1 3 .c5 1B5
A) 15J�c1?! 1 7 . . . ib 7 I B .aS! is unclear. Black has many

logical moves at this point, such as 1 B . . . if6=
Delaying the advance of the a-pawn gives or even I B ... c6+t .
Black more possibilities: He should only refrain from 1 B . . . b5?! as
then 1 9 .ClJxb5!! axb5 20.�xc7 ia6 2 1 .�xd6
�f6 22.�c7 �eB 23.�c2 ClJ cB 24. ClJ d3 ClJ d6
2 S . ClJ cS ClJ xcS 26.bxcS ClJ c4 27.�fd 1 creates a
mess that looks favourable to White.
After the accurate 1 7 . . . ClJ f6!, White has

nothing. For example:
1 8.a5
I don't see anything better for White. In case
of 1 B . ClJb 1 , the solid reply I B . . . ClJ eB!+ prevents
any kind of queenside unpleasantness.
b e d
18 b5 19.�xb5?!
a e f g h
•••
This speculative sacrifice is comfortably

1 5 a6! 1 6.a4N
••• refuted:
1 6. ClJ d3 ClJ f6 1 7.�b3 b6 I B .ClJxeS dxeS
1 9 . d6t �hB 20.dxe7 �xe7= was approximately
level in Hernandez Basante - B. Gonzalez, San
8
Jose 200B, but it seems to me that Black had 7
ways to try and avoid the opening up of the
6
position.
5
1 6 b6! 17.'lWc2
•••
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
19 axb5 20.'lWxc7 �a6+

•••
Or 20 . . . �xc7 2 1 .�xc7 ClJ exdS 22.exdS

ClJ xdS 23.�c6 ClJ xb4 24.�xd6 �xa5+. In both
cases White has insufficient compensation for
the material.
B) 15.a4!?N a6
a b e d e f g h
17 � f6!
•••
The most logical reply. Black has alternatives in
Another accurate suggestion from Yannis, 1 5 ... a5 ! ? and 1 5 ... ClJ f6!? 1 6.�cl id7 1 7 .ClJb5
giving Black good chances for an advantage. ixb5OO, with unclear play in both cases.
1 86 1 O .�e3
I S.gel
1 8 . b6 cxb6 1 9 .�xb6 'lWe7= is okay for Black.
a b e d e f g h
16.a5!
Ensuring that b4-b5 will open some lines fo r
a b e d e f g h
counterplay later on.
I S ... h5
16 ... tLlf6! Black has good play; what follows is a sample
Black continues to bring his pieces towards line showing the potential of his position:
the kingside. Other moves are less satisfactory.
1 9.b6 cxb6 20 ..bb6 YNe7 2 1 .tLl b l
After 1 6 . . . ID 1 7.b5 axb5 1 8 .lLlxb5 lLlf6 A peculiar retreat that does not change the
1 9 .:1:k l ! ( I 9 .'lWc2 lLlg6 20.E:a3 g4 2 1 .E:c3 g3 favourable evaluation of the position for Black.
22.hxg3 fxg3 23 .�xg3 lLlh5 [23 . . . lLl f4= l 24 .�f2
lLl gf4 25 .�d3 'lWg5 26.lLlxd6 cxd6 27.E:xc8t After 2 1 . lLl a4 there can follow: 2 1 . . .g4!?
E:fBoo) 19 . . . lLl e8 White has a neat trick: (Another possibility i s 21 ... �d7!? 22 .�f2 E:ac8
23.E:xc8 [23 . lLl b6 E:xc 1 24.'lWxc 1 g4 2 5 .'lWc7
�e8ool 23 . . . E:xc8 24. lLl b6 E:c7= when Black
has an extra pawn to compensate for the loss of
his light-squared bishop.) 22.�f2 g3f± Black
gets the usual strong compensation on the
kingside, for example 23.hxg3 fxg3 24.�xg3
h4 2 5 .�f2 lLlh5 26.lLlb6 lLl gf4!-+.
21. ..g4 22.gc7 YNeS 23.tLld2 gf'7 24.tLlc4

i.f8
Solidly defending everything, j ust in time.
a b e d e f g h
2o.lLlxc7! lLl xc7 2 1 .�b6;j; Black seems rather 25.gxf7

hemmed in. 2 5 .'lWc2 �d7 26.E:xb7 E:c8t favours Black.
17.b5 tLl g6! 25 ... YNxf7 26.i.fl i.d7!

17 . . . axb5 ! ? 1 8 . lLl xb5 g4 1 9.E:c 1 oo gives 26 . . . g3 ?! 27.hxg3 fxg3 28 .�xg3 h4 29 .�h2
White more chances than his play deserves. lLl h5 30.lLl b6±
Chapter 1 5 - 1 3 .c 5 I B7
Conclusion
8
7 Chapter 1 5 introduced us to the wonderful
6 world of the 9 . tLl e l tLl d7 1 0.i.e3 variation,
which is in my view the most complex
5
opening battlefield of modern chess. After the
4 universally adopted 1O . . . f5 1 1 .f3 f4 1 2 .i.f2
3 g5 White has several promising methods
to develop his queen side initiative, but the
2 present chapter has been about the rather
1 unfortunate pawn sacrifice 1 3.c5.
Black should of course accept the offer by
a b e d e f g h
1 3 . . . tLl xc5, reaching a position after 1 4. b4
27. tO b6 �8 28.�c2 g3 29.hxg3 fxg3 tLl d7 where he is slightly pressed at a7 and
30 ..bg3 h4 3 1 ..tfl tO h5 32.�c7 c7 but on the other hand has good chances
to cope with the pressure and develop his
kingside counterattack; after all, a pawn is a
pawn. After 1 5 Jk l ?! a6! 1 6 .a4 b6! 1 7 .�c2
Black only needs to be aware of the trap
1 7 . . . i.b7 I B .a5! b5?! 1 9 .tLlxb 5 ! ! axb5 20.�xc7
i.a6 2 1 .�xd6 E:f6 22.�c7 �eB 23.�c2 tLl cB
24. tLl d3 tLl d6 2 5 . tLl c5 tLl xc5 26.bxc5 when
the position looks advantageous for White.
He should instead choose 1 7 . . . tLl f6!, which
guarantees him the better chances as the same
sacrificial idea won't work with the d6-pawn
protected.
In my view, a better try for White is 1 5 .a4!?
a6 1 6.a5!, ensuring the opening of some lines
on the queenside. After 1 6 . . . tLl f6! 1 7.b5 tLl g6!
I B .E:c1 h5 Black's attack remains the more
virulent one, a sample line being 1 9 .b6 cxb6
20.i.xb6 �e7 2 1 .tLl b l g4 22.E:c7 �eB 23.tLld2
E:f7 24. tLl c4 i.fB , when he has everything
solidly defended in his camp and the typical
advance . . . g3 will soon be a menacing
possibility. I have no doubts as to who has the
better practical chances here (most certainly
Black) but on the other hand the position may
be objectively equal after careful defending by
the first player.
lO .te3 •
a b c d e f g h
Variation Index
l .d4 li.) f6 2.c4 g6 3.li.)c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.li.)0 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 li.) c6 8.d5 li.) e7
9.li.) e1 li.) d7 10.i.e3 f5 1 1 .0 £4 12.i.fl g5 13.li.)h5 h6! 14.h4
1 4... a6
A) 15.li.)a3?! 1 89
B) 15.li.)c3! �f6 1 90
Bl) 16.li.)d3 1 90
B2) 1 6.a4 �h6 17.li.)d3 li.) f6 18.i.el 1 92
B21) 1 8 ... c6!? 1 92
B22) 18 ... �g6! 1 94
B3) 1 6.c5!? 1 95
A ) after 1 5 .tt:l a3 ? ! B 1 ) note to 1 8 .i.e l !N B 3 ) after 1 9 .i.e l
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
a b e d e f g h a b e d e f g h a b c d e f g h
1 5 . . . tt:l f6!N 23 . . . i.h3 ! ! 1 9 . . j':lg6!N

Chapter 1 6 - 1 3 . lLl b 5 1 89
I .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 ,ig7 4.e4 d6 S.�6 I S ... � f6!N

0-0 6.,ie2 eS 7.0-0 � c6 8.dS � e7 9.� e1 This move again! Suggested by Yannis again!
� d7 10.,ie3 f5 1 1 .6 f4 12.,ifl gS 13.�bS It certainly looks like the strongest and most
This knight sally is not as bad as its logical response.
reputation. Black should react with precision.
Weak is instead 1 5 . . . a5? 1 6.c5! axb4 1 7. cxd6
bxa3 1 8 .dxe7 Wlxe7 1 9 .�c l ± , when White has
powerful pressure along the c-file.
1 5 . . . h5
This has been played by Smirin, but looks
like a waste of time. Why spend a tempo on
. . . h5 when . . . g4 can be carried out regardless?
1 6 .c5 b5 1 7. lLl ac2 lLl f6 1 8 . a4 bxa4 1 9 .�xa4
lLl g6 20.b5 g4 2 1 . lLl b4! g3! 22.hxg3 fxg3
23.�xg3 h4 24. lLl c6 Wld7 2 5 .�h2!
25 .�f2N lLlh5 does offer Black a certain
amount of compensation.
2 5 . . .�h6! 26.f4!
A strong and practical human reaction.
26.Wlb3!?N would have been another critical
test of Black's play.
A) I S.ll:)a3?! 8
7
Putting the knight at the edge of the board 6
looks unnatural and should allow Black a 5
strong attack. However, even here, Black must
4
stay alert to any danger:
3
a b e d e f g h
26 . . . lLl xf4 27.lLld3!N

Guaranteeing White a slight plus by
exchanging the dangerous intruder with the
right piece.
27.bxa6? Wlg7 2 8 .�xf4 (28.r;!{ h l N lLl g4
29.�a3?? has been recommended in some
sources, but after 29 . . . lLl h3!! White is losing
his queen.) 28 . . . �xf4+ Black went on to
a b e d e f g h win in Huzman - Smirin, Sverdlovsk 1 987,
by utilizing his strong pair of bishops with
1 90 l o .ie3
raging pressure on the g-file. It is instructive

to s �e such an attack in p ractice, although
White had several improvements along the
way.
27 . . . ttJ xe2t 2B .'lWxe2 ib7
2B . . .'lWg4 29.1'%f3!�, to be followed by ttJ f2 . 5
29.cxd6 cxd6 30. bxa6 ixc6 3 1 .dxc6 'lWxc6 4
32.1'%fa a
3
Goi �g back to the suggestion of 1 5 ... ttJ f6!, I see 2
nothmg better for White than the following:
1
1 6.cS a c d e f g h
1 6.g4 fxg3 1 7.hxg3 ih3 I B .ttJ g2 'lWeB 1 9 . c5 20 ru'7 2 1 .c6 g3 22.hxg3 fLl hS 23.gxf4
•••
b5 20.ttJc2 g4!+ is at least slightly better for fLl gxf4! 24.fLlxf4 exf4!
Black too. Now the idea of ttJ g3 causes White serious
headaches. Thus, we may conclude that
1 6 bS 17.fLl ac2
•••
1 5 . ttJ a3?! only creates problems for White as
�
In case of 1 7. ttJ b l g4! I B .ttJ c3 g3! 1 9 .hxg3 Black's attack is dangerous and fast-paced.
h5 20.gxf4 exf4 2 1 .id4 ixd4t 22 .'lWxd4
g3 2 3 . ttJ d3 ttJ g6--+ Black's attack guarantees B) l s.fLlc3!
at least a draw.
18 bxa4 1 9.1'%xa4 fLlg6 2o.fLld3

•••
20.b5 g3 2 1 .hxg3 ttJ h 5 yields the usual

excellent compensation.
Black should continue with his plan outlined
above.
Chapter 1 6 - 1 3 . ltJ b S 191
17.c5!? With a complicated position, where Black

White may also anticipate the does not stand worse.
aforementioned manoeuvre with:
1 7.t.e l 17 ...�e8
In this case Black should change direction. We have a parting of the ways:
1 7 . . . ttJf6! 1 B . ttJ f2 E1g6=
The plan is simply . . . hS and . . . g4.
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
1 9 .94N
1 8.i.el !N
Previously only 1 9 .a4 has been tried. The
White cannot be happy with any other
text move is an attempt to prevent Black's
attempt here.
idea, and should be answered by:
1 B .cxd6?! allows 1 B . . . WhS 1 9.h3 ttJ f6t with
1 9 . . . hS 20.h3 cS!
a tremendous attack for Black, as the capture
After 20 ... E1h6 2 1 .cS 'it> f7 22.'it>g2 WhB
on h3 is unstoppable.
23.E1h 1 it is not possible for Black to triple
1 B .'it>h 1 is again answered by 1 B . . . WhS
pieces along the h-file in view of cS-c6,
1 9 .t.g 1 ttJ f6 20.cxd6 cxd6 2 1 . ttJ b2 g4, with the
hitting the cB-bishop whenever it tries to
point being: 2 2 . ttJ c4? (22.fxg4°o is imperative)
leave its home square.
22 . . . g3 23.ttJxb6
2 1 .dxc6
2 1 .bxcS bxcS 22.E1b 1 E1h6 23.ttJa4 hxg4
24.hxg4 ttJ d7 2S.'it>g2 'it>f7 26.E1h 1 E1xh 1
27.'it>xh 1 = leads to a deadlock.
2 1 . . .ttJxc6 22.ttJ dS ttJ d4=
a b e d e f g h
23 . . . t.h3!! 24.gxh3 g2t 2 S .i>xg2 E1g6t 26.'it>h 1

Wxh3 27.E1f2 ttJ h S Mate is unstoppable. This
is a really striking position.
a b e d e f g h
1 92 1 O .ie3
18 :�hS!? 1 9.h3 bxcS 20.bxcS tLlxcs

•• 1 7.h3? will be met b y 1 7 ... tt:l f6, when a
Threatening to take on h3. sacrifice on h3 is inevitable.
17 tLl f6 18.iel
•••
Both my recommendations for Black are

untried here: B2 1) 18 c6!?N and B22) •••
1 8 J:tg6!N
••
B21) 1 8 c6!?N
•••
a b e d e f g h
2 1 .tLl f2 Wfe8CD
White does have some compensation for the
pawn, but no more than that.
B2) 16.a4
Another logical move, planning a4-a5 .

An attempt to seal the entrances on the
queen side.
19.tLlf2
1 9 .a5?! cxd5 20.cxd5 b5! is fine for Black.
19 cxdS 20.cxdS gg6 2 1 .bS

•••
2 1 . tt:l g4 tt:l d7! 22.gc1 h5 23.tt:lf2 tt:l f6--+
6
a b e d e f g h
5
1 6 Jlh6 17.tLl d3
4
••
1 7.a5 We8 1 8 .<tt> h l bxa5 1 9 .9xa5 tt:l f6

20.tt:ld3 Wg6 100ks quite strong for Black, and 3
he duly picked up the full point in Murray - I"""""" "
Hazai, Australia 1 993. 2

1
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 6 - 1 3 . lLl b S 1 93
2 1 . .. a5 22J�c1 h5 23.� b l ! g4 24.lLl d2 Mter 26.exdS ! my analysis indicates that Black

24.<j;Jh l g3 2 S JhcB �xc8 26.hxg3 fxg3 could have some problems:
27.lLlh3 can hardly be worse for Black.
26 ... �xd5
24 ... g3 25.lLld3! 26 . . . lLl fS ! ? Leaving the dS-pawn in its place
2 S . hxg3? fxg3 26.lLld3 lLl fxdS-+ for the time being, in an attempt to reduce
White's light-squared activity. 27.�xcB gxh2t!
(27 ... �xcB 2 B . h3 lLl e3 29 .W'b l lLlxfl 30.<j;Jxfl
8 looks good for White) 2 B .'iif h l �xcB 29 .i.f2
7 W'gS 30.lLl e l h4 3 1 .i.d3 h3 32.gxh3 tLl e3
6 33.W'e2 tLl xfl 34.W'xfl e4 3 S . tLl xe4 W'xdS
36.tLlg2 W'hS;!; could well be Black's best
5 chance to hold.
4
3 8
2 7
1 6
a b e d e f g h 5
25 ... �fxd5!? 4
A dynamic attempt to complicate the issue. 3
Weak is instead: 2S . . . gxh2t?! 26.<j;Jxh2 h4 2

27.lLlf2 ! lLl h S 2 B . lLl h3 lLl g3 (2B . . . i.xh3 29.gxh3 1
W'd7 30.�gl �g3 3 1 .i.fl lLl g6 32.i.f2+-)
a b e d e f g h
29.�gl <j;JhB 30.i.f2 �bB 3 1 . lLl c4 i.d7 32.i.d3
i.h6 33.W'e1 lLl cB 34.lLlxb6! lLl xb6 3 S .W'xaSt 27J�xc8!
I don't like the Black position, in spite of the The key move, terminating Black's most
computer evaluation. White's two passers look useful attacking piece.
scary to me, mainly because I don't see too
much counterplay for us on the other wing; In case of 27.hxg3 i.e6--+ Black has better
the pawn on h4 obstructs our attack. attacking chances, for example: 2B.�c6 fxg3
2 9 . tLl e4 tLl e3 30.W' cl tLl fS 3 1 .tLlxg3 �xg3
Returning to 2S . . . lLl fxd S , White has the 32.i.xg3 tLl xg3 33.�e l tLlfS 34. tLl f2 tLl d4
following choice: 3 S . �c3 dS� Intending . . . W'f6 and . . . �fB,
followed by an advance of the h-pawn.
26.exd5!
Most clear cut. 27 .. .'IWxc8 28.'1Wb3 ti'e6 29.hxg3 �c8 30.lLle4
26.lLlc4 i.e6 27.h3 �cB looks preferable for lLl e3 3 1 .ti'xe6t �xe6 32.gxf4!
Black. 32.�f2 dS 33.tLlgS �e7 34.gxf4 e4 is good
26.�xcB ! ? W'xcB! (26 . . . �xcB 27.exdS lLl fS for Black.
2 B . h3 lLl e3 29 .W'b l ;!;) 27.exdS lLl xdS 2B .W'b3
W' e6 transposes to our main line.
1 94 I O .ie3
22.hxg3
22.h3 gh6!�
22 ... fxg3 23.£4

23.id2 ? lLl c6! 24.dxc6 lLl d 5 !-+
8
7
6
5
a b e d e f g h 4
32 ... d5 33.� g5 ge7 34.fxe5 �xf1 35.�xf1 3
ixe5CD
This ending may be playable, but Black has 2
weaknesses on b6, d5 and h5, and the four 1
pieces are demons!
a b e d e f g h
B22) 1 8 ... gg6!N 23 ... �xe4!!
A brilliant blow.
This looks like the best choice, restoring the
rook to a more natural square. 24.tthe4 �f5
Th e queen's path t o h 4 has been opened, and
19.a5 this guarantees at least sufficient play for Black.
I don't see anything better than this natural
continuation for White. 25.�xg3 �xg3 26.i.xg3 gxg3 27.fxe5 'Wg5
28.gfl
2 8 .M"3 if5�
Black i s a t least equal as he has gathered a lot

of pieces in the vicinity of the white monarch .
a b e d e f g h
19 ... bxa5 20.gxa5 g4 2 1 .c5 g3!

The computers initially disagree with this
move, but it's all about the king here.
a b e d e f g h
Chap ter 1 6 - 1 3 . ttJ b 5 195
28 ....ifSi
2B . . . id7� is also a good way to continue.
B3) 16.c5!?
a b e d e f g h
19 ... E!:g6!N
Although a novelty here, this is a standard
plan, preparing . . . g4.
a b e d e f g h
1 9 . . . 'it>hB 20.tLlf2 E!:g6 2 1 .b5 a5 22.E!:el h5
The most direct. 23.h3 ih6 24. tLl a4 g4 2 5 . fxg4 hxg4 26.ixg4
ixg4 27.tLlxg4 tLl xe4 2B .ih4 ig5 29 .Wfe l
1 6 ... E!:h6! ixh4 30.Wfxe4 Wfd7 3 1 .E!:c6 E!:agB 32.E!:fe l
This rook switch guarantees excellent tLl xc6 33.dxc6 Wfe6 34.tLlxb6 Wfxa2 3 5 . c7 E!:xg4
counterplay. 36.hxg4 Wff2t 37.i> h l idB 3B.Wff3 Wfxb6
1 6 . . . bxc5 ! ? 1 7.bxc5 ttJ xc5 I B .ixc5 dxc5 39 .Wfh3t 'it>g7 40.cB=Wf 1 -0 was D. Gurevich
1 9 .ic4 'it>hB 20.tLld3 E!:g6 2 1 .tLl xc5 Wfd6 - Becerra Rivero, Philadelphia 2009.
22.tLl 3a4 g4 23.tLle6 gxf3 24Jhf3 id7 2 5 .ib3
E!:gB 26.tLlac5 i.f6 (26 . . . ixe6!?N 27.tLl xe6 20.�fl h5 2 1 .h3 �h8!
i.f6+ was possible.) 27. tLl xd7 E!:xg2t 2B.i>h l Initiating the thematic transfer of the
Wfxd7 29.E!:h3 tLl cB 30.E!:el c5 ?? (30 . . . Wff7!N e7-knight to h6, to enforce . . . g4.
3 1 .d6 Wf g6f±, threatening the devilish
. . . E!:xh2t! was the way) 3 1 .dxc6 Wfa7 32.c7 22.b5
E!:2g6 33.tLl xf4 exf4 34.ixgB E!:xgB 3 5 .Wfd7
ig7 36.E!:xh7t i>xh7 37.Wff5 t 'it>h6 3B .E!:c6t
1 -0 happened in the game D. Gurevich -
Barcenilla, I nternet 20 1 0.
17.c:x:d6 c:x:d6 18.�d3 �f6!

Flexibility! Bad is: IB ... WfeB? 1 9 .h3N tLl f6
( 1 9 . . . Wfh5 20.ie l ±) 20 .ixb6 ixh3 2 1 .gxh3
WfcB 22.tLlf2 Wfxc3 23.Wfb3±
1 9 ..ie1
Black wins after 1 9 .h3 ? ? ixh3 20.gxh3 WfcB
2 1 .h4 Wfh3-+ .
a b e d e f g h
1 96 l O . .te3
22 .. ./t::J eg8!! Conclusion

22 ... a5?! 23,Ek l ttJ egB 24. ttJ a4 is
unsatisfactory. In Chapter 1 6 we looked at the 1 3 .ttJb5 sally,
which is a move not devoid of venom. By
23.bxa6 directly hitting a7 White forces a weakness
The remainder was worked out with the help that he will subsequently try to take advantage
of Houdini. of by advancing his queenside pawns. After the
correct reply 1 3 . . . b6! 1 4.b4 a6 we examined
23 ... g4! 24.fxg4 hxg4 2S.tthg4 ttlxg4 both knight retreats in some depth.
26.hg4 .txg4 27.hxg4 ttl h6 28.ttlbS ttlxg4 1 5 . ttJ a3?! looks a bit artificial, but Black
2B . . J'ha6 !? is another possibility. nevertheless needs to be accurate with
1 5 . . . ttJ f6!, which saves time compared to
29.a7 ttl e3 30.�hSt E:h6 3 1 .�f3 �d7 32.a4 Smirin's 1 5 . . . h 5 . After 1 6.c5 b5 1 7. ttJ ac2 g4
ttlxf1 I B . a4 bxa4 1 9 J'ha4 ttJ g6 20.ttJd3 E:f7 2 1 .c6 g3
32 .. . l:!xa7 33.ttJxa7 ttJ xf1 = 22.hxg3 ttJ h 5 Black has a typically dangerous
attack and I prefer his chances.
This leaves 1 5 .ttJ c3! as the better move,
when I consider that the time lost by White
j ustifies the rook manoeuvre 1 5 . . . E:f6, creating
the brutal plan of . . .E:f6-h6 and . . . WdB-eB-h 5.
Th e strength of Black's idea becomes quite
visible after either 1 6. ttJ d3 E:h6! 1 7.c5!? WeB
1 B . .te l ! Wh5 ! ? 1 9 .h3 bxc5 20. bxc5 ttJ xc5
(threatening to take on h3) 2 1 .ttJ f2! WeBoo or
1 6. a4 E:h6 1 7. ttJ d3 ttJ f6 1B .ie l E:g6! 1 9 .a5
bxa5 20.E:xa5 g4 2 1 .c5 g3! , with excellent
chances in both cases. White is therefore left
with the direct 1 6.c5!? if he wants to present
a b e d e f g h us with more acute problems. In that case, the
33.�xfl i.f6! 34.�f3 �h7 3S.g3 fxg3 recommended course 1 6 . . . E:h6! 17 .cxd6 cxd6
36.E:a3 i.e7!-+ I B . ttJ d3 ttJ f6 ! 1 9 .ie 1 E:g6! 20.ttJf2 h5 2 1 .h3
Black has a virulent, probably decisive, attack. <ifhB! should lead to a dangerous attack for
Black as there is the idea of transferring the
e7-kn ight to h6 to enforce the . . . g4 advance.
It is noticeable that when White retreats his
bishop to e 1 , to be able to defend against Black's
pressure on the feeble h2-square by playing the
knight to f2, Black should revert to the plan
with . . . E:g6 and an eventual . . . g4. This looks
like a rule of thumb in these positions, which
are in my opinion at least equal for Black, and
offer him interesting attacking possibilities if
he knows the typical placing of the pieces.
lo.ie3
a b e d e f g h
13.b4
Variation Index
l.d4 lO f6 2.c4 g6 3.lOc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 S.lOB 0-0 6.i.e2 eS 7.0-0 lOc6 8.dS lO e7
9.lOe1 lO d7 10.i.e3 f5 1 1 .B f4 12.i.f2 gS 1 3.b4 lOf6 4.cS lOg6
IS.cxd6!? cxd6 16J�c1 gf7 17.a4 i.f8 1 8.aS
1 8 ...i.d7
A) 19.@hl gg7! 20. lObS g4! 2 1 .lOxa7 g3! 22.i.b6 �e8! 23.gc7 lO h4! 1 98
AI) 24.gxb7 200
Al) 24.�c2 202
B) 19.1ObS g4! 20. lO c7!? g3! 2 1 .hxg3! fxg3!
22.hg3 i.h6 23.lOxa8!? lO hS 24.i.f2! lO gf4 202
B l ) 2S.gc3 20S
B2) 2S.lOd3 208
A) after 2 3 .l::k 7 B 1 ) after 26.lLlc2 B2) after 2 5 .lLld3
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
23 . . . lLl h4!N 26 . . . i.g5 !!N 25 . . . lLl xg2N

1 98 1 0 . .ie3
I .d4 f£lf6 2.c4 g6 3.f£l c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.f£l6 16 .. J�� f7 17.a4 .ifS
0-0 6..ie2 e5 7.0-0 f£l c6 S.d5 f£l e7 9.f£l el 1 7 . . . b6!? is also viable at this point.
f£l d7 10 ..ie3 f5 1 1 .6 f4 12 ..ifl g5 13.h4
A primitive, yet dangerous, move. White
wishes to open up the c-file with c4-c5 , and
then post a knight on b5 to take aim at both
the vulnerable a7-pawn and the c7-square.
A rook on cl will also be needed to support
an intrusion on c7. The complementary
advance a4-a5 will almost certainly be used as
an effective tool in the realization of White's
plan, increasing his chances of a successful
infiltration via the c7-square. This is because
a pawn on a5 will often grant White's bishop
access to b6, in a moment where Black has
either dropped his a-pawn voluntarily to gain a b e d e f g h
time for his attack, or played . . . a6 in order to I S.a5 .id7
safeguard it. To understand the virulence of White's two options at this stage are
the whole concept, one has to go through the A) 19.�hl and B) 19.f£lb5.
next few moves, witnessing how these ideas
take shape over the board. Pointless of course is 1 9 . tt:l d3?! h5-+.
This requires accurate and energetic play

from Black, with White intending to provide
a retreat square on gl for the dark-squared
bishop in anticipation of the . . . g5-g4-g3 push.
8
7
6
a b e d e f g h 5
13 ... f£l f6 14.c5 f£l g6 1 5.cxd6!? 4
An old continuation, which was employed
3
by Piket. It releases the tension prematurely
but it still has its merits. 2
1
1 5 Jk l is examined in Chapter 1 9 .
1 5 ... cxd6 1 6J�cl a b e d e f g h

1 6.a4 h5! and Black's kingside pawns are 19 .. J�g7! 20.f£lb5
moving at greater speed.
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 . b4 1 99
20.ib5 g4! ? 2 1 .ixd7 Wxd7 22. fxg4 tt:l xg4 sacrifice on g2, aided by the fact that the
23.Wd3 ie7 24.ig l a6 2 5 .h3 tt:l h6 was black queen has access to h 5 . For his part,
unclear in Shatkovsky - A. Volkov, corr. 20 1 1 . White can continue his queenside harvest by
Black has activated his minor pieces and it will AI} 24Jhb7, or try and find a happy medium
be impossible for White to keep a full-time between attack and defence with A2) 24.�c2.
blockade on f3, as Black can always challenge
with . . . tt:l h4 or . . . tt:l h6-f7-g5 . A final possibility is:
24.id3
20 g4! 2 1 .�xa7
••• Black should continue as follows:
White must snatch the pawn. 24 . . . Wh5 2 5 .Wd2 @hB!
Preparing . . . tt:l xg2!
2 1 . tt:l c7? g3 22.ig l gxh2 23.ixh2 �cB The immediate 25 . . . tt:l xg2?! is bad on account
24. tt:l e6 ixe6 2 5 . dxe6 �xc 1 26.Wxc 1 �c7 of: 26.Wxg2 ih3 27.�xg7t+-; 2 5 . . . tt:l f5 ! ?
27.Wb2 (27.ic4?? d5 2B.exd5 WcB-+) 26.ig l �xa7 27. exf5 tt:l eBoo i s less clear.
27 . . . tt:lh5 2B .Wb3 �g7 29.�gl WcB+ allows At this point White has a rather unappealing
Black to dominate proceedings, due to his choice:
control of the c-file and the possibility of a 26.tt:lb5
knight j umping into g3. Perhaps the lesser evil.
a) 26.ig 1 ? should be answered by
2 1 .Mg3! 22 .ib6 �e8! 23J:k7
• 26 . . . gxh2! (also possible is 26 . . . tt:l xg2! ?
We have arrived at critical position; White's 27.tt:lxg2 �xa7 2B.h4 �aB 29.�xb7 ie7
queen side offensive looks crushing, but the 30.ib6 icB 3 1 .�xe7 [3 1 .�c7 tt:l d7]
wedge on g3 offers Black enough counterplay 3 1 . . . �xe7 32.b5 �b7t) 27.ib6 ie7-+ and I
against the white king. cannot see how White can get out of this, as
. . . �agB is coming.
b) 26.�xd7 tt:l xd7 27.h3 tt:l xb6 2B.axb6 ie7
29.tt:lb5 idB 30.tt:lxd6 ixb6't is also quite
annoying for the first player.
6
'"",d' " ' ' ''
5
v·=r,,,:7:-;-;,
4
2
a b e d e f g h
23 � h4!N
•••
a b e d e f g h
Recommended by my good friend Yannis
26 . . . tt:l f5
Simeonidis. His obvious preference for
26 . . . Wh6 27.�xd7+
these . . . tt:l h4 sallies has often come to the
27.h3 tt:l e3't
rescue of the opening as a whole and this is
With a useful initiative.
another borderline case. Black plans a knight
200 l O.ie3
AI) 24.gxb7 A tremendous and, if I'm allowed to say,

magical line illustrating Black's attacking
Of course one is entitled to wonder what potential.
happens after this, with the answer lying in the 34 . . .ixa6 3 5 . �xa6 lD e2t 36.�f2 Wg3t
complicated variations below: 37.�xe2 Wxg2t 3 B . � e l Wxf3
The resulting position is at least equal for
24 .. .'!WhS! Black, who has a useful asset in his f-pawn. In
Black's counterplay has reached its climax as addition, the white king is too open and all the
both g2 and h2 are under pressure now. white pawns are vulnerable.
2S.gxd7
White hopes that removing this bishop from
the board will help him defend his king by
playing h2-h3 at a later stage.
2 5 .igl lD xg2! 26.lDxg2 Wh3

Black threatens the lethal . . . gxh2.
27.ib5 gxh2 2B.�f2 hxg l =gt 29.�xg l �xa7!
30.�xa7 ixb5 3 1 .gxg7t ixg7 32.�a2 lD h 5
33.a6 lD g3
We have a wildly imbalanced situation with
White teetering on the edge of a precipice:
4
25 . . . gxd7?! 26.h3! �dxa7 27.ixa7 �xa7
3
2B .Wd2t is what White would have liked to
2 see happen.
a b e d e f g h
26.J.gI!
26.h3 ? ? gh6!-+ i s the brilliant point.
34.Wa l !
I found nothing better than this.
26 ... c!ihd7 27.J.bS �a7
34.�f2 lD fl ! ! 3 5 .a7 Wg3t 36.�gl Wh2t
27 . . . lD xg2 !? 2 B . lD xg2 �xa7 29 .Wc2 is
37.�f2 lD e3 3B.aB =Wt ifB 39 .Wb3
another lively possibility, with Black enjoying
(39 .Wc 1 Wxg2t 40.�e l Wfl t 4 1 .�d2 We2t
the better of the struggle.
42.�c3 lD d l t 43.Wxd l [43.�b3 Wd3tJ
43 . . . Wxd l 44.�g2t � f7-+) 39 . . . lD xg2
28.'!Wc2!
40 .WcB Wg3t 4 1 .�gl lD e3t 42.�h l Wxf3t
A peculiar situation has arisen; White is
43.�gl Wg3t 44.�h l Wh4t 4 5 . � g l Wg5 t
a rook down but his pawns could become
46.� h l ifl 47.We6t �hB 4B .Wb2 id3-+
dangerous if Black is not careful.
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 . b4 20 1
Instead, 2B .%Ve2 ?! allows Black to activate the

rook by 2B . . Jk7! after which the result is not
in doubt: 29.h3 tLlxg2! 30.%Vxg2 Elg5 3 1 . tLl d3
%Vh6 32.Elal Elh5 3 3 . tLl f2 �f7 34.a6 tLl b6
3 5 .ifl gxf2 36.ixf2 Elg5 37.%Vh2 tLl aB+
2S ... Elb7
a b e d e f g h
29 ... Elc7! 30.h3!

30.b5? gxh2! 3 1 .ib6 (3 1 .if2 tLl xg2 3 2 . tLl xg2
%Vxf3-+ or 3 1 .ixh2 Elh6-+) 3 1 . . .tLl xb6
32.axb6 ElcB 33.b7 ElbB-+ is terminal.
30 ... tLlxg2! 3 1 .�xg2 �h6

The threat of . . . Elg6-g5-h5 is already rearing
its ugly head. White has nothing better than
the following continuation:
32.i.b6 tLlxb6 33.axb6 gcs 34.b7 gbS

35.tLld3 gg5 36.gal gh5 37.i.d7!
29.a6? succumbs to 29 . . . Elxb5 30.a7 gxh2-+ , 37.ElaB Elxh3t 3B.�gl Elh2-+
with the idea 3 1 .if2 tLl xg2! 32.aB=%V %Vh3 .
37.tLlf2 �f7 3 B . tLl g4 Elxh3t 39.�gl %vh4+
29 .ixd7 40.ElaB ? Elxb7! 4 1 .ixb7 h5-+
This eventually leads to a position from
which Black can still press: 8
29 . . .Elxd7 30.a6 Eldg7 3 1 .b5!
3 1 .a7 tLl xg2 32.tLlxg2 Elxa7-+ 7
3 1 .h3 tLl xg2 32.%Vxg2 Elh6 33.a7 %Vxh3t 6
5
34.%Vxh3 g2t! 3 5 . tLl xg2 Elxh3t 36.ih2
Elxa7-+ is another fantastic possibility.
3 1 . . .gxh2 32 .ib6 tLl xg2! 33.tLlxg2 Elxg2
3
34.%Vxg2 Elxg2 3 5 . �xg2 h l =%Vt 36.Elxh l
%Vg6t 37.�fl %VeB 3B.Elgl t
3B.a7 ? %Vxb 5 t wins for Black. 2
3B . . . �f7 39.a7 %Vxb 5 t 40.cj;Jg2 %Va6 4 1 .if2 1
ie7 42.Elc l !
42.Elb l ih4!-+ a b e d e f g h
42 . . . idB'+ 37 ... gxb7 3S.i.e6t �g7;1+
202 l O.�e3
Despite having played optimum moves in 25 . . . lLl f5 !

the last sequence, White is still struggling badly. 25 . . . l'!xg3 26.l'!f2 lLl h 5 27.�c4°o i s merely
unclear.
A2) 24.�c2 26.gxf4
26.g4 lLl g3t 27.�gl h5--+ gives Black a
This is an important resource for White. The
powerful attack too.
queen's purpose on c2 is to combine defence
26 . . . lLl g3t 27.�gl exf4+
and attack.
Black has the makings of a strong kingside
attack.
8 ri1�-'��;aJ
7 25.�d3
2 5 .h3? lLl xg2 26.lLlxg2 �xh3-+
6
5 2 5 . hxg3 lLl f5 ! ! 26.gxf4 YMh5t 27.<j;>gl lLl g3+

gives Black a pleasant edge.
4
3 25 ... �h5 26.�g1 ttJxg2 27.ttJxg2 gxa7
2S.h4 gaS 29.gxb7 .L4 30.�xa4 �b7
2 3 1 .a6
1 The position is quite unclear, but I do not
a b e d e f g h
believe that Black can be worse.
24 ... c;t>hS
I quite like this flexible prophylactic move, 8
but the following alternative may also be good. 7
6
24 . . .l'!g5 ! ?
This appears quite interesting, the idea being 5
to switch the rook to h5 and bluntly attack
4
h2. For example:
2 5 . hxg3 3
25 J 'hb7? l'!h5! 26.<j;>gl (26.�g l is dealt a 2
death blow by the astounding 26 . . . lLl f5 ! !-+)
26 . . . lLl xg2! 27.hxg3 fxg3-+ 1
a b e d e f g h
8
3 1 . .. gbbS 32.b5 �eS 33.gb1 �d7 34.ttJxf4
7
.m . . .."', ,,,J. g2t!
6 Black has strong counterplay and is at least
bmj��/
5 equal.
" ="'"..."..
4 B) 1 9.ttJb5
3
Now a7 is a j uicy target, but Black has
2
counterplay on the kingside.
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 . b4 203
2 1 .hxg3!
The lesser evil. But White's posltlon is
difficult and still requires accuracy.
White faced a disaster after the greedy

continuation:
2 1 . lLl xa8 ? lLl h 5 !
2 1 . . .gxf2tN 22.Elxf2 Wxa8'i' i s also better fo r
Black.
22.<j;1h l
22.ixa7 Wh4 23.h3 ixh3 24.gxh3 Wxh3
2 5 . Elf2 gxf2t 26.�xf2 lLl h4 27.ifl Wh2t
a b e d e f g h 28.lLlg2 Elg7-+
19 ... g4! 22 . . . gxf2 23.Elxf2 lLl g3t! 24.<j;1g1
1 9 . . . ixb 5 ? 20.ixb5 g4 2 1 . fxg4 lLl xe4 24.hxg3 fxg3 2 5 .Elfl Wh4t i s of course mate
22.id3 lLl f6 23 .if5 ± is a bad idea for Black; next move.
the light-squared bishop should not be given 24 . . . Wxa8 2 5 .ic4 a6!
up light-heartedly. Preparing . . . Wa7.
26.Wd3
20.tik7!? 26.hxg3 fxg3 27.Elb2 Wd8 28.�fl ih6
An old favourite of Jeroen Piket. Not only 29.�e2 Wg5-+
is the rook on a8 attacked, but lLl e6 is also 26.lLld3 Wa7 27.lLlc5! ib5 ! 28.ixb5 axb5
threatened. 29.hxg3 fxg3 30.Elfc2 dxc5 3 1 .bxc5 lLl f4-+
Instead, 20.fxg4?! lLl xe4 2 1 . lLl c7 ia4
8
22.Wxa4 Elxc7+ looks more than okay for
Black. 7
20.lLlxa7! is covered in the next chapter. 6
5
20 ...g3! ","'""'h. . . . .. . . ;
4
Black has no time to lose. 20 . . . ia4?! 2 1 .Wxa4
3
Elxc7 22.lLld3 is much better for White.
2
a b e d e f g h
26 . . . Wa7! 27.b5
27.Elcc2 is met by ie7, threatening ... ih4,
followed by . . . lLl h l .
27 . . . axb5 28 .ixb5 lLl h l !
0- 1 Piket - Kasparov, Tilburg 1 989. This
famous example is a perfect illustration of
the importance of using the h5-square for the
knight, and the attacking potential it can offer
to Black.
a b e d e f g h
204 1O . .te3
2 1 ...&g3! 22.i.xg3 .th6 3 1 .�g2 tt:l f4t 32.�f3 'lMfh l t 33. �e3 tt:l h3t
Recommended by Nikitin. 34.�d3 tt:lflt 35 .�c2 tt:l xd l 36.�xd l
ig5-+) 2 9 . . . �g7 30.�c7 tt:l xd l 3 1 .�fxf7t
22 . . . tt:l h 5 ! ? 23.tt:le6 (23.ifl tt:l gf4 24. tt:l e6 �g8 32.ixd l 'lMfd2t 33.�fl 'lMfxd l -+
ixe6 2 5 . dxe6 �g7 26.ic4 �h8 27.g4 �g6!-+) b) 26.id3 allows the simple 26 . . . tt:l xg2
23 . . . 'lMff� looks like it may be simpler, and 27.tt:lxg2 tt:l f4-+ .
is an equally playable line. However, I could c) Finally, 26.ie3 is met by 26 . . . 'lMfg3-+
not resist including the following material in with the idea 27.'lMfd2 tt:l h3t 2 8 . � h l if4!
the book, all the more so as Nikitin's move is 29.ixf4 �xf4 30.gxh3 �h4 and wins.
correct and trustworthy. There is a wealth of
tactical ideas and both sides have to proceed
with great care:
8
7
6
5
4 a b e d e f g h
3 1" "0'''." 26 . . . 'lMfh5 !! 27.g4 'lMfh3! !-+
"
2 A simply stunning move. The deadly threat

of . . . tt:l g6-h4-g2 , exchanging the defender
1 on el in order to deliver mate, forces White
a b e d e f g h to try to defend his second rank.
28 .'lMfc2
23.c!iha8!?
28.�c2 tt:l g2!! 29.tt:lxg2 if4-+ is an
It is only natural for White to take the rook
incredible motif found by the computer.
now. Mter all, there seems to be no direct
Now Black decides the contest brilliantly:
refutation.
28 . . . ia4! 29 .'lMfb2 tt:l xe2t 30.'lMfxe2 tt:l f4
3 1 .'lMfa2 id l !-+
23.�c4?
This is really an amazing concept, comprising
This fails to offer g2 sufficient protection.
many geometrical motifs.
23 . . . tt:lh5 24.ifl tt:lhf4 2 5 . tt:l xa8 'lMfg5
White is hanging on by a thread and may
23.�c2N is better, but Black still has a
already be defenceless as the following
dangerous initiative after 23 . . . tt:lh5 24.ifl
variations show:
tt:l gf4 2 5 . tt:l xa8 (25.tt:le6 'lMff6-+) 25 . . . 'lMfg5 .
26.g3
However, it might be a draw: 26.g4 The
This looks like common-sense stuff, but
only move. 26 . . . ixg4 27. fxg4 (27.�hl
common sense is sometimes not enough in
tt:lh3 28 .ib5 if5!) 27 ... tt:l h3t 28.�g2 tt:lxf2
the King's Indian. Instead:
29.�xfl �xflt 30.�xfl 'lMfh4t 3 1 .�fl 'lMfh l t=
a) The provocative 26.g4 gets busted by:
26 . . . ixg4 27.fxg4 tt:lh3t 28.�g2 tt:l xf2
29.�c8t (29.�xf2 �xflt 30.�xf2 'lMfh4t
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 .b4 205
A move which has been condemned, but sequence: 24 . . . �e3t 25.1'l:f2 Vldh4 26.lDd3
things are not so clear after the following lD gf4 27.Vlde l lD xg2! 28.c,tJxg2 1'l:g7t-+
forced variation:
23 . . . �xe6 24.dxe6 1'l:g7 2 5 .1'l:c2!
25.�c4 Q;>h8 26.1'l:c3?! lD f4-+ looks
dangerous for White in view of27.�h4 �g5 !
28 .�f2?! lDh3t.
5
V-="-"" ""
3
a b e d e f g h
2
24 ... lDgf4
Yet another critical position has arisen.
a b e d e f g h
White has two viable alternatives in
25 . . . Q;>h8! 26.�c4 Bl) 25J:1c3 and B2) 25.�d3 .
In this situation White has his trumps
too: two bishops, a strong pawn on e6 and 2 5 .�c4? is completely senseless, as White
chances to pressurize the weakness on d6. In cannot afford to lose time in this situation.
my opinion it is only logical that after best Consequently, the p unishment comes swiftly:
play the game will conclude in a draw. 25 . . . 1'l:g7 26.g4 (26.Q;>h2 lD h3!-+) 26 . . . lD h3t
26 . . . Vlde7 27.a6! bxa6 2 8 . c,tJ h l lD f4 29 .�h2 27.Q;>h l lD xf2t 28.1'l:xf2 lD g3t 29.Q;>gl
lD xe6 30.�xe6 Vldxe6 3 1 .1'l:c6 1'l:d8 3 2 . lD d3! (29.Q;>g2 Vldh4-+) 29 ... �e3 30.lDg2 �d4+
32.1'l:f2 �e3 33.1'l:fc2 1'l:g6-+ With . . . Vldg5 and . . . �xg4 on the cards, White
32 . . . Vlde8 33.Vldc2 �e3! has no salvation in the long run.
A powerful pawn sacrifice.
34.lDxe5 dxe5 3 5 .1'l:xf6 Vldh5 36.1'l:f5!? 25 .1'l:c7? allows the typical blow 2 5 . . . �a4!
36.1'l:d l 1'l:xd l t 37.Vldxd l �f4 3 8 .1'l:xf4 exf4 26.lDc2 (26.Vldxa4? lD xe2t 27.Q;>h2 lD hg3!
39.Vldd8t 1'l:g8 40.Vldf6t= is another way to 2 8.�xg3 �f4!-+ leads to mate) 26 . . . 1'l:xc7
draw. 27.lDxc7 Vldxc7 28.Q;>h2 �xc2 29.Vldd2 c,tJg7+
36.g4 Vldh4+t with a better position for Black, who already
36 . . . Vldh4 has a material advantage.
Intending . . . 1'l:g7-g6-h6.
37.g4 1'l:d2 3 8 . 1'l:f8t 1'l:g8 39.1'l:xg8t c,tJxg8 2 5 .1'l:c2 transposes to 2 3.1'l:c2 above, which we
40.Vldc8t Q;>g7 4 1 .Vldc7t c,tJg8 42.Vldxe5 Vldh3 saw may lead to a perpetual.
43.Vlde8t=
The game ends in perpetual. Bl) 25J�c3
This move was not analysed by Nikitin. It

23 ... � h5 24 ..if2!
produces some of the most wonderful ideas I
24.�h2? seals White's doom after the forced
have ever seen in chess.
206 l O . .te3
25 .. .i.a4!! 26.tLl c2 27 . . . tLl xg2!! 2B.<.t>xg2 tLl f4t 29.rj{gl 'I1;Vd7

30.ig3 'I1;Vh3 3 1 .'I1;Vf2 ih4! 32.'I1;Vh2 tLl xe2t
8 33.'I1;Vxe2 l::1g 7 34.l::1 f2 ixg3 3 5 .l::1 g2 ih2t
36.<.t>fl if4 37.tLl e l (37.<.t>g l ?? 'I1;Vh2t)
7 37 . . . 'I1;Vh l t 3 B . <.t> f2 'I1;Vh4t 39.<.t>fl 'I1;Vh l t=
6
Finally, 27.a6 ih4! 2B.axb7 l::1 x b7--+ seems to
5 be business as usual for Black.
4
3 27 ... l::1g7!
27 . . . tLl xg2? 2B.l::1 g 1 +-
2
1 28.g4! tLl f6!
Intending to prise open the kingside by
a b e d e f g h . . . h 5 . The variations that follow are an exercise
26 ....tg5!!N in tactical mastery, with Black, apparently,
It seems that Black is at least equal in all doing quite well. I will present them only with
lines in spite of the slow mode of infiltration a few further verbal explanations:
via h4. All previous games had continued with
26 . . . tLl xg2 . After 27.f4! tLl hxf4 2B .ig4! White
has a clear advantage.
27.�h2
27.g3? is answered with a hammer blow:
27 . . . ih4!!-+
27.g4 allows Black to display the same

infiltration motif: 27 . . . ih4!! 2B .ixa7
(2B .ixh4 'I1;Vxh4-+) 2B . . . ig3 29J:1f2 'I1;Vh4
3o.ifl ixf2t 3 1 .ixf2 tLl g3 32.ixg3
(32.ig2?? tLl fe2t) 32 . . . 'I1;Vxg3t 33.<.t>h l l::1 f6
34.l::1 c Bt ieB 3 5 .l::1 xeBt rj{f7 36.l::1 e 6! 'I1;Vh4t a b e d e f g h
37.<.t>gl 'I1;Vg3t=
29 ..ba7
27.'I1;Ve l unpins the c2-knight and prevents Trying to deflect the queen from the
. . . ih4, but allows a different motif: theatre of action by threatening tLl b6, but the
deflection won't last long.
8
29.l::1 h l
7
Black has his customary answer:
6
29 . . . h 5 --+ 30 .ig3
5 30.gxh5?? tLl xe2 3 1 .'I1;Vxe2 if4t 32.<.t>h3
v·='/·.... ... "
4 id7t 33.rj{h4 tLl xe4# is a picturesque mate.

3 30 . . . hxg4 3 1 .'I1;Ve l 'I1;VxaB 3 2 . tLl e3 id7
2
Despite being a clear exchange down it is
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 . b4 207
Black who is playing for a win, in view of 32 ...�flm

his huge concentration of forces opposite the Again, in spite of being an exchange and a
white king. pawn down, it is Black who is calling the shots.
33.�gl
33.ttJf5 ixf5 34.exf5 gxf3 3 5 .ixf3 Wfe8--+ 33.�hl
won't do for White either, as the king is To make room for the king. Alternatively:
caught on the h-file.
A better try is 33.ttJxg4 ixg4 34. fxg4 ttJ xe4 33.g5 h4!--+ is excellent for Black, intending
3 5 .�c2 ttJ xe2 36.�xe2 ttJ xg3 37.�xg3 if4t . . . ttJ h 5 .
38.'it>f3 Wff8 39 .Wffl Wfc8 40.Wfh3 Wfc4
4 1 .Wfh8t 'it>f7 42.�h3 Wfxd 5 t 43.�f2 Wfd4t 3 3 . b 5 ! ? i s a logical attempt a t counterplay
44.�fl Wfd l t= when Black has nothing that prevents the a4-bishop from joining the
better than to take the draw. attack later via d7. I propose 33 . . . hxg4 34. fxg4
ttJ xe4 3 5 .�c4 �h7! 36.�h l (36.�xe4 �h2t
8 37.'it>g l Wfh6 38.�exf4 exf4 39 .if3 �xc2-+)
7 36 . . . ig3! 37.Wfg l ! (37.Wffl �f7 38.�xe4
ixc2!=t) 37 . . . �xh l 38. �xh l if2 39.Wfc l !
6
ixb5 40.�xe4 ixe2 4 1 .Wfg5 t 'it>h7 42.Wfh5t
5
y· . . . . ..wnn/ �g7 43 .Wfg5 t= when White miraculously
4 holds the draw.
3
2 33 ...i.d7!
Retreating the bishop in order to attack.
Then White has a difficult choice to make, but
a b e d e f g h
I think he should draw with accurate play:
33 . . . ttJ xe2t 34.Wfxe2 gxf3 3 5 .Wfxf3 if4
36. ttJfl Wf e8--+ 34J�h4
Black has every reason to count on success To support g4, although the rook is
here as White is terribly weak on the light vulnerable to harassment here.
squares and his king is still in dire straits.
Instead, 34.�c7 hxg4 3 5 . � f2 (3 5 . fxg4?
29 ...�xa8 30.i.e3 hS! 3 1 .i.xf4 i.xf4t 32.g2 ttJ xg4-+) can be answered cleverly by:
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
208 l O . .ie3
35 . . . .ih2 !? (35 . . . gxf3 36 . .ixf3 lLl xe4t 37 . .ixe4

.ig3t 38.�e3 Wf4t 39.�d3 .ib5 t 40.�c4
.ixc4t 4 1 .�xc4 Wxe4t 42.�b3°o leads to an
unclear and highly tricky position.) 36.�xd7
�xd7 37.�xh2 g3t 38.�xg3 �g7t 39.�f2
lLl g4t 40.� e l lLl xh2 4 1 .Wd3 �f7t It is
Black who dictates the play again, although
White should probably draw by pushing his
a-pawn.
34. lLl e3 gives Black excellent compensation

after: 34 . . ..ixe3 35.�xe3 hxg4 36.<tt> n g3
37.�gl lLlh5 3 8 .<tt> e l lLl f4 39.Wd2 (39.<tt> d 2 a b e d e f g h
g2) 39 . . . g2 40 . .id3 We8� The terrible beast 37 tlhg4 38.i.xg4 i.xg4 39.Wlel Wlf4
•••
on f4, supporting the monstrous pawn on g2, 4o.Wlfl i.h3t 41.<tt>xh3 Wlxf2 42.�c8t <tt> f7
significantly reduces White's movements and 43.�c7t �g8 44.�c8t=
it seems as though it is White who should be A draw looks like a fair outcome after such a
seeking to try and draw here. j ungle of complications.
After all these rather important explanations, it B2) 25.ttJd3

is time to take a look at 34.�h4:
Trying to challenge the intruder is a common
strategy in such cases.
a b e d e f g h
34 hxg4 35.fxg4 i.g5 36.�hl i.h6!?

b e d
•••
Unclear play arises after 36 . . . lLl xe4 37.�f3 a e f g h

.if4 3 8 .�fh3 Wf6°o, but there is no need for 25 ttJxg2N
•••
Black to get himself into this. A simple solution, forcing a draw.
37.�xh6 The complicated try is 25 . . . �g7, and now:

37.�h4 .ig5 =
a) Black gets the upper hand after 26.lLl xf4
.ixf4! 27.g4! (27.�c7? lLl g3! 28.�xd7 Wh4!
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 . b4 209
29Jhg7t �xg7 30 . .ixa7 lLl xe2t 3 1 .'lWxe2 plan has acquired flesh and bones as he is ready
.ih2t 32.�h l .ig3t 33.�gl 'lWh2#) 27 . . . .ixc l to mount pressure against the sensitive c7 - and
2 S .'lWxc l lLl f4 29 .'lWe3 h5! as he gains a whole a7 -points in our camp, the only question being
tempo over the line starting with 26.g4!. how to do so.
White's problems are evident after 30.l::k l The preparatory 1 9. � h l is an interesting
(30 . .ig3?! 'lWg5 !-+) 30 ... hxg4 3 1 . fxg4 lLl xe2t precaution, providing the f2-bishop with some
32.'lWxe2 .ixg4+ as he has not managed to space in anticipation of . . . g5-g4-g3, but Black
evacuate his king to safety. should nevertheless go for this. After 1 9 . . . E!:g7!
20.lLlb5 g4! 2 1 . lLl xa7 g3! 22 . .ib6 'lWeS ! 23.E!:c7
b) 26.g4!N lLl xd3 27.'lWxd3 .ixc l 2SJhc l lLl f4 lLl h4! the second player has good prospects
29 .'lWe3 h5 30.�fl ! hxg4= should be okay for according to my homework, because his queen
Black too. is heading to h 5 , after which all sort of threats
will be in the air. This is evident after either
After 25 . . . lLl xg2 the game is bound to end in a 24.E!:xb7 'lWh5! 2 5 . E!:xd7 E!:g6!! with excellent
draw quickly: attacking chances for us, as the reader can
find out by consulting my analysis, or 24.'lWc2
�hS 25 . .id3 'lWh5 26 . .ig l lLl xg2 27.lLl xg2
E!:xa7 2S.h4 E!:aS 29.E!:xb7 .ia4 30.'lWxa4 E!:xb7
8
3 1 .a6 when White's pawns do look dangerous
but his king's position gives severe grounds for
7 concern. An illustrative line is 3 1 . . . E!:bbS 32.b5
6 'lWeS 33.E!:b l 'lWd7 34.lLl xf4 g2t! and in my
view Black is at least equal as the white king
5 will not easily find peace.
4 More obvious than 1 9 .�h l is 1 9 . 1Ll b 5 ,
which has been considered a s the main line
3
over the years. After the customary 19 . . . g4!
2 White can grab the pawn on a7 but in this
1
chapter we considered the invasion 20.lLl c7! ?,
yielding double-edged play. After 20 ... g3!
a b e d e f g h 2 1 .hxg3! fxg3! 22 . .ixg3 .ih6 23.lLlxaS! ? lLl h 5
27 ... lLlg3! 28.hg3 :Sxg3 29.�xg3 YlYg5t 24 ..i f2 ! lLl gf4 there arises one o f the most
30.�f2 YlYh4t= interesting positions in the whole opening
A perpetual is once more a logical theory of chess, full of amazing tactics that
culmination of the struggle. deserve a careful examination. My verdict is
that the position is equal, yet it is very easy to
outplay an unprepared opponent here as the
Conclusion tactical motifs are both original and powerful.
I may sound boring sometimes, but nowadays
In this chapter we introduced ourselves to the you can't play the King's Indian without being
intricacies of 1 3 .b4, a primitive but dangerous armed with lots of tactical knowledge, well
move. After 1 3 . . . lLl f6 1 4.c5 lLl g6 1 5 . cxd6!? digested and memorized. Such is the nature of
cxd6 1 6.l::k l E!:f7 1 7 . a4 Ms I S .a5 .id7 White's the struggle . . .
lo.ie3
a b c d e f g h
Variation Index
l .d4 til f6 2.c4 g6 3.tilc3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 S.tilB 0-0 6 ..ie2 eS 7.0-0 til c6 8.dS tile7
9.tilel til d7 10 . .ie3 f5 I 1 .B f4 12 ..ifl gS 13.b4 tilf6 14.cS tilg6 IS.cxd6!? cxd6
16Jkl �f7 17.a4 .ifS 1 8.aS .id7 19.tilbS g4! 20.tilxa7! g3!? 21 ..ib6 Vge7!
22 . .ibS!N gxh2t 23. �h2 til hS! 24 . .ixd7
24".V9xd7
A) 2S.�c7 212
B) 2S.tild3 214
B l ) 2S".tilg3? 214
B2) 2S".Vge8!! 217
B2 1) 26.�fl!? �g7 27.�fc2 til h4 28.�gl 217
B2 1 1) 28".tilg3?! 217
B2 1 2) 28".�gS!! 220
B22) 26. til fl 22 1
after 2 1 . . .V;l/e7! 82) after 25.ttJd3 822) after 4 1 .V;l/c6
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
22.�b 5 ! N 25 . . . V;l/e8! ! 4 l . . . ttJ d3! !

Chapter 1 8 - 2 0 . tiJ xa7! 21 1
1 .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tLl£3 22.h3? ixh3! 23.gxh3 (23Jk7 id7 24.ib5
0-0 6 .ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLl c6 S.d5 tLl e7 9.tLl el
• �d8-+) 23 . . .V!1d7 24.V!1d2 V!1xh3+
tLl d7 10 .ie3 f5 1 1 .£3 £4 12 .ifl g5 13.b4
• •
tLlf6 14.c5 tLlg6 15.cxd6!? cxd6 16J;c1 gf7 22.�c7 gxh2t 23.lt>xh2 ttJh5+t is at least a
17.a4 .ifS I S.a5 .id7 19.tLlb5 g4! 20.tLlxa7! draw for Black.
I think this is the most testing move at
White's disposal. It wins an important pawn 22.ttJb5 ttJh5 23.� h 1 gxh2N 24.if2 ixb5
and grants the f2-bishop access to b6. 25 .ixb5 ttJ g3t 26.ixg3 fxg3-+
20 g3!?
••• 22 gxh2t
•••
20 ... gxf3 2 1 .gxf3 ih3 22.�h l is also There is nothing better than this capture
possible. here.
22 . . . �xa7? 23.ixd7+- immediately leads to
2 1 ..ib6 a lost position for the second player.
White refrains from opening lines on the
kingside, as that can only favour Black. 23.�xh2 tLl h5!
Trying n o t t o improve the position of the
2 1 . �e7!
•• a7-knight.
Black of course shouldn't release the pressure
on h2 by 2 1 . . .gxh2t?! 22.'�xh2 V!1e7, because 23 . . . ixb 5 ? 24. ttJ xb5 ttJh5 2 5 . ttJ d3 ttJ g3
after 23.�h l ! ttJ h 5 24.�gl ttJ g3 25 .�h2 26.ttJc7 �c8 27.�g1 V!1h4 2 8 . ttJ f2 ttJ xfl
White is fully coordinated and is clearly better. 29.V!1xfl ± deprives Black of counterplay, while
the a7-knight has found its way back into the
game and White's queenside pawns are ready
to march.
3
a b e d e f g h 2
22 .ib5!N
•
1
The most critical move, which has yet to be
a b e d e f g h
commented upon anywhere. The exchange of
light-squared bishops is designed to take the 24 .ixd7 �xd7
•
sting out of Black's attack. The alternatives A critical position. Now White should decide
all fail to achieve anything, and in fact Black whether to exchange a rook with A) 25.gc7
seems to get the upper hand in the cases listed or to continue with B) 25.tLld3. I think both
j ust below: ways are of an approximately equal value.
212 1 0 .ie3
A) 25.:1:ic7 �e8 26.:1:ixf7 �xf7 27.tild3! 29.ltJc6!?

The only really independent try, but it
After 27.ltJ b 5 ? ltJ g3 Black wins a n exchange appears rather speculative.
and still keeps his attacking chances. a) Instead 29 .'lWf1 ?? is a blunder because of
29 . . . ltJ g3, and . . . 'lWh6 will follow.
b) 29.'lWe 1 ?! is an awkward way to opt for
8
the formation with the knight on h3 and
7 the queen on f2. After 29 . . . ie7 30.ltJfl
6 c;i;>hB White has to move the queen again
with 3 1 .'lWfl . (Bad is 3 1 . b 5 ? :ggB 32.ltJg4
5 ltJ g3-+, while 3 1 . ltJ g4? :ggB 32.b5 ltJ g3-+
4 is j ust a reversal in the move order. Finally,
3 1 . ltJ h3? allows the brilliant tactical motif
3 3 1 . . .'lWxg2t! 32.:gxg2 ltJxf3t 33.c;i;> h 1
2 ltJ xe 1 -+ when White will lose his e4-pawn
as well.) Then 3 1 . . .'lWg3t 32.mh 1 'lWg6
1 33.mh2= leads to an immediate draw.
a b e d e f g h c) 29.ltJf2! will transpose to 2 B . ltJ f2 .
27 ... til h4 29 . . . bxc6
The situation on the board is incredibly Black may also ignore the knight: 29 . . . ltJ f5 ! ?
tense, with White bound to emerge victorious 30.:ge 1 (30. ltJ f2 ltJ e3t) 30 . . . ltJ h4 3 1 .'lWc2
if he can successfully thwart Black's attack. ltJ g3 32.mg1 'lWh5°o
30.dxc6 ltJf5 3 1 .:ge 1 ltJ h4 32.'lWe2 ltJ g3
28.tilfl 33.'lWf2 d5°o
White should be looking to bring his knight The position is clearly unclear! My feeling
to h3 and his queen to fl. This formation though, is that in view of the precarious
reduces Black's chances considerably by position of the white king Black enjoys the
averting sacrificial possibilities. lion's share of the chances.
Another move order with the same aim is as Back to the standard plan with 2B.ltJfl:
follows:
2BJ!g1 'lWg6 28 �g6 29.:1:igl 'it>h8
•••
White now has a choice: To attack, Black needs more firepower by

bringing his rook to gB . The idea is that it is
8
hard for White to defend g2 without allowing
tricks.
7
F,=7,,,��,,
6
"'md' ' ' ' ' ' 30.�e2!?
5 White needs to protect g2 before moving
V'=?'",,,,,,
4 the knight to h3, and the text move is most

3 accurate as it also protects f3 . Before p roceeding
to examine this move let us see the alternatives:
2
The direct 30.ltJh3 fails to adequately protect
White: 30 . . . 'lWg3t 3 1 .c;i;>h 1 ltJ xg2! 32.:gxg2
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 8 - 2 0 . lLl xa7! 213
Wxh3t 33.E:h2 tLl g3t 34.�gl Wd7°o Black is 34 . . . tLl xg2!! 3 5 . E:xg2 E:g6! 36. tLl f5 tLl xf5
at least equal. 37.E:xg6 Wxg6 38. exf5 Wg3t 3 9 . W h l Wxh3t
40.�gl 1i.h4=
Another move is 30.Wc2?!, but this also
allows tactics, for example: 30 . . . 1i.e7 3 l .tLlh3?? Let us now return to the refined defence
(3 1 .We2 is the only move) 3 1 . . .Wg3t 32.�h l 30.We2:
tLl xf3-+
30 .Wd3 also has tactical flaws:
a b e d e f g h
3O . . . 1i.e7 3 1 . tLl h3 Wg3t 3 2 . � h l tLl xg2

33.E:xg2 Wxh3t 34.E:h2 Wg3! Introducing
another brilliant moti( 35 .1i.f2 (35 .E:xh5??
We l t 36.�h2 1i.h4!-+ i s a phenomenal idea.)
One might think that 3 1 . . .Wg6 forces a draw,
3 5 ... Wg6't Black's attack looks more dangerous
but it is not so: 32 .Wd3! (32.Wc2?? tLl g3t
than White's queenside pawns.
33.�h2 tLl fl t 34.� h l Wg3 3 5 . tLl g4 Wh2t!!
36.tLlxh2 tLl g3#) 32 ... 1i.e7 33.tLlh3 E:g8 34.1i.f2!
30.tLl b 5 ! ? is logical, asking Black to show if he
(34.b5 tLl xg2 3 5 .Wc2 tLl g3t 36.�xg2 tLl e2t
has any threats. As it turns out, he has enough
37.�fl tLl xg l 3 8 . tLl xg l 1i.d8!oo) 34 . . . tLl g3t
of them to secure a draw: 30 . . . 1i.e7 3 1 .Wfl
There i s no clear follow-up t o Black's attack
(3 1 . tLl c7? turns out to be a blunder after
after either 3 5 . �h2;!; or 3 5 .1i.xg3;!;.
3 1 . . .Wg3t 32.Wh l E:g8 33 .Wfl Wg6 34.�h2
tLl g3-+) 3 1 . . . tLl g3 32.Wd3 E:g8 33.tLlh3 Wh5
34.tLl d4!
5
v.=,.. . . . . . . .
a b e d e f g h
214 l O .ie3
.
32.YlYe l! B) 25.�d3
32.ttJh3?! Wxh3t 33.gxh3 ttJ fg3t 34.�g2
ttJ xe2 3 5 .E:e1 ttJ hg3+ offers White insufficient
compensation for the piece.
32 � e3! 33.�h3 .ie7! 34..ixe3

•••
34.b5? ih4! 3 5 .Wd2 ttJ f6!=t and Black is

threatening to take on e4 and j ump to g4 with
his e3-knight.
34.Wxg3 ttJ xg3t 3 5 . �h2 ttJ efl t 36.E:xfl

ttJ xfl t 37.�gl ttJ d2+
34 fxe3 35.YlYxe3
b e d f
•..
3 5 .Wxg3 ? ttJ xg3t 36.�h2 ih4 37.ttJb5 e2-+ a e g h

is devastating; the pawn cannot be stopped. Although I am not recommending that
Black plays B l ) 25 �g3?, I believe the
• .•
variations given will have instructional value

for the reader. Afterwards we will move on to
examine the critical B2) 25 YlYeS!!. •..
Bl) 25 �g3?•••
This is too rash. Black needs to build p ressure

against g2 and this move blocks any such
manoeuvre.
8
a b e d e f g h 7
35 � f4 36.�xf4 .ig5! 37.YlYel YlYxf4
••.
6
3S.�b5 .ie7 39.E:fl YlYh6t 40.cj;>gl .ig5
Despite being two pawns down, the
5
weakened dark squares allow Black to draw: 4
41 .g4
3
4 1 .g3 E:g8 42.�g2 ih4 43.Wc 1 ! ? ig5 2
44.We 1 ih4= 1
41 ..J:kS 42.YlYe2 YlYh3 43.�xd6 .ie3t a b e d e f g h
44.YlYxe3 YlYg3t 45.cj;>hl = 26.E:gl !!
Trying to defend g2 immediately. Now the
king lacks breathing space, but White does
seems to be better here.
Chapter 1 8 - 2 0 . ltJ xa7! 215
Worse is 26Jl:e l ? ! ltJ h4 27.ltJf2 WeB when it 28.�h3!

seems as if Black should hold the balance. For Simple and strong.
example: 2BJk2 I found this to be the more
interesting. (After 2 B . ltJ h3 :1l:g7 29.Wc2 @hB� 28 J:l:g7 29.YlYc2! lie7
••
Black has good compensation.) Black secures This position is difficult and I cannot find a
some chances in the following manner: way for Black to hold:
7
'"' ' ' ' " 'W/H//
6
5
Y' ' ' ' ' '''wmn'
4
a b e d e f g h
28 . . . :1l:g7 29.ltJg4 �e7! (Unnecessary is

29 . . . ltJ xf3t?! 30.gxf3 WhSt 3 1 .@gl Wh i t a b e d e f g h
32.@f2 Wh4 33.:1l:g1 hS 34.ltJ h6t @h7 3 S . ltJ fS
30.YlYf2!!
ltJ xfS t 36.@e2 ltJ g3t 37.'itid3 We7 3B.@c4
White completes his defensive construction.
h4 39.'itib3;!; and White is better because
The alternatives offer Black good chances. I am
of a more secure king.) 30.'itigl hS 3 1 . ltJ h2
presenting them without any comments j ust
�d8 32.�xdB WxdB 33.ltJbS b6!--+ Black has
for the sake of completeness:
excellent attacking prospects; White's king
lacks air and the extra pawn hardly counts.
30.WcB? ltJ e2+
26 YlYe8 27.�f2 �h4

•••
30.ltJcB!? �fB! 3 1 .�f2 @hB 3 2 . ltJ b6 :1l:dB
27 . . . :1l:g7 would also be met by 2 B . ltJ h3 .
33 .�e l (33.Wb2 �e7! 34.�xg3 :1l:xg3 3 S . ltJ xf4
WfB 36.@xg3 Wxf4t 37.@f2 ltJ xf3 3B.gxf3
[3B.g3 �h4!] 3B . . . �h4t 39.@g2 :1l:g8t 40.@h l
Wxf3t 4 1 .:1l:g2 Wh3t=) 33 . . . �e7 34.Wd3 WhS
3 S .:1l:cB
216 1O . .ie3
35 . . . l2hg2!! 36J�xg2 :gg6 37.:gxd8t .ixd8 33 W!a4 34.:gc7 W!xb4

•••
38 ..ixg3 (38.:gxg3 ? fxg3t 39 . .ixg3 .ih4!-+) Now White continues in a study-like

38 . . . W!xh3t!! 39.�xh3 :gh6t 40.�g4 :gg6t manner:
4 1 .�h5 :gg5t 42.c;f{h6 :gg6t 43.�h5 :gg5t
44.c;f{h4 :gg6t=
30 .id8
•••
I see no other way for Black to free himself

up so as to proceed with doubling rooks on the
g-file. But it proves too slow.
3 1 .:gc2!
This accurate move poses Black the most
problems.
However, 3 1 ..ixd8!? :gxd8 32.b5 is a primitive

pawn push that also looks dangerous for Black.
3 1 . ..h6
What else?
32.:ggc l !
32 . .ixd8 ! ? :gxd8 3 3 . b 5 i s also on the cards. Weaker is: 35. :gxg7t c;f{xg7 36.:gc7t c;f{h8
37.W!c2= (37.:gxb7 ?? :gg8-+)
8
35 <;!{h8 36.�g7 �g7
7
•••
And now we reach the crowning point of

6 White's idea:
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
32 .bb6!
••.
32 . . . �h7 33 . .ixd8 :gxd8 34.b5 :gdd7

3 5 . b6+-
33.axb6 a b e d e f g h
33 .W!xb6?? W!g6-+ 37.�c8!!
Denying the rook a transfer to the kingside.
Chapter 1 8 - 2 0 . etJ xa7! 217
Instead, 37Jk7t ctfh8 38Jhb7 �g8� is B2 1 1) 28 tLl g3?!

.• .
unclear.
Again Black i s shielding his own pressure
37 .. J�aS 38.�h3!! tLlg6 39.tfel ! gbS against g2. The idea is for a queen invasion
40.tLl e2! tfxe1 41 .gxel tLlxe2 42.gxe2 �f6 on h5, but as we shall see White can repel the
43.ga2± attack and reach a favourable ending.
This ending will be very difficult for Black.
The culmination of an amazing line, with
beautiful tactical and positional motifs.
B2) 2S ...tfe8!!
4
a b e d e f g h
3
29.tLlfl!!
2 This is my own idea, which I originally only
1 believed to be enough for a draw. However,
further analysis revealed an advantage for
a b e d e f g h
White. Others are not dangerous for Black:
A huge memory marker in this work. The
a7 -knight is kept out of play and Black intends 29.ctff2!? is an interesting idea of the engines,
to attack harmoniously by placing his rook initiating an evacuation manoeuvre. Here
on g7 and knight on h4. White can choose is what I consider to be best play: 29 . . . �h5!
between B21) 26.gfl!? and B22) 26.tLlfl. 30.�e l ! �g6! 3 1 . etJ b 5 etJ xe4 3 2 . fxe4 �xe4t
33.�e2 (33.�e2 �f5�) 33 . . . etJ xg2t 34.ctfd2
B2 1) 26.gfl!? etJ e3 3 5 . etJ c3 This is a messy position where
Black has a choice:
White can try to penetrate the black camp
with his rooks, but this allows Black dynamic
counterplay:
26 ... gg7 27.gfc2 tLl h4 28.�gl

Once more B2 1 1) 28 ... tLl g3?! is an
instructive mistake, while the star move is
B2 1 2) 28 ... ggS!!.
218 1 O .�e3
35 . . . �g2 ! ? (35 . . . ttJ c4t 36.el �h l t 37.�fl

�h6 3 8 . ttJ e4 ttJ xb6 39.axb6 Ek3 looks less
convincing, although is probably j ust about
playable.) 36.�xe3 fxe3t 37.d l �h l t
3 8 .ttJ e l E:gl 39.�xe3 �h6 40.�xg l t �xg l
4 1 .E:g2t �xg2 42.ttJxg2 �xc l 43.xc l
This ending should b e drawn, i n view of
the dangerous distraction the h-pawn can
transform itself into.
The penetration 29 .E:c7 should be met in

the following dynamic manner: 29 ... E:g5!
Preserving the active rook. 30.E:xb7 �h5 and a b e d e f g h
White is under a fierce attack. 30 E:h5! 3 1 .i.fl!!
•••
3 1 .h2 ttJ xg2! 32.xg2 �g6 33.�gl

Finally, 29.ttJ e l defends g2 and f3 , but allows ttJ xe4t 34.h2 ttJ g5 3 5 .�xg5 E:xg5 36.ttJxg5
Black to penetrate via the h-file: �h5 t! 37.�gl h8°o is a line illustrating that
Black has threats of his own!
8
7 3 1 .E:c8 E:xc8 32.E:xc8 �g6 is actually already

""=�'..-;-:;-;..
6 better for Black, but perhaps White can hold
5 with 33 .�c2 ttJ xf3t 34.gxf3 ttJ xe4t 3 5 . fl
v.='''. . . . . . . .
ttJ g3t 36.g l ! .
4
3
3 1 .. .%Yg6 3 2.,bg3 %Yxg3 33.ttJb5 i.e7
2 34.%Ye2 f7! 35.%Yfl!
White is j ust in time to exchange queens,
a b e d e f g h when it is not clear whether Black has enough
drawing resources.
29 . . . �h5 30.�f2 ttJ g6! 3 1 . ttJ b 5 �h4 3 2 . ttJ d3
ttJ xe4t 33.gl ttJ g3 34. ttJ f2 e4! 3 5 . fxe4 f3 !
3 5 .E:c7 promises White nothing after the
(35 . . . ttJ e5 36.ttJ d4) 36.�xf3 ttJ e5 and the
correct: 35 . . . f6! 36.E:c8 E:xc8 37 .E:xc8
Black attack looks virulent. I would not like to
be White here.
8
7
Let us now switch our attention to 29.ttJf2!!:
6
29 J!g5!
•• 5
,.. . . . . ..·/mm'
Preparing to move the queen to g6, with a 4
strong attack.
3
2
30./t:Jh3!
30.ttJg4 �g6-+
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 1 8 - 2 0 . ttJ xa7! 219
3 7 . . . ttJ g6!! Th e following astounding lines lead ttJ xg2 40.l::1 x g2 l::1g xh3=) 39 . . . l::1hg6 40.@fl
to a draw: 3 8 . ttJ f2 (38.@fl ? l::1 x h3 39.gxh3 ttJ xg2 4 1 .l::1 xg2 l::1xh3 42.l::1 xg6t hxg6? The
Wxh3t 40 . @ e l WxcB-+) 38 . . . Wh2t 39.@fl ending is okay for Black.
@g7! 40.ttJc7 (40.l::1 c7 ttJ h4!! 4 1 .l::1 xe7t �fB
42 .Wc4 Wxg2t 43 .@e l ttJ xf3t 44.@e2 ttJ g l t
8 �� m � �
�
� �.m � .
4S.@ d 1 Wxf2 46.l::1 d 7 Wf3t 47.@c1 We3t
.
4B.@d 1 =) 7� m._
6 �� _"'u��
8
7 54 ��K. �•�;:(.!.,,/�
��r� ��r�
lf� m 8 lf� •
.�7.�.�
·.... ·....
� ��
6
� �
�
5 3
� ;:( '''' ,('''''v,.
.....
2 . �� mr"��
V'="'"" ""
4
�
3
2
�
a
p� m W
b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
37 .. J�h6
This appears to be the only move here, but I
40 . . . Wh 1 t!! 4 1 .ttJxh 1 l::1 x h 1 t 42.@f2 ih4t
am not sure it is eventually enough for a draw.
43 .g3 ixg3t 44.@g2 l::1 h 2t 4S.�fl l::1 h 1 t=
The concept is quite human - reactivation of
the rook.
37 . . . ttJ xg2 ?! 3 B .l::1 xg2 l::1g xh3 39.@f2 l::1 h 1

40.l::1 cg l !! l::1 Sh2 4 1 .@fl ifS 42.ttJc7 looks
(and is) quite difficult for Black; the reason is
that his rook cannot gain access to the rear of
White's queenside pawns.
Going back to 37 . . . l::1 h 6, the endgame is quite

sharp, but White seems capable of maintaining
an advantage with accurate play:
b e d
3S.c.t> fl !
a e f g h
Other moves should lead to a draw:
35 l::1 gS 36.Wxg3 l::1xg3 37J!f2!
.•• 3B.l::1 cc2 @f6! transposes to the note to
It is this move that renders the whole White's 37th move above.
2B . . . ttJ g3 line dubious.
Instead, after 37.l::1 f l l::1h6 3 B .l::1 ff2 �f6! 3 B .l::1 c7 !?
Black is improving the king, and guarding the Sharp and dangerous, but Black can use
gS-square. (3B . . . ttJ xg2?! allows the stunning tactical tricks to secure the draw:
39.ttJgSt! l::1 x gS 40.l::1 x g2 l::1 g hS 4 1 .l::1 h 2± and a 3B . . . l::1hg6 39.ttJ xf4!?
rook trade happens in the best possible form 39.l::1 x b7 ttJ xg2 40.ttJxd6t l::1 x d6 4 1 .l::1 xg2
for White.) 39.ttJc7 (39.l::1 c7 l::1 h g6; or 39.�fl l::1 x h3=
220 l O .ie3
39 . . . exf4 40.�f1 B2 12) 28 gg5!!

•••
A stunning draw arises after: 40Jhb7 :Bxg2t

8
4 1 .:Bxg2 :Bxg2t 42.�f1 �2 43.liJxd6t �f6
44. liJ c4 liJ xf3 45.e5t �f5 !! 46.:Bxe7 �e4!!
47.:Bxh7 :B a l t 4B .�e2 :Ba2t= with the idea 7
49.�d l ?? �d3 5 0 . c;i{ c 1 �xc4-+ 6
40 . . . liJ xg2 4 1 .:Bxb7 liJ e3t 42.c;i{e2 :Bgl
The engines are initially optimistic about 5
White here. 4
43.a6
43.:Bh2 h5 44.a6 :B a l 45 .a7 :Bgg l is also
3
equal. 2
1
a b c d e g
Preparing to add more firepower to the

attack by playing the queen to g6 on the next
move.
In contrast to the laborious 2B ... liJ g3?!, after

2B . . . :Bg5 !! Black's task seems much more
pleasant since it is he who is pressing.
a b e d e f g h
29.tilel
43 . . . :B a l 44.a7 :Bgg l 4 5 . �d3 :Bgb l ! ! 46.liJ xd6t 29.a6 bxa6 30.liJc6 Wfg6 3 1 .liJ e l liJ g3-+
�f6 47.liJeBt c;i{fl 4B.d6
gives Black a powerful attack.
But now a wonderful perpetual check
mechanism comes to the fore:
29 til g3
Black has reached his optimum build-up
•••
4B . . . :B d l t 49.�c3 :Ba3t 50.�b2 liJ c4t

5 1 .c;i{c2 liJ e3t= and can no longer avoid this move.
Amazing, a n octopus-like knight! !
30.�d3
So far so good, but after 3B. �f1 ! things look
Intending to bring the a7-knight out via b 5 .
grim for Black: The best I could find was:
Bad i s 3o.i f2 ? Wfh5!+
38 .tl�xg2 39.�g2 :Bxf3t! 40.tilfl ghl t
••
41 .gg1 gh2 42.gc2 gb3 43.tilc3 �b4 30 gh5 3 1 . �fl

•••
44.gg2! In case of 3 1 .liJ b 5 ? the brutal 3 1 . . .liJ hf5 !

44.:Ba2 :Bb3 4 5 . liJ cd l ih4f±
32.exf5 :Bh l t 33.�f2 e4 34.fxe4 liJ xe4t
3 5 .c;i{f3 liJ f6+ is a bone-crusher.
44 gxg2 45.�xg2 .id8 46.ga2
••• gb3
47.tilfdl� 3 1 . �g6.•
Black obviously has chances to hold, but the

It has become obvious that White is
defence promises to be long and arduous.
struggling. For example:
Chapter 1 8 - 2 0 . lLl xa7! 22 1
32.c��b5 26 ttJ b4 27.ttJ h3

•••
If 32.:1!c8 ? then 32 . . . :1!xc8 33.lLlxc8 lLl xf3!-+ White must complete his plan without delay.
kills White.
Pointless is: 27.tLlg4?! tLl g3� Black will lose
32.:1!c4 is answered by: 32 . . . tLlh 1 t 33.\t>e2 the h5-square by evicting the knight with
tLl xg2+t . . . h 5 , but this is compensated for by gaining
tempos to build up devastating pressure along
Finally, 32 .Wc4 :1!e8!� is excellent for Black the g-file.
too.
27.\t>g l ?! is not so good:
8
3
2
1 a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h 27 . . . tLl g3! 28.:1!el :1!g7h Black gets a good

version with his knight on g3, as White has
32 ttJxf3! 33.�xf3 :1!hl 34.ttJ d3 ttJxe4t
• .•
played the weak moves \t>g 1 and :1!e l . This fact

35.g;,e2
enables strong pressure along the g-file.
And Black has at least a draw:
35 ttJg3t=
•••
27.:1!c2?! :1!g7� is the same story. Black has not
filled g3 with the knight this time, and may
utilize it with his queen or rook, according to
circumstance. For example: 2 8 . tLl h3? (28.:1!g1
Th e standard manoeuvre, t o bring the knight W g6 29.tLlg4 tLl f6� is at least equal for Black.)
to h3. 28 . . .Wg6 29.:1!g1 Wg3t 30.\t>h 1 tLl xg2-+
27 gg7 28.gg1 gg3!

•••
Here lies the big difference; now the rook

intrudes.
29.�f1
In case of 29.:1!c7 Wg6 30 .We2, the simple
30 . . . c;i{h8� creates a multitude of threats.
29.Wc2 c;i{h8 30.Wf2?! tLl f6!-+ is already

winning for Black.
222 l O .ie3
3 1 . YNg7! 32.b5!?
••
After 32.i.f2!?, this is what I consider as best

line for Black: 32 . . . 1'%xh3t! 33.gxh3 ttJ xBt
34. 'it> h l ttJ xg l 3 5 .Wxg l ttJ g3t 36.i.xg3 fxg3
37.b5 (37.ttJb6 Wc7 3B .Wxg3t i.g7=, for
example 39.b5 Wc l t 40.W gl Wc3!) 37 . . . Wc7!
3B .Wxg3t i.g7 39.Wg4 Wc l t The game
should end in a draw.
32 YNd7!
•••
This accurate move stops White from

obtaining any advantage. The following lines
a b e d e f g h are the evidence:
29 YNg6
33.a6
•••
More or less standard. In an ideal world

Sacrificing the knight to gain time for the
Black would triple major pieces along the g-file
a-pawn's avalanche.
and deliver mate.
Alternatively, 33.ttJa7 ttJ xg2! 34.1'%xg2 Wxh3t
Also possible is: 29 . . . WhB!? 30Jk7 (30.i.f2 3 5 . 'it> g l WhB 36.1'%xg3 Wxg3t 37.Wg2 We l t
Wg6!! 3 U'k3 Wh6!�) 3O . . . ttJ f6 3 1 .1'%xb7 Wh5 3B .'it>h2 ttJ g3= leads to equality as White
3 2 . ttJ c6 1'%xh3t 33.gxh3 ttJxBt 34.Wh l ttJ xg l cannot push his a-pawn any further.
3 5 .Wxg l (3 5 . 'it>xg l f3-+) 3 5 . . . Wxh3t 36 .Wh2
WBt 37.Wg2 Wh5 t 3B .Wh2= 33.ttJxd6 !? Wxd6 34.i.f2 Wg6 3 5 .a6 1'%xh3t
35 . . . bxa6 should be equal too.
30J�c8! 36.gxh3 ttJ xBt 37.'it>h l ttJ xg l 3 B . a7 Wxe4t
Attempting to diffuse the pressure. 30.1'%c7 We have reached a wild position that
WhB� nevertheless seems equal:
30 1'%xc8 3 1 .ttJxc8
•••
Trading a pair of rooks.
a b e d e f g h
39.'it>xg l
39 .Wg2t ttJ g3t 40.'it>xg l (40.i.xg3 f3
4 1 .Wf2 ttJ xh3 42.We l Wxd5 43.'it>h2 b6
44.Wxe5 Wd2t 4 5 .Wxh3 Wd7t 46.'it>h2
a b e d e f g h Wxa7 47.We6t Wf7 4B .Wg4t= is yet another
Chapter 1 8 - 20.lLl xa7! 223
draw} 40 . . . Wlb l t 4 1 .�h2 'itif7! 42.a8=WI Conclusion

lLl fl t= leads to a perpetual.
39 . . . Wla4+t In Chapter 1 8 we continued our examination
Black has enough counterplay, in view of the of 1 3 .b4 by dealing with the sharp line 1 9 . tLl b5
threatened . . . e5-e4-e3. If White tries to stop g4! 20.tLl xa7! g3! ? 2 1 .i.b6 Wle7! 22.i.b5! gxh2t
it by 40.Wle2 then 40 . . . lLl g3 4 1 .Wlxe5 Wld 1 t 23.'itixh2 tLl h 5 ! 24.i.xd7 Wlxd7. Here White
secures the draw. has a lot of trumps as he has won an important
pawn and exchanged Black's precious light
33 ... bxa6 34.bxa6 �xc8 35.i.fl squared bishop, but on the other hand his
3 5 . a7 �f7 36.lLlf2 (36.i.f2 i.h6!) 36 .. .l::l g6!--+ king is weak as usual and this provides us with
enough counterplay to equalize.
The final line in the chapter allows us to have The most important possibility at this point
some real fun, with the computer p roviding is 2 5 . tLl d3 , trying to redeploy the knight for
shocking blows and counterblows: defensive purposes. Alternatively, 2 5 Jk7
WleB 26Jhf7 Wlxf7 27.tLl d3! exchanges some
wood but Black's attack remains virulent after
27 . . . tLl h4 2 B . tLl f2 Wlg6 29.E:gl 'itihB, provided
he avoids planting his knight on g3 too early.
This maximizes his chances due to a timely
queen check on that square, as the reader
can notice by consulting the relevant piece of
analysis.
Returning to 2 5 . tLl d3, it is important to
note that an early . . . tLlh5-g3 should again be
avoided, as it prematurely shields the pressure
against g2 . The best move is the astounding
25 . . . WleB! ! , which I consider one of the best
moves included in this book, seeking to restrict
the a7-knight and attack harmoniously by
avoiding committal decisions on the kingside.
There are many lines after this move, but as
long as Black follows the above-mentioned
rule of thumb by not placing his knight on g3
39 tLlf4!! 40.a7 too early, he should be able to keep equality.
The main line 26. tLl f2 tLl h4 27.tLlh3 E:g7
•••
40 .Wlc6 Wlxc6 4 1 .dxc6 tLl e6+

2B.E:gl E:g3! 29 .Wlfl Wlg6 avidly demonstrates
40 ... �g7 41 .�c6 tLl d3!! 42.tLlh3 �xh3t!! the point of being flexible as the rook is much
43.gxh3 tLl flt 44.�gl tLlxh3t 45.�fl g2t more influential on g3, creating annoying
46.�e2 tLl f4t 47.�d2 tLlxf3t 48.�c3 gl=� pressure based on several sacrificial motifs. In
49.a8=� �el t 50.�c4 �xe4t 5 1 .�c3 the end it is bound to be a draw all the same,
�elt= but I must say I am happy with that, as this
Al l wonderful stuff for those who wish to was one of the most difficult variations in the
train on tactics, with the final verdict being whole volume to cope with.
equality.
lo.ie3
a b c d e f g h
15J�cl!
Variation Index
l .d4 tLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tLl£3 0-0 6.ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLlc6 8.d5 tLl e7
9.tLl el tLl d7 10.ie3 f5 1 1 .£3 f4 l2.if2 g5 13.b4 tLlf6 l4.c5 tLlg6 l5Jkl! �f7
l 6.a4
A) l 6 ... ifS 225
B) l6 ... h5!? l7.cxd6 cxd6 l 8.a5 g4 19.tLlb5 g3 20.ixa7 tLl h7!
2 1 .�hl �xa7 22.�xc8 �xc8 23.tLlxa7 �d8 226
B l ) 24.h3 228
B2) 24.�d2N 229
C) l6 ... b6!N l7.a5 bxc5 l 8.bxc5 ifS 230
Cl) 19.tLld3 h5 20.cxd6 cxd6 2 1 . tLl b4 g4! 22.tLl c6! �e8
23.tLlb5!! a6! 24.tLl ba7 gxf3! 230
C l l) 25.ixf3 23 1
C12) 25.gxf3!? 232
C2) 1 9.00 233
A) afrer 1 8. cxd6 B 1) afrer 27.tl:ld3 afrer 1 6. a4
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1 8 . . . ixd6!N 27 . . . if8N+ C) 1 6 . . . b6!N

Chapter 1 9 - 1 5 Jk l ! 225
8
l .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 .tg7 4.e4 d6 S.tLlf3
0-0 6 .te2 eS 7.0-0 tLl c6 S.dS tLl e7 9.tLlel
7
•
tLl d7 10 .te3 f5 1 1 .f3 £4 12 .tfl gS 1 3.h4

• •
6
tLlf6 14.cS tLlg6 l SJ;!:c1!
This looks like the most exact.
5
4
3
a b e d e f g h
17 :gg7!
•••
This can lead to similar lines to Chapter 1 7

and 1 8 , but with Black having played . . .g O-g7
instead of . . . id7. Obviously this represents a
b d
gain for White, the question being whether it
a c e f g h
is significant.
l S :gfi 16.a4
•••
The main moves now are A) 16 .tfS, ••• 1 7 . . . id7?!

B) 16 hS!? and C) 16 b6!.
••• .•• The worst of all three moves available to
Black.
A) 1 6 .tfS
•••
1 8 .c6!
The exposed bishop gives White time to
This does not seem to work well here, but it
accelerate his queen side initiative.
may j ust be playable. The reason the move is
1 8 . . . bxc6
problematic lies in the immediate push of the
1 8 . . . ic8 1 9 . cxb7 ixb7 20.a6 ic8 2 1 . ltJ b 5 ±
a-pawn:
1 9 .dxc6 ie6
17.aS!? 1 9 . . . ixc6 20.ic4±
Black is at risk of being suffocated on the 20.b5 h5
queenside. 20 . . . gg7 2 1 .ltJ d3±
Instead, 1 7. cxd6 cxd6 would transpose into

the previous two chapters, which is perfectly
acceptable for Black.
1 7 . tLl d3 h5 1 8 .�h 1 g4 1 9 .cxd6 cxd6 20.ge 1

ih6 2 1 .gc2 g3 22.hxg3 fxg3 23.ixg3 h4
24.if2 ltJ h5--+ gave Black a strong attack in
Stolz - S . Novikov, corr. 20 1 1 .
After 1 7.a5 ! ? there are three continuations for

a b e d e f g h
Black:
226 1 0.ie3
2 1 .%Va4! 23 . . . %VbB 24.tLlcB!! 1'!xa6 2 5 . tLl b6 g3

2 1 .b6!? axb6 22.axb6 cxb6 23.tLld5± 26.tLlxd7 1'!xd7 27.ie 1 1'!a2 2B.h3;!;
21 . . . g4 22.ic4 ixc4 24. tLl c6 %VeB 2 5 . fxg4!
22 . . . %VeB 23.%Va2! ixc4 24.%Vxc4 ..t>hB 25 .b6 The most human move.
axb6 26.axb6 g3 27.hxg3 fxg3 2B .ixg3 cxb6 2 5 . . . tLl xe4
29.tLlb5 h4 30.ih2± 25 . . . h3 26.gxh3 tLlxe4 27.1'!c4 ixc6
23.%Vxc4 g3 24.hxg3 fxg3 25 .ixg3 ih6 (27 . . . tLl f6 2B.if3;!;) 2 B . dxc6 (2B.1'!xc6 1'!h7)
25 . . . h4 26.if2 ih6 27J!d 1 tLlh5 2B .b6 2B . . . d5 29.1'!cl 1'!c7 30.tLl c5;!;
axb6 29.axb6+- 26.h3 tLl g3t 27.ixg3 hxg3°o
26J'!d1 ie3t 27.if2 ixf2t 2B.1'!xf2±
8
Black has no compensation for the pawn
and White's queenside mass should decide.
7
1 7 . . . h5?! also leads to better positions for 6
White. 1 B .cxd6! ixd6! The only way to
exploit the belated capture on d6. ( l B . . . cxd6? 5
1 9 . tLl b 5 +-) 1 9 . tLl d3N g4 20.tLlc5 %Ve7!? 4
2 1 . tLl b 5 ! a6 22.tLlxd6 cxd6 23.tLl e6! gxf3
3
24.gxf3 ixe6 2 5 . dxe6 1'!g7 26.�h 1 �h7
27.ic4± White has two strong bishops and a 2
powerful pawn on e6, factors that should tip
the scales in his favour.
a b e d e f g h
1 8.cxd6 1 8 ...hd6!N
White is not clearly better after the following The only move. 1 B . . . cxd6? 1 9 .tLl b 5 resulted
sequence: in a comfortable win for White in Kirk -
1 B .tLl d3 h5 1 9 . cxd6 cxd6 20.tLlb5 g4 2 1 ...t>h 1 Rouffignac, Troyes 20 1 0. Here it is obvious
2 1 .ixa7? gxf3 that Black is at a disadvantage compared to
2 1 .tLl xa7 id7°o the previous chapter. After 1 9 . . . g4, best is
2 1 . . . h4! 22.tLlxa7 id7 23.a6! 20.tLlxa7N ± .
23. fxg4 tLl xe4 24.ib6 %Vg5 --+
19.ttJd3 b 6 20.ll:)b5 g4�/CD
This could be viable for Black and further
analysis is required. However I do not know
if it is worth investing time here as there are
better options available.
B) 16 ... h5!? 17.cxd6
1 7.a5 g4 1 B . tLl d3 ih6! 1 9 .1'!c2 g3 20.hxg3

fxg3 2 1 .ixg3 h4 22.if2 tLlh5 23.1'!e 1 1'!g7
a b e d e f g h
24.ifl tLl gf4 2 5 . tLl xf4 tLl xf4 26 .ie3 %Vf6 gave
Black a strong attack in Gokerman - Kazoks,
23 . . . bxa6! ?
corr. 20 1 1 .
Chapter 1 9 - 1 5 .1' k l ! 227
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
1"=0./" = " . , ,,
2 2
1 1
17 ... cxd6 1 8.a5 g4 This set-up was employed by Oral against

1 8 . "id7? allowed Piket to make a living in the expert of the variation, Ftacnik. It is not
the late 80's: easy for White to prove an advantage. The two
most important continuations are: Bl) 24.h3
8 and B2) 24.YlVd2N.
7
24.Wc2?! :gc7 only helps Black.
6
5
V·= '·."",,/ 24.id3
4 Committing the bishop too early.
3 24 . . . Wh4! 25 .h3 lLl g5 26.Wc2
2
8
7
a b e d e f g h
6
1 9 . 1Ll b 5 ! ixb5 20 .ixb5 g4 2 1 .i>h l g3 22.ig l
5
gxh2 23 .if2 h 4 24.i>xh2 lLlh5 2 5 . a6!? (25.1'! g l 1" = """ ..,,,
lLl g3 26.a6± Piket - Paneque, Adelaide 1 988.) 4
25 . . . b 6 26.lLl d3± Piket - Pieterse, Netherlands 3

1 989. 2
19.�b5 g3 20.ha7 ll:) h7

a b e d e f g h
The only move, creating the threat of
sacrificing on h3 later on.
26 . . . lLl f8 ! !
2 1 .i>hl gxa7 22.gxc8 YlVxc8 23.�xa7 YlVd8 A tremendous multipurpose move found by
23 . . . Wb8 ! ? 24. lLlb5 Wd8 2 5 .h3 lLl g5 26.gg 1 Houdini.
lLl h4� was agreed drawn at this point in Starke 27.lLlb5
- Winckelmann, corr. 20 1 0 . 27.b5 if6 28.b6 lLl xh3 29.gxh3 Wxh3t
30.i>gl g2 3 1 .lLlxg2 :gg7=
22B 1 0 .�e3
27.�b5 �c7! 2 B . lLl c6 bxc6 29 .�xc6 (29.dxc6 25 .Wfc2!?N �c7 26.lLlc6!? (26.Wfa4 �c1 t is
d5 !+) 29 . . . lLl xh3 30.gxh3 Wfxh3t 3 1 . �gl dangerous for White.) 26 . . . bxc6 27.dxc6
�f6 32 .Wfg2 WfcB favours Black. WfcB 2B.b5 lLl xh3 29 .�c4t 'it>hB 30 .�d5
27 . . . �d7 2B.�gl �dB (30.gxh3? d5! 3 1 .�xd5 Wfxh3t 32.�gl lLl h4+)
Now the white queen has been deprived of is a threatening sacrifice by White, but at this
access to cB . point the cool 30 . . . lLl e7!!oo halts the pawns and
29.lLlc7 �B 30.b5 �f6! renders the position completely unclear.
This position is balanced, for instance:
3 1 .b6 �dB 32 .�b5 �xc7 33.bxc7 lLl xh3t A positional draw results from: 2 5 .�gl ! ? lLl h4!
34.gxh3 Wfxh3 3 5 .Wfg2 Wfh4 36.�f2 �xc7 26.�fl WfbB! 27. lLl b 5 MB 2B.Wfc2 �g7= White
37.�fl lLl h7 3B.�c2 is unable to improve his position without
38.�b2 lLl g5 is also fine for Black. allowing sacrifices at the sensitive h3- and
3B . . . �xc2 39 .Wfxc2 WfdB? f3-points, or virulent intrusions of the black
queen via a7.
24.�g l ! ? looks interesting. However, after
24 . . . �f8 25 .Wfc2 �c7! 26.lLlc6 Wfh4 27.h3 25 ... �b8 26.� b5 �xh3! 27.� d3
lLl g5 2B .�c4 lLl xh3t 29.gxh3 Wfxh3 30.Wfg2 27.gxh3?? fails to 27 . . . WfcB-+ .
WfcB 3 1 .b5 h4 32.a6 bxa6 33. bxa6 h3 34.Wfa2
lLl h4 3 5 . a7 WfaB 36.Wfa6 (36. � h l �b7 37.�gl This was the position reached in Ftacnik -
'it>h7 was agreed drawn shortly afterwards Oral, Slovakia 1 99 5 , and here Black has a
in Weilguni - Flitsch, corr. 20 1 3) 36 . . . �h7 subtle improvement:
White is certainly not better, and only Black
has chances of winning.
B l ) 24.h3
This has to be played sooner or later. However,

it may not be the most exact.
a b e d e f g h
27 . .J.f8N;
.
To be followed by . . . lLlg5 (as played

immediately in the game) and a push of the
h-pawn, when Black would stand better.
In conclusion it appears that 24.h3 promises
White no advantage.
a b e d e f g h
24 ... �g5 25.�a4

This is what Ftacnik played.
Chapter 1 9 - 1 5 . E:c l ! 229
B2) 24.'Wd2N
a b e d e f g h
25 ... E:g7! 26. c;,t>gl
a b e d e f g h
26.tLlc2 Wh4 27.h3 tLl g5 2B.�gl tLl xh3t
24 ... i.f8 29.gxh3 Wxh3 30.Wg2 Wd7 3 1 .�b5 (3 1 .Wh l
Improving Black's position while keeping :Bh7 32.\t>g2 �e7h) 3 1 . . .Wc7 32 .�a4 WbB
the queen on dB, thus preventing �b5 ideas 33.tLlb5 WcB is a line illustrating Black's
for the time being. play. The idea to push the h-pawn probably
forces White to play 34.Wh l h4 3 5 . tLl a7 WbB
Instead, 24 .. .!!fB?! might be too early, as the 36.tLlb5 WcB 37.tLla7 with a draw.
rook could be useful from g7. After 2 5 .\t>gl
Wh4 26.h3 tLl g5 27.�d3 tLl xh3t 2B.gxh3 26 ... 'Wh4 27.h3 tLlg5 28.i.b5
Wxh3 29.Wg2 Wd7 30 .Wh l h4 3 1 .\t>g2! Wa4 2 B . tLl c2 transposes to the previous note.
32.tLlc2 Wb3 33.:Bdl :BaB 34. tLl b 5 ± White is
close to winning. 28 ... tLlxh3t 29.gxh3
24 . . . Wh4?! doesn't seem to work either: 2 5 .h3

tLlg5 26.�b 5! tLl xh3 (26 . . . :Be7 27.\t>gl MB
2B .Wc2 ±; or 26 . . . tLl fB 27.\t>gl tLl fh7 2B .�eB
E:e7 29 .�g6 tLl xh3t 30.gxh3 tLl g5 3 1 .�f5
tLl xh3t 32.�xh3 Wxh3 33.tLlc6±) 27.gxh3
Wxh3t 2B.\t>gl tLl h4 29 .�eB±
This is what may happen after 24 ... �fB :
25.i.d3
2 5 .�b5 is met by 25 . . . WbB ! .
2 5 .\t>gl :Bg7 26.h3 tLl g5 .... a b e d e f g h
29 ...'Wd8!! 30.i.d3
25 .�c4 E:g7 26.\t>gl Wh4 27.h3 tLl g5 2B .�b5 30.�a4 WbB 3 1 .tLlb5 WcB produces similar
transposes to our main line. counterplay.
230 1 O .ie3
30 'ilYd7 3 1 .'ilYc2 'ilYxh3 32.'ilYg2 'ilYd7 33 .ib5

••• • Th i s i s obvious, White needs t o do something
really fast.
I B .a5 bxa5 1 9 .bxa5 ifS transposes to 1 7 .a5 .
I B .b5 h5 1 9 . 1Ll d3 g4 2 0 .lLlb4 (20.lt>h l g3--+
is similar) 20 . . . g3 2 1 .hxg3 fxg3 22.ixg3 h4
leads to Black parrying in his usual fashion
on the kingside.
I B . . . g4! 1 9 .Ek6
1 9 . fxg4 lLl xe4; 1 9.'1Wc2 g3--+
19 . . . ifB 20 .'�c2 g3! 2 1 .hxg3 lLlh5! 22. gxf4
lLl gxf4�
With excellent compensation for Black in
the form of attacking chances on the kingside.
a b e d e f g h 17 bxc5 1 8.bxc5 .ifS

•••
33 'ilYc7! 34.'ilYh3 'ilYc3 35.tLlc8 'ilYxb4

•••
We have reached the tabiya for Yannis' line.
36 .ie8 �h8=
•
This strange position looks equal; Black has 8

L= � J/m
tactical counterplay against the white king.
7
C) 16 b6!N
••• 6
3
2
a b e d e f g h
White has a choice between Cl) 19.tLld3

and C2) 1 9.c6.
1 9 .cxd6 cxd6 20.a6 (20 . lLl b 5 g4 2 1 .'�c2

a b e d e f g h [2 1 .lt>h l g3 22.hxg3 lLlh5--+ 1 2 1 . . .g3 22.hxg3
This strong and original idea of Yannis fxg3 23.ixg3 lLl h 5 --+ is clearly difficult for
Simeonidis may well be the best way to play White) 20 . . . h5 2 1 . lLl c2 g4 22.'it>h l g3 is fine
the position . for Black as his attack lands first.
17.a5 Cl) 19.tLld3 h5 20.cxd6 cxd6 2 1 . tLl b4

1 7. cxd6 cxd6
White may choose from the following: This is initially rated very highly in White's
I B .lLl b5 favour by the engines, but the truth is rather
different:
Chapter 1 9 - I S . ge l ! 23 1
24.ll:) ba7
The engines give a depressing evaluation for
Black here, but I did not lose faith due to the
displacement of the white knights.
24 ... gxf3!
It is exactly because the knights are offside
that this antipositional capture is possible.
24 . . . g3? 2 S .�b6 gxh2t 26.�xh2! �d7

27.�xa6+-
Both recaptures are worthy of closer inspection:

Cl l) 25�xB or C12) 25.gxf3!?, which is the
principled recapture.
Cl I) 25 ..ixB .ig4!
22 ...YlYeS 23.c!l:lb5!! Black has developed all pieces and has a

Instead, 2 3 . lt> h l g3! 24.hxg3 (24.�g l gxh2 pleasant position.
2 S .�xh2 h4 26.�bS tLl h S+) 24 . . . fxg3 2S .�xg3
h4 26.�f2 gg7! (26 . . . tLl h S 27.f4!;1;) 27.�bS 26.YlYe2! gg7 27.c;!;>hl
tLl f4-+ gives Black a strong attack. 27.E:b 1 ! ? is also playable.
Here my intuition came to the rescue of

Yannis' ingenious opening idea:
8 rii1�;--'��
7
3
2 a b e d e f g h
1 27 ... ll:) hS!!

A typical but brilliant reply, ensuring strong
a b e d e f g h counterplay as the following analysis reveals:
23 ... a6!
23 . . . gxf3?! 24.�xf3 �a6 2 S . tLl bxa7! tLl g4 2SJ::t g l
26.�b6 E:g7 27.�e2 �xe2 28.Wi'xe2 tLl h4 29.g3 28.E:b l ! ? Wi'd7! 29 .�h4! (29.E:b6 tLl f7
f3 30.E:xf3 tLl xf3t 3 1 .Wi'xf3 Wi'g6 32.E:fl ± 30 .�h4 tLl gS 3 1 .�xgS E:xgS+t) 29 . . . tLlh7
30.E:b6 tLlf7! 3 1 .gxa6 tLl fgS 32.Wi'f2 tLlf6
232 l O .ie3
33 .ixgS ElxgS 34.Wh4 Elg6 gives Black 37.tLl xa8 h3 .... ; 37.Wb7 if3 3 8 . tLl e7t
tremendous compensation. (38 . tLl e6 Elxg2 39.Elxg2t ixg2t 40.'it>xg2
f3t 4 1 .�f2 Wd2t 42.'it>xf3 Wxe l 43 .Wxa8
28 �fi 29.ih4
••• Wd l t=) 38 . . .ixe7 39 .Wxa8t 'it>h7 40.We8
29.Wxa6 � gS 30.Wd3 Wg6 3 1 .Elce l h4 Elg7 4 1 .WbS WxbS 42.tLl xbS Elxg2 43.Elxg2
(3 1 . . . ixf3 32.gxf3 tLlh3) 32.ib6 ihS !oo h3 44.�gl ixg2=
8 ril�-'��
37 ...ixe6 38.dxe6 ge8=
As is so often the case after such an intense
7 battle of wills, the end result is equality.
6
e12) 25.gxf3!? J.h3 26.�hl
5
4 8
3 7
2 6
1 5
a b e d e f g h 4
29 ... �g5 3o.hg5 gxg5 3 1 .%Vxa6 %Vd7! 3
2
32.%Vb6 %Vh7 33.�b5 �xe4 34.�c7 h4!
35.he4 %Vxe4 36.gce1
The only move. 1
b e d f
8
a e g h
26 ... �xe4!!
7 The engines underestimated this shot, but I
6
had courage in my convictions.
5 27.fxe4 f3 28.gg1 fxe2 29.gxg6t �h7

4 30.%Vxe2 �xg6 3 1 .gg1 t J.g4 32.h3 J.h6
33.hxg4
3
a b e d e f g h
36 ...%Vd3!
36 . . . ie2 37.tLl xa8 f3 38 .Wf2 fxg2t 39.Elxg2
h3 40.Wxe2 WxdS 4 1 .Elcl ! Elxg2 42.Wc4 Wxc4
43.Elxc4 Ela2 44.Elg4t �f7 4S .Elg3±
37.� e6
Chapter 1 9 - 1 5 J:k l ! 233
33 ...YlYd7!! C2) 19.c6

The engines show this belatedly, but I
understood immediately that with all the black This is the most critical test of the 1 6 . . . b6 plan,
pieces focusing on the white king it is only cutting Black's position in two. I believe the
White who can have problems. following line represents best play from both
sides.
34.i.e3
8
Better to steer towards a draw.
34.Wxa6 cj;lh7 3 5 .We2 E:af8 36.llJxe5 dxe5 7

37 . .ic5 E:g8 3 8 . llJ c6 E:f4--+ 39.llJxe5 We8 6
40 ..id4 .ig7 4 1 . llJ c6 .ixd4 42.llJxd4 E:xe4 is
dangerous for White. 5
4
34.E:g2 E:af8 35 . .ig 1 (35 .g5 .ixg5+; or
3 5 . llJ xe5t dxe5 36.llJc6 .if4't; 3 5 . gxh5 t ? 3
cj;lh7-+) 35 . . . hxg4 ( 3 5 . . . E: f3 36.llJc8!) 2
1
36.Wxg4t Wxg4 37.E:xg4t �h5!QO is perhaps
even more troubling for White than the
variation given immediately above. a b e d e f g h
19 ... h5 20.gbl g4 2 1 .gb7 a6 22.YlYb l g3

34 ...i.xe3 35.gxh5t �h7 36.YlYxe3 23.hxg3 fxg3 24.hg3 h4 25.J.f2 i.h6
Black has the usual strong compensation for
the pawn here. For example:
26.i.c4
26.E:b8 E:xb8 27.Wxb8 E:f8--+
26 ... tLJ h5 27.tLJ e2 i.d2!=

Black can be more than happy with his
counterplay and subsequent chances here.
Again I have to thank Yannis Simeonidis for
setting me off in the right direction with his
original ideas. Some of the tactics shown in
this chapter are among the most beautiful I
have seen in chess!
234 l o.ie3
Conclusion cxd6 18.a5 g4 1 9.4:J b5 g3 20 . .ixa7 4:Jh7!

2 1 .Wh1 1%xa7 22.1%xc8 iWxc8 23.4:Jxa7 iWd8,
In Chapter 1 9 we continued our examination and as I found out Black has long-term
of the complex positions arising after 1 3 .b4 compensation for the pawn. He would like
4:Jf6 1 4.c5 4:J g6 by focusing on the subtle to induce h2-h3 and then sacrifice his knight
continuation 1 5Jk l ! 1%f7 1 6.a4, which on that square, but the position is much more
postpones the capture on d6 in order to complex than it seems and sometimes this
make life difficult for the c8-bishop. Indeed, direct idea won't work. The reader is advised to
developing the bishop on d7 would now invite take a deep look at my analysis to understand
c5-c6, so Black has to be cautious and adopt a how he should react to White's defensive ideas.
less provocative approach. 16 ... b6! on the other hand is an entirely new
I analysed several ideas trying to make Black's approach by Yannis Simeonidis, taking the
position work, coming to the conclusion that game to uncharted channels. The weakness
1 6 ....if8 is probably worst. After 17.a5!? Black of the c6-square is something Black can cope
cannot play 1 7 ....id7?! because of 1 8.c6!, so with as it takes White too much time to plant a
what is left is 1 7 ... 1%g7! 18.cxd6 .ixd6!? ( 1 8 ... knight there. One critical line goes 1 7.a5 bxc5
cxd6? 1 9.4:Jb5 is hardly any good) but that is 18.bxc5 i.f8 1 9 .4:J d3 h5 20.cxd6 cxd6 2 1 .4:J b4
obviously a concession. g4! 22.4:J c6! iWe8 23.4:J b5!! a6! 24.4:J ba7 gxf3!
This meant that I had to search somewhere 25.gxf3 !? i.h3 26.Wh 1 4:Jxe4 !!, when Black
else for full equality and as it turned out both should hold his own in the complications that
1 6 ... h5!? and 1 6 ... b6! seem to accomplish the arise. Overall, it seems to me that Black is not
task. at a disadvantage even after such a precise
The critical line after 1 6 ... h5!? runs 1 7.cxd6 move as 1 5.1%c l ! .
lo.ie3
a b e d e f g h
13.g4
Variation Index
1 .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 0-0 6 . .ie2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7
9.�e1 � d7 10 . .ie3 f5 1 1 .f3 f4 12 ..ifl g5 13.g4 h5! 14.h3
1 4 ... a5!N
A) 15.�d3 236
B) 1 5.a3 b6 1 6.b4 �g6 17.�d3 � f6 237
B 1 ) 1 8J�el 238
B2) 1 8.�g2 239
B3) 1 8J�bl 240
B4) 1 8J�c1 241
afrer 1 4.h3 B I ) afrer 2 1 . hxg4 B2) afrer I S .'itt g2
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1 4 . . . a5!N 2 l . . .ttlxg4! I S . . . .ta6!!

236 1 0 .J.e3
I .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 The World Cup game, So - Ding Liren,
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 S.d5 � e7 9.� e1 Khanty-Mansiysk 20 1 1 , continued with
�d7 10.J.e3 f5 1 1 .f3 £4 12.J.f2 g5 13.g4 1 4 . . . �f6?! 1 5 . tLl d3 �h6 1 6.c5 tLl xc5 1 7. tLl xc5
This has been played by Wesley So and dxc5 I B .J.xc5 tLl g6 1 9 .�c 1 ;!; when White's
Ponomariov, but I think it's harmless. play on the queenside was clearly the more
dangerous. After the further 1 9 . . . hxg4 20.hxg4
�h3 2 1 .'ktg2 �g3t 22.'ktf2 tLl h4 23.�gl
�h3 24. � h l Black attempted to change the
course of the game with an exchange sacrifice.
24 . . . �g3 2 5 .@fl a6 26.J.f2 J.f8 27.J.xg3 fxg3
2B.�gl W'f6 29.�xg3 W'f4 30.W'e l J.d6 Here
White could have improved with:
a b e d e f g h 4
3
1 3 ... h5!
1 3 . . . fxg3 1 4 .hxg3 tLl f6 1 5 . tLl g2 J.h3 as played 2
in Pogorelov - Cheparinov, Mondariz 2002, is
another option, but I will not delve any deeper a b e d e f g h
into it as the text move is good enough.
3 1 .a3!?N (White's advantage gradually
14.h3 evaporated in the game after 3 1 .�c2 J.d7
32. tLl d l b6 33.W'f2 J.c5 34.�xc5 bxc5 3 5 . tLl e3
J.b5 36.b3 J.xe2t 37.'ktxe2 a5 3B .d6 cxd6
39.tLld5 W'c1 40 .W'e3 W'xe3t 4 1 .'ktxe3 lh-lh)
3 1 . . .J.d7 32.tLl b l ! �fB 3 3 . tLl d2! J.xg4 34.�c2
J.d7 3 5 .W'f2;!; Now a transfer of the king to the
queen side would have preserved White's plus,
albeit in a complicated position .
We shall briefly examine A) 1 5.�d3, before

moving on to the more critical B) 15.a3.
A) 15.�d3 b6 16J�c1N
Despite Black's 1 4th move being a novelty,

the position had transposed to one reached
in correspondence play. 1 6.'ktg2 was tried in
Fessler - Trumpf, email 20 1 1 , but neither side
was able to make any real progress. The game
Chapter 20 - 1 3 . g4 237
continuation was: 16 . . . 'it>O 1 7 . a3 ttJ g6 1 8 .b4 20.c5!?

1'!h8 1 9 .1'!h l ttJ h4t 20.ixh4 hxg4 2 1 .hxg4 Delaying this thematic advance by 20.'lWb3
1'!xh4 22.1'!c1 1'!xh l 23 J&xh l ttJ f8 24.c5 axb4 runs into complications that seem not
25. axb4 bxc5 26.bxc5 ttJ g6 27.'1&d l ia6 Y2-Y2 unfavourable for Black: 20 ... axb4 2 1 .axb4
ttJ g6 22.1'!h l 'IlMh8 23.ttJb5 hxg4! 24.ttJxc7?!
1 6 .a3 will transpose to variation B after (24.hxg4! ixb5 2 5 . cxb5 ttJ h4t= looks dead
1 6 . . . ttJ f6 1 7.b4 ttJ g6 . level, for example 26.�gl ttJ f5 ! 27.�g2!
ttJ h4t) 24 ... 1'!a7! 2 5 . ttJ xa6 g3! 26.c5 g4H
20 hxg4 2 1 .hxg4 axb4 22.axb4 bxc5

•••
23.bxc5 tLl g6 24.cxd6 cxd6 25.tLlb4 Wlh8

26J::t h l 1'!xh l 27.Wlxh l he2 28.tLlxe2
Wlxh l t 29.�xhl J.f6 30.1'!c7 �e8
Now the activation of the f6-bishop via d8
will soon see the position peter out to equality:
3 1 .tLlc3 J.d8 32J::t c4

32.1'!c6 is met by 32 . . . 'it>e7, protecting the
d-pawn in preparation for . . . ia5 .
a b e d e f g h 32 J::t a l t 33.�g2 J.a5=

••
16 J:U6!?
••
By not playing 1 6.a3 immediately, White B) 15.a3 b6 16.b4 tLlg6 17.tLl d3

has granted Black time for this option.
16 ... ttJ f6 1 7. a3 ttJ g6 1 8 .b4 1'!O is the standard 1 7.gxh5 ttJ h8 ! ?+ looks to give Black a slight
procedure. edge.
17.a3 1'!h6 1 8.b4 �f7 19.�g2 J.a6 17 tLl f6

•••
This should lead to exchanges and plain

equality.
23B l O . .te3
never appeared in practice, consider the

moves executed so far by both sides to be the
most natural and strongest. White has the
following options: B l ) 18J;e l , B2) 18.g;,g2,
B3) 1 8J�bl and B4) 1 8J�c1 .
The immediate I B .c5? is met convincingly by:

I B . . . axb4 1 9 .axb4 1'!xa I 20.W!xa l hxg4 2 1 .hxg4
lLl xg4!+ with the idea 22.fxg4? f3 23 .id l W!d7
24.ig3 W!xg4 2 5 . <j;J f2 lLl f4 26.ixf4 exf4-+
Therefore it is reasonable for White to prepare
the advance by avoiding the above tactic.
a b e d e f g h
B l ) 1 8J�e1 24 .i.xg4 25.lLl el 'lWf6! 26.'lWb2
••
26.lLl xf3?? ixf3 27.1'!xf3 g4-+

A logical try, but Black should continue with
his own plan: 26 .th3 27.lLlxf3
•••
27.1'!xf3? ixfl 2 B . <j;Jxfl g4 29.1'!g3 W!h6-+

18 axb4 19.axb4 :gxaI 20.W!xal
•••
The queen is deflected and the sacrifice on 27 J.xfl 28.g;,xfl

•••
g4 is still playable, even if the bishop has a Black can equalize at his leisure, although it
retreat square on f1 . is not clear whether he has anything more than
this:
3
2
a b e d e f g h 1
20 hxg4 2 1 .hxg4 tllxg4! 22.&g4 f3 23 .tfl

••• •
a b e d e f g h
tll f4!? 28 lLl h3
•••
23 . . . ixg4 must also be good, and is perhaps 2B . . . W!h6 29. lLl g I g4 30.1'!g3 W!h2 3 1 .lLl d l
even better for Black. (3 1 .W!c2 lLl e2! 32.W!xe2 W!xg3+) 3 1 . . .W!xg3
32.ixg3 lLl d3t 33 .W!f2 lLl xf2 34. lLl xf2 would
24.:ge3 be an interesting and unclear alternative.
24.ig3 ixg4 A march of the g-pawn will
follow, aided by a knight on h 5 . 29.lLldl g4 30.tLJgl
Chapter 20 - 1 3 . g4 239
White would be in trouble after 30. tt:l e 1 1 9 .c5 bxc5 20.bxc5 i.a6!
Wg5 , when . . . g3 i s a terrifying threat. Black is fully developed and will initiate
threats if White is careless. This is true, but
8
only if he is indeed careless! As it turns out,
White has a strong regrouping manoeuvre.
7
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
30 tt:lxfl 3 1 .tt:lxfl 'Wf4 32.'We2 'Wh2
•••
2 1 .i.e l !
33.tilf3! gxf3 34J!xf3 gaS 35.'Wb2=
To guard the f3-square and prevent any
B2) lS.cjJg2 tactics.
a) Instead, 2 1 .gb 1 ? fails to: 2 1 . . .hxg4
If the king is called up to defend the f3-square 22.hxg4 tt:l xg4!+
then Black has an excellent response: b) The strategically desirable 2 1 . tt:l b2? fails
to the same tactic: 2 1 . . .hxg4 22.hxg4 i.xe2
23.Wxe2 tt:l xg4+
c) Finally, retreating the king cannot
obviously be serious: 2 1 ...t>g1 i.f8 ! ?
(2 1 . . .Wf8oo) 22.cxd6 cxd6 23.gb 1 i.e7
24.i.b6 Wf8 2 5 . tt:l f2 i.xe2 26.Wxe2 Wh6
27.gfc 1 hxg4 28.hxg4 gh7 29 . ..t>n Wh2
30.tt:lb5 Wg3 White is in grave danger.
2 1 . . .Wf8 !
2 1 . . .gb8 22.gb 1 ;!;
22.tt:l b2! hxg4! 23.hxg4 tt:l xg4! 24. fxg4 i.xe2
25.Wxe2 Bt 26.gxf3 tt:l f4t 27.gxf4 exf4
28.Wf3
a b e d e f g h In conclusion, I am not sure there is full
compensation for the material here. Thankfully
l S J.a6!!
I found a second path with 1 8 . . . i.a6!!.
.••
Attacking c4, and stopping c4-c5 .
19.'Wb3
1 8 . . .l'H7!?
There is no other serious move.
At first my analysis with Yannis focused
1 9.c5? hxg4 20.hxg4 tt:l xg4!+ wins material
on this move, as we both agreed it was a
for Black.
typically good idea in the position:
240 l O .�e3
2B.� h l lLl xg4

2B . . . lLl xg4!
28 . . . h3t 29 . lLl xh3 (29 .�h2 lLl xg4t!
30.lLlxg4 �xg4 3 1 . fxg4 f3�) 29 ... lLl h S ! ?
30.lLlf2 lLl g3 3 1 .W!xaS;!;
29.lLlxg4 h3t 30.'it>h2 �xg4 3 1 . fxg4 f3�
2 1 ..J�f7 22.W!a4 W!xa4 23.tll xa4

Normally White should have the advantage
in this type of ending but here the suboptimal
coordination of his forces makes it equal:
23 ... gb8! 24.i.dl

24.gc3?! �cB !+ already threatens a sacrifice
on g4 .
24 ... e6! 25.dxe6 ge7ID

The ending is unclear, with mutual chances.
20.bxa5 bxa5 2 U�aem
I think this i s a principled move, with the B3) 1 8.gbl
idea of trading queens on a4.
Removing the rook from a potential exchange
2 1 .gab l that would deflect the queen and allow a
Allowing Black time to build pressure, as the sacrifice on g4.
c4-pawn is hanging:
2 1 . . .gf7! 22.a4!?
22.�e 1 gafB--+
22.W!a4 hxg4 23.hxg4 W!xa4 24.lLlxa4 �xc4°o
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
1 8 ... gf7!
The best way to play - building up on the
22 . . . gafS 23 .�e l �cB ! ? 24.W!bS W!e7! 2 S . cS kingside.
hxg4 26.hxg4 lLl h4t 27.�xh4
27.�g l ? lLl xf3t 2 B .�xf3 �xg4 29 .�xg4 1 9.e5 axb4 20.axb4 bxe5 2 1 .bxe5 W!f8!
(29 .�h l �h3--+) 29 . . . lLl xg4--+ This starts threatening the common sacrifices
27 . . . gxh4 2 B . lLl f2 on g4.
Chapter 20 - 1 3 .g4 24 1
33.c!LJ b l gxc7 34.d6 ru'7 35.'ilYb2 gxb lt

3 5 . . . �a6 i s also possible.
22. �g2 hxg4 23.hxg4 ia6! is also fine for

Black. 24.ie 1 ? comes too late in view of
24 . . . lD xg4 2 5 . fxg4 f3t+.
B4) 1 8.gel
22.�al transposes to variation B4 below.
Logical, to enforce c4-c5 . It is obvious that
22 ... hxg4 23.hxg4 i.h8! Black's reaction should be similar to the one
A peculiar manoeuvre which lets the rook versus 1 8 .�b 1 :
and queen pass to h7 and h6 respectivdy. The
chances are equal.
a b e d e f g h
1 8 ... gf7 19.c5 axb4
a b e d e f g h
1 9 . . . bxc5 20.bxc5 \Mff8 should also be
24.�a1 i.a6 25.cx:d6 gh7!? 26.gxa6 gxa6 possible, for example: 2 1 .\Mfd2 (2 1 .�g2 ia6!;
27.dxc7 gaS 28.gbl 'ilYh6 29.gb8t c!LJ f8 or 2 1 .cxd6 cxd6 22.\Mfe 1 hxg4 23.hxg4 lD xg4
30.� f1 'ilYh3t 3 1 .<,b e l 'ilYhl t 32.i.f1 g a l t 24.fxg4 f3 2 5 .id 1 ia6 26.\Mfe3 lD f4 27.lD xf4
242 1 0 . .ie3
E!:xf4 2B .i.g3 i.xfl 29.'it>xfl E!:xg4 30.'it>f2 E!:cB Conclusion

3 1 .i.xf3 E!:xg3 32.g;,xg3 'lMrf4t 33.'lMrxf4 exf4t=)
2 1 . .. i.hB! 22.'it>g2 i.a6 23. lLl e l hxg4 24.hxg4 Chapter 20 has dealt with the blockading
lLl xg4 2 5 . fxg4 f3t 26.lLlxf3 lLl f4t 27.g;,g l attempt 1 3 .g4. Black should acquiesce to it as
lLl xe2t 2B.lLlxe2 E!:xf3 29.cxd6 cxd6 30.i.e3 1 3 . . . h5! 1 4.h3 a5! offers him good play down
E!:bB! 3 1 .g;,g2 E!:f4! 32.i.xf4 exf4 33.E!:f2 'lMre7� the h-file, combined with timely sacrifices on
g4.
20.axb4 bxc5 2 1 .bxc5 Y«f8 Basically White has no other plan but to
Black has his typical counterplay. prepare c4-c5 and to this end 1 5 .a3 is the most
circumspect move.
If he chooses the slower 1 5 . lLl d3 b6 1 6.E!:c l ,
then the rook lift 1 6 . . . E!:f6!? gives Black enough
play, as the 1 7. a3 E!:h6 I B .b4 g;,f7 1 9 .9;,g2
i.a6 20.c5!? hxg4 2 1 .hxg4 axb4 22.axb4 bxc5
23.bxc5 lLl g6 24. cxd6 cxd6 2 5 . lLl b4 'lMrhB
26.E!:h l E!:xh l 27.'lMrxh l i.xe2 2 B . lLl xe2 'lMrxh l t
29.'it>xh l i.f6 30.E!:c7 g;,eB line illustrates.
Black should easily hold the resulting ending
by activating his bishop via dB.
After 1 5 .a3 play should continue with
1 5 . . . b6 1 6.b4 lLl g6 1 7. lLl d3 lLl f6 when Black
b e d
is already eyeing g4, and if White becomes
a e f g h
careless a sacrifice on that square might be
22.E!:a1 E!:xal 23.Y«xal hxg4 24.hxg4 tLlxg4 possible, most probably after his queen has
25.fxg4 f3 26 .idl bg4 27 .ig3 tLl f4
• • been deflected to a 1 . A typical line is the
28.tLlfl tLlh5! 29.�xg4 tLlxg3 30.E!:fl E!:f4 main line of the chapter, I B .E!:c1 E!:f7 1 9 .c5
3 1 .tLl e3 g4i axb4 20.axb4 bxc5 2 1 .bxc5 'lMrfB 22.E!:al
With strong compensation . The black queen E!:xa l 23 .'lMrxa l hxg4 24.hxg4 lLl xg4 2 5 . fxg4
wants to join the attack, positioning herself on f3 26.i.d l i.xg4 27.i.g3 lLl f4, with excellent
the h5-square via f7 . compensation for Black. Overall, I regard this
section as harmless for us, provided the main
idea is known.
lo.ie3
a b c d e f g h
13.a4
Variation Index
1 .d4 ttl f6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 s.ttlf3 0-0 6 . .ie2 eS 7.0-0 ttl c6 8.dS ttl e7
9.ttl e1 ttl d7 10 . .ie3 f5 1 1 .f3 £4 12 . .ifl gS 13.a4!? as! 14.ttl d3 b6 IS . .iel!?
IS ... ttl f6!
A) 1 6.b4 244
B) 1 6.ttl fl! hS 24S
Bl) 17.ttl bS 246
B2) 17.h3! �h8 18.ttlbS ttl eg8 19.b4 �U7! 20.bxaS bxaS
2 1 .cS .ifS 22.cxd6 cxd6 23J�c1 ttl h6 247
B2 1) 24.�c2 248
B22) 24J�c4 249
A) after 20.�d2! 82 1 ) note to 25 .�b3 822) after 24J::l c4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h a b e d e f g h
20 . . . gxh2tN 3 l . . .iLld8N 24 . . . g4! !

244 l O .i.e3
l .d4 ttlf6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 s.ttla 14 ... b6

0-0 6.i.e2 eS 7.0-0 ttl c6 8.dS ttl e7 9.ttl e1 Defending against 1 5 .c5 .
ttl d7 10.i.e3 f5 1 1 .0 f4 12.i.fl g5 13.a4!?
The idea of this move is to fix a7 as a target l S.i.e 1!?
and subsequently attack it without spending a This is an important alternative.
tempo on b2-b4.
1 5 . tLl b 5 tLl f6 will transpose to standard play.
1 5 .b4 is examined in the next chapter.
l S ... � f6!
A draw resulted after 1 5 . . . h5 1 6 .tLlb5 tLl c5
1 7. tLl xc5 dxc5 1 8 .'1Wc2 id7 1 9 .ic3 tLl c8 20.b3
g4 2 1 .ie l tLl d6 22.�d l ixb5 23.axb5 �g5
24Jh2 h4 25 .id3 g3 26.h3 :gad8 27.ic3 �e7
in Stull - Civitillo, corr. 20 1 0, as the board has
been completely blocked.
There is little to fear from A) 16.b4, but B)

1 6.ttlfl! is a much more testing continuation.
a b e d e f g h
1 3 ... aS! A) 1 6.b4 ub4 17.ttlbS

Kasparov's recipe, as employed in a game
against Yusupov which we shall see in the next This allows Black to expand quickly:
chapter, looks like the best way of playing the
position. I don't have too much belief in set
ups where White's pawn reaches a5, although
it is important to have something prepared in
any case.
14.ttld3
The standard procedure.
After 1 4.b4 axb4 1 5 . tLl b 5 , Black should avoid

1 5 .. J:1f6!? because White can sacrifice a piece
by 1 6. tLl d3 c6 1 7.dxc6 bxc6 1 8 . tLl xb4! cxb5
1 9 .tLl d5� or 1 9 .cxb5� creating unnecessary
a b e d e f g h
complications.
Instead, 1 5 . . . b6! will transpose to main lines 17 ... g4! 1 8.i.xb4 g3!
after 1 6 . tLl d3 tLl f6, when 1 7.ie l is line A Black now has good attacking chances, for
below, while 1 7. tLl xb4 is line C of Chapter 22 example:
on page 2 5 5 .
1 9.aS
1 4 .tLlb5 b 6 1 5 .tLl d3 will transpose to the main Weak is 1 9 .h3?! ixh3! 0 9 . . . tLl e8 20 .�d2
lines too. c6 2 1 .dxc6 tLl xc6oo) 20.gxh3 �d7 2 1 .�c2
Chapter 2 1 - 1 3 . a4 245
(2 1 .'it>g2 � g6 22.E:h l � h4t 23.'it>gl � xe4 E:O, but there is no reason not to start
24.fxe4 f3-+) 2 l . . .� g6 22.E:fb l 'lMfxh3 23.ifl proceedings on the kingside immediately.
'lMfh5, and Black has a strong attack. In actual
fact, White resigned after j ust one more 2 1 .<.!?xh2 ftlh4!
move in the following correspondence game: 2 1 . . . � h5 22.axb6 E:xa l 23.E:xa l ±
24.E:e l � g4! 0- 1 Hervet - Le Page, email
20 1 0. 22J�hl
After 22.axb6 another trick comes to the
1 9 .. ./t:Jg6! rescue: 22 . . . � xe4! 23.fxe4 'lMfg5 24.if3 � xf3t
The situation has become extremely perilous 2 5 . gxf3 E:f6 26.'lMfg2 'lMfh4t 27.'it>gl E:g6=
for White. With a perpetual check to follow.
20.'ilYd2! 22.�xc7 � xg2! 23.�xg2 � xe4= also secures

This looks like the best solution. a perpetual.
Alternatively:
Finally, 22.id 1 id7°o is merely unclear.
20.axb6?? allows the typical trick 20 . . . E:xa l
2 1 .'lMfxa l � xe4-+. 22 ...i.d7 23.axb6??
23.�f2 � h 5 is more correct.
20.h3 ixh3 2 1 .gxh3 'lMfd7 22.�f2 bxa5
8
23 .ixa5 � e8°o is fine for Black.
After 20 .'lMfc2 gxh2tN 2 1 .�xh2 � h4� , Black 7

is planning . . . � h 5 . The natural 22.axb6? is 6
dealt a death blow with 22 . . . � xg2!! 23.bxc7
(23.E:xa8 � e3-+) 23 . . . 'lMfe8 24.E:xa8 � e3 and 5
there is no salvation for White. 4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
23 ... ftlxe4! 24.fxe4 'ilYg5

A standard trick in these positions, this time
securing a winning attack.
B) 16.fOf2!
This principled move aims to slow down . . . g4 .

It was employed against me by Peter Heine
Nielsen, and is a logical measure to defend
the kingside before embarking on queenside
operations.
246 I O.id
In my opInIOn Black has free play and

excellent chances, in spite of the weakness
on c7:
23.'lWc2!
23.'lW d3?!
Less accurate, a s it essentially loses a tempo
over 23 .'lWc2 ! .
2 3 . . . tLl f6!
White has nothing here, as shown by the
following lines:
24.'lWg6
a b e d e f g h Intending tLl h6(t)-f5. Alternatively:
16 ... h5 a) 24. tLl f2 is answered by 24 . . . e4 25 .�ae l
Black continues with his own plan, leaving �ae8 26.'lWc2, when i t seems that both
White with a decision between Bl) 17.ft::J b 5 26 . . . �f7!? and 26 .. .f3!? 27.gxf3 e3 2 8 . tLl h3
or B2) 17.h3!. tLl h7°o lead to unclear positions. I do have a
slight preference for the first option.
B l ) 17.ttlb5 b) 24.tLl xf6t allows Black an easy game
after 24 . . . �xf6 2 5 . tLl c3 �h6 26. tLl e4 'lWh4
This allows a forcing sequence: 27.h3 M6 28.�f3 �h8? The e4-knight is
nice-looking, but in fact White's best seems
17 ... g4! 1 8.fxg4 hxg4 19 ..bg4 .bg4 to be 29.g4! fxg3 30.�xf6 �xf6 3 1 . tLl xf6
20.ttlxg4 ttlxe4 'lWxf6 32.�f1 when he has traded it for the
=
f6-bishop and acquired equilibrium.

Switching back to 24.'lWg6, Black should
play:
24 . . . tLl xg4 25 .'lWxg4 m6?
Intending . . . 'lWf7 and . . . �e8, with a good
game.
a b e d e f g h
2 1 .i.h4N
2 1 .�a3 'lWd7 22.�h3 tLl f6N (22 . . . �f7 led to
a draw in a long game, Aronov - Pichler, email
2005) is unclear.
2 1 ...'lWd7 22 . .be7 'lWxe7

Chap ter 2 1 - 1 3 . a4 247
23 ... ttl f6! 26 ... e3 27.ttl h3 �xd5! 28.ttlf5 YlYd7

23 . . . 4J c5 24.�g6;!; 29.ttlxg7 ttl b4 30.YlYe2 YlYxg7 3 1 .ttlxf4CD
Reaching a complicated position with
24.ttlf2 gae8 roughly equal chances.
There is little chance of an advantage for
White here either. For example: B2) 17.h3!
25.gael This is the most challenging reply, forcing

In case of 2 5 . 4J e4, the logical 25 ... 4J g4!+t, Black to waste more time preparing his
eyeing e3, gives Black good chances. favourable advance.
2 5 . 4J h3 is best answered by:
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
25 . . . �f7! (25 . . . 4J g4 26.�g6! 4J e3 27.4Jg5
17 ... c.t>h8
gf6 2B .�h7t 'it>fB 29.4Je6t gxe6 30.dxe6;!;)
An important move, introducing the
26.4Jg5 �h5 27.4Je6 4J g4 2B.h3 4J e3 29.�e4
manoeuvre . . . 4J e7-gB-h6 to support . . . g4 . It is
gf6 30.gf2 'it>hB!+t Intending . . . ggB followed
a race now, and Black must try to hold on as
by . . . �h6, when I prefer Black's position.
much as possible on the other side of the board
while carrying out his own plan.
25 ... e4! 26.ttld4
26.4Jh3 4J h5°o (or 26 . . . 4J g4!?)
18.ttlb5
l B . b4 4J egB 1 9 . bxa5 bxa5 should lead to the
8 same thing.
7
18 ... ttl eg8 1 9.b4 gm
6 As is customary for these posltlons, the
5
bishop will need the fB-square to defend the
structure and the rook will cover the c7 entry
4 point.
3
20.bxa5 bxa5 2 1 .c5 .ifS 22.cxd6
2 22.4Ja3?! 4J h6 23.4Jc4 gg7 24.ga3 �gB
1 2 5 . 4J xa5 g4 26.fxg4 hxg4 27.hxg4 4J hxg4
a b e d e f g h
24B 1 0 .�e3
2 B . ttJ xg4 ttJxg4+ gave Black a ferocious attack backwards with his kingside attack. Examples
in Ghane - Spasov, Izmir 2003. of how play may evolve follow below:
8 .i � A � W� • •
m .JL&m� � �, 25.YlYb3
7 �?;I
�_" , .
%�,�,x %''f
N//-
W.�
�""
This seems to me like the most natural move.
�m . �[g �� m
, .
6 2 5 .Wd3 E!:g7 26.E!:c6! ?
5 '��8�.""
8%� ��8%.''''%� ' ;.r 26.E!:c2 �gB 27.Wd 1 �d7 2B.Wc1 �e7?
was unclear in Bachmann - Frolov, Berlin
4 1 994.
3 �� 8'� 8 26 . . . �d7 27.�c3! ?
2 �� 'm!�
Another interesting concept. Having the
. . �� :�'n' ' ;��'��

queen on d3 means that White is able to
1 "Q � vm �
keep contact with the h3-square in case
Black plays . . . g4 at a later stage, and leaves
a b e d e f g h the b-file free for use by the other White
22 ... cxd6 23.E!:c1 ttJh6 rook.
So far both sides have progressed to a certain 27 . . . �xc6
degree with their plans. The position remains Deciding to taste white rock.
complex, but I feel Black should be doing okay. Alternatively, 27 . . . 'it>h7!?N 2B.E!:b 1 g4
The final split of the chapter sees White choose 29.fxg4 hxg4 30.ttJxg4 Wg5 requires
between B2 1) 24.YlYc2 and B22) 24.E!:c4. attention here.
2B. dxc6 Wb6 29.Wc4 E!:e7 30.E!:cl ttJf7 3 1 .�d 1
B21) 24.YlYc2 This was Telepnev - Yamaliev, corr. 20 1 0,
and now the cleanest way of equalizing was:
White is threatening to play ttJ c7.
8
a b e d e f g h
3 l . . . ttJ dBN 32 .�b3 E!:g7 33.c7 ttJ xc7 34.ttJxc7

Wxc7 3 5 .Wxc7 E!:xc7 36.�xe5t dxe5 37.E!:xc7
a b e d e f g h E!:bB 3B .�d5 �d6=
With a drawish ending in view of the
24 .. ttJ e8
opposite-coloured bishops.
.
This yields an interesting position. White's

penetration on the c-file has been averted,
but on the other hand Black has made a step
Chapter 2 1 - 1 3 . a4 249
26.id2 lO f6 26 ....id7
26 . . . �g8 ! ? 27Jk4 g4 2 8 . fxg4 hxg4 29. hxg4 26 . . . lO f6!? 27.id2 id7 is another possible
ie7 30.�c6 ih4? was also okay for Black move order.
in Cottegnie - Pugh, corr. 20 1 1 .
27..td2 1Of6!
8 27 ... ixc6 2B.dxc6 %Vb6 29.�c l � gave
7 White good compensation for the exchange in
P. H . Nielsen - Golubev, Internet 2004.
6
5
28.VNb2N
4 2 B.%Vc3 was played in Pugh - Amico, corr.
3 20 1 1 , and eventually ended in a draw.
2
28 ... g4 29J:�xd6?
The position is once again unclear, but I
a b e d e f g h
believe it to be dynamically balanced.
27.%Vc2N g4! 2 B . lO c7 gxh3 29.lOxaB id7
30 .ib5 �xg2t 3 1 .�h l lO hg4! 3 2 .fxg4 hxg4 B22) 24J:�c4
33.lOxh3
33.ixd7 lOh5! 34.lOxh3 f3! 3 5 .ie l �xc2 White wants to have more options at his
36.�xc2 %Vxd7 37.lOg5 lO f4� is an amazing disposal by placing the queen behind the rook.
possibility illustrating the tactical wealth of
8
the position.
33 . . . gxh3 34.ixd7
34.�g l ? f3 35. �xg2 hxg2t 7
34 . . . %Vxd7 3 5 .%Vc8 %Vg4! 36.%Vxg4 1O xg4=
6
Leading to a spectacular perpetual. This
line surely broadens one's tactical vision and 5
feeling, as Black sacrifices a considerable 4
amount of material along the way, while still
staying focused on his target of the white king. 3
1
a b e d e f g h
24 ...g4!!
Black has to be incisive.
24 . . . �g7? 2 5 .%Vc2 g4 26.ixa5 !± was better for

White in P. H . Nielsen - Kotronias, Hastings
2004, although Black eventually won .
25.fxg4 hxg4 26.hxg4 gg7

A hugely complicated position has arisen.
250 l O .ie3
27.g5 Conclusion
Or 27.VlJc2 It:l fxg4 2S.lt:lxg4 It:l xg4 29.i.xg4
i.xg4 and Black's attack looks dangerous In Chapter 2 1 we started examining the topical
positions arising after 1 3.a4!? a5 ! . I deemed it
right to follow Kasparov's recipe of trying to
block the queenside, even if only temporarily,
as I didn't like the prospect of the white pawn
reaching a5 ; in that case, our own a-pawn
would come under severe pressure.
After 1 3.a4!? a5! the logical follow-up 1 4 . lt:l d3
b6 brought us to an important tabiya. The
most critical continuation 1 5 . b4 is examined
in the next chapter, but 1 5 .i.e l !? shouldn't be
underestimated as it prepares a typical defensive
formation on the kingside before proceeding
with queenside play. Then, the customary reply
1 5 . . . lt:l f6! led us to the crossroads with White
having to make a fundamental decision.
It seems to me that 1 6.b4 axb4 1 7 .lt:lb5 g4!
I S .i.xb4 g3! is inconsequential and gives Black
too much play against the white king, so White
28 .. J�a7 29.�c2? should definitely go ahead with the planned
29.lt:le6 i.xe6 30.dxe6 :Sag7 3 1 .i.f3 It:l hg4 1 6. lt:l f2!' After 1 6 . . . h5 he needs to take one
32.lt:lxg4 It:l xg4 33 .i.h4 (33 .i.xg4 :Sxg4+) more defensive step with 1 7.h3!, as 1 7.lt:lb5 g4!
33 . . . VlJb6t 34.i.f2 lt:l xf2 3 5 .:Sxf2 i.e7t should I S .fxg4 hxg4 1 9 .i.xg4 i.xg4 20.lt:lxg4 It:l xe4
be the lesser evil. leaves Black with free play and no problems at
all.
Thus we came down to 1 7.h3! �hS I S .lt:lb5
It:l egS 1 9 .b4 :S f7 ! 20.bxa5 bxa5 2 1 .c5 Ms
22.cxd6 cxd6 23.:Sc1 It:lh6 as the critical
position of the chapter, with Black seeking to
play . . . g4 and White trying to find counterplay
by invading via the c-file. I would be rather
more concerned about 24.VlJc2, because it
forces the retreat 24 . . . lt:leS, but as my analysis
proved Black's chances remain intact even in
that case as the knight can return to f6 with
a vengeance later on. On the other hand, after
24.:Sc4 the pretty straightforward 24 . . . g4!!
a b e d e f g h gives u s at least equality, so m y conclusion is
29 ... ttJ e8!! 30.ttJxe8 :B:xg2t! 3 1 .�xg2 �g5t that 1 5 .i.e l ! ?, albeit interesting, poses no real
32.�hl :B:h7 problems for the second player.
Forcing resignation in an astounding manner.
8
7
6
5
lO .te3
4
3
• 2
a b e d e f g h
15.h4
Variation Index
l .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLl c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tLlB 0-0 6 ..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLl c6
8.d5 tLl e7 9.tLl e 1 tLl d7 10 . .ie3 f5 1 1 .B f4 12 . .ifl g5 1 3.a4!? a5!
1 4.tLld3 b6 1 5 .b4 axb4 1 6.tLlxb4
A) 17 . .ie 1!? 252

B) 17J�a3!? 253
C ) 17.tLlb5 255
D) 17.tLl d3 h5!? 1 8.tLl b5! g4 255
Dl) 19.'iMd2!? 256
D2) 1 9 . .ie 1 ! 257
D2 1) 19 ... gxf3 257
D22) 19 ... tLl g6! 20.a5 bxa5 2 1 .�xa5 .id7! 259
D22 1) 22.'iMa4!? 259
D222) 22.'iMc2N 263
264
A) after 1 9 .1Lld3! B) after 26.lLlf2?! 022 1 ) after 22.%Va4!?
8 8 8
7 7 7
6 6 6
5 5 5
4 4 4
3 3 3
2 2 2
1 9 . . . g4! N 26 . . . lLl h4t!N 22 . . . :Elb8!N

252 I O .J.e3
I .d4 tLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.tLl c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 S.tLlf3 A) 17.J.e 1!?

0-0 6.J.e2 eS 7.0-0 tLl c6 8.dS /1:j e7 9.tLlel
tLl d7 10.J.e3 f5 1 1 .f3 £4 12.J.f2 gS 13.a4!? This is logical now that Black has already
as! 14.tLld3 b6 IS.b4 played . . . axb4, with White trying to employ
White must quickly open lines on the Peter Heine Nielsen's defensive plan from the
queen side. This is the main line. previous chapter before continuing with his
queenside play.
17 ... h5 1 8.h3 gm
The best move, going for broke on the
kingside.
I B . . . id7!?N 1 9 . 1tl d3 c5! 20.dxc6 (20. ltl b 5

ltl cB despite being slightly artificial, also holds
good chances) 20 . . . ltl xc6 2 1 .if2 ltl d4 22 .ixd4
exd4 23.ltl b 5 ltl eBoo might be possible.
19.tLld3!
a b e d e f g h
IS ... axb4 16.tt:hb4

1 6. ltl b 5 ltl f6 will transpose, either to line C
below after 1 7. ltl xb4, or to line A of the
previous chapter after 1 7 .ie 1 .
1 6 ... tLl f6
We have reached the tabiya o f the Kasparov
variation.
White's options are: A) 17.J.e l!?, B) 17.ga3!?,

C) 17.tLlbS, D) 17.tLld3 and E ) 17.tLlc6.
1 7.a5 was one final try which I analysed for

White. 1 7 . . . bxa5 I B .ltlc6! ( I B .ltlc2 h5 1 9.c5 g4
gives Black strong attacking chances. The same
can be said about I B .ltld3 h5 1 9 .h3N gO!-+ 19 . . . ifB 20.ltlf2;l; with the idea 20 . . . ltl g6
planning ... ifB followed by ... gg7.) IB ... ltlxc6 2 1 .ltl b 5 g4 22.fxg4! hxg4 23.ltlxg4± looks
1 9.dxc6 WeB 20.c5 (20.ltld5 gO transposes better for White.
to line E, the note to White's 20th move on
page 265) 20 . . . dxc5 2 1 .ixc5 gO 22.Wa4N 20.hxg4 hxg4 2 1 .fxg4 J.f8!
(Black eventually won the ending after 22.Wb3 2 1 . . .ih6 22.ltlf2! (22.ih4 is not dangerous
Wxc6 23.Wb5 Wxb5 24.ixb5 ifB in the when the white knight is not on b4 in view of
game Wilgenhof - Nijboer, Dieren 2009) ifS 22 . . . ltl g6) 22 . . . gg7 23.a5;!; is better for White
23.ixfB <;!;>xfS= This looks okay for Black. too.
Chapter 22 - 1 5 .b4 253
22.c�:Jf2 E:g7 23.ti:Jb5 �g6 24.a5 8

It seems that White's attack lands first, but
7
appearances can be deceiving:
6
8
5
4
7 3
6 2
5
4 a b e d e f g h
3
3 1 . . .f3t! 32.i.xf3 tLl f4t 33.�gl tLl h3t 34.<j;1g2
(34.�h2 tLl f2t 3 5 . � g l i.xg4+) 34 . . . tLl f4t=
2
1 26 E:h7 27.V!ic2 .id7 28 .id2

••• •
The position is double-edged. Black can play

a b e d e f g h any of 2B . . . a4°o, 2B . . . tLl g6°o or 2B . . .'IWbB, with
24 � h4!
••• mutual chances in all cases.
Yannis' idea, threatening . . . tLl h 5 ! . By now I
am tempted to describe every . . . tLl g6-h4 sally B) 17.E:a3!?
in the Classical King's Indian as the Simeonidis
recipe! A move which was employed by Yusupov
against Kasparov.
25.E:a3!
2 5 . axb6? leads to a n edge for Black after: 17 .id7 1 8.�b5
.••
25 . . .l:ha l 26.Wlxa l (26.bxc7 Wlxc7 27.Wlxa l

Wlb6 2 B . c5 Wlxc5 29.Wlc3 Wlxc3 30.tLlxc3
[30 .i.xc3 tLl xg4] 30 . . . i.e7+/= is at least equal
for Black.) 26 . . . cxb6 27.Wld l i.d7! White
is struggling, for example: 2B .Wld3 (2B .i.b4
tLlh5! 29 .i.xd6 tLl xg2 30.�xg2 f3t! is at least a
draw for Black) 2B . . . tLlh5!-+
25 bxa5
•••
A tense situation has arisen, with White

having a couple of options:
26.E:h3!?
This looks like the most natural human
move, bringing a piece to the defence.
Black has at least a draw after: 26.l:ha5 E:xa5

27.i.xa5 tLlh5! 2 B.i.xc7 Wlf6 29.tLl h l (29 .i.f3
tLl g3�) 29 . . . tLl xg2! 30.�xg2 Wlh4 3 1 .Wle l
254 1 0 .ie3
2 1 .ltJc6 ixc6 22.d.xc6 �h8! 23.a5 1'l:xa5 29.ltJc6 Wih l t

24.1'l:xa5 bxa5 25 .c5 fxg3! 26.ixg3 d5 [the 29 . . . h 5 ! ? is also possible.
point of 22 . . . �h8!1 27.exd5 ltJ xd5 28 .ic4 30.�f2 ltJ xfl 3 1 .ixfl ih4t 32.�e2 Wig l !
Wi g5! and Black's attack is worth at least a draw.) 33 .ixh4 Wie3t 34.� d l Wib3t=
1 9 . . . ltJ xe4 20 .id3°o With mutual chances. Th e game ends in perpetual check.
19 ..ie1 1 9 .. J!g8!?
The logical way to play for a4-a5 . 1 9 . . . g4 20.fxg4 ltJ xe4 2 1 .1'l:h3t
1 9 .Wia l !?N 20.g4!? fxg3 2 1 .hxg3 g4!

This was recommended by Markos in Beat 2 1 . . .h5 is met by 22. �g2, intending 1'l:h 1 .
the KID, but it is not better for White, as he
claims. Best play for both sides seems to be
8
as follows:
1 9 . . . g4! 20.a5 bxa5 2 1 .1'l:xa5 g3 ! 22.hxg3 7
6
22 .ie l gxh2t (22 . . . 1'l:c8 !?) 23.�xh2
(23 . � h l 1'l:c8 is at least equal for Black)
23 . . . 1'l:xa5 24.Wixa5 ixb5 2 5 . cxb5 ltJ h 5 5
26.ltJa6 ltJ g3 27.ixg3 fxg3t 28.�xg3 ltJ g6 4
29.1'l:h l Wig5 t 30.�f2 ltJ f4 3 1 .ifl ih6--+
gives Black sufficient attacking chances. 3
22 . . . 1'l:xa5 ! 23.Wixa5 ixb5! 24.cxb5 2
1
a b e d e f g h
22. c;t>g2 gxf3t 23.i.xf3 i.h6!? 24.1'l:hl .ig5

25.tLl d3! ttlg6=
Black had achieved an equal position in
Yusupov - Kasparov, Yerevan (01) 1 996.
26.ttl f2?!
Artur's choice should have now left him at a
disadvantage after the correct reply:
a b e d e f g h
24 . . . ltJh5!
Markos missed this typical idea.
25 .g4
2 5 .gxf4 ltJ xf4 26.1'l:e l ltJ eg6--+ leads to
excellent compensation for Black.
25 . . . ltJ g3 26.id3 ltJ c8!
Halting b5-b6 and preparing to launch a
counterattack with . . . Wih4.
27.ie l Wih4 28 .Wixc7 if6!
Intending . . . if6-d8-b6t, but also giving the
bishop access to h4.
Chapter 22 - 1 5 . b4 255
26 ... � h4t!N Rather pointless is 20 .Wd2, in view of

26 . . . WcB 27.�f1 Elf8 2 B.�g2 ElgB 29.�f1 20 . . . tLl g6 2 1 .�xg3 (2 1 .Wg5 Elf7) 2 1 . . .tLlh5
Elg7 30.'it>e2 Elf7 3 1..� d 2 �xd2 Y2-Y2 was the 22.�h2 tLl gf4 23.�h l Wh4 24.We l Wg5
game conclusion. 2 5 . g4 tLl xe2 26.Wxe2 tLl f4 27.�xf4 Elxf4
2B.Elf2 h5-+ with the usual compensation.
27.gxh4 �c1 t 28.�f1 .ixa3 29.�xa3 �4 20 . . . tLlh5 2 1 .�h2 �h6
30.Wb3 gg3! 3 1 .gg1 �h5!+ This is also perfectly acceptable for Black.
White's pieces are tangled and his material
superiority hardly counts. 19.i.xf6 gxf3
The point, avoiding the loss of a pawn.
20.he7
In the case of 20.�xf3 Elxf6 2 1 .Ela3 Elh6
This move has the usual disadvantage of
22 .We2 (22 . tLl c6 tLl xc6 23.dxc6 Wf7 24.�g4
allowing Black too easy a hand on the kingside.
�xg4 25 .Wxg4 Elg6 26.We2 �hB 27.tLl c3
ElgB 2B.tLld5 M6+) 22 . . .�f6 23.h3 WdB the
17 ... g4! 18.i.h4
position is fine for Black.
The point of White's play.
7
s pu-*-_
��1'%
�
�
�� .'0 �
&f'''''Y.�
�m� � ,� �
6 '. ""%�""'Y-� ""'Y-�

5 .�"�l. ��
4
8"m�.8 '. ��
3 ."� . �� "� '� �
2 �� ,yW�
�' " ' � �� u t!i
1 /� �� iV� � :'= '"''''
a b e d e f g h
20 ... fxe2 2 1 .Wxe2 V!!xe7 22.a5 bxa5 23.� c6

�
V!!f7 2 .c5 dxc5 25.V!!c4 �h8 26.V!!xc5 gg8=
White has good piece activity but Black's
extra pawn and two bishops equalize the
chances. Thus, 1 7. tLl b 5 poses no problems.
The other way to continue would be with the
kingside push: D) 17.�d3
I B . . . g3! ? 1 9 .hxg3!
1 9 .h3 leads to a bad position for White This was played against me by the Iranian
after 1 9 . . . �d7!N 20 .Wb3 'it>hB 2 1 .Elfd l player Ghane. In that game I didn't react well
tLl g6 22.�xf6 �xf6 23.tLlc6 (23 .'it>f1 WcB) and got an inferior position, although I did
23 . . .�xc6 24.dxc6 tLl e7 2 5 . c5 bxc5 26.a5 win in the end. Now I think that Black has
tLl xc6 27.a6 tLl b4=F two good replies, but the position remains
1 9 . . . fxg3N 20.�xg3 complicated.
256 1 0 . .ie3
0 1 ) 19.�d2!?
8
7 Nikos Ntirlis has suggested to me that this
is viable, but I think Black can continue in
6 typical fashion:
5
4
3
1
a b e d e f g h
17 h5!?
.••
The natural way, but it deprives Black of the

possibility to play . . . g4 at once.
b e d
17 .. J�f7!? 1 8 .a5 bxa5 1 9.c5 M8 20.ttJb2
a e f g h
�g7 2 1 . ttJ c4 g4 22.cxd6 cxd6 23 .ib6 Wld7°o
should also be okay. 19 ... c!LlgG 20.a5 bxa5 2 U :txa5 gxa5 22.�xa5
g3 23.hxg3 fxg3 24 ..ixg3 h4
18.ttJ b5! Black should be perfectly happy with his
Planning ie 1 and a4-a5 . prospects here.
1 8 .a5 bxa5 1 9 .c5 g4 20.'�h 1 ttJ g6 is dangerous

for White, who is also a pawn down. After 8
2 1 .�b 1 g3 22.hxg3 fxg3 23.ixg3 h4 24.if2 7
ttJh5 25 .Wle 1 a4 26.ttJb5 ia6 27.ttJb4 ttJ gf4
2 8 . ttJ xa6 Wlg5 29.�gl ttJ xe2 30.ttJ axc7 Wlf4
6
3 1 . ttJ e6 ttJ eg3t White threw in the towel in 5
Thomsen - Kristj ansson, corr. 20 1 1 .
4
1 8 . Wlb3 has been played, but I do not understand 3
the point of this move. 1 8 . . . g4 1 9 .ttJb5 ttJg6 2
20.a5 bxa5 2 1 .ie 1 gxf3 22.ixf3 (22.gxf3?
ih3 23.�f2 ttJxe4 24.fxe4 Wlg5 t 25.'�h1 f3+) 1
22 . . . a4 23.�xa4 �xa4 24.Wlxa4 ttJg4+± a b e d e f g h
1 8 ... g4 25 ..ih2N
The most challenging.
We have reached another crossroads. It is
worthwhile analysing 0 1 ) 19.�d2!? before
Clearly dangerous for White is: 2 5 .ie 1 ttJh5
moving on to 02) 19 .iel ! .
•
26.Wlxc7 (26.�f2 ih6--+) 26 ... Wlg5 --+

1 9 .a5 bxa5 20.ie I ?! c6! i s fine for Black.
2 5 .if2 ttJh5 26.Wld2 ttJ gf4 27.ttJ xf4 ttJxf4N
Chapter 22 - 1 5 . b4 257
27 . . . exf4 led to a draw in Nitsche - Stull, 26.'ilYxc7 .te3t 27.mhl 'ilYxc7! 28.�xc7 � h5
corr. 20 1 0 . 29.f4 �hxf4 30 .txf4 �xf4 3 1 .�xf4 l:!xf4
•
28 .ie3 ih6 29.l:!al mh7! 32J;xf4 exf4 33.� e8 .tc5 34 .tg4 �f8= •
29 . . . Wd7!? 30.mh l Wg7 3 1 .ifl (3 1 .id l

Wg3 32.Wf2 liJh5!) 3 1 . . .h3! 32.g4 ixg4 02) 1 9 .te 1!
•
33. fxg4 Wxg4 34.mh2 mhB 3 5 .ia7 Wg6

may be possible too. Th i s i s the move which gave m e the biggest
30.ifl headache. White is threatening a4-a5 , while
30.l:!a7?! �8 3 1 .i.fl (3 1 .l:!xc7t 'Wxc7 32.liJxc7 Black has a choice between 021) 19 gxf3 ••.
l:!xg2t+) 3 1 . . . liJxg2! 32.ixh6 liJf4t-+ and 022) 1 9 �g6!. •••
The following alternatives are unsatisfactory:

1 9 . . . c6?! 20.dxc6 liJ xc6 2 1 .liJ b4!± and
1 9 . . . g3?! 20.a5N±
021) 19 gxf3••.
This is given by some engines, but it seems

rather static. It may be holding though, as the
following long analysis indicates:
b e d f g h
8
a e
30 . . . h3 3 1 .g3
3 1 .g4 Wh4 32.if2 (32.Wf2? liJ e2t!!-+) 7
6
32 . . . Wf6�
3 1 . . . l:!g8+t
Black has sufficient counterplay. 5
4
8 3
7 2
6 1
5 a b e d e f g h
4 20.gxf3!
3 20.ixf3 liJ g4 2 1 .id2 liJ g6 22.a5N (22.We2
liJ h4 23.a5 bxa5 24.l:!xa5 liJ xf3t 2 5 .l:!xf3
2 id7 was soon drawn in Silfver - Robledo,
1 email 200 8.) 22 . . . bxa5 23.l:!xa5 Wh4 24.ixg4
b e d
ixg4 2 5 .Wel (25 .Wc2 f3) 25 . . . Wg5 !? with the
a e f g h
idea: 26.l:!xa8 �a8 27.Wf2 (27.liJ xc7 l:!a3�)
25 .th6!
••. 27 . . . l:!a4+t
The position offers Black equal chances. One
possible continuation is the following line: 20 .i.h3 2 1 .l:!f2 �h7 22 .tf1 !
•• •
258 1 O .ie3
22.a5 ih6 23.axb6?? l'!xa l 24.Wlxa l l'!g8 t The position is not so overwhelming for
25.�h l WlfB-+ White after 25.l'!gl l'!gB either, although I
must admit that there is a way to press:
22 ..txfI 23.l'!xf1 !
••
23.'it>xfl Wld7 24.�e2 ih6 2 5 . �d2 c6 a) 26.l'!xgB ?! l'!xgB 27.Wle2 Wlh3't is certainly
26.dxc6 tLl xc6°o not that way. The idea of . . . h4 followed by
. . . tLlh5 is lurking here.
b) 26.ic3 can be answered by: 26 . . . h4! 27.l'!xgB

l'!xgB 2B.Wlel tLl g6! 29.a5 bxa5 30.ixa5
a b e d e f g h
23 i.h6N
•••
a b e d e f g h
23 . . . Wld7 24.Wle2 l'!gB 25.�h l tLl eB 26.l'!gl
3O . . . tLlh5!! 3 1 .tLl f2 tLl g3t 32.hxg3 (32.�gl
M6 27.l'!xgB �xgB 2B .ic3 �fn./= was also
tLlhB! 33.hxg3 fxg3 34. tLl g4 l'!xg4 3 5 . fxg4
tenable for Black in Heite - Yamaliev, corr.
Wlxg4�) 32 . . . fxg3! 33.tLlg4 Wlf7 34.l'!a3
20 1 1 , but I prefer my idea.
tLl f4 With such a tremendous knight on f4
24.�hl Y:Yd7 backing the dangerous pawns, Black has
good compensation for the piece: 3 5 .id2
Here we reach another crossroads:
(35 .ixc7? ? l'!xg4 36. fxg4 Wlg6-+) 35 . . . tLl d3
36.l'!xd3 ixd2 37.Wle2 (37.Wlxd2 l'!xg4)
8 37 . . . if4 3B .Wlg2 �g7 39 .Wlh3 l'!aB�
7
c) 26.l'!a2! Only this keeps a slight edge for
6 White. The logical continuation 26 . . . l'!xg l t
5 27.�xg l l'!gB t 2B.l'!g2;!; is troublesome, but
4
Black should ultimately be okay.
3 Let us now have a look at the direct 25.a5!?:

2
25 bxa5 26J�xa5 c6! 27.l'!xa8
1
•••
27.tLl xd6 Wlxd6 2B .ib4 Wld7 29.tLlxe5 Wlh3

a b c d e f g h 30.l'!gl l'!xa5 3 1 .ixa5 l'!aB ! is equal.
25.a5!? 27 l'!xa8 28.dxc6

•••
Chapter 22 - 1 5 . b4 259
28.tLlxd6 Wxd6 29.�b4 Wd7 30.tLl xe5 Wh3 022) 1 9 • .• �g6!

is similar to the note given above.
The best and most thematic move, but it cost
me a day to understand exactly how it works .
20.aS bxaS 2 1 .gxaS J.d7!

A difficult position. Black wants to throw in
. . . g3 at the right moment.
White has previously tried 022 1) 22.'lWa4!?,

but I also had to find a response to
0222) 22.'lWc2N.
22.'it>h l ? is j ust losing in view of: 22 . . Jl:xa5

23.�xa5 tLl xd5 ! 24.cxd5 g3-+
a b e d e f g h
28 tlhc6 29.ggl !?
•••
An interesting position arises after: 22.gxa8N
2 9 . tLl b4 tLl xb4 30 .�xb4 �f8= Wxa8 23.�h l ! ? Wc8 ! 24.�a5 (24. tLl b4 h4)
24 . . . h4!! 2 5 . tLl xc7 h3 26.gxh3 g3! I believe
29 gg8 30.gxg8 �xg8
•••
Black has full compensation. Two pawns are
Again, all the rooks are gone and Black less important than the opening of the white
has the inferior bishop, but the material is king.
so reduced that White has no real winning 022 1) 22.'lWa4!?
chances.
A worrying idea. It requires fantastic play from
31.�b4 Black:
3 1 . Hifs 32.'lWd3 �g7 33.�g2 J.e7 34.tlhc6 22 gb8!N

•••
'lWxc6 3S.J.b4 �e8 36.'lWdS 'lWxdS 37.cxdS=/� A more practical approach is 22 .. Jl:xa5
In the final position White's plus is minuscule 23 .Wxa5 gxf3 24.�xf3 �xb 5 2 5 .Wxb 5 tLl g4
and I would expect Black to hold easily. 26.�h l tLl h4 27.E:g l 'it>h8 2 8 .c5 E:g8 29 .�e2
260 I O .i.e3
Wf6 30.h3 lil e3 3 1 .ixh4 Wxh4 32.Wd7 �f8 A strong counter-strike, without which
33 .if3 Wd8 34.Wc6 We7 3 5 .ixh5 �b8� and Black would be in big trouble.
Black had enough compensation to draw in
Canovas Pardomingo - Van der Hoeven, corr. 26.'iMxe4 J.f5 27.'iMc4
2009. 27.Wa4 �xb5 28 .�b7 �xd5+
23.c5! g3! 24.c6 i.c8! 27... �xb5!

The only move. Black wishes to deflect the enemy queen
from observing h4 along the fourth rank.
The alternatives 24 . . . lil xd 5 ? 2 5 . exd5 +- and
24 . . . lil xe4? 2 5 .Wxe4+- both lose. 28.�b7!
Trapping Black's active rook, and thus
After 24 . . . ic8 ! a critical position has been forcing its exchange.
reached; Black has a weakness on c7 and his 28 .Wxb 5 ? ? Wh4-+ or 28.hxg3 ? fxg3+ are
light-squared bishop looks smothered by hardly good ideas for White.
White's pawn chain, but on the other hand
White is very weak on h2 and a queen coming 28 ... �xb7
to h4 could easily settle the issue in Black's 28 . . . e4?! 29.fxe4 Wh4 30.hxg3 fxg3 3 1 .ixg3
favour. Wxg3 32.exf5 We3t 33.lilf2 lil f4 34.if3 �c5
3 5 .We4±
25.�a7!
White starts to pressurize the weak point 29.cxb7
right away. At first I believed that Black was losing here.
But I never give up, and after some meditation
Weaker are 2 5 . lil a7? lil g4!!-+ and 2 5 . hxg3 ?! I found some interesting ideas:
fxg3 26.ixg3 h4�, for example: 27.if2 lilh5
28 .Wa2 Wg5 29.'it>h2 �f7�
25. 'it> h I ih6! ?oo also deserves analysis.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
25 ... �xe4!!
Chapter 22 - l 5 .b4 26 1
30.hxg3
30.ltJb4
This natural move, threatening ltJ c6, allows
Black to demonstrate his idea:
30 . . . e4! 3 1 .hxg3
3 1 . ltJ c6?? Wh4 and 3 1 .h3?? Wh4 both win
for Black.
3 l . fxe4 Wh4 32.hxg3 fxg3 33.�xg3 Wxg3
transposes.
3 l . . . fxg3 32.�xg3
a b e d e f g
32.f1a2
Suggested by the computers as the main
option .
32.�b 1 h4
Black has devilish counterplay. For example:
33 .�f2
a b e d e f g h 33.�h2 �h6-+ (or 33 . . . e4!?)
32 . . . WgS !
The black queen effectively joins the attack.
White is forced to bail out:
33.fxe4
33.�h2? �h3-+
33 . . . Wxg3 34JhfS
34.exf5 �e5 ! =
34 . . . �b8 3 S . ltJ c6
3 5 .Wxc7?? We l t-+
3 5 .e5 �xe5 36.�xe5 ltJ xe5 37.Wxc7 ltJ f3t
38 .�xf3 We l t= a b e d e f g h
3 5 ... We3t 36.<;t>hl �xb7=
33 . . . ltJ f4! 34.�a7 ltJ xe2 t!?
Reaching an approximately level position.
The simplest route to equality.
3 S . <;t>n
30 ... fxg3 3 1 .i.xg3 3S.'it>f2 �xb7! (3S . . . ltJ f4!?) 36.�xb7 ltJ d4-+
3 1 .Wb4? ltJ f4! 32.ltJ xf4 exf4+
3 5 ... �xd3 36.Wxd3 ltJ g3t 37.'it>gl h3!=
After either capture on b8 or h3, Black will
3 1 . .. �b8 further expose the white king by playing . . . e4.
It is hard to believe, but White is the one
Readers are invited to check for themselves
who is struggling here.
that both lines will lead to a draw.
262 l o .ie3
8
32.Wa6 Wg5 !
This will be similar to our main line in case
White chooses 33.WaB . I nstead, two other 7
tries are possible: 6
33.ih2
33 .if2 ixd3't 5
33 . . . e4 34.f4 id4t 3 5 . cj;> h l 4
3 5 . lD f2 We7 3 6 . cj;> h l lD h4 37.ig3 e3°o
35 . . . Wh4! 36.g3
3
A stunning variation is 36.lDb4 if2 37.gxf2 2
Wxf2 3B.WaB gf8!! 39.bB=W e3-+ when
Black gets a strong attack in spite of the
1
opponent's huge material superiority. a b e d e f g h
33 gf8!
•••
8 After this cool retort Black is okay.

7
6 34.�xf8t
5
The obvious answer. Some alternatives are
listed below:
4
3
34.bB=W Wxg3�
2
34.ih2 ixd3 3 5 .ixd3 We3t 36.<j{ h l Wxd3't

a b e d e f g h
After 34.WxfBt play should lead to a draw:
36 . . . Wh3! 37.lD e l
37.WaB ? ? exd3 3B .WxbBt <j{ f7-+
37 . . . h4! 3B.g4 ixg4 39.ixg4 Wxg4 40.WaB 8
gfB! 7
Again, the same motif as above!
4 1 .bB=W We2! 42.gg1 ixg l 43 .ixg l Wxe l 6
44.WcB gxcB 45 .WxcBt <j{g7 46.Wxc7t <j{h6 5
4
47.f5 lD f4 4B .Wxd6t cj;> g5 49 .We7t cj;> g4
50 .Wg7t cj;>xf5 5 1 .d6 Wd l 5 2.Wh7t cj;>g4
5 3.Wxe4 Wxd6= 3
2
32 �g5! 33.�a8!
•••
33 .ih2 ixd3 34.ixd3 We3t 3 5 . <j{ h l Wxd3 1

36.gc l !'t a b e d e f g h
33 .if2 ih3 34.g3 e4-+ 34 �xf8 35.b8=� �xg3 36.�xc7 i.e7!

•••
37.�b8t cj;>f7 38.�b4 hd3 39�xd3 c!i:lf4

40.�d2 cj;>f6!? 4U!al
4 1 .ie4 idB!-+
Chapter 22 - l S .b4 263
41. .. h4= 24 ...fxg3 25..ixg3 h4 26.i.f2 Yfd8! 27.�b l !

With equality, after some long but fascinating tLlh5 28.c5!
variations. 2B .Wd2 'i!ih7 29.cS i.h6 30 .WaS CD gf4
3 1 . CD xf4 CD xf4 32 .i.f1 WgS-+
D222) 22.Yfc2N
This looks like the most sensible move. Its

disadvantage is that it does not yet threaten
c4-cS .
a b e d e f g h
28 ...i.xb5!
2B . . . WgS ? 29.CDxc7 CD gf4 30.CD xf4 CD xf4
3 1 .i.f1 CD xg2 32.�h l ! ! wins for White.
a b e d e f g h
29J:!xb5 Yfg5
22 ... g3! White has two bishops and an extra pawn,
22 . . . gxf3 !? 23.gxf3 i.h3 24.�xaB WxaB
but Black's attack j ust about suffices for
2 S .�fl WcB is also possible, but less thematic.
equality.
23J�xa8 Yfxa8 24.hxg3! 30.�h2!?

24.h3 CD h4 is dangerous.
30.�b3 CD gf4 3 1 .CD xf4 CD xf4 32.i.f1 CD h3t
33.'i!ih2 (33.'i!ih l CDxf2t 34.Wxfl Wg3=)
33 . . . CD xfl 34.Wxfl Wf4t 3 S . � g l (3S.'i!ih3?
�f6) 3 S . . . i.h6�
a b e d e f g h
The white kingside will be exposed to all

sorts of sacrifices on g2 and h3 in the near
future.
a b e d e f g h
264 I O.ie3
30 �gf4! 3 1 .�xf4
•••
Removing one intruder looks like a shrewd

move. The following alternative illustrates the
complexity of the position:
3 1 .ifl liJ g3 32.Wc 1 allows 32 ... liJ ge2!!

33.We3 liJ d4, when Black has regrouped his
knights and White is on the receiving end of a
severe attack. However, he can still j ust about
hold: 34J�b2 h3! 3 5 . gxh3 Wh5 ! 36.liJ e l ih6!
(36 . . . if6!?) 37.Wa3 �hB 3B.cxd6
a b e d e f g h
33 YlYc1 t!! 34.idl YlYg5 35.i.e3 YlYg6i

• .•
36.YlYd2 i.f6! 37.cxd6

37.l::I b 7 is once again met by the push
37 . . . h3.
37 cxd6 38.YlYb2
•••
Here Black has two similarly good responses:
a b e d e f g h
3B . . . l::I g B !! 39.l::I b B!! l::I x bB 40.dxc7 l::I gB 4 1 .Wa6

liJxf3t 42.liJxf3 liJ xd5 43.cB =W if4t 44.ig3
Wxf3 45 .WxgBt �xgB 46.Wg6t �f8=
After 3 1 .liJxf4 I believe the following way of

playing is best for Black:
3 1 . YlYxf4t! 32.�gl
••
The riskier 32.�h3 l::If6! 33.cxd6 cxd6

(33 . . . l::I g6?? 34.dxc7 +- incredibly, wins for
White) 34.WcBt (34.ixh4 l::Ih6 3 5 .l::I b Bt
�h7 36.WcB Wg3t!? 37.ixg3 liJ f4t 3 B .\t>g4
l::I g 6t 39.�f5 l::If6t 40.�g5 l::I g6t=) 34 . . . \t>h7
3 5 .Wg4 Wxg4t 36.\t>xg4 liJ f4 37.ifl h3
3B . gxh3 l::I g 6t 39.\t>f5 l::I f6t= leads to a pretty
perpetual.
E) 17.� c6
32 � g3 33.l::I b 3
33.l::I b l h3! 34.gxh3 m�
•••
Originally I was annoyed by this move, but

now I consider it harmless.
Chapter 2 2 - 1 S . b4 265
8
This is in fact what happens after:
20 . . . g4 2 1 .cS!N
7 2 1 . W h 1 was Woodward - Arakhamia Grant,
6 Edinburgh 2003, which eventually ended in
a draw.
5 2 1 . . . lLl xdS 22.cxd6 g3
4 22 . . . lLl f6 23.d7 lLl xd7 24.cxd7 �xd7
25 .�c4±
3
23.hxg3
2 23.d7 gxf2t 24.\t>xf2 �xd7 2 S . cxd7 Wfxd7
1
26.l::!: fd 1 (26.�c4?? lLl e3) 26 . . . \t>h8 27.�c4
l::!: f6 28.l::!: x d5 Wfe8 29 .Wfb2 Wfe7! 30.\t>f1
a b e d e f g h (30.l::!: x eS ? l::!: c 6!=t) 3O . . . l::!:h6 3 1 .h3 l::!: d 6=
17 ... tLlxc6 23 . . . fxg3 24.�xg3 lLl f4 2 S . d7
1 7 . . .'IWd7 is a move I don't trust so much. I
prefer the more clear-cut text solution .
18.dxc6 Yge8 19.tLl d5 gf7! 20.Y9b3!

20.aS bxaS 2 1.'1W a4 (2 1 .cSN dxcS 22 .�xcS
�e6=) 2 1 . . .g4! 22J!:fb 1 g3! 23. hxg3 fxg3
24.�xg3 lLl xdS 2 S . cxdS �h6 26.l::!: b 3N l::!: g7
27.�h2 �d2 28.�f1 Wfg6 29.l::!: a b 1 Wfh6
30.Wfa2 �e3t 3 1 .\t> h 1 l::!: f7 is at least equal for
Black.
a b e d e f g h
Black needs some precision to avoid an inferior
position: 25 . . . lLl xe2t 26.\t>f2 �xd7 27.cxd7 Wfxd7
28.\t>xe2;!;
The smoke has cleared, and with the better
bishop and pawn structure White enjoys some
advantage.
2 1 .a5!
The refined 2 1 .l::!: fc l is actually much easier
to handle: 2 1 . .. �e6 2 2.aS Wfxc6! 23.axb6
(23 . lLl xf6t l::!: xf6 24.WfbS [24.axb6 cxb6]
24 . . . Wfe8! 2S.axb6 cxb6 26.Wfxb6 l::!: b8 27.WfaS
l::!: b 2 28.\t>f1 Wfb8°o) 23 . . . cxb6 24.Wfxb6
l::!: xa 1 2 5 .l::!: xa 1 �xd5 26.cxd5 Wfxb6 27.�xb6
l::!: b 7 2 8 .�f2 �e7 29.\t>f1 \t>f7 30 .�a6 l::!: b 8
a b e d e f g h 3 1 .l::!: c l lLl d7 32.l::!: c 7 l::!: b H 33.We2 l::!: b 2t
34.\t>e 1 l::!: b H 3 S . \t>d2 l::!: b 2t 36.l::!: c 2 l::!:xc2t
20 �m!N
37.\t>xc2 �d8 =
•..
A solid move, safeguarding against the

c4-cS tactic.
266 l O .i.e3
2 1 ...bxaS 22.ti'bS ga6!? 28.ti'a3 g4 29.cxd6 J.xd6 30.J.cS e4!

Concrete and forcing. Black presses c6 to 3O . . . i.xc5t 3 1 .Wlxc5 WlfB 32.d6! cxd6
encourage White to show his hand. 33 .Wld5 r;!;> g7 34.gd l ga7 should also be a
draw.
8
3 1 .fxg4
7 3 1 . fxe4 Wlxe4 32 .i.xd6 cxd6°o with the idea
6 33.Wlxd6? f3-+
5 3 1 .i.xd6 exf3 = with the idea 32.i.xc7? ge7-+

4
3
3 1 .i.d l i.xc5t 32.Wlxc5 gxf3 33 .i.xf3 Wle5f±
a b e d e f g h
23.cS! c!lJxdS 24.exdS gaS!

24 . . . dxc5 2 5 .i.xc5 ga8 26.gxa5 i.a6!?
27.gxa6 gxa6 2 8 .i.c4!t
2S.E1xaS
25 .i.d3 g4 allows strong counterplay.
2S ... E1xaS 26.ti'xaS ifS 27.ge l!?

27.gal e4 2 8 . fxe4 Wlxe4= a b e d e f g h
3 1 ...J.xcSt 32.ti'xcS hxg4 33.d6 cxd6

8 r--l�__�� 34.ti'xd6 f3! 3S.J.c4 flt! 36.r;!;>xfl J.e6t
37.r;!;>g3 hc4 38.c7 gfB 39.c8=ti' ti'xc8
7 40.gxe4
6 40 .Wlg6t=
5
40 ... gf7=
4 Thus, we can conclude that although 1 3 .a4!?
3
gives rise to some interesting positions, it
should not trouble us from a theoretical point
2 of view after the correct 1 3 . . . a5!.
1
a b e d e f g h
27 ... hS�
Black's attacking prospects on the kingside
give him excellent counterplay. Some more
analysis is given below for completeness:
Chapter 22 - 1 5 .b4 267
Conclusion attacking chances on the dark squares to

maintain the balance.
In Chapter 22 we immersed ourselves into real The third option, 17. ct:J b 5, is easily parried
heavyweight theory by trying to work out the by 1 7 ... g4! 18.i.h4 'Wd7 1 9 .i.xf6 gxf3,
consequences of 1 3.a4!? a5! 14.llJ d3 b6 1 5 .b4. with approximate equality, but the fourth
Mter 1 5 ...axb4 1 6.ct:Jxb4 ct:Jf6 a tense situation one, namely 17. ct:J d3, caused me several
arises on the board with White having no less headaches before I found an antidote in
than five interesting options to choose from. 1 7 ... h5!? 1 8.ct:Jb5! g4 1 9.i.e I ! ct:Jg6! 20.a5 bxa5
The first one, namely 1 7.i.e l !?, is designed 2 1 .E:xa5 i.d7!. This position results in hair
to build the usual defensive set-up with raising complications, particularly in the line
a knight on f2 before proceeding with 22.'Wa4!? E:b8! 23.c5! g3! 24.c6 i.c8! 25 .E:a7!
queenside operations. After 1 7 ... h5 1 8.h3 ct:Jxe4!!, so the reader is advised to consult it
E:f7! 19.ct:Jd3! Black should react with the carefully as the tactics may be impossible to
incisive 1 9 ... g4! 20.hxg4 hxg4 21 .fxg4 i.f8! find over the board.
22.ct:Jf2 E:g7 23.ct:J b5 ct:J g6 24.a5 ct:J h4!, when Finally, the fifth line 1 7. ct:J c6 leads to
the typical idea ... ct:J f6-h5! secures strong concrete play, where Black maintains equal
counterplay. chances. Mter 1 7 ... ct:Jxc6 1 8.dxc6 'We8 19.ct:J d5
Yusupov's 17.E:a3!? should in no way E:f7! 20.'Wb3! i.f8! 21 .a5! bxa5 22.'Wb5, it is
be underestimated, although I regard it as important to remember the move 22 ... E:a6!?
somewhat artificial. I think that 1 7 ... i.d7 which forces a change of the pawn structure
1 8.ct:Jb5 Wh8!?, as played by Garry Kasparov, by 23.c5! ct:Jxd5 24.exd5 E:a8!, giving Black
provides a good antidote to it, after either potentially dangerous play on the kingside due
1 9.i.e l or Markos' attempted improvement to the ... e5-e4 idea.
by 1 9 -'Wal !? A typical idea after 1 9.'Wa l!? is Overall, a rather laborious chapter for
demonstrated by the line 1 9 ... g4! 20.a5 bxa5 us, but on the other hand most lines offer
2 1 . E:xa5 g3! 22.hxg3 E:xa5! 23.'Wxa5 i.xb5! Black excellent chances to play for a win and
24.cxb5 ct:Jh5!, when Black gets enough objectively he stands no worse.
lo.ie3
a b e d e f g h
13.�cl
Variation Index
l .d4 tLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tLl£3 0-0 6 ..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLl c6 S.d5 tLl e7
9.tLlel tLl d7 10 . .ie3 f5 1 1 .£3 f4 12 . .ifl g5 13J�c1
1 3 .. J�f6
A) l 4.g4 269
B) l4.h4 �h6! 271
B l ) l5.tLld3?! 272
B2) l5.c5 273
C) l 4.c5!? tLlxc5 l5.h4 tLl a6 274
Cl) l6.tLld3 275
C2) l 6.tLlh5 .id7 l7.tLlxa7 �h6!? 275
C2l) l S.ha6 276
C22) l S.�h3 277
A) after l 7 . tt:l d3 Cl l ) note to 1 9 .%Yd3 ! ? Cll) after l 8 .%Yb3
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
a b c d e f g h a b e d e f g h a b c d e f g h
l 7 . . . i.f8!N l8 . . . i.c8!N l 8 . . . %Ye8

Chapter 23 - 1 3 Jk l 269
l.d4 tilf6 2.c4 g6 3.til c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tilf3 1 6 . . . �f7?!

0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 til c6 8.d5 tile7 9.tile1 This committal move has been played by
til d7 1 0.i.e3 f5 1 1 .f3 £4 12.i.f2 g5 13.gc1 Alberto David. The king might end up
A modern idea, with the intention of playing exposed on f7.
c4-cS as a sacrifice. 1 7.E1h 1 lLl g6 1 B .b4 lLl f6 1 9. 1Ll d3
1 9 .cS i.d7 20.lLl d3 a6 leads to the same.
19 . . . i.d7 20.cS a6 2 1 .W!b3!N
2 1 . lLl b2?! is too artificial and time
consuming. After 2 1 . . .W!e7 22.c6 bxc6
23.dxc6 i.e6 24.i.c4 E1ahB? Black had
successfully completed the above-mentioned
plan in Piket - David, Mondariz 2000.
After 2 1 .W!b3! White has a clear intention
to play b4-b S , and I cannot see equality for
Black.
7
a b e d e f g h
6
13 .. J�f6 5
I have decided to use this interesting yet
4
rather primitive plan for the p urposes of our
3
repertoire. The idea is . . . E1f6-h6 and . . . W!dB
eB-hS, boldly attacking the white king. Some 2
of the lines become extremely complicated,
but after investing much time and effort into a b e d e f g h
the analysis, I feel comfortable making the
2 1 . . .W!hB 22.bS W!h7 23.c6 hxg4 24.hxg4 E1hB
recommendation. This chapter will focus on
A) 14.g4, B) 14.b4 and C) 14.c5!? 2S .E1hg 1 ! E1h2t 26.'itifl bxc6 27. bxc6 i.xg4
2 B. fxg4 W!h3t 29.'itie1 lLlh4 30.�d1 lLl f3
1 4 . lLl d3 is examined in the next chapter. 3 1 .W!b7!
3 1 .i.fl W!h4!!
A) 14.g4 3 1 . . .lLl xg 1 32.i.xg 1 E1g2 33.W!xc7t �g6
34.'itid2! f3 3 S .W!xd6 fxe2 36.E1e 1 ±
Trying to stop the attack before it starts, but The complications are certainly interesting,
now Black's plan becomes simple and clear. He but are ultimately better for White.
will play . . . hS followed by a timely capture on
g4, bring a mass of major pieces onto the open 17.tild3
h-file, relocate the knights with . . . lLl e7-g6-h4 1 7.E1h 1 will probably transpose.
and . . . lLl d7-f6, and, in certain variations,
threaten to sacrifice a piece on g4. At this critical j uncture I have a new suggestion:
14 h5! 15.h3 E1h6 1 6.ci>g2 til g6!

•••
Black must first and foremost control the

h4-square.
270 l O .�e3
l7 ...�f8!N 19 ...�e7!
A super-solid move, guarding against c4-c5 Black is also playing useful moves. My
while not interfering with any of Black's plans. idea is to put the king on the safe g7-square,
freeing the eighth rank for the manoeuvre
1 7 . . . �f7?! 1 8 .c5! a6?! ( l 8 . . .hxg4N 1 9 .hxg4 . . . W!d8-h8-h7. The chances seem about equal.
lLl xc5 20.lLlxc5 dxc5 2 1 .i.xc5 W!h8 22.E:h l
E:xh l 23 .W!xh l W!xh l t 24.E:xh l lLl h4t 2 5 . cj{ f2 20.b4 �f6 2 1 .c5 axb4 22.axb4 �g7!
a6;!; i s defendable) 1 9 .W!b3! lLl f6 20.E:h l E:b8 Now White has the following options:
2 1 . lLl a4 i.d7 22.cxd6 cxd6 23. lLlb6 i.b5 24.a4
i.xd3 2 5 .i.xd3± was clearly better for White in
Arbakov 011, Soviet Union 1 986.
-
17 ... hxg4N 1 8 .hxg4 lLl h4t 1 9 .i.xh4 E:xh4

20.E:h l E:xh l 2 1 .W!xh l lLlf6 22.c5 i.d7
23.i.d l ! ? might be a trifle better for White.
l 8.E:hl
1 8 .b4 a5! 1 9 .a3 axb4 20.axb4 hxg4 2 1 .hxg4
lLl h4t=
l 8 ... a5! 1 9.a3!

White is preparing b2-b4 followed by c4-c5.
a b e d e f g h
1 9 . 1Ll a4?! provokes the weakening 1 9 ... b6, but 23.'Wb3
it costs White too much time: 20 . lLl c3 (20 .a3 A natural square for the queen. On b3 Her
lLl f6 2 1 .b4 axb4 22.axb4 W!d7! 23.lLlc3 W!h7 Majesty guards against rook invasions on a3
24.c5 bxc5 2 5 . bxc5 dxc5 makes no difference.) and a2.
20 . . . lLl f6 2 1 .a3 W!d7! 2 2.b4 axb4 23.axb4 W!h7
24.c5 bxc5 2 5 . bxc5 dxc5! Planning to put 23.cxd6 cxd6
the bishop on d6 next move. 26.lLlxc5 ? hxg4 23 . . . i.xd6! ? is also possible, with the idea
27.hxg4 lLl xg4!+ is much better for Black as 24.lLlc5?! b6.
the knight is immune due to . . . f3 t .
Chapter 23 - 1 3 .Ek l 27 1
24.lDb2
After 24. lDb5 id7 2 5 . lD c7 :ga2+t the active
rook is interfering with White's coordination.
24 . . . id7 2 5 .lD c4
2 5 .ib5 :gcB ! 26.ixd7 Wxd7t
a b e d e f g
24 ...�gS!? 2S.bS �h7 26.c6 hxg4 27.hxg4

ruts 2S.Ethgl bxc6 29.dxc6 Eth2t 30.<.!?fl
a b e d e f g �h3t 3 1 .<'!?el i.e8 32.b6 i.f7 33.�bS cxb6
Reaching an unclear position which the
2 5 . . . lD h4t! 26.ixh4
engines rate as 0.00.
26.� g 1 hxg4 27.hxg4 WhBt is fine for
Black.
34.�xb6
26. 'it>fl ?! lD xS! 27.ixf3 hxg4 2B.hxg4
34.c7 :gcB 3 5 . lD a4 lD h4 36.ixh4 Wxh4t
:gxh 1 t 29.ixh 1 ixg4-+ leads to a
37. � d 1 ieBoo
tremendous attack for the second player.
26 . . . gxh4=
34...i.c4CD
Black has not only rid himself of any
My preference would certainly be to take the
problems with his b6-square but also threat�ns
black pieces here though .
. . . lD f6-h7-g5, heavily pressurizing the white
kingside.
B) 14.h4
23.b5 allows the typical reply: 23 . . . dxc5
Another obvious choice for White, with the
24.lDxc5 WhB! 2 5 . lD e6t (In case of 2 5 . lD d3,
standard idea of pushing c4-c5, but now
2 5 . . . b6! to be followed by . . .id6 is excellent
Black gets enough time for his intended
for Black.) 25 . . .ixe6 26.dxe6 hxg4 27.hxg4
attacking manoeuvre. A more convenient way
lD xg4! 2 B . fxg4 St 29.ixf3 lD f4t 30.'it>g1
of preparing c4-c5 is by bringing the knight
:gxh l t 3 1 .ixh 1 lD h3t=
to d3, as then White can defend satisfactorily
with the set-up ie 1 and lD f2. For this, see the
23 ...i.d7! 24.�c4
next chapter.
24.b5 dxc5 2 5 . lD xc5 lD h4t 26.ixh4 ixc5
27.ixg5 :gg6 2 B .lD d 1 hxg4 29.hxg4 ixg4!
14 ... Eth6!
30.:gxc5 (30.fxg4?? :ga3-+) 30 . . . id7+t is an
After White's loss of time Black has realistic
interesting line, at the end of which Black
threats. Now there are two lines for White:
seems to have made the most gains. He has
Bl) IS.ft::J d3?! and B2) IS.cS.
managed to exchange dark-squared bishops
and has very active pieces.
272 1 0 .ie3
B l ) 15.tl�d3?! 1 7.h3? loses immediately because of 1 7 . . . Wh5

followed by . . . i.xh3 (but not 17 . . . i.xh3?
1 B .gxh3 Wh5 1 9 .h4±) .
17 ...id7!?
Planning . . . rj;lhB, . . . Wg6, . . . �gB , . . .MB and
. . . g4� .
Golod points out the devilish trap 1 7 . . . 'it>hB

1 B . ttJ b 5 ! ! Wxb5 1 9 .c6! bxc6 20.ttJxe5 Wxb4
2 1 . ttJ f7 t 'it>gB 22.ttJ xh6t i.xh6 23.�c4 and
White has annoying pressure.
1 8.b5!? b6 1 9.cxd6!?
a b e d e f g h 19 .c6 i.cB does not bury the bishop, as Black
Belatedly trying to switch to defence, but will continue with . . . Wg6 and . . . g4, freeing it.
Black has a strong reply: For example: 20.a4 Wg6 2 1 .�a 1 g4't
1 5 ... 1t1f6! 1 9 ... cxd6 20.a4

As played by Vitali Golod. Black plans to Worse is 20.ttJb2 Wg6 2 1 . ttJ c4 g4t .
continue with . . . WdB-eB-h 5 , . . . �g6 and . . . g4.
20.ttJb4 i s given without further analysis by
1 6.c5?! Golod, but I think 20 . . . Wh5 2 1 .i.g 1 ttJ g6�
In Golod's opinion, better is: 1 6.i.e 1 ! �g6 promises a strong attack in that case.
( 1 6 . . . WeB ? 1 7. ttJ f2 Wh5 1 B .h3;!;/±) 1 7 .h3 h5
1 B . ttJ f2 'it>h7!?N=1+ Intending . . . ttJ e7-gB-h6
and . . . g4.
a b e d e f g h
20 <!>h8!? 2 1 .�el !?
..•
Worse is: 2 1 .a5 bxa5 22.�a 1 �cB!+

a b e d e f g h
1 6 �e8! 17.<!>hl
.••
21 ... �g6 22.g4 fxg3 23.ixg3 ltl h5;
The only move. Black had the better game and went on to
win in Kagansky - Golod, Israel 1 999.
Chapter 23 - I 3 . l::k l 273
B2) 15.c5 I 8 . . . 'lWh4!! Intending . . . tLl f6-h5-g3#. White

would then be left with a disastrous position
White goes for the throat. after: I 9 .g3 fxg3 20.tLlxc7 tLl g6 2 1 . tLl g2 'lWh3+
8
16 ...�h5 17.h4
I 7.h3? tLl f6-+
7
6 17 ... �g6! 18.g4 fxg3 1 9.i.xg3

This position has been reached a few times
5 in practice, with Black invariably playing
4 I 9 . . . tLl f4. However, I much prefer Houdini's
3
suggestion:
a b e d e f g h
1 5 ...�e8!
With the knight still on e l , Black can afford
to play this move.
Instead, I 5 . . . tLl f6? I 6.cxd6 cxd6 I 7 . tLl b 5 ±

would be bad. 2
1
Now White is forced to enter wild
a b e d e f g h
complications:
19 ... �f6!N
16.tl�b5 Adding wood to the raging fire. The idea is
If I 6. tLl d3?, the simple I6 ... 'lWh5 I 7.h3 to capture the pawn on h4, opening lines, but
tLl xc5!-+ ends it all. to do that Black needs to defend against f3-f4.
After I 6.�h I tLl f6! I 7.tLlb5 'lWh5 I 8 .ig I , 20.�xc7

Black can create a deadly threat: With this move we immediately transpose
back to a top level game between Mchedlishvili
and Ganguly.
20.tLld3? is a tempo loss, and Black can play:

20 . . . tLl f4 2 1 .tLl xc7 (2 1 . cxd6 E:g6) 2 1 . . .E:g6!
22.�h2 (22.�f2 tLl xe4t [22 . . . tLl g2!?] 23.fxe4
tLlxe2-+) 22 . . . tLl xd3! 23 .ixd3 gxh4 24.if2 h3
25 .E:c2 (25 . tLl xa8 ih6-+ , or 25.E:gI E:g2t-+
or 2 5 . � h I h2-+) 25 . . . ih6 26.ig3 E:xg3
27.�xg3 if4t 28.�f2 'lWg5 29.�eI tLl g4!
With a winning position.
a b e d e f g h
274 1 0 .ie3
The main point of Black's idea is illustrated 23 ...YlYg6! 24.�xa8!!

after: 20.f4 ? g4! 2 1 . fS lLl xh4 2 2.:1:k4 (22 .id3 This time White should boldly grab the
lLl xf5 23.exfS Wfh3-+) material. 24.cJi h 1 is met by 24 . . . Wfxe4t-+ .
8 24 ... � e3t 25.lt>h2 �xd l 26.Elgl YlYxe4

7 27.hh6 YlYxe2t 28.Elg2 �f2 29.cxd6 i.d7
30Jhg7t It>h8 3 U :txd7
6
3 1 .Elg2 h3-+
5
4 3 1 .lLlg2 lLl g4t 32.Elxg4 ixg4 and Black is

3 threatening . . . h3.
2
8
a b e d e f g h
7
22 . . . id7!! (22 . . . lLl xfS 23.exf5 ixf5 24.Elxf5
6
Wfxf5 2 5 . lLl g2°o is less clear) 23.lLlxc7 Elf8!
With a full mobilization of his forces. Then 5
24.Elf2 (24.lLle6 ib5 !=F) 24 . . . ixf5 ! 2 5.exfS 4
lLlxf5 26.Elh2 Wfg6=F gives him a terrible attack.
3
20 gxh4 2 1 .f4!N
.• .
2
White should now prefer this pawn advance.
1
b e d
2 1 .if2 lLl f4 ....
a e f g h
2 1 .ih2 Wfg5 t 22.1t>f2 lLl f4=F gave Black a 3 1 ...�g4t 32.lt>h3 � f2t 33.1t>g2 �g4t
devastating attack in the aforementioned 34.lt>h3 � f2t=
game. He soon went on to secure victory in Another quite stunning tactical sequence,
Mchedlishvili - Ganguly, Fujairah 20 1 2 . with White holding on by the skin of his teeth.
2 1 . . .�g4 22.i.h2 �xf4 23.i.xf4! C) 14.c5!?

23.lLlxa8 lLl h3t 24.cJig2 Elg6-+
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 23 - 1 3 J::k l 275
Time is money! White hurries to start active

operations on the queenside, even by giving up
a pawn. This is considered to be the main line.
14 ./t::J xc5
••
Of course, acceptance of the sacrifice is the

critical test.
15.b4 � a6
7 a b e d e f g h
6 1 9 c6!?N
.••
5
Only 19 . . . <Jih8 has been tried p reviously.
The following variation seems like best play
4 from both sides:
3
20.dxc6 bxc6 2 1 .�xe5 he5 22..ixa6 E!:b8
2 23 .ic4t �g7 24.b5 c5 25.Wfd2 �g8!?
•
1 26.� d5 � f6 27.�xf6 E!:xf6 28.YlYa5 .ie6=

b e d
Leading to a balanced game.
a e f g h
This is another tabiya. White has two moves:

Cl) 16.�d3 and C2) 16.�b5.
The most critical test is to go for the queenside
Cl) 16.�d3 E!:h6 17.a4 Wfe8 1 8.�hl .id7! pawns at once.
8
Black harmoniously balances attack and
defence.
7
1 9 .igl!?
•
6
The alternatives seem unconvincing for
5
White:
4
1 9 . b 5 ? Wfh5! 20.�gl lLlc5 2 1 .lLl xc5 dxc5
22.�c4 Wh8+
3
2
1 9 .'1Wb3 <Jih8 20.lLl b2?! (20.�g l N c6=t) 1
20 . . . Wfh5 2 1 .�g l g4 22.fxg4 �xg4 23.�xg4 ="'------""==.==�=.____l
Wfxg4 24.lLlb5 �f6 2 5 . lLl xc7 lLl xc7 26Jhc7 a b e d e f g h

Wfe2 27.E!:d l Wfxe4 2 8 . lLl c4 lLl f5-+ and Black 16 .id7 17./t::J xa7 E!:h6!?
••.
soon won in Vera - Nataf, Montreal 2003. Black initiates pressure against h2, exploiting
the fact that the f2-bishop is overloaded at the
276 1 0 .ie3
moment. By far the most popular response is 8

C2 l) l 8..lxa6, while C22) l8.YlYb3 is almost
7
unchartered territory.
6
1 8 .'iii h l ?! CD xb4+ 5
4
1 8 .ibS is drawish: 1 8 . . . CD xb4 1 9 .ixd7N
3
( l 9 .�a4!? ixbS 20.�xbS b6= was level in
Radziewicz - Ai Sayed, Budapest 200 1 .) 2
1 9 . . . �xd7 20.CDd3 CD xd3 2 1 .�xd3 cS 22.dxc6

bxc6 23.CDxc6 CD xc6 24.�dSt �e6 2S .�xc6 a b e d e f g h
l:!xa2=
28 . . . ic8 !N (26 . . . ixh4 27.ixh4 �xh4 2 8 . CD f3
C2 l) l 8..lxa6 ixf3 29.l:!cxf3 �h2t 30.<;i{f2 l:!g6 3 1 . l:!g 1
l:!g3 32.<;i{fl <;i{h8= was soon drawn in Iotov
This move leads to wild complications, though - Saravanan, Thessaloniki 2008) 27.�c7 dS!
they are not unfavourable for Black. 28.exdS e4--+ also leads to a strong attack.
19 ... g4 20.&g4 i.xg4 2 1 .h3

8 2 1 .�xa6 �e8--+
7
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
l 8 ... bxa6 19.YlYd3!?

This queen move seems most logical. a b e d e f g h
2 1 . ..i.d7 22J:;!:c3
Instead, 1 9.�c2?! �e8 20.�xc7 g4 illustrates
22.�xa6N ixh3! 23.gxh3 l:!xh3 24.�b7
typical ideas for Black:
(24.<;i{g2 �d7 2 S .l:!gl f3 t 26.<;i{fl l:!h4!!
27.ixh4 �h3t 2 8 . CD g2 CD g6--+) 24 ... CD fS ! = is
a) 2 1 .g3?! <;i{h8 22.l:!c2 CD g8 ! 23. fxg4 ixg4
a n interesting route to equality.
24.ib6 �g6 2 S . CD c6 fxg3 26.CDd8 l:!xd8
27.�xd8 gxh2t 0- 1 Korchnoi - Cheparinov, 22 • • .�h8 23.YlYc4 ttl g8! 24.ttla
Amsterdam 2008. 24.�xc7N CD f6 2S .�xd8t l:!xd8°o i s unclear.
White will not be able to defend the e4-pawn.
b) 2 1 . fxg4 ixg4 22.CDc6 (22.l:!c3 ie2 23.CD f3
CD xdS 24.exdS ixfl 2 s .'iii xfl e4+) 22 . . . CD xc6 24 ... ttl f6 25J:;!:el
23.dxc6 �hS 24.h4 if6 2 S .�b7 l:!f8 26.l:!c3 2 S . CD gS �g8! gives Black a slight edge.
Chapter 23 - 1 3 . E k l 277
1 8 ...'ilYe8 19.ha6N
1 9 .�h l ? 'I1;l{h5 !-+ was Shankland -
Cheparinov, Internet (blitz) 2009.
19 ...'ilYh5! 20.h4 gxh4 2 1 .c;!;>h2!?

The idea of this move is to prevent . . . h4-
h3-h2.
First of all, it has to be stressed that 2 1 ..ixb 7??

fails to: 2 1 . . . h3 22.g4 (22 . .ib6 hxg2 23.ttJxg2
'I1;l{h2t 24.�f2 cxb6 25 ..ixa8 E:g6 26.E:g l
.ih3+) 22 . . . fxg3 23 . .ixg3 h2t 24.� h l E:xa7-+
Also weak is 2 1 ..ib5 h3! 22.g4 fxg3 23 . .ixg3

h2t 24.�h l .ih3 2 5 .E:f2 'I1;l{g5 26.f4 exf4
27 . .ixh2 'I1;l{h4--+.
26 ... .ifS 27. c!i:l h4 'ilYg5 28.c!i:l a 'ilYg8 29.c!i:l h4=
2 1 .E:xc7
We have been following the game Soltau
This allows the black pawn to reach h2.
- Boger, corr. 2008, which ended shortly
2 1 . . .h3 22.g4 fxg3 23 ..ixg3 h2t!?
afterwards with a repetition of moves.
23 ... bxa6 24.�h2 transposes to a line
examined under 2 1 .�h2!?
29.'it>f1 N E:xh3 30.gxh3 .ixh3t 3 1 .'it>e2
24.�h l bxa6 2 5 .E:f2
ttJ xe4°o would be a way to continue the fight,
2 5 . E:xd7?? 'I1;l{h3+
though Black should be happier here.
25 . . . 'I1;l{h3
Or 25 . . . �h8 ! ? and now:
e22) 18.'ilYb3
a) 26.E:xd7? 'I1;l{h3 27.E:xe7 'I1;l{xg3-+
b) 26.E:xh2? 'I1;l{g5-+
A move I analysed with Alexei Shirov quite
c) 26 ..ixh2 .ih3!! 27.E:xe7 'I1;l{h4-+
some time ago. Our original assessment was
d) 26.'I1;l{e3 'I1;l{h3 27.E:g2 E:g8 28 .'I1;l{f2 .if600
favourable for White, but now I think the
26 . .ixh2 ttJ g6 27.'I1;l{e3 ttJ f4 2 8 . ttJ d3 .if6
position is j ust equal.
With an excellent position for Black.
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1 �L-��--"==-"'==-:-�
1 �L-��==�
a b e d e
a b e d e g
278 l O .ie3
21 ... bxa6 22J�xc7 h3

The move that Shirov and I focused on.
22 . . . Wle8
I think that this might also be possible here,
leaving g2 cramped for the time being.
23.E!:gl
23.lLld3 �h8 100ks dangerous for White.
23 . . . �h8 24.Wlc4 lLl g8
With good compensation. For example:
a b e d e f g h
24 ...WleS! 25.tild3 �hS 26J�gl E!:g6! 27.Wlc2

til gS! 2S.YlYf2 �f6 29.tilc6 �h5 30.i.h4 i.f6
3 1 .hf6t tilxf6 32.E!:g3 E!:gS!!
A brilliant idea, threatening . . . Wlh5 !
a b e d e f g h
25 .Wlxa6
Favoured by engines.
25.E!:xd7? Wlxd7 26.lLlc6 lLl f6+
2 5 . lLl d3 lLl f6 26.Wlxa6 h3 (26 . . . lLlh5) 27.g4
fxg3t 2 8.ixg3 E!:g6 29 .Wlb6 lLl h 5 3o.ih4
E!:xg l 3 1 .Wlxg l if6!! 32.ixf6t lLlxf6 33.b5
Wlh5 34.Wle3 E!:g8 3 5 . E!:c2 ig4 36.lLl e l Wlg6!
37.WI gl (37.b6 ix(3) 37 . . . Wlf7 is at least
equal for Black. a b e d e f g h
25 . . . lLl f6 26.E!:h l
26.b5 Wlg6 27.Wlb6 E!:g8 2 8 . lLl c6 if8--+ 33.�dxe5!?
seems scary for White. 33.E!:xg8 t Wlxg8 and Black is planning to
26 . . . lLlh5 27.�gl lLl g3 28 .ixg3 fxg3 29.b5 h3 bring the rook to f8 .
30.gxh3 E!:xh3 3 1 .E!:xh3 ixh3--+
Black's attack is tremendous. 33 ... dxe5 34.E!:xgSt YlYxgS 35.�xe5 YlYg7
36.YlYgl YlYxglt 37.�xgl E!:gst 3S.�hl E!:g2
23.g4 fxg3t 24.ixg3 39.E!:xd7! �gS!
Now White is fairly safe. To break his 39 . . . lLl h 5 ? ? 40.lLlf7t �g8 4 1 . lLl h6t is
fortress, the black knight has to be transferred winning for White.
to h 5 .
Chapter 23 - 1 3 Jk l 279
Conclusion
Chapter 23 has been an introduction to the

chaotic world of the 1 3 .E!:c1 E!:f6 variation.
I examined White's alternatives to the main
move 1 4 .lLl d3 which is examined in the next
chapter. These alternatives should in no way
be underestimated as they lead to sharp play,
where the slightest mistake can lead to a
catastrophe.
Perhaps the least dangerous of them is 1 4.g4,
trying to block Black's kingside attack. After
a b e d e f g h 14 . . . h5! 1 5 .h3 E!:h6 1 6.Wg2 lLl g6! 1 7. lLl d3
40J::td 8t cj;>g7 4IJ:td7t= �f8! Black keeps an eye on c5 while preparing
A picturesque position. to further his own plans and I can see no real
problems for him. A typical line of play runs
To summarize, 1 3 .:1:!:c l E!:f6!? is a difficult 1 8 .E!:h l a5! 1 9 .a3! �e7! 20.b4 lLl f6 2 1 .c5 axb4
position to handle for both sides, but 22.axb4 'it>g7! and Black is ready to triple his
according to my analysis Black should hold, heavy artillery on the h-file, obtaining full
and even has chances to play for the win in fledged counterplay.
many of the lines. Many nuances will have to 1 4 . b4 is an obvious way of continuing and
be remembered though, and this is certainly Black needs to be quite precise after it. The
not a variation for the lazy. standard 14 . . . E!:h6! 1 5 .c5 We8! should do the
trick as the complications arising after 1 6 .lLl b5
Wh5 1 7.h4 lLl g6! 1 8 .g4 fxg3 1 9 .�xg3 lLl f6!
2o.lLlxc7 gxh4 2 1 .f4! lLl g4 22 .�h2 lLl xf4
23.�xf4! Wg6! are not unfavourable for us and
should secure at least a draw.
This left the celebrated pawn sacrifice 1 4.c5!?
as the main course of the chapter, which leads
to a tough struggle with approximately even
chances. After 1 4 . . . lLl xc5 1 5 .b4 lLl a6 White has
compensation because of the displaced black
knight, but no more than that. The critical
line runs 1 6.lLlb5 �d7 1 7 . lLl xa7 E!:h6!? 1 8 .Wb3
We8 1 9 .�xa6 Wh5 ! 20.h4 gxh4 2 1 .Wh2!?
bxa6 22.E!:xc7 h3 23.g4 fxg3t 24.�xg3 We8!
2 5 . lLl d3 Wh8 26.E!:gl E!:g6! 27.Wc2 lLlg8!
28 .Wf2 lLl f6 29.lLlc6 lLl h 5 and by transferring
his knight to h5 Black has secured himself
strong counterplay.
Overall, I would say that Black is at least
equal in this chapter.
lo.ie3
a b c d e f g h
Variation Index
1 .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tLl£3 0-0 6 .ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLl c6 8.d5 tLl e7
•
9.tLlel tLl d7 10 .ie3 f5 1 1 .£3 f4 12 .ifl g5 13J�c1 �f6 14.tLld3

• •
1 4 ... �h6
A) 1 5.�hl 28 1
B ) 1 5.c5! 283
B l ) 1 5 ...'iMe8?! 284
B2) 15 ... a6! 285
B2 1) 16.b4!? tLl f6! 17.cxd6 cxd6 18.tLla4 285
B2 1 1) 1 8 ... g4?! 286
B2 1 2) 18 ...'iMe8! 1 9.tLl b6! 'iMh5
20.h4 gxh4! 2 1 .�h2! �b8 287
B2 1 2 1 ) 22.�gl !? 288
B2 1 22) 22.�c7! 289
B22) 1 6.'iMb3!? 290
B23) 1 6.c6 294
A) after 1 7.�b3! 8 2 1 2) after 20.h4 822) note to 20.cxd6
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
a b e d e f g h a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
1 7 . . . ltJ f6!N 20 . . . gxh4!N 2 l . . .�xh3!N

Chapter 24 - 1 4 . lLl d3 28 1
l .d4 ttl f6 2.c4 g6 3.ttl c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.ttlf3 E:g6 25 .ixh4 ih6 26.ih5 lLl xh5 27.Wxh5
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 ttl c6 S.d5 ttl e7 9.ttl el WhB 2B.E:h l ixg5 29.ixg5 Wxh5 30.E:xh5
ttl d7 1 0 ..ie3 f5 1 1 .f3 £4 12..ifl g5 13J:tc1 E:agB was better for Black in Atalik - Krylov,
E:f6 14.ttld3 Elista (01) 1 99 B .
Considered the best move, intending to
create a defensive fortress by posting the knight 8
on f2. It is indeed difficult to cope with, but I 7
think Black is okay.
6
5
8
4
7 3
6 2
4
a b e d e f g h
I B . . . h5 1 9 .h3
3 1 9 . 1Ll d3N g4=
2 19 .. .';!{hB 20.a4N lLl egB 2 1 .a5 lLl h6
The immediate 2 1 . . . g4!? is also interesting.
1 22.cxd6
a b e d e f g h 22.lLla4 immediately will also be met by
14 ... E:h6 22 . . . g4.
22 . . . cxd6 23.lLla4 g4 24.hxg4 hxg4 2 5 . lLl b6
This is necessary, to force White towards
E:bB+±
passivity.
A) 1 5.�hl
1 4 . . . E:g6? 1 5 .c5 a6 1 6.c6 bxc6 1 7.dxc6 lLlxc6
( 1 7 . . . lLl f6 ? I B .lLlxe5) 1 B . lLl d5 lLl dbB 1 9 .Wa4±
Making way for the bishop on gl to defend
h2. There are two options for Black:
NowA) 1 5.�hl is a thematic defensive move,
while B) 15.c5! p rovides a stern test of Black's
resources.
1 5 ...a6
I will use this as my main line since Black
cannot avoid it if White uses the 1 5 .c5! a6
1 5 .ie 1
1 6.�h 1 move order.
A bit slow, as Black does not now have to
execute his plan of . . . WdB-eB-h5 . A possible
1 5 . . . c5!?N
line of play runs:
This looks viable too.
1 5 . . . a6
1 6.dxc6
1 5 . . . c5!? is also possible.
1 6.ig l lt:l f6 1 7 . lLl f2 ? It:l h5+
1 6.b4 lLlf6 1 7. lLl f2
1 6.a3 b6 1 7.b4 It:lf6 is difficult to evaluate
1 7.c5 E:g6 will transpose.
but Black seems okay to me.
1 7 . . . E:g6 1 B .c5!
16 . . . bxc6 1 7.c5 d5 I B .exd5 cxd5
1 B .g4 h5 1 9 .c5?! hxg4 20.lLlxg4 ixg4
With a parting of the ways:
2 1 . fxg4 �f7 22.�g2 E:h6 23.h4 gxh4 24.g5
2B2 1 0 .�e3
1 7. cxd6 cxd6 1 B .Wa4!?N

A peculiar try.
1 B .Wb3 will transpose to the main line after
1 B . . . lLl f6 1 9 .1Llxe5 lLl xe4 20.lLlxe4 �xe5.
a b e d e f g h 4
1 9 .c6 3
a) 1 9 .Wb3 1'!bB 2o.lLlb4 lLl f6 2 1 .c6 WeB 2

22.c7 1'!b7°o is another wild affair.
b) 1 9 .1Llb5 lLl fB 2o.lLld6 �e6°o allows
a b e d e f g h
Black to coordinate his pieces, preparing
to challenge the d6-knight by . . . lLl cB next 1 B . . . b5!! 1 9 .1Ll xb5
move 1 9 .Wa3, 1 9 .Wb4 and 1 9 .Wa5 are all met by
c) 1 9 .1Llb4 lLl f6 20.c6 �e6oo looks appetizing 1 9 . . . lLl f6.
for Black, with his knight and queen coming 1 9 ... lLl f6 2o.lLlc3 Wh5 2 1 .�g l Wh4 22 .�d 1
to f5 and h5 respectively Preparing to answer . . . lLlh5 with lLl e2 , but it
d) Finally, 1 9 .b4 WeB!oo yields the usual allows Black strong counterplay:
attacking motifs and could be dangerous for 22 . . . �d7! 23.Wb3
White. 23.Wb4?! �b5 ! 24.�c2 1'!cB! looks promising
1 9 . . . lLl b6! 2o.lLlb4 for Black.
20 .Wb3 lLl xc6 2 1 .�xb6 axb6 22.Wxd5t 23 . . . 1'!cB 24. lLl e2 1'!xc 1 2 5 . lLl dxc 1 g4?
Wxd5 23.lLlxd5 lLl d4=1+, is at least equal for In such positions an extra pawn hardly
Black too. matters, and here Black's pressure is on the
20 . . . d4 2 1 . lLl e4 a5 22.c7 WeB 23.lLld3 lLl ed5 verge of becoming overwhelming.
The board is a total mess, but Black's chances
seem superior to me. Let us now examine the critical 1 7.Wb3!,
seeking to attack Black's weakened queenside:
1 6.c5 YMe8!
1 6 . . . �hB is less accurate, allowing White to
build his queenside initiative.
17.YMb3!
A harmonious deployment. Alternatively:
1 7.�g l ?! lLl f6 is at least equal for Black.
1 7.Wa4?! dxc5°o is hardly dangerous for him

either.
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 24 - 1 4 . tLl d3 2B3
17 ... tLl f6!N 2 1 .tLl xg5 Wh5 22.�xcBt! (22.tLlh3 ixh3

It makes no sense to send the queen over to 23.gxh3 Wxh3 24.�gl t ..t>hB 2 5 . �g2 b5 is
h5 if it cannot achieve anything concrete, and worse for White) 22 . . . �xcB 23.tt:\h3 b5 24.a4
such is the case here. tt:\ f5 (24 . . . Wf7 2 5 . � d l tt:\ f5 26.axb5 axb5
27.Wxb5oo) 2 5 . axb5 axb5 26.Wxb5 'it>hB leads
My original idea of 1 7 . . . Wh5 ?! I B .ig l 'it>hB to unclear play.
1 9 .cxd6N ( 1 9 .Wa3 ! ?N �bB 20.b4 tt:\ f6 2 1 .b5
Wh4 22.id l ! also looks good for White) 2 1 . .. h5
1 9 . . . cxd6 proves too slow after 20.tt:\f2! tt:\ f6 Black must play this move. The position has
2 1 .tLlg4!t trading the important f6-knight. become hugely complicated.
Instead, 2 1 . tLl a4!? WeB ! , intending . . . tLlh5,
would be less clear. 22J:Uc1
22.igl tLlf5 23.�fc 1 id7 24.h3 �g6!?+t
After 1 7 . . . tt:\ f6!, it turns out that the absence of looks okay for Black, who can withdraw his
. . . ..t>gB-hB does not overly hinder Black: rook to g7 to free the queen for action.
18.tLlxe5! 22 ...i.f5!? 23.i.gl g4! 24.tLlfl g3 25.tLlg4

I B .ig l ? tt:\h5-+ gh4! 26.h3 Yfh5 27.i.f1 ge8! 28.ge1 hg4
29.fxg4 �g4 30.Yfa gh4 3 1 .Yfxh5 gxh5;
I B .cxd6 cxd6 1 9 . tt:\ xe5 transposes. Black has excellent prospects in this
endgame.
18 ... tLlxe4! 1 9.tLlxe4 i.xe5 20.cxd6 cxd6
A critical position has been reached. White B) 15.c5!
controls the c-file and has a strong knight,
but the possibility of playing . . . tLlf5 gives The most forcing, and the only move to give
Black counter-chances. Let us take a deeper Black headaches. In contrast to the variation
look: B2 of Chapter 23 (with 1 4.b4) , White has
achieved c4-c5 while having his knight on d3.
a b e d e f g h
1
a b e d e f g h
2 U :�c7
This is the preference of the engines. Bl) 1 5 Yfe8?! has been a popular choice
.••
here, but I would recommend B2) 1 5 ... a6! .

284 1 0 .�e3
Bl) 15 ...YlYe8?!
This is overly dangerous for Black. Strictly

speaking it has not been refuted, but the
resulting position does not appeal to me at all.
16.ll:)b5! YlYh5 17.h4

Black already has to find an only move:
17 ... dxc5
Although the issue is still not completely
clear.
1 7 . . . lD g6?! 1 8 . g4 fxg3 1 9 .�xg3 lD f4
20.lDxc7 'lMfg6 was Krush - Dembo, Khanty
Mansiysk (01) 20 1 0 and was given in The
Kaufman Repertoire for Black and White. Here,
White could have improved her position
further with: 2 1 .h5!N ± 20 ... .if6 2 U :�gl c;t>h8 22.� exc5
22.lDdxc5 !?N looks more natural to me.
22 ... � b6 23.ll:)a4 gg6 24..ifl

Black is still breathing after 24.lD xb6 axb6
2 5 Jk7 E1g3 .
1 9 .d6 lD c6f± was soon agreed drawn in a b e d e f g h

Tinture - Rogetzer, corr. 2007. 24 ... E1g3 25.�xb6 axb6 26.ghl h3 27.c;t>gl
ll:)g6 28.gxc8t gxc8 29.,ixg3 fxg3 30.gxh3
1 9 . 1D xc5 ! ? lD g6N (improving on 19 . . . lD xc5 YlYg5 3 1 .YlYel
20.�c4 �h8 2 1 .�xc5, which led to a A draw was agreed here in Badolati -
comprehensive win for White in Banet - Aleshnia, corr. 20 1 0, but Black should be
Rogetzer, corr. 2008) 20.g4 fxg3 2 1 .�xg3 is wary with this line as a whole, as too many
interesting.
Chapter 24 - 1 4 . lLl d3 285
improvements for White seem to be lurking i n There is no point in committing the queen
the background. prematurely:
1 6 . . . We8 1 7 . .ie l !
B2) 1 5 ... a6! Black experiences problems with his
queenside without achieving anything
A good, solid move. Black is at a slight tangible on the other flank. For example:
disadvantage compared to Kagansky - Golod
in Chapter 23, as he has spent a tempo on 8
. . . a6, but as we will see, this does not render 7
his chances inferior. White's main tries for an
6
advantage are B2 1) 1 6.b4!?, B22) 16.YlYb3!?
5
and B23) 16.c6.
4
1 6.'tt> h l WeB 1 7.Wb3 lLlf6!= has already been 3

examined above. 2
1 6 .Wa4?! does not take any precautions on

a b e d e f g h
the kingside: 1 6 . . . WeB 1 7.cxd6 ( l 7.h3N Wh5
I B . cxd6 lLl b6!) 17 . . . Wh5 I B .h4 cxd6=t Keller 1 7 . . . lLl f6!
Orsolic, email 200 5 . Relatively best.
1 7 . . . Wh5 ? I B .h3 lLl xc5 1 9. 1Ll f2!!N lLl d7
B2 1) 16.b4!? 20.lLlg4±
17 ... dxc5 ! ? I B .bxc5 Wh5 1 9 .h3 lLl xc5
Black should continue with a standard plan 20. lLl f2;!; gives White tremendous pressure
immediately: for a pawn after 20 . . . WeB 2 1 .lLl b l ! b6
22 . .ib4 .id7 2 3 . lLl d2;!;, as in Kazoks - Krebs,
email 20 1 0, or 23 ..ixc5N;!;.
I B . lLl f2 �g6
I B . . . lLl g6 1 9 .h3 lLl h4 20.lLlg4 lLl xg4 2 1 . fxg4±
1 9 .b5;!;N
White has an annoying queenside initiative.
Let us now return to the immediate 1 6 . . . lLl f6!:
17.cxd6
1 7.'1Wb3?!N WeB--+ gives Black a strong
attack.
a b e d e f g h The point of delaying . . . WeB is seen after

1 7 . .ie l �g6!oo when Black changes direction
1 6 ... �f6!
and is ready to attack by . . . g4, as in the game
Keeping both the ... WdB-eB-h5 and ... �g6,
Sulava - Kuzmin, Andorra 1 999 .
. . . g4 options at hand, according to White's
reaction.
1 7 . lLl a4 WeB will transpose to line B2 1 2 below.
286 1 0 .,ie3
17 ... cxd6 1S.tLJa4 20 ...Y:YeS 2 1 .tLJ f2!

Now the fight for the e4-square starts!
8
2 1 . .. tLJ g5 22.tLJc3 ,id7
7 Controlling a4 and preparing to bring the
6 rook out on c8 . However, White has a simple
way to an advantage:
5
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
will briefly show how White gains the

advantage after B2 1 1) IS ... g4?!, as I believe
the ideas are worth showing, before moving on
to the much stronger B2 12) I S ...Y:YeS!.
a b e d e f g h
B2 1 1) IS ... g4?!
23.tLJ ce4!
This leads to a complicated position where Unfortunately, this move shatters Black's
White seems to have the upper hand. hopes for equality in the 1 8 . . . g4?! variation.
1 9.fxg4! 23 ... tLJxe4 24.tLJxe4 ,ibS 2S.,ic7!

This is the best practical decision, and leads 25 .if2 �g6 26.h4 ixe2 27.Wxe2 Wd7 28.g5
to an advantage for White. h6 29.h5 �xg5 30.tLl xg5 hxg5 is less clear.
1 9 ... tLJxe4 20.,ib6

8
The utilization of the weak b6-square is
crucial to White's plans. 7
6
8 5
7 4
6 3
5 2
4 1
3 a b e d e f g h
2 2S ...,ixe2 26.Y:Yxe2;1;
1
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 24 - 1 4 . liJ d3 287
White has a very annoying plus, and it will ttl g3t 24.'kfih2 e4 2 S . ttl f2 ttl xfl t 26 .,ixfl exf3
be hard for Black to find counterplay. 27.gxf3 Wfh4 2 8 . ttl e4 g4 29.fxg4 f3 30.Wfxf3
It was deeply disappointing for me to reach �f8+ Maj estic stuff!
this conclusion after spending a lot of time and
effort analysing the variation. However, out of 19 Ylth5 20.h4
••.
adversity comes opportunity, and this setback It was White's turn to require an only move.
only served to increase my determination
to find a solution for Black. I was therefore
delighted to find the move below.
B212) 1 8 Ylte8!
••.
4
a b e d e f g h
3
20 gxh4!N
2
• .•
Black has to sacrifice a rook but, as we know

1 by now, this is routine in the King's Indian.
a b e d e f g h
2 1 .�h2!
This is the only move to keep chances of This cool reply created fresh problems for
equality. Let us see what is going on: me to solve.
19.1iJb6! Bad is: 2 1 . ttl xa8 ? h3! 22.g4 fxg3 23.,ixg3 h2t
1 9 . cj;J h 1 ? fails to some wonderful tactics: 24.cj;Jh 1 (24.'kfif2 Wfh3 2S .,ixh2 2 S .�c7 �g6
1 9 . . . WfhS 20.,ig 1 26.,ixh2 Wfxh2t 27.'kfi e l ttl e8! is better for
Black) 24 . . . Wfh3! 2S .�f2 (2S .Wfe l ? ttlhS-+)
8 2S . . . ttlhS 26.,ixh2 �g6 White must play
7 27.Wfg l 't , when the resulting position is at
least equal for Black.
6
5
After 2 1 . cj;J h2!, I found the road to equality to
4 be an uphill, yet rewarding, struggle:
3
2 2 1 ..J �b8
Here White has several possibilities that
render Black's task quite laborious. The two
a b e d e f g h
most dangerous are B212 1) 22J;gl !? and
20 . . . liJ fxdS! 2 1 .exdS ttl fS 22J:hc8t �xc8 23.h3 B2 122) 22J�k7!.
288 l O .ie3
22.Wlc2?! threatens the brutal Wlc7, but here 22 ...if5!! 23J�c7 E:e8! 24.E:xb7 Y:Yg5
comes a shocker: 25.E:xe7
2 S . exfS lLl xfS 26. lLl c4 Wlg3t 27.�h l WIgS
8 28.�h2=
7 2 S .Wla4 is a typically annoying move to
harass the e8-rook, but Black has a brilliant
6
retort at his disposal:
5
4 8
3 7
2 6
5
a b e d e f g h 4
22 . . . ifS ! A common motif in these positions. 3

23.E: h l (23. exfS lLl xfS 24.E:h l h3 2 S . l!;> g l 2
h 2 t 26.�fl E:f8=F gives Black a lethal
attack) 23 . . . WlgS--+ and White comes under
b e d f g h
tremendous pressure. a e
2S . . . E:f8!! 26.E:xe7 lLl xe4! 27.fxe4 Wlg3t

22.lLl xc8 allows Black to free his posltlon . 28.l!;>h l ixe4 29 .if3 ixf3 30.E:xg7t
Houdini gives 22 ... E:xc8 ( 2 2 ... lLl xc8 !? 23.E:c7 I!;>h8!! 3 1 .Wld7 ie4!!--+ with a raging attack.
if8 24.Wlc2 lLl e7 2 S .ie l E:g6 26. lLl f2;!;) Incredible.
23.E:xc8t lLl xc8 24.Wlc2 lLl e7 2S .E:gI (2S .ie l
h3 26.g4 fxg3t 27.ixg3 E:g6oo) 2S . . . Wle8! 25 ... E:xe7 26.exfS ifS! 27.Y:Yc1 !
26.Wlc7 bS 27.Wlb7 lLlhS 28 .Wlxa6 lLl g3 and B y putting pressure 0 n f4 White tries to
the position looks equal. avert . . . e4.
27.Wlc2 e4! leads to equality after: 2 8 . fxe4
B2121) 22J�gl !? lLl xe4 29 .if3 Wlg3t 30.� h l lLl xf2t 3 1 .lLlxf2
(3 1 .Wlxf2 E:e3) 3 1 . . .h3 32.gxh3 E: e l 33.E:xe l
This move tortured me for some time, but a Wlxf3t 34.�gl Wlg3t 3 S . l!;> h l (3S .�fl ? f3)
defence is available: 3S . . . Wlf3t=
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
Chapter 24 - 1 4. ltl d3 289
27 ...�g3t 28.�hl �g5 22 ...�e8 23.�e2!

Suddenly the idea of . . . ttJ h 5 is introduced, The critical move. 23.gg 1 ? ltl h 5 24.Wlc2
rendering the position a complete mess. The ltl g3 2 5 . g c 1 i.f5 ! ! 26.exf5 h3+ is j ust awful for
following lines look best to me: White.
8
29.�e8 ftlh5 30.f6 ftlg3t 3 1 .�h2 �xf6
32.i.dl �g7!
Preventing ltl d7. 7
6
33.�h3 e4! 34.fxe4 �xe4 35J�f1 !?
3 5 .i.el Wlg3t 36.Whl Wlg7 37.ltl xf4? 5
(37.Wh2=) 37 ... ltl g3t 3 8 .i.xg3 (38 .'�h2 4
Wld4) 3 8 . . . hxg3 39.ltlh5 Wlc3+
3
35 .. JUi 36J�el 2
36. ttJ c4 ttJ g5 � (36 .. J %g6!?)
1
a b e d e f g h
23 ... h3! 24.g4 fxg3t 25.i.xg3 gg6!

25 . . . ttJ h 5 ? 26.i.h4±
26.gc1
26.gg1 ttJh5 27.ttJ xc8 1'l:xc8 28.1'l:xc8 ttJ xc8=
is excellent for the second player.
a b e d e f g h
6
36 ... �g5! 5
The complications will eventually peter out 4
3
to a draw, for example:
37.�g4 h3 38.g3 fxg3t 39bg3 � f3t! 2

40.i.xf3 gg6 41 .gg1 gxg4 42. .ixg4 �xg4 1
43.i.f4 �xgl t 44.�xgl ge7 45.�b2 ge2
46.ftl2e4 gxa2= a b e d e f g h
Complicated, but highly rewarding, analysis. 26 ... gxg3!
The point! Without this sacrifice, the whole
B2122) 22.ge7! line would have been unplayable.
I have decided this is the best try. Black now 27.ftlxe8 �xe8 28.�xg3 �g6t 29.�xh3
has a narrow path to equality. �a7!?
290 l O .ie3
Eyeing d4. 29 . . . tLlb6 is also possible. 32 ...�h5t 33.�g2 �g6t=

White cannot avoid the draw.
And at this point I could find nothing for
White:
B22) 1 6.�b3!? �e8!
Producing another tense situation:
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
2 3
V//////·.i;;'-;-;,/·-·"""" ·
1 2
a b e d e f g h
1
a b e d e f g h
30.�dl
3o .ifl Wh5 t = 17JUd l!?
The most popular move in the position, and
30.tLlf2 i s considered best b y the engines, an interesting one at that.
yet after 3o . . . ih6! 3 1 .�h l if4 32.tLlg4 �f8!
33.id l (33.Wd l Wh5t 34.�g2 Wg6 3 5 .�xb7 1 7. � h I tLl f6!N is examined under 1 5 . cj;J h 1 .
h5 36.�xa7 hxg4 37. fxg4 ie3 38.�c7 tLl xe4
1 7. c6N
39.M3 tLl d2 40.Wc2 e4=) 33 . . . Wh5t 34.�g2
This is not the best move, but it is
W g5 Black is at least not worse.
instructional. In fact it is White who is
risking more here.
30 ... �h5t 31 .�g2 �g6t 32.�h3
1 7 . . . Wh5 ! I B .h4
32.�fl ih6--+
I B .h3 tLlc5! 1 9 .ixc5 ixh3 20.cxb7 �bB
2 1 .id l (2 1 . tLl e l ?? ixg2 22.tLlxg2 Wh2t
8 23.�f2 Wg3t 24.�gl �h2 25 .�f2 Wh3-+)
7 2 1 . . .ixg2 22.cj;Jf2 Wh4t 23.�e2 ixfl t
24.�xfl g4 2 5 . tLl f2 g3 26. tLl g4 �g6°o
6
5 8
4
7
6
3 5
2 4
1 3
a b e d e f g h 2
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 24 - 1 4 . tt:l d3 29 1
I B . . . llJ b6! 1 9 . cxb7 2 1 . . . .ixh3!N

1 9 . 1lJ a4 llJ g6 20 . .ixb6 Wxh4 2 1 .1'%fd l cxb6 2 1 . . .1'%bB? 22.�d2 WeB 23.�c2 MB
22.Wxb6 bxc6 23.dxc6 g4 24. fxg4 1'%bB 24.�b 1 ± let White escape and eventually
25 .WxbB Wh l t 26.�f2 Wh4t= achieve victory in Munoz Moreno -
1 9 ... .ixb7 20.llJa4 llJ g6oo Gerhardt, corr. 2009.
I would be more nervous if I had the white 22.Wxb7 llJ xg2t! 23 . .ixg2 .ixg2 24.WxaBt
pieces. MB 25 .�d2 .ixf3 26.1'%gl
26.1'%e 1 Wg6! 27.1'%c2 g4 28.�cl (2B .WcB
17 ... ttlf6 1 8.h3 \'NhS 1 9.�f1 ttl g6 g3 29.We6t Wf7 30 .Wxf7t �xf7 3 1 ..ig l
Black's piece formation i s not a s silly as it 1'%h 1 =) 2B . . . g3� gives Black a lot of play too.
seems: 26 . . . .ixe4
Black has good compensation but must play
8
precisely:
27.cxd6 cxd6 2 B . llJ xe5! dxe5 29 . .ic5 Wf7
7 30.1'%xg5 t .ig6 3 1 .1'%cg 1 1'%h2t 32.�d 1 llJeB
6 32 ... tt:l d7 33 . .ixfB tt:l xfB 34.WbB f3 3 5 .Wxe5
1'%xb2 36.1'%fl f2 37.1'%g3 llJ d7 3B .We6 Wxe6
5 39.dxe6 llJ e5 40.e7 �f7 4 1 .1'%e3 �e6 42.1'%e2
4 1'%b7 43.1'%fxf2 1'%xe7 should also be a draw.
3
8
2 7
a b e d e f g h 5
4
20.cxd6
3
The most natural test of Black's set-up.
2
20. llJ e 1 .ixh3-+
20.�e l ! ? a b e d e f g h
An interesting idea, threatening to transfer
33 . .ixfB �xfB 34.WbB! f3 3 5 .Wxe5 f2 36.1'%fl
the king to the queenside.
Wf3t 37.We2 Wf4 3B .1'%g4 Wf5 39.We4
20 . . . llJ h4 2 1 ..ifl
In case of39. �cl .ih5 40.d6 .ixg4 4 1 . We 7t
�gB 42.WxeBt �g7 43.d7 Wf4t 44.�c2
8
Wf5 t 4 5 . llJ e4 Wxd7 46.We5t �fB ! 47.Wxh2
7 Wa4t Black salvages a draw.
6 39 . . . Wxe4 40.llJxe4 .ih5 4 1 .llJ xf2 �e7 42.�c l
5 .ixg4 43.tt:lxg4 1'%h4 44. llJ e3 llJ d6�
4
20 ...cxd6 2 1 .\'Nb6!!
3
This continuation gives Black really difficult
2
problems to solve.
a b e d e f g h
292 l O .ie3
If 2 1 . tLl a4 ixh3 22.gxh3 g4!�, then Black has 27.V:Ya3 gg6

fantastic compensation for the piece.
8
8 7
7 6
6 5
5
4
4
3
3 2
2 1
1 a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
We have reached a very important position
2 1 . til h4! 22 . .bh4 V:Yxh4 23.til fl g4!!
M for the evaluation of the 1 3 . . . E:f6 system,
24.fxg4! and one that almost caused me to give it up.
Much weaker is the alternative: 24.tLl xg4 The truth is that the game is approximately
gg6! 25 .Wf2 (25 .WdBt ifB) 25 . . . Wg5 26.tLla4 balanced, but the engines don't seem to
ixg4 27.hxg4 h5! 2 B . tLl b6 E:eB 29.gxh5 tLl xh5 understand it and evaluate the position heavily
30.E:c7 tLl g3t 3 1 . 'it> e l if� Black has excellent in White's favour, which can be disheartening
dark-square compensation for the pawn and for the analyst.
should start thinking about playing for a win.
28.b4
Designed to take the c5-square away from
8
the black knight, but after this move White
7 cannot use b4 as a means of penetrating on
6 c6. The alternatives listed below leave this
possibility open, and it seems that Black
5 should then try to bolster c5 by means of . . . a5,
4 putting his knight there even at the cost of
weakening the light squares:
3
2 To start with, 2 B . tLl d3 seems premature in
view of: 2B ... tLl c5 29.tLl xc5 bxc5 30.Wa5 h5--+
1
With a strong attack.
a b e d e f g h
24 ... til d7! 25.V:Ya5 gb8 26.gc2 b6! 2B.�g l N a5 ! ? 2 9 . tLl b 5 !

Unfortunately, the idea of transferring the 29.tLld3 h5! once more gives Black excellent
bishop to b6 by 26 . . .if6 27.E:dc 1 idB fails to attacking chances.
2 B .Wa3 ib6 29.tLlcd l ! ± . 29 . . . tLl c5 30.tLla7 id7
This is a critical position that requires
delicate handling from both sides.
Chapter 24 - 1 4. lD d3 293
3 1 . lD c6 30.lLle2 lLl c5 3 1 . lLl xc5 bxc5 32.Wxa5 ElaB

The logical 3 1 .ib5 trades Black's most 33.@gl ifB 34.Wc3 ixe2 3 5 .Elxe2 Elxa2
useful attacking piece: 3 1 . . .ixb5 32.lLlxb5 36.b4 cxb4 37.Wxb4 ElaB� the position
We7 33.Wf3 Wd7 34.We2 if6! 35.Elal ih4 is drawish, in spite of White's extra pawn.
36.a4 ixf2t 37.'Jixf2 Black has excellent The idea is simply . . . Elg6-g7-a7, keeping the
compensation after either 37 . . . h5� or White pieces at bay because of his weak back
37 . . . @hB�. rank. (Instead, 37 . . . Elxe2?! 3B .ixe2;!; should
3 l . . . Elf8 32.b4 also draw, but why exchange Black's active
In case of the blockading 32.if3, Black rook?)
should play 32 . . . if6! 33.Wc3 (33 . lLl d3 h5�)
33 . . . Elg7� preparing to deliver . . . h5 at an Finally:
opportune moment. 2B.Eldc 1 N ib7 29.lLl b l !
29 . lLl d3 f3 ! 3o.ixf3 ih6 3 1 .El e l a5! 32.lLlb5
8 Elf6 33.Elf2 Wg3!--+
7 This is another important possibility, when
Black should play as follows:
6
a b e d e f g h
32 . . . axb4 33.Wxb4
33 .Wa7 f3! 34.ixf3 ih6 3 5 JWxb6 Elg7!=
gives Black powerful counterattacking
b e d f g h
chances in view of the plan of . . . Wg3 and a e
. . . Elgf7 29 . . . a5 3 0 . lLl d2 lLlc5 3 1 .lLl f3

33 . . . h5 34.Elc3 @h7!� Mter 3 1 . @ gl Black should return his queen
Intending . . . ih6 with a strong attack. to dB voluntarily, in order to carry out
3 5 . gxh5 the . . . ig7 -f6-h4 idea: 3 1 . .. WdB! 32.lLld3!
3 5 .Elf1 hxg4 36.ixg4 f3!! 37.Elxf3 Elxf3 (32.ib5 M6 33.Wf3 icB 34.a3 a4 3 5 .Elc3
3 B .ixf3 ih6--+ and Black's attack looks ih4 3 6 . lLl d3 Elb7!�) 32 . . . if6! 33.lLlxc5
quite scary. bxc5 34. lLl c4 ElaB 3 5 .Wb3 ia6 36 .Wb6
35 . . . Elg3 36.M3 ElgB 37.@f1 M6! 3B. Eld2 ixc4 37.WxdBt ixdB 3B.Elxc4 Elg7� In
3 B .Ela3 Elxf3! 39.Elxf3 Wxh5--+ gives Black spite of White's extra pawn, the ending
tremendous compensation due to the should be drawn. Black will place his
pressure on g2 and e4. rook on b7 and bishop on h4, sealing all
3B . . .ixh3 39.lLlxh3 Elxh3 40.gxh3 Elgl t! gates.
4 1 .@xgl We l t= 3 1 . ..WdB 32.@gl M6 33 .ib5 ih4!
This manoeuvre again!
2B.if3!?N is perhaps the most solid of all 34.lLlxh4 Wxh4 3 5 .ie2 Elf�
White options. Mter 2B . . . a5 2 9 . lLl d3 ia6 Or 3 5 . . . Elg7�.
294 1 0 .ie3
28 'WdS 29.tLl b l
• .• 35 i.d7 36.'Wb3 'it>hS 37.'it>hl 'Wg6 3S.'Wd3
••.
29 .ixa6 l:'!aB 30.b5 tt:l c5 3 1 .Wb2 tt:l xa6 gbgS 39.'Wfl i.dS 40.'it>gl tLl a4 41.'Wel
32. bxa6 h5 33.gxh5 ixa6t 34.'it>gl l:'!g3� i.b6 42.cjJfl 'Wf7 43.gbl 'We7 44.l:'!b3 'Wf6
45.l:'!d3 l:'!eS 46.l:'!b3 gegS 47.l:'!a3 'Wf7
29 b5 30.tLld2 i.f6;;
••• 4SJ:td3 'Wf6 49J:tb3 ge7 50J:ta3 h6 5 IJ:td3
Black has sufficient compensation for the geg7 52.l:'!b3 cjJh7 53.gbl h5 54.gb3
pawn, no matter which way the d2-knight A draw was agreed in Miras Garcia - Soberano,
goes. We shall follow a correspondence game corr. 20 1 0. Black's play was exemplary, in a
to its conclusion from here. position that required the utmost accuracy.
B23) 16.c6
This is a more positional continuation than

some of those shown earlier in the chapter.
a b e d e f g h
1 6 bxc6
.• .
1 6 . . . tt:l fB 1 7. cxb7 ixb7 I B .Wb3;!;

Chapter 24 - 1 4 . lLl d3 295
17.dxc6 f£l f8 1 8.ttlb4 28. � f2 ± does not seem to work for Black.
26.'Wd3
26.'Wb3 d3! 27.'Wxd3 ixb2 28.l'%b l 'Wg7
29.l'%bd l ie5 30.h3 l'%g6 3 1 o lD b4 a5= is
good for Black. (3 1 . . .ixc4 32.'Wxc4 h5 is
also possible.)
a b e d e f g h
1 8 ... �h8!?
I like this flexible move most. Kaufman does a b e d e f g h
not mention it.
26 . . . a5!? 27.h3 ie5 28.l'%b l ! l'%g6 29.b4 axb4
29 . . . h5?! 30.b5 g4 3 1 ohxg4 hxg4 32.�f2!±
Also possible is:
30.l'%xb4 l'%g7! 3 1 ol'%b7 'We8 32.lDxc7 'Wxc6
1 8 .. .'IWe8 1 9 .�h l lD e6 20.lD cd5 �h8 2 1 o lD xe7
33.lD xe6 'Wxb7 34.id5 'Wa6 3 5 .'Wb3 ! ?
'Wxe7 22.lDd5 'Wf7
3 5 . 'Wxa6 l'%xa6 36.lDxg7 �xg7=
The control of the d4-square gives Black
35 . . . l'%e8 36.lDxg7 �xg7 37.l'%cU
good prospects of equality. However, White
The position looks more pleasant for White.
maintains some nagging queenside pressure.
19.ttlcd5 ttlfg6!?
The idea is to control d5 rather than fight
for d4.
8
7
6
5
a b e d e f g h 4
23.ic4 3
Kaufrnan gives 23.ig l , as in the game
Lenderman - Barcenilla, Mesa 2009, which 2
White went on to win after some further 1
inaccuracies by Black.
a b c d e f g h
23 . . . lD d4 24.ixd4 exd4 2 5 . � g l ie6
25 . . . 'Wh5 26.h3 ixh3 27.gxh3 'Wxh3 20.'i«a4!N
296 1 0.ie3
After 20J:k3?! tLl xdS 2 1 .tLl xdS tLl e7 22.ic4

tLl xdS 23.'1WxdS g4 24.fxg4 (24.Wf7N l'!g6
does not change much) 24 . . .ixg4 2 S .Wf7 l'!g6
26.l'!b3 if6 27.i>h l l'!g7 2B .WdS WeB 29.ig l
W g6 30.l'!f2 ih4=t I already had a winning
position in Diermair - Kotronias, Legnica
20 1 3 , which I converted after a few moves.
20 Jl�xd5 2 1 .tll xd5 tll e7 22.'Wa5 tll xd5

••
23.exd5
The critical move.
23 .WxdS?! lets Black attack without having to a b e d e f g h

worry about his queen side.
34.c7
34.l'!f2 f3 3 S .g3 WhS and Black is threatening
23 .. .i.fS 24J�c4!? to take on g3.
24.b4 can be met by 24 . . . WcB , preparing the
. . . g4 advance. 24 . . . l'!g6!? is also interesting.
34 ... gxg2 35.'Wxg2 �g2 36.�xg2 'Wg6t
37.�f2
24...'We8! 25.�hl
37.i>f3 WhSt 3B.i>e4 Wg6t=
2 S .Wxc7 WhS 26.h4 gxh4-+
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b e d e g
b e d g
f h
a e f h
37 ...'Wc2t
25 ...'Wfl 26J�b4 gg8! 27.gb7 'Wh5! 28 ..igl With a perpetual check.
g4! 29.fxg4
29.'Wxc7 g3-+
29 .. .i.xg4 30.i.xg4 'Wxg4 3 1 .gxc7 i.f6

32.'Wd2 ghg6 33.gfl 'WfS
The computer shows 0.00 after some
thinking. One sample line could be as follows:
Chapter 24 - 1 4 . tt'l d3 297
Conclusion knight, but a look at the relevant analysis

section will convince you that this knowledge
Chapter 24 has dealt with the position arising alone will not suffice for survival in such a
after 1 3.1'!cl 1'!f6 I4.tZJ d3!? 1'!h6, which is delicate situation. Concrete memorization is,
probably the most crucial position of the once more, unfortunately required.
entire volume. Black's brutal enterprise looks The above line is not the only one that
quite committal and it took me many hours of caused me concern, but it was the one where
despairing efforts and analysis to understand I considered Black's compensation atypical.
and justifY it. In the end I am happy with Another dangerous line (for both sides) is
the result as I think I have managed to prove I 6.b4!? tZJ f6! I 7.cxd6 cxd6 I 8.tZJa4 �e8!
equality in practically every position, but there I 9 .tZJb6! �h5 20.h4 gxh4! 2 1 .Wh2! 1'!b8
is one that is certainly very dangerous for us 22.1'!c7! when Black is apparently paralysed
and requires knowledge inside out. but he can find counterplay in the nick of time
This position arises after the long sequence with judicious manoeuvring. After 22 ... �e8
I 5.c5! a6! I6.�b3!? �e8! I 7.1'!fdI!? tZJf6 I 8.h3 23 .�c2! h3! 24.g4 fxg3t 25.�xg3 1'!g6!
�h5 I 9.'�f1 tZJg6 20.cxd6 cxd6 2 1 .�b6!! 26.1'!cl 1'!xg3 ! 27.tZJxc8 tZJxc8 28.'�xg3 �g6t
tZJ h4! 22.�xh4 �xh4 23.tZJf2 g4!! 24.fxg4! 29. Wxh3 tZJa7!? suddenly all the black pieces
tZJd7! 25 .�a5 1'!b8 26.1'!c2 b6!, when at first are alive and kicking, giving him excellent
sight it seems absurd that Black has full compensation in return for the exchange.
compensation for the pawn, but a combination Overall, an interesting chapter, with Black
of tactical and positional motifs proved to me keeping equality by the skin of his teeth; and
that he has. Of course, the main idea involves most certainly one that proves that the King's
bolstering the c5-square as a base for the black Indian is not an opening for the faint-hearted.
lO .te3
•
a b e d e f g h
13.�d3
Variation Index
l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 0-0 6 ..ie2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 S.d5 � e7
9.�e1 � d7 10 ..ie3 f5 1 1 .f3 f4 12 . .ifl g5 13.�d3!?
13 ... �g6
A) 1 4.�b5 b6 1 5.b4 � f6 1 6.c5 g4! 17.cxd6 cxd6
l SJ�c1 g3! 1 9.hxg3 fxg3! 20.hg3 .ih6 299
AI) 2 1 .�c3 299
A2) 2 1 .�c6 ..id7! 22.�xd6 � h5! 300
A2 1 ) 23 ..ih2 301
A22) 23 . .ifl 302
B) 1 4.c5! � f6 302
B1) 1 5.a4 302
B2) 1 5 .�c1 �f7 303
B2 1) 1 6.�c2?! 304
B22) 16.�hl !? 305
B22 1) 16 ... h5 305
B222) 16 ... .ifS 17.a4 h5 l S.a5 g4
1 9.cxd6 cxd6 20.�b5 g3! 2 1 .ha7 306
B222 1) 2 1 ... �xa7!? 307
B2222) 2 1 . .. � h7!! 309
B23) 1 6.a4 .ifS!? 17.a5 �g7 1S.�h1! h5
1 9.cxd6N cxd6 20.�b5 g4 2 1 .�xa7 .id7 310
B23 1) 22.a6 312
B232) 22.lWb3!? 313
Chapter 25 - 1 3 . ltJ d3 299
I .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3

0-0 6 ..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tLlc6 S.d5 tLle7 9.tLle1
tLl d7 I O ..ie3 f5 I 1 .f3 f4 I2 ..ifl g5 13.tLld3
tLlg6
When the rook does not go to c l , we don't
play .. J!:f6.
It is helpful to have a line prepared against

A) I4.tLlb5, but White's strongest move is the
immediate B) I4.c5!.
1 4.a4 ttJ f6 1 5 .a5?! 0 5 .c5 transposes t o line

Bl below.} 1 5 . . . h5 1 6.a6 b6 1 7. ttJ b4?! is too a b e d e f g h
slow after 17 . . . ttJ e7!--+ . I n comparison to We reached the conclusion that Black
the lines starting with 1 3 .a4 ttJ g6, Black has stands well no matter which rook move White
played neither .. .l:H7 nor . . . �f8 . This means he chooses: AI) 2U�c3 or A2) 2 U�c6.
stands well, as he has gained time to p ush his
pawns. 2 1 .l::!: c2 is best answered by: 2 1 . . .�e3t 22.�f2
�xf2t 23.l::!: xf2 ttJ h 5 24.g4 ttJ hf4 2 5 . ttJ xf4
A) I4.tLl b5 b6 I 5.M tLl f6 I6.c5 ttJ xf4 26.l::!: h 2 h5! 27.l::!: c6 hxg4 2 8. fxg4 �a6!
With strong counterplay for Black.
Yannis suggested that this may be possible for
White here. AI) 2U�c3 �h5 22 ..ifl
8 22.�h2 �a6 is at least equal for us, in view

of 23.a4 (23. ttJ c7 �xd3 !) 23 . . . �e3t 24.Wh l
7 ttJ gf4�.
6
2
1
a b e d e f g h
I 6 ... g4!N I7.cxd6 cxd6 I SJ�c1 g3! I9.hxg3

fxg3!
1 9 . . . ttJh5?! leads to a position we were less
sure o£ a b e d e f g h
22 ... �gf4 23.tLlxf4 hf4!

20..L:g3 .ih6 This is the important idea, seizing control of
the g3-square.
300 l O.ie3
24.g4 24 'iMg5! 25.c!l:l c7 gbS

••• 26.c!l:l e6 ixe6
A logical reply, trying to avoid a knight 27.dxe6 'iMh6!
landing on g3 as mentioned in the above note. I consider this to give Black at least equal
Black has no problems after other moves: chances, for example:
24.'I1tle l is logically answered by 24 . . . 'I1tlg5 !f±. 2S.<.!?g2

2 8 . e7? ih2t!! 29.c;i{h l tt:l f4 30.exf8='I1tlt
Mter 24.lt:k7 Black has a t least: 2 4 ... tt:l g3!? E1xfB 3 1 .ic4t c;i{g7! 3 2.ih4 'I1tlxh4 33 .E1c2
2 5 .ixg3 ixg3 26.f4 exf4 27.ih 5!? (27.tt:lxa8 ig3t 34.c;i{gl E1f6-+
'I1tlh4 28.E1xg3t fxg3 29.E1xfBt c;t>xfB 30.'I1tld4
'I1tlh2t 3 1 .c;t>f1 'I1tlh l t 32.'I1tlg l 'I1tlh6 33 .'I1tld4=)
27 . . . 'I1tlh4 2 8 .E1xg3t fxg3 29.E1xf8t c;i{xfB
a b e d e f g h
a b e d e f g h
28 id2! 29.E1hl ixc3 30.E1xh5 'iMxe6+t
•••
30 .'I1tlf3t c;t>g7 3 1 . tt:l xa8 (A peculiar draw arises

The position is dynamically balanced.
after: 3 1 .'I1tlf7t c;t>h6 32.if3 ia6! 33.tt:lxa6
'I1tlg5 ! 34.'I1tle6t c;t>g7 3 5 .'I1tlg4 c;t>h6 36.'I1tle6t
Al) 2 1 .gc6
c;i{g7 37.'I1tlg4=) 3 1 . . .'I1tlh2t 32.c;t>f1 ia6t
33.c;i{el 'I1tlg l t 34.c;t>d2 'I1tld4t 3 5 .c;i{c2 c;i{h6!
This is of course the most critical, harassing
36.ig4 'I1tlc4t= With a perpetual.
Black by exploiting the weakness on c6.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
b e d g
b e d g
a e f h
a e f h
Chapter 2 5 - 1 3 . lLl d3 30 1
2 1 . J.d7!
•• 26 . . . a6 27.lll c3 WldB! 2B.J.xf4 (2B . d6 J.xh2t
This cool move is strong here, and Black can 29.�xh2 Wlh4t 30.�g1 lll g3-+ or 2B.Wle l
be happy with his prospects. Wlg5 -+) 2B . . . lll gxf4-+
26.J.d3 is similarly met with 26 . . .Wle7! and
22.gxd6 t£J h5! White is struggling.
White can now choose between
A21 ) 23.J.h2 and A22) 23.J.f2. 8
A2 1 ) 23.J.h2 Vlfe7 24.gxd7 Vlfxd7
Black picks up the exchange while maintaining

some attacking chances.
a b e d e f g h
26 . . . �hB-+
Renewing the same ideas as exhibited above,
leaving Black in command.
2 5 . lll a3 Wlg7 26. lll c4 gacB is similar to 2 5 . a4 .
This is how Black's play unfolds in o u r main

line after 2 5 . a4:
a b e d e f g h
25.a4 25 a6! 26.t£J a3 Vlfg7 27.t£Jc4

•••
After 27. lll c2 lll gf4 2B.g4 lll xd3 29 .J.xd3

The top suggestion of the engines.
(29 .Wlxd3 lll f4) 29 . . . J.f4! 30.gf2 gacB ! t Black
has an initiative too.
25 .Wlb3?! removes the queen from the theatre
of action and after the typical 25 . . . Wlg7 26.g4
lll hf4 an exchange of dark-squared bishops is 8
looming via f4, which means that Black can
hardly be worse.
7
6
2 5 . lll f2 5
This i s well answered with the same motif.
2 5 . . . J.f4!+ 4
Black is at least equal, some sample lines 3
being:
26.J.c4
2
Black's plan is to infiltrate via the dark 1
b e d g
squares no matter what White does.
a e f h
For example, after 26.lll g4 there follows:
302 1 0 .i.e3
27 .. J�ac8! 28.tLldxe5 b5 29.tLlxg6 hxg6! 29 ... tLl h3t 30.�g2 tLlf4t 3 1 .<!>gl tLl h3t
30.i.e5 �b7 With a draw by perpetual check.
White is in difficulty here, as he has big
problems on the dark squares. B) 14.c5!
Thematic, and the most challenging.

A22) 23.i.f2
This looks like the safest option. I recommend

the following line of play for Black:
a b e d e f g h
23 ...�e7 24J�xd7 �xd7 25.tLl a3 �g7!

1 5 . cxd6 cxd6 1 6. ttJ b 5 ( 1 6.E1c l E1f7) 1 6 . . . g4!
26.tLlc4 tLl gf4! 27.g4 tLlxd3 28.i.xd3 tLlf4
1 7.E1c l E1f7 I B .Wc2 ( 1 B .ttJxa7? g3 1 9 .hxg3
2B . . . E1adB !? is also possible here.
fxg3+; or I B .Wd2 g3 1 9 .hxg3 ttJh5�) I B . . . g3
1 9 .hxg3 fxg3 ( 1 9 . . . ttJh5�) 2o.ixg3 ttJh5�
29.tLl d6
29 .ig3 ig5 30.ttJd6 Wh6 3 1 . ttJ f5 Wh3 leads to the usual strong attack for Black, with
a huge score in practice.
32.ixf4 ixf4 33.We2 E1xf5 34.exf5 ie3t=
B l ) 1 5.a4
8
Korchnoi has tried playing without bringing
7 the rook to the c-file.
6
15 ... h5! 1 6.a5
5 If 1 6.h3 then 1 6 . . . E1f7, and Black intends to
4 drop his bishop back to fB .
3
1 6 ... g4 17.c6!?
2 1 7. a6 bxa6! I B . ttJ b4 g3! 1 9 .hxg3 fxg3
1 20 .ixg3 h4 2 1 . ttJ c6 Wd7 22.if2 ih6 23.ixa6
ixa6 24.E1xa6 Wg7� again gives Black his
a b e d e f g h standard attack.
Chapter 25 - 1 3 .lD d3 303
1 7. cxd6 cxd6 1 8 . lZl b 5 ? ! g3! 1 9.i.xa7 lZlh7+ 28.�h3 i.xe6 29.dxe6 �ae8 30.'lWel �e6
3 1 .'lWxh4t 'lWxh4 32.�xh4t �g8 33.�g4 c6=
Black was more than fine in Korchnoi - Xie
J un, Amsterdam 200 1 .
B2) 1 5.�c1
The basic plan, intending to penetrate on c7.
15 ... �f7
a b e d e f g h
17 ... g3!?
17 ... bxc6 1 8 .dxc6 i.e6N also looks good. It
has the advantage of keeping White guessing
whether Black will play . . . g3 or not.
1 8.hxg3 fxg3 1 9..ixg3 h4 20.i.h2!?

20.cxb7 i.xb7 2 1 .i.f2 lZl h 5 22.a6 i.c8 100ks
okay for Black too.
20 ... c!l:) h5 2 1 .cxb7 i.xb7 22.f4!? will present an instructive example of

Black is not worse after 22.'1Wc2 i.h6--+ or Black's play after B21) 1 6.�c2?!, before
22.a6!?N i.c8°o. moving on to White's more dangerous options:
B22) 1 6.�hl!? and B23) 1 6.a4.
8
1 6.b4
7 This is rather slow:
6 1 6 . . . h5! 1 7.h3
1 7 .W'b3 g4 1 8 .Ek2 g3 1 9 .hxg3 fxg3 20.i.xg3
5 h4 2 1 .i.f2 lZl h 5 --+ Tsiganova - Lugovoi,
4 Tallinn 200 1 .
3
1 7. cxd6 cxd6 1 8 .h3 i.h6 !? 1 9.1Zlb2 g4
20.hxg4 hxg4 2 1 . fxg4 f3 22.gxf3 i.xc 1
2 23.W'xc 1 lZl f4't
1 7 . . . i.h6
1 7 . . . M8 1 8 . lZl b2 l:%g7 1 9 . 1Zl c4 lZlh8!+±
a b e d e f g h Rousakis - Grivas, Greece 1 992.
22 ... c!l:)hxf4 23.c!l:)xf4 c!l:)xf4 24.i.xf4 exf4 1 8 .l:%c2 g4N 1 9 .hxg4 hxg4 20.fxg4 l:%h7!?--+
25.i.g4 'lWg5 26.i.e6t �h8 27.�f3 i.c8 Black intends to exchange dark-squared
bishops via h4.
304 1 O .ie3
1 6 .'1¥rb3 has been played by Fridman. The B2 1) 16.E:c2?!

idea is to attack a7 by first controlling the
b6-square. The plan of doubling on the c-file is slow. Here
is an example of what may happen:
a) 1 6 . . . hS?! looks bad: 1 7 .cxd6 cxd6 1 B . tt:l b S !
g 4 ( l B . . . a 6 1 9 .tt:lc7!) 1 9 . tt:l xa7 id7 20 .ib6
(the point of'lMfb3) 20 . . . 'lMfe7 2 1 .l& 7 (2 1 . tt:l b S ! ?)
8
2 l . . .g3! ? 22Jhb7 tt:lh7 23.h3! (23.lff h 1 ? 'lMfh4 7
24.ig 1 tt:l gS 2 S Jk 1 tt:l h3!! 26.gxh3 ixh3
6
27.tt:l e 1 'lMfgS 2B.hxg3 fxg3 29.E:xf7 happened
in Fridman - Bricard, France 2007. 5
4
3
2
1
a b e d e f g h
1 6 . ..if8 17.cx:d6 cx:d6 18.ti'd2 g4 19.E:fc1

.
g3 20.hxg3 fxg3 2 1 ..txg3 ttl h5 22 ..ih2 .ie7

23.ttlbl?!
a b e d e f g h 23.tt:l d l ! igS 24.tt:l e3 id7 2 S .E:c7 'lMffB
26.E: 1 c3N (Black won swiftly after 26.E:xb7?
Here Black missed 29 . . . 'lMfh4!!N+) 23 . . . 'lMfh4
'lMfh6 27.lff f2 tt:l f6 2B .E:c4 ixe3t Berrios -
24.E:xd7 E:xd7 2 S .E:c1 E:b7 (2S . . . tt:lgS
Littleton, Skopje [oIl 1 972) 26 . . . 'lMfh6 27. tt:l f2
26.ifl +-) 26.E:cBt+-
E:afB 2 B .id 1 tt:l h4 2 9 . tt:l fg4 ixg4 30.E:xf7
b) The engines' books give the following line: E:xf7 3 1 . fxg4 tt:l f4°o would have offered better
1 6 . . . g4! saving chances, but it is clear that White is
playing with fire.
8
7 8
6 7
5
6
4
3
5
2 4
3
a b e d e f g h 2
1 7.E:c2 g3 1 B .hxg3 tt:lhS 1 9 .9xf4 tt:l gxf4 1
20.tt:l xf4 exf4 2 1 .cxd6 cxd6� ��ffiL��__��
Black stands excellently. It is difficult to a b e d e f g h

understand why Fridman played this line.
Chapter 25 - 1 3 .lLl d3 305
23 .j,d7 24.�el .igS 2S.ft:J d2 .ie3t

••
8
26.�hl �gS 27 .ifl gafS 28.gdl b5 29.a4
7
•
a6 30.axbS axbS 3 1 .gc7 gg7 3V!t:Jb3 ttl h4

6
33.gc2 .ih3!! 34.�e2 ttlxg2 3S .ixg2 .ixg2t •
36.�xg2 �h4 37.�xg7t �xg7 38.gg2t 5
�h8 39.ttlel ttlf4-+ 4

White was crushed in Taimanov - Najdorf, 3
Zurich 1 9 5 3 .
2
B22) 16.�hl!?
a b e d e f g h
This looks like a serious move. The idea is to
2 1 . . . gbB
tempt Black into playing . . . h5, and only then
2 1 . . . gxfl 22.liJxaB+-
go for lLl b 5 , without having to waste a move
22.ig1 gxh2
on a2-a4. We will examine the scenarios if
22 . . . ih3? 23.gxh3 liJ h4 24.liJ e l +-
Black does indeed play B221) 16 hS, before •••
2 3.M2 h4 24.'lWc2! id7 2 5 .'lWc7!? ieB!

moving on to B222) 16 .ifS.
25 . . . 'lWfB ? 26.liJc4 h3 27.'lWxd6 hxg2t
•••
B22 1) 1 6 hS •••
2B. \t>xg2+-
26.'lWxdB :gxdB 27. \t>xh2 liJh5 2B.:gfe 1 liJ g3
29 .id l M6
29 . . . h3! ? 30.gxh3 M6 yields some counter
play, but there is no clear equality here either.
30.\t>h3
30.ia4 ixa4 3 1 .liJ xa4 h3+t
3o . . . ib5 3 1 .liJ b4;!;
White has a slight, nagging edge in the
ending.
1 8.cxd6 cxd6 1 9.ttlxa7!

This is the strongest reply.
a b e d e f g h Instead, 1 9 .'lWc2!? is a position we discussed

with Alexei Shirov; the idea is to force the
17.ttlbS!
active f6-knight back to passivity. However,
We have reached a crucial j uncture.
I see now that after 1 9 . . . liJeB!? 20.liJ xa7 id7
17 g4!?
•••
2 1 .'lWb3! g3 22.ig 1 ifS!? (22 . . . liJ h4 23.liJ e 1
1 7 . . . id7 1 B .'lWb3;!; MB 24.ib5±) 23. liJ e l ! ? (23.a3 liJ h4 24 . liJ e 1
'lWg5°o) 23 . . . gxh2 24.ifl h 4 Black might have
1 7 . . . a6 enough counterplay. If 2 5 .ib5?! h3 Black is
This weakens the b6-square. better, despite the exchange of light-squared
1 B. liJ a3 g4 1 9 .cxd6 cxd6 20.liJc4 g3 bishops, as the white forces are scattered.
20 . . . h4?! 2 1 .liJb6 gbB 22.'lWc2±
2 1 .liJ b6! After 1 9 . 1iJ xa7! , however, it is not clear if Black
2 1 .ib6 'lWe7 22.'lWe l ! ? has enough. For example:
306 l O .te3
.
17.a4
1 7. cxd6 cxd6 1 8 . a4 ( l 8 . tLl b 5 g4! is fine
for Black) 1 8 . . . gg7 1 9 .b3 h5 20. ttJ b l g4
2 1 . ttJ d2 g3 22.hxg3 fxg3 23.�xg3 h4 24.�h2
ttJh5 2 5 . ttJ c4 ttJ g3t 26.'it>gl ttJ xfl 27.�xfl
Wff6+ was excellent for Black in Trembecki -
Telepnev, corr. 20 1 1 .
a b e d e f g h
1 9 ....td7 20.'Wb3! h4 2 1 .tLl b5!
2 1 .�b6 Wfe7 is unclear.
2 1 . .. .te8 22.tLlc3 h3 23.ggl!?

23.fxg4 hxg2t 24.'it>xg2 �d7�
b e d g
23.gxh3! ? gxf3 24.�xf3 Wfd7 25 J�gl Wfxh3
a e f h
26. tLl e l is another interesting try for White.
17 ... h5
When White has invested a tempo on a2-a4,
then this looks okay.
1 8.a5
1 8 . cxd6 cxd6 1 9 . ttJb5 g4 20.ttJxa7 �d7
2 1 . ttJ b 5 (2 1 .Wfb3 can be answered by
either 2 l . . .h4!?�, 2 1 . . .g3 22 .�b6 Wfe7°o or
22 . . . �xa4N°o) is also nothing special for White
after 2 1 . . .h4! ? 22.ttJc7 �xa4 23.b3 �xc7=.
18 ...g4 1 9.cxd6
An unclear position arose after 1 9 . a6 g3
a b e d e f g h 20.axb7 �xb7 2 1 .�e l dxc5 22.b3 �c8 23.�gl
23 . hxglt 24.gxg2
..
ttJ xd5 24.hxg3 ttJ e3 25 .Wfd2 �d7 26.gxf4
The second player seems to be struggling. ttJ xf4 27.Wfxe3 ttJ xd3 28 .�xd3 �xd3 29 .Wfe2
�e6 in Ohtake - Civitillo, corr. 20 1 0.
B222) 1 6 ....tfS
1 9 ... cxd6
This useful waiting move looks like the best I don't like 1 9 . . . �xd6?!, because after
option for Black, and is surely a memory 20.ttJc5 Wfe7 (20 . . . ttJ f8 2 1 .Wfb3 [2 1 . ttJ b 5
marker for this line. �g7°oJ 2 1 . . .Wfe7 22.ttJxb7 �g7 [ 2 2 ... �b8
23.a6±J 23.ttJxd6 cxd6 24.ttJb5±) 2 1 . ttJ e6 ttJf8
Chapter 2 5 - 1 3 . ttJ d3 307
22.lD xf8 �xf8 23.ih4;!; White has easy play 2 1 . . .lD xd5N 22.E:xc8! E:xc8 23.exd5 Wfxa5
without making any concessions. seemed interesting, but the cool 24.lD c 1 !;!; is
sufficient for an edge. Worse is 24.hxg3 fXg3
20.ttJb5 25.Wfel Wfa4 (25 . . . Wfxb5 26.lDxe5) 26.Wfxg3
Reaching a crucial position for the 1 3 .lD d3 E:g7 27.Wfh3 E:c4°o with unclear play.
main line:
B222 1) 2 1 ..J�xa7!?
2
a b e d e f g h
1
a b e d e f g h
20 g3!
•••
When studying this position with Alexei we Back in 2008, we considered this to be the
had failed to properly assess the strength of this best move in our joint analysis.
move.
Instead, 20 . . . h4 2 1 .lD xa7 �d7 22.a6 Wfb8 22J�xc8!
23.lD c8! E:xa6 (23 . . . �xc8 ? 24.a7!+-) 24.lD b6 22.lDxa7?? lDxe4! 23.E:xc8 Wfh4 24.h3 lD g5
g3 2 5 . lD xd7 E:xd7 26.�e l E:a8 27.h3;!; wins for Black.
was slightly better for White in Soltau -
Winckelmann, corr. 20 1 0, although Black 22 'Wxc8 23.ttJxa7 'Was!?
•••
eventually held. 23 . . . Wfd8N 24.b4 lD h7 25 .h3 lDh4 26.E:e l

lD g5 is probably playable too.
2 1 .i.xa7
This, again, can be considered an important
8
tabiya. Black is hard pressed to prove
compensation. 7
6
The move B222 1) 2 1 ..J�xa7!? is still being
employed in correspondence play, so it is 5
worth investigating some of the main ideas 4
behind it. My preference, however, is for the
3
stunning B2222) 2 1 . ttJ h7!!.
••
2
2 1 . . .Wfxa5 ! ? 2 2 . E: a l Wf d 8 23.�b6;!; i s better for
White.
1
a b e d e f g h
308 l O . .le3
24.�b5 YlYxa5 25.YlYe l! 27.gxf4?! ttJ h 5 ! 2 8 . 5 ttJ gf4! 29.ttJxf4 ttJ xf4
30.ttJc3 �g7 3 1 .�f2 �g3 32.ib5 'lWg5+
27 . . . ttJ h7! 2 8 . ttJ f2 h3! 29.ttJxh3 ttJ g5
This position is peculiar, but it is not clear if
there is enough compensation.
2
a b e d e f g h
25 ...YlYd8!?N a b e d e f g h
2 5 . . . 'lWxb 5 ? 26.�xe5 'lWxb2 27.�xg6±
30.ttJ xg5
Probably best, starting an evacuation
25 . . . 'lWb6!? was tried in Batrakov - Tasic, corr.
manoeuvre by the king.
20 1 2, with Black holding a draw in a long
game. 30 . . . 'lWxg5 3 1 . W g l �h7 32.id3 'lWh6 33.Wfl
'lWh2 34.�gl �h3
26.hxg3 .lh6!?
8
26 . . . fXg3?! is clearly worse for Black after
27.'lWxg3 �g7 28 .'lWh3 h4 29 .'lWe6t @h8 7
30.'lWf5 ± . 6
5
2 6 . . . h4! ?
4
We had originally focused on this as being
3
Black's best continuation. Here are some
lines: 2
8 a b e d e f g h
7
3 5 . @ fl !
6 3 5 .'lWfl ttJ h4 36.W e l ttJ xf3t!! 37.gxf3 �g3
5 3 8 . �h l 'lWxb2 is equal. If White avoids a
4 repetition, then Black keeps a strong attack,
for example: 39 .'lWe2 'lW e l t 40.'lWd l 'lWe3t
3
4 1 .ie2?! �xf3 42.�fl �g3 43.'lWd2 'lWb3
2
44. wfl �h3-+
35 . . . �g3 36.'lWf2 ttJ h4!
a b e d e f g h 36 . . . ie7 37.ie2 ih4 38.id l �xg4
39.'lWc2+-
27.g4!
Chapter 2 5 - 1 3 . tt:l d3 309
37.ie2 ie7 3B .id l i>g7 B2222) 21 ...tLl h7!!

3B . . . idB 39.lD xd6+-
39.b4 �gB 40. lD a7 idB 4 1 . lD cB And there it is! We had not even considered this
With an initiative for White. move, which Radjabov found and employed
against Alexei in a subsequent game.
27.gxf4 hf4
27 . . . lD xf4 2 B . lD xf4 ixf4 29.'1¥rh4;!;
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a b e d e f g h
1
22.Ab6
a b e d e f g h
22.igl E!:g7!N is not much better as Black
28.tLlxf4 tLlxf4 29.g3 'ilYd7 30J�f2 tLlxe4! still has hea vy pressure. Hiltunen - Ponomarev,
3 1 .gxf4 tLlxflt 32.'ilYxfl �xf4 33.'ilYg3t i>f7 corr. 20 1 1 , continued 22 . . . E!:xa5 and was
34.Ad3 i>f8!= drawn several moves later.
22 'ilYh4! 23.Agl tLlg5!! 24.tLlel

8 •••
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
1
2
a b e d e f g h
1
I had considered this to be a bit better for
a b e d e f g h
White, but Houdini gives an evaluation of
0.00. Interesting! There will surely be new ideas 24 tLl h3!
•••
found in this variation, but as I mentioned Bricard's devilish idea from the game with
above it is not my main recommendation. Fridman reappears!
310 1 0.i.e3
25.gxh3 i.xh3 26J�c2 Y:Yg5 27.i.d3 tLl h4 1 6,..i.f8!?

28.Y:Yd2 Y:Yf6-+ Of course this again looks like the most
It is clear that Black has obtained a useful move.
heavyweight attack.
I wonder if it is still possible to go for 1 6 . . . h 5 .
2B . . . E1cB !?N may be worth considering. F o r example:
29.i.b6
a) 1 7.a5 g4 1 B . cxd6
29.hxg3?! fxg3+
1 B . ttJ b 5 g3 1 9.hxg3 fxg3 20.ixg3 h4 gives
compensation for the pawn, although White
8 went on to win in Volokitin - Reinderman,
Aix-Ies-Bains 20 1 1 .
7 I B . . . cxd6
6 I B . . . g3 1 9.hxg3 fxg3 20.ixg3 cxd6 2 1 .f4;1;
5 1 9 .ttJb5 g3 20.hxg3
20 .ixa7 'lWxa5+
4 20 . . . fxg3 2 1 .ixg3 ih6 22.E1c3 a6 2 3 . ttJ a3 h4
3 24.ie l ! ?
24.if2 ttJ h 5 100ks good fo r Black, who had
2 the better of a draw in Szabo - Tavani, email
1 20 1 3 .
a b e d e f g h
29,..g2t 30.tLlxg2 i.xg2t 3 1 .Y:Yxg2t! tLlxg2

32.gxg2t gg7 33.gxg7t c;!;>xg7 34.tLlc7 gc8
Black had the advantage in Shirov -
Radjabov, Baku 2009, but White eventually
managed to hold with resourceful defence.
B23) 1 6.a4
Thematic. White wants to control b6 before

playing tLl b 5 . a b e d e f g h
24 . . . ie3t!N
24 ... ttJ h 5 2 5 . f4! ttJ g3?! 26.f5 ie3t 27.if2
ttJ f4 2B.ttJ xf4 ixf4 29.E1el ttJ xe4 30.ih5
ixf5 3 1 .ixf7t �xf7 32.E1xe4 ixe4 3 3 . ttJ c4
'lWf6 34.'lWe2 M5 3 5 .'lWh5t ig6 36.'lWg4±
gave White the advantage in Altrichter -
Chiru, corr. 20 1 2 .
2 5 .if2 ixf2t 26.E1xf2 ttJ h 5 27.f4 ttJhxf4
2 B . ttJ c4 E1g7 29.�h l E1bB
This seems to be satisfactory for Black.
a b e d e f g h
Chapter 2 5 - 1 3 . llJ d3 31 1
b) 1 7. li:l b 5 g4 1 8 .cxd6 cxd6 1 9 .ixa7

The only move to make a difference.
1 9 . Wb3 g3 20.hxg3 fxg3 2 1 .ixg3 h4 22.if2
li:lh5� With the idea 23 .ixa7? h3!+. Black
went on to win in Anderson - Bohak, email
200 5 .
1 9 . . . g3
1 9 . . . h4!?N; 1 9 . . . id7 20.li:lxd6 1'!xa7
2 1 .li:lxf7 'it>xf7 22.li:l c5;l;; 1 9 . . .if8 20.if2
1'!g7, as in Littke - Lara Ruiz, corr. 2007 (or
20 . . . a5!?N), requires some analysis. a b e d e f g h
20.We l li:l e8 2 1 .hxg3 ih6 22.1'!c2 b6 23.gxf4 1 9 . . . g4!! 20.li:lxa7

li:l xf4 24.Wf2 li:lxe2t 2 5 .1'!xe2 1'!axa7 26.li:lxa7 Most critical, though objectively it is too
1'!xa7 27.1'!al 1'!g7 28.b4 h4 29.1'!c2 ih3 risky.
30 .We l Wf6 a) 20.fxg4! ? li:l xe4 2 1 .ie l id7 22.Wb3 Wg5
This was eventually drawn in Nyvlt - 23.li:lc7 (23 .M3 li:l f6) 23 .. .i.xg4! 24.ixg4
Yamaliev, corr. 20 1 2 . Wxg4 2 5 .h3 We2 26.1'!c2 li:l d2!! 27.1'!xd2
We3t 2 8.<ifh2 1'!xc7 29 .Wb4 Wd4 30.Wxd4
17.a5 gg7 exd4 3 1 .li:l xf4 1'!f7=
1 7 . . . h5 looks slow with the bishop on f8 , b) 20.b4 g3 2 1 .hxg3 (2 1 .ixa7? li:l h 5 22.h3
as White has not lost time with <if h 1 . After id7 23 .ib6 Wh4+) 2 1 . . .li:lh5 22.g4 li:l g3�
1 8 .li:l b5 White is better. 20 ... id7! 2 1 .Wb3 g3 22.ib6
22.hxg3 fxg3 23.ib6 We7+
22 . . . gxh2t 23.<ifh l We8 24.if2 1'!xa7!
2 5 .ixa7 li:l h4 26.li:l e l Wg6 27.1'!f2 Wh6-+
Finally, 1 8 . c6 bxc6 1 9 .dxc6 h5 leads to a

double-edged game. 20.b4 ie6 2 1 .b5 g4
22.1'!b 1 g3 (22 . . . gxf3! ?N) 23.hxg3 fxg3
24.ixg3 h4 2 5 .ih2 li:l h 5 26.1'!f2 li:l g3 27.f4!
exf4 28 .ig4 ixg4 29.Wxg4 Wf6 30.1'!cl
Wd4 3 1 .We6t <ifh8 32.Wd5 Wf6 33.b6 axb6
34.axb6 cxb6 3 5 . li:l b 5 1'!c8 36.c7 1'!e7 37.Wb7
a b e d e f g h
18.g;,hl!
White plays a useful move himself now that
Black has put his rook on g7.
1 8 .li:lb5 g4!?
1 8 . cxd6 cxd6 1 9 . 1i:l b5

This allows Black to exploit the omission o f
. . . h5 with a n immediate break: a b e d e f g h
312 1 0 .ie3
37 . . . We6!! 3 8 . tLl xf4!? (38J 'kc2 tLl xe4! 39.1'%fe2 B23 1) 22.a6 bxa6 23.t£J c6 �e8
d5f± or 3 8 . tLl a7 1'%cxc7 39.1'%xc7 Wb3!=)
38 ... tLl xf4 39.ixg3 tLl e2t! 40.1'%xe2 hxg3
4 1 .1'%c3 Wg4 42.1'%xg3 1'%cxc7 43 .Wxc7 Wxe2
44.Wc3t 1'%e5 45 .1'%h3t <tt>g8 46.Wb3t d5
47.Wg3t ig7 4 8 . tLl c3 Wd2 49.tLlxd5 Wd4t
50.<tt> h 2 1'%xe4 5 1 .Wb8t if8 5 2.Wc7 We5t
53 .Wxe5 1'%xe5 54.tLl xb6 1'%e6 A draw was a fair
result in Pezzica - Telepnev, corr. 20 1 1 .
1 8 h5
•••
There seems to be no other way to continue.
19.cxd6N
1 9 . tLl b5 a6 20.tLlc3 g4 2 1 . tLl a4 h4 is unclear.
1 9 .1'%gl g4 20.g3 gxf3 2 1 .ixf3 tLlg4 22.tLle2

Wg5 23.We 1 fxg3 24.1'%xg3 tLl h4 saw Black 24.1'%c4
hold the initiative in Santos Latasa - Abella 24.Wa4 g3! may lead to equality after a
Vazquez, Sanxenxo 20 1 2 . long line: 2 5 . hxg3 (25 .ig l gxh2 26.ixh2
h4--+) 25 . . . fxg3 26.ixg3 h4 27.ih2 tLl h 5
28.1'%fe 1 tLl gf4 29.tLlxf4 exf4 30 .id3 tLl g3t
3 1 . � g l h3 32 .Wd4 Wh5 33.e5 tLl f5 34.ixf5
ixf5 3 5 .Wxf4 1'%xg2t 36.<tt> h 1 ig6 37.exd6
ixd6 38.Wxd6 Wxf3 39 .We6t <tt>h7 40.We7t
�g8 (40 . . . �h6?? 4 1 .We3t) 4 1 .We6t �h7=
(4 1 . . .if7?? 42.tLl e7t)
24 a5 25.�c2 gh7!
•••
A subtle move, meaning Black is ready for

. . . g3 in almost all cases.
26 .tb6!?
b e d g
•
a e f h
Trying not to allow . . . g3 with tempo.
19 cxd6 20.t£J b5 g4 2 1 .ttlxa7
•••
2 1 .We l ! ? is interesting and may require 26.b3 g3 27.hxg3 fxg3 28 .ixg3 h4�
more analysis.
26.1'%a 1 g3 27.ig 1 (27.hxg3 fxg3 28 .ixg3 h4
2 1 . .i.d7
• 29 .ih2 tLlh5 30.id 1 ih6) 27 . . . gxh2 28 .ixh2
A critical position, which leads us to our h4 with the idea: 29.tLlf2 tLlh5 30.<tt> g l
final split of the chapter between B231) 22.a6 (30. tLl h3 tLl g3t 3 1 .<tt> g l ixh3 32.gxh3 Wd7
and B232) 22.�b3!? 33 .ifl tLl xfl 34.1'%xfl Wxh3) 30 . . . tLl g3 3 1 .ifl
tLl e7°o
Chapter 2 5 - 1 3 . lLl d3 313
After 26.�b6, the rook surprisingly returns: 24.Ek7 h3 25 .g3 fxg3 26.hxg3
7
1"·=··.. =7. /·=�/.
a b e d e f g h
26 . . . lLl f4!! 27.gxf4 g3 28.:B:g1 Wfg6 29.�f2

a b e d e f g h lLl xe4 30 .�e l °o
26 ... :B:g7!
Black intends to j ump to h4 with his knight,
putting real pressure on White's kingside
defences. White does not seem to have
anything better than 27.�f2 repeating.
B232) 22.'ilYb3!?
a b e d e f g h
22 ... h4 23.i.b6 'ilYe8

An appropriate variation with which to
25.fxg4 hxg2t 26.�xg2 tLl h4t 27.�hl 'ilYg6
finish this volume. White's advantage on 28.'ilYd3 f3!�
There is still everything to play for.
the queenside is traded off against Black's
dangerous attack on the other flank.
3 14 1 0.�e3
Conclusion 19..txg3 h4 20 ..th2!? lLlh5 gives Black

satisfactory play in that case.
Chapter 25 has dealt in detail with 1 3.lLld3 Much more complicated positions arise
lLlg6, the main tabiya of the Mar del Plata after the traditional moves 1 5 .�cl �f7. To
variation. my mind 1 6.�h l ! ? M8 17.a4 h5 1 8.a5 g4
Black is okay in the line 14.lLlb5 b6 1 5.b4 1 9.cxd6 cxd6 2o.lLlb5 g3! 2 1 ..txa7 is just fine
lLlf6 1 6.c5 g4! 1 7.cxd6 cxd6 1 8J:k l g3! for Black after Radjabov's brilliant 2 1 ...lLlh7!!,
19.hxg3 fxg3! 20 ..txg3 .th6, provided that so the more clever 1 6.a4 .tf8!? 17.a5 came
after 2 1 .�c6 he is aware of the possibility into prominence as the chapter's main line.
2 1 . . ..td7! 22.�xd6 lLlh5!, leading to strong However, even then Black should be fine by
counterplay for him. adopting 17 ... �g7 1 8.�h l ! h5 19.cxd6 cxd6
Thus, unavoidably, the greatest part of the 2o.lLlb5 g4 2 1 .lLlxa7 .td7 although some high
chapter was devoted to the almost universally level analysis was required to prove so. Most
adopted 1 4.c5!. After 14 ... lLlf6, Korchnoi's critical is 22.�b3!? h4 23 ..tb6 �e8 24.lLl f2
1 5.a4 has been an attempt to apply pressure but then 24 ... h3! stirs up sufficient play against
without moving the rook to the c-file, yet the white monarch to maintain interesting
1 5 ... h5! 1 6.a5 g4 1 7.c6!? g3!? 1 8.hxg3 fxg3 chances for us.
Variation Index
Chapter 1 Chapter 4
l .d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.111 c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.111 s l.d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.111 c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.111 S
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 S.d5 lll e7 9.111 e l 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.111 el lll d7
lll d7 10.111 d3 5 10.1ll d3 5 1 1 .J.d2 111 f6 12.S £4 13.g4!? g5!
A) 1 1 . a4 13 A) 1 4. b4 hS l S . h3 tt'lg6 1 6 .cS 1:1:£7 1 7. a4 .ifS

B) 1 1 .b4 14 l S . aS 43
C) 1 1 ..tgS!? 15 A I ) 1 8. . . 1:1:h7!? 44
D) 1 1 .exfS tt'l xfS 1 2.f3! tt'l f6 1 3 . tt'l f2 cS!? 16 A2) l S . . . a6!N 1 9.�b3 1:1:h7 20.Wg2 Wg7
01) 1 4 . tt'l fe4 1 7 2 1 .1:1:h 1 .id7! 44
D 2 ) 1 4 . .id3 1 9 A2 1 ) 22.cxd6 45
A22) 22.1:1:ag 1 46
Chapter 2 B) 1 4.cS h S l S .h3 tt'lg6 1 6.1:1:c1 1:1:£7 1 7.'i;Yb3
i.fs 47
l .d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.111 c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.111 S B 1 ) l S. tt'l d l !?N 48
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 S.d5 lll e7 9.111 e1 B2) l S.cxd6 50
lll d7 10.111 d3 5 1 1 .£4 exf4
Chapter 5
A) 1 2 . .ixf4!? 22
B) 1 2.tt'lxf4! tt'lcS 1 3 . .ie3!?N tt'l xe4!? 25 l .d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.111 c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.111 S
B 1 ) 14.tt'lxe4!? 26 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 S.dS lll e7 9.111 e1
B2) 1 4 .'i;Yc2! 30 lll d7 10.111 d3 5 1 1 .J.d2 111 f6 12.S £4 13.g4!?
g5! 14.i.el h5 15.h3 111 g6
Chapter 3
A) 1 6 .Wg2 ID 1 7 . a4 .ifS l S .aS a6! 1 9.b4! 1:1:h7
l .d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.111 c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.111 S 20.cS Wg7 2 1 ..if2 .id7 54
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 S.dS lll e7 9.111 e1 A I ) 22.cxd6?! 55
lll d7 10.1ll d3 5 1 1.S £4 A2) 22.�b3! .ie7 23.1:1:h 1 1:1:h6! 24.1:1:ag 1 !
�hS! 2 S .bS! axbS! 26.tt'lxbS �cS!! 57
A) 1 2.a4!? as! 34 A2 1 ) 27.0.a7 59
A I ) 1 3 .b3 34 A22) 27.�b4 60
A2) 1 3. tt'l b S ! 35 A23) 27.cxd6 61
B) 1 2.b4 tt'lf6 1 3.cS gS 1 4 .a4 hS l S .tt'l f2 tt'l g6 B) 1 6 . .if2 1:1:£7 1 7.Wg2 .ifS l S .b4 1:1:h7 1 9.1:1:h 1
1 6 . aS 1:1:£7 36 .ie7 20.'i;Yb3 Wg7 2 1 .cS .id7 22.a4 1:1:h6! 61
B 1 ) 1 7 . a6!? 37 B 1 ) 23.'i;Yc4 62
B2) 1 7.c6!? 40 B2) 23.1:1:ag1 64
C) 1 6 .cS 1:1:£7 65
C l ) 1 7.cxd6 65
C2) 1 7.1:1:c1 67
C3) 1 7 . .if2 !? .ifS l S .Wg2!? 68
C3 1 ) l S . . . 1:1:h7 68
C32) 1 8. . . tt'l h4t! 69
316 Kotronias 0 n the Ki ng's Ind ian - Mar de l Plata I
Chapter 6 Chapter 9
I.d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7 9.� el 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 �c6 8.d5 �e7 9.� el
� d7 10.� d3 5 1 l .J.d2 � f6 12.f3 f4 13.c5 g5 �d7 10.� d3 5 1 I .J.d2 �f6 12.f3 f4 13.c5 g5
14.Wc2 g4!! 15.�b5 g3! 14J!kl � g6 15.cxd6 cxd6 16.a4!? m7 17.� f2
J.fB 18.�b5 h5 19.h3 gg7
A) 1 6.�b4 74
B) 1 6.i.aS lLl fXdS !! 76 A) 20 . .8:c3 91
B 1 ) 1 7 . cxd6 76 B) 20.aS! lLl h 8 !?N 94
B2) 1 7.Wb3! 77 B l ) 2 1 .b4 95
B2) 2 1 .�c2 96
Chapter 7 B3) 2 1 ..8:c3 a6 22.lLl a3 �d7! 23.lLlc4 g4!
24.fXg4 hxg4 2 S .hxg4 .8:c8! 26.g3! lLlg6
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 27.b3! We7! 97
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7 9.�el B 3 1 ) 28.';!;>g2!? 98
�d7 10.� d3 5 1 1 .J.d2 �f6 12.f3 f4 13.c5 g5 B 32) 28 . .8:d3 99
14.cxd6 cxd6 15.�f2 h5! 16.h3 � g6
Chapter 10
A) 1 7.Wb3 lID 1 8 . .8:ac1 M8 80
A I ) 1 9 . 1Ll bS 8 1 l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3
A2) 1 9 . .8:c2 82 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7 9.�el
B) 1 7 .Wc2 lID 83 �d7 10.� d3 5 1 l .J.d2 �f6 12.f3 f4 13.c5
B l ) 1 8.a4 84 g5 14.gc1 �g6 15.cxd6 cxd6 16.�b5! gfl
B2) 1 8 . .8:fc1 85 17.Wc2 �e8 18.a4 h5 19.�f2 J.fB
Chapter 8 A) 20.lLlxa7 103

B) 20.Wh l !? .8:g7 2 1 .�b3 �d7! 104
B 1 ) 22.�c3 105
l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 B2) 22.�e l !? 1 06
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 �c6 8.d5 � e7 9.� el C) 20.aS i.d7! 2 1 .Wb3 .8:g7 22.h3 lLl h4 23.�e1
� d7 10.� d3 5 1 l .J.d2 �f6 1 2.f3 f4 13.c5 g5 a6 24. lLl a3 lLl f6 1 06
14.cxd6 cxd6 15.�f2 h5! 16.h3 �g6 C l ) 2 S . lLl c4 1 07
C2) 2 S . lLl d3 1 08
A) 1 7 .Wb3 lID 1 8 . .8:ac 1 .if8 80 0) 20.h3 .8:g7 1 12
A I ) 1 9 .1Ll bS 8 1 0 1 ) 2 1 .aS!? 1 13
A2) 1 9 . .8:c2 82 02) 2 1 .Wb3 lLl h4 22 . .8:c2 g4! 23.fXg4 lLl f6!
B) 1 7.�c2 lID 83 24.�el ! b6!?N 1 14
B 1 ) 1 8.a4 84 02 1 ) 2S .Wc3 !? �d7 26.Wd3!? 1 1 6
B2) 1 8 . .8:fc 1 85 0 2 1 1 ) 2 6. . . .8:c8 1 16
0 2 1 2) 2 6. . . hxg4!? 1 18
022) 2S.g3! 1 1 8
Variation Index 317
Chapter 10 Chapter 12
l.d4 �f6 2.e4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�6 l.d4 �f6 2.e4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�6
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 �e6 S.d5 �e7 9.� el 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 S.d5 � e7 9.� el
� d7 10.�d3 f5 1 1.J.d2 � f6 1 2.6 £4 13.e5 � d7 10.6 f5 1 l .g4 ebhS! 12.�g2!? a5
g5 14J;!:c1 �g6 15.�b5!? l:U7 16.J.a5!? b6
17.cxd6 cx:d6 A) 1 3 .h4 ltlc5 1 4.exfS!?N gxf5 1 5 . .tg5!? :agS!?
1 6 .'lNe 1 .td7 1 7.h5 h6 1 S ..ie3 b6 1 9.'lNd2
A) l S ..ib4 Ms 1 9 . :ac6 ltleS 122 'lNfB 20.:aae1 �h7 151
A I ) 20.'lNb3 122 A I ) 2 1 .ltlb5 152
A2) 20.a4 123 A2) 2 1 ..td 1 153
B) l S ..ie1 127 B) l 3 . .ie3 ltlc5 154
B 1 ) l S . . . a6 1 9 .1tl c3 a5 127 B 1 ) 1 4.h3 154
B 1 1) 20.ltlf2 127 B2) 1 4.h4 ltlgS 156
B 1 2) 20.ltlb5 129 B2 1 ) 1 5 .g5N 156
B2) l S . . . g4!? 131 B22) 1 5.exfS 158
B 2 1 ) 1 9 . 1tl b4 131 B23) 1 5.'lNd2 159
B22) 1 9.fxg4 133 B24) 1 5.a3!? 1 60
B25) 1 5.:af2 1 61
Chapter 1 1 B26) 1 5.:ab 1 162
B27) 1 5 .:ae l ! ? 1 64
l.d4 � f6 2.e4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�6
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 S.d5 � e7 9.�e1 Chapter 13
� d7 10.6 f5 1 1.g4 i>hS!
l.d4 �f6 2.e4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.� 6
A) 1 2 .g5 139 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 �c6 S.d5 �e7 9.� el
B) 1 2.�h 1 ltl gS! 1 3.:ag1 f4 140 � d7 10.6 f5 1 l.g4 ebhS! 12.J.e3 �gS
B 1 ) 14.ltl d3?! 141
B2) 1 4.g5 !? 141 A) 1 3.ltlg2 1 68
C) 1 2.�g2 ltl gS!? l 3 .g5 f4 1 4 .h4 h6 1 5 .:ah 1 B) l 3 .ltl d3 1 69
ID'7 1 6 .ltld3 Ms 1 7.'lNg l ! ? :ah7! 142 C) l 3.'lNd2 1 71
C l ) l S .ltlxf4 143
C2) l S.�fl 145 Chapter 14
0) 1 2.ltl d3 ltl gS! 1 3.�g2 f4 1 4 ..td2 h5 1 5 .h3
.if6 146 l.d4 �f6 2.e4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�6
0 1 ) 1 6 ... .ih4 146 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 S.dS � e7 9.�e1
02) 1 6 ... :am 148 � d7 10.6 f5 1 l.g4 ebhS! 12.h4!?
A) 1 2 ... c6 1 75
A I ) l 3.�g2 1 76
A2) l 3.g5!N 1 77
B) 1 2 ... ltl f6! 1 79
B I ) l 3 .ltlg2 180
B2) l 3 .ltld3! 181
318 Kotronias o n the King's Indian - Mar de l Pl ata I
1.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.� c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.�0 1.d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.� c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�0
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 �c6 8.d5 �e7 9.� e1 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7 9.� el
� d7 10.J.e3 £5 1 1.0 £4 12.J.fl g5 13.c5 �xc5 �d7 10.i.e3 £5 11.0 £4 12.J.fl g5 13.b4 �f6
14.b4 � d7 14.c5 �g6 15.cxd6!? cxd6 16.E:c1 E:f7 17.a4
J.f8 18.a5 J.d7 19.�b5 g4! 20.�xa7! g3!?
A) l S .E'k l ? ! 185 21..ib6 We?! 22.J.b5!N gxh2t 23.i>xh2 � h5!
B) l S .a4!? 185 24.J.xd7 Wxd7
Chapter 16 A) 2S .E:c7 212

B) 2 S . � d3 214
1.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.� c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.� 0 B l ) 2S ... � g3? 214
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.dS � e7 9.� e1 B2) 2S ... �e8!! 217
� d7 10.J.e3 £5 1 1.0 £4 12 ..ifl g5 13.c5 �xc5 B 2 l ) 26.E:f2!? E:g7 27.E:fc2 � h4
14.b4 � d7 28.@g1 217
B2 1 1) 28 ... � g3?! 217
A) l S Jk l ?! 185 B2 l 2) 28 ... E:gS !! 220
B) l S.a4!? 185 B22) 26.�f2 221
1.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�0 1.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.� c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.� 0
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7 9.�e1 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7 9.� e1
� d7 10.J.e3 £5 1 1.0 £4 12 .ifl g5 13.b4 �f6
• � d7 10.J.e3 £5 1 1 .0 £4 12.J.fl g5 13.b4 �f6
14.c5 � g6 15.cxd6!? cxd6 16J�c1 E:f7 17.a4 14.c5 �g6 15.E:el! E:f7 16.a4
J.f8 18.a5 J.d7
A) l 6 .. M8 225
A) 1 9.@hl E:g7! 20.� bS g4! 2 1 .� xa7 g3! B) l 6 ... h S !? l 7.cxd6 cxd6 l 8.aS g4 1 9.� bS g3
22.i.b6 �e8! 23.E:c7 �h4! 198 20.i.xa7 � h7! 2 1 .@h l E'i:xa7 22.E'i:xc8 �xc8
A I ) 24.E:xb7 200 23.�xa7 �d8 226
A2) 24.�c2 202 B I ) 24.h3 228
B) 1 9 .� bS g4! 20.�c7!? g3! 2 1 .hxg3! fxg3! B2) 24.�d2N 229
22 ..ixg3 i.h6 23.�xa8!? �hS 24.i.f2! �gf4 202 C) l 6 ... b6!N l 7 .aS bxcS l 8.bxcS .ifS 230
B l ) 2S.E:c3 205 C l ) 1 9.�d3 h5 20. cxd6 cxd6 2 1 .�b4 g4 !
B2) 2S .�d3 208 22.� c6! �e8 23.�b5!! a6! 24.� ba7
gxf3! 230
C l l ) 2S .i.xf3 231
C 1 2) 2 S .gx8!? 232
C2) 1 9.c6 233
Variation Ind ex 319
I .d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.111 c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.111 0 I.d4 lllf6 2.c4 g6 3.111 c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.111 0
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 S.d5 lll e7 9.111 e 1 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 S.dS lll e7 9.111 e1
lll d7 10.J.e3 5 l I .O £4 12.i.f2 gS 13.g4 h5! lll d7 10.J.e3 5 l I.O £4 1 2.J.f2 g5 13.a4!? a5!
14.h3 a5! 14.111 d3 b6 15.b4 axb4 16.111 xb4 111 f6!
A) 1 5.tLl d3 236 A) 1 7 .�e 1 !? 252

B) 1 5 .a3 b6 1 6.b4 tLlg6 1 7 . tLl d3 tLl f6 237 B) 1 7 .ga3!? 253
B 1 ) 1 8.l'�e 1 238 C) 1 7.tLlb5 2 5 5
B2) 1 8.�g2 239 D ) 1 7 . tLl d3 h 5! ? 1 8.tLl b5! g4 255
B3) 1 8 .gb l 240 D 1 ) 1 9 :.wd2!? 256
B4) 1 8.gcl 241 D2) 1 9 ..ie l ! 257
D2 1 ) 1 9 . . .gxf3 257
Chapter 21 D22) 19 ... tLlg6! 20.a5 bxa5 21 �xa5 �d7! 259
D22 1 ) 22.Wa4!? 259
I .d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.111 c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.111 0 D222) 22.Wc2N 263
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 S.d5 lll e7 9.111 e1 E) 1 7 . tLl c6 264
lll d7 10.J.e3 5 1 1.0 £4 1 2.J.f2 g5 13.a4!? a5!
14.111 d3 b6 1 5.J.el!? lll f6 ! Chapter 23
A) 1 6 .b4 244 I .d4 lllf6 2.c4 g6 3.111 c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.111 0

B) 1 6.tLlf2! h5 245 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 S.d5 lll e7 9.111 e l
B 1 ) 1 7.tLl b5 246 lll d7 10.i.e3 5 1 1.0 £4 12.J.f2 g5 13.1:l:c1 1:l:f6
B2) 1 7. h3! i>h8 1 8 .tLl b5 tLl eg8 1 9 . b4 gm
20.bxa5 bxa5 2 1 .c5 .if8 22.cxd6 cxd6 A) 1 4.g4 269
23.gcl tLlh6 247 B) 1 4.b4 gh6! 271
B 2 l ) 24.Wc2 248 B 1 ) 1 5.tLld3?! 272
B22) 24.gc4 249 B2) 1 5 . c5 273
C) 1 4 .c5!? tLl xc5 1 5.b4 tLla6 274
C l ) 1 6.tLld3 275
C2) 1 6.tLlb5 �d7 1 7.tLlxa7 gh6!? 275
C2 l ) 1 8 .�xa6 276
C22) 1 8 .Wb3 277
320 Kotronias on the King's Indian - Mar del P lata I
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.� c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.� 0 l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�0
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 S.d5 �e7 9.� e1 0-0 6 .ie2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 S.dS � e7 9.�e1
•
� d7 10.J.e3 5 1 1.0 £4 12 .ifl g5 13J�cl gf6

• � d7 10.J.e3 5 1 1.0 £4 12 .ifl g5 13.� d3!?
•
14.� d3 gh6 � g6
A) 1 5 .Wh 1 281 A) 1 4.lLlb5 b6 1 5 .b4 lLl f6 1 6.c5 g4! 1 7.cxd6 cxd6

B) 1 5 .c5! 283 l S .E:c1 g3! 1 9.hxg3 fxg3! 20.i.xg3 i.h6 299
B 1 ) 1 5 ... WfeS?! 284 A I ) 2 1 .E:c3 299
B2) 1 5 ... a6! 285 A2) 2 1 .E:c6 .i.d7! 22.E:xd6 lLlh5! 300
B2 1 ) 16.b4!? lLl f6! 1 7.cxd6 cxd6 1 S.lLla4 285 A2 l ) 23.�h2 301
B 2 1 1 ) l S ...g4?! 286 A22) 23.�f2 302
B2 1 2) l S ... WeS! 1 9.1Llb6! Wfh5 20.h4 gxh4! B) 1 4.c5! lLl f6 302
21 .@h2! E:bS 287 B 1 ) 1 5.a4 302
B2 1 2 1 ) 22.E:g l!? 288 B2) 1 5 .E:c1 E:f7 303
B 2 1 22) 22.E:c7! 289 B 2 1 ) 1 6 .E:c2?! 304
B22) 1 6 .Wfb3!? 290 B22) 1 6.Wh l !? 305
B23) 1 6.c6 294 B 22 1 ) 1 6 . . . h5 3 05
B222) 1 6 ...�fS 1 7.a4 h5 l S.a5 g4
1 9. cxd6 cxd6 20.lLlb 5 g3! 2 1 .i.xa7 306
B222 1 ) 2 l . . .l'ha7!? 307
B2222) 2 l . ..lLlh7!! 309
B23) 1 6.a4 �f8!? 1 7 .a5 E:g7 l S.Wh l ! h 5
1 9.cxd6 cxd6 2 0 . lLl b 5 g4 2 1 .lLlxa7 i.d7 310
B23 1 ) 22.a6 312
B232) 22.Wb3!? 313

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Kotronias on the King's Indian 2

Mar del Plata I

For my children, Adoria, Athanasia and Dimitrios

Kotronias on the King's Indian - Mar del Plata I

Paperback ISBN 978-1-907982-87-3

All sales or enquiries should be directed to Quality Chess UK Ltd,

Distributed in North America by National Book Network

Distributed in Rest of the World by Quality Chess UK Ltd through

Typeset by Jacob Aagaard

In al l of the exerdses it is Bla(;k to play.

Page 1 7, Chapter 1 Page 3 1 , Chapter 2 Page 5 1 , Chapter 4

Page 1 8, Chapter 1 Page 38, Chapter 3 Page 55, Chapter 5

Page 26, Chapter 2 Page 44, Chapter 4 Page 56, Chapter 5

Page 28, Chapter 2 Page 47, Chapter 4 Page 57, Chapter 5

Page 62, Chapter 5 Page 1 00, Chapter 8 Page 126, Chapter 10

Page 64, Chapter 5 Page 109, Chapter 9 Page 131, Chapter 10

Page 68, Chapter 5 Page 110, Chapter 9 Page 133, Chapter 10

Page 75, Chapter 6 Page I l l , Chapter 9 Page 155, Chapter 12

Page 1 5 8 , Chapter 1 2 Page 1 94, Chapter 1 6 Page 232, Chapter 1 9

Page 1 60, Chapter 1 2 Page 200, Chapter 1 7 Page 238, Chapter 20

Page 1 63, Chapter 1 2 Page 204, Chapter 1 7 Page 24 1 , Chapter 20

Page 1 76, Chapter 1 2 Page 23 1 , Chapter 1 9 Page 245 , Chapter 2 1

Page 245, Chapter 2 1 Page 260, Chapter 22 Page 287, Chapter 24

Page 250, Chapter 2 1 Page 273, Chapter 23 Page 288, Chapter 24

Page 2 5 8 , Chapter 22 Page 273, Chapter 23 Page 289, Chapter 24

Page 260, Chapter 22 Page 274, Chapter 23 Page 309, Chapter 25

11th Move Alternatives

A) after 1 1 .a4 DJ) note t o l s .id3N D2) after l S . a4

1 1 . . . fxe4!?N l S . . . b6!N l S . . . b6N

l .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 S.tLl£3

18 Vff d 7 1 9.Vff a 4 Vff xa4 20.�xa4 lDxd5

2 1 ..tc4 .te6 22.lDxd6 h6 23 .td2 �ab8= •

Black can be satisfied with his chances in this

This move is rather weakening, yet Black

15 .tg5 c6! 16 .td3 ad5 17.ad5 .tfS 18.a5

1 6.exfS e4 1 7.ib2 exd3 1 8 . fxg6 hxg6 1 9.'lMfxd3 C) l 1 ..igS!?

12.c� he4 �f6+t

After 1 4 . lD f2?! f4 White will certainly need to D) 1 1 .exf5

1 4.ixf5 12 �f6 13.�fl

It is already difficult to reduce the damage as

1 2.tt:le4 fails to use control of the e4-square.

3 This yields a safe square on c7 for the queen

1 9 .b4! ? is more testing, but all the same Black

1 7. cxb5 Wfb6!+ 20.�g5

Thus, rather unavoidably, the position after

note after 1 1 ... exf4 A) after 1 4 .Wd2 B2) after 1 5 . h3

1 5 . .. tt:l d4N 1 4. . .We7!N 1 5 . . . We8!!

I .d4 tLl f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tLl a 1 3.l3xfBt

Less safe but fully playable is 12 . . . ixc3!?

2 l .tLl xfS ixfS 22.ie3 �e8 23.�ae l ! (23 .id4

1 8 .h3!N ( l 8 .ixeS?? �xfl t 1 9 .�xfl WfxeS-+

I 7.:B:ae l was Szrama - Chorfi, email 2000. 1 6 .. .hf4 17.Yffxf4 t£! d4

15.t£!dfl .ie5!? 1 8.Yffd2!

Also possible is: I 6 . .ixeS lLl xeS I 7.:B:ae I

20 . . . b6! 2 1 .lLlgS lLlcS 22.Wc2 aSoo

3 19J;xe2 t£! e5 20.b3

1 3.exf5 ? ! llJ xfS

Finally, 1 3 .Wc2N is worthy of a mention .