Kotronias Vasillios - Kotronias On The King's Indian-3. Mar Del Plata-II, 2015-OCR, QualityChess, 282p PDF

Kotronias
on the
King's Indian
VOLUME THREE
Mar del Plata II
Tired of bad positions? Try the main lines!
QUALITY CHESS I I
�· 9
Kotronias on the King's Indian 3
Mar del Plata II
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 II

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic
tape, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.
Paperback ISBN 978- 1 - 907982-53-8

Hardcover ISBN 978- 1 -907982-56-9
All sales or enquiries should be directed to Quality Chess UK Ltd,

20 Balvie Road, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 7TA, United Kingdom
Phone +44 1 4 1 204 2073
e-mail: info@qualitychess.co.uk
website: www. qualitychess .co.uk
Distributed in North America by National Book Network
Distributed in Rest of the World by Quality Chess UK Ltd through

Sunrise Handicrafts, ul. Skromna 3, 20- 704 Lublin, Poland
Typeset by Jacob Aagaard

Proofreading by Colin McNab & John Shaw
Edited by Danny McGowan
Cover design by Barry Adamson; Cover photo by capcure36 5. com
Printed in Estonia by Tallinna Raama�utriikikoja LLC
Introduction
The idea of defending Black's chances in the Mar de] 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 off er.
The second volume comprises everything Black players need to know to face the Bayonet
variation (9.b4), the old main line 9.lll d2, and other less popular but still poisonous 9th moves.
With players such as Kramnik Anand, Karpov, Shirov, Beliavsky, M. Gurevich, Ivanchuk and
Eljanov supporting the White cause it was anything but easy to provide equalizers, but after a lot
of digging I think I have managed to prove that Black holds his own and can even aspire to play
for a win in several cases.
Here the battlefield is less sharp than in the 9.lllel variation, but in my view Black players
shouldn't be disappointed by that. Apart from a few drawish lines in the Bayonet there is still great
scope for creativity, an additional advantage being that a memory failure will not lead to a death
sentence as can often be the case with 9.lll e 1.
The second volume on the Mar del Plata is more about understanding positions, understanding
delicate differences, being more patient and generally being more technical. And while the tactical
element is always there, it is often a deep positional manoeuvre that will equalize the chances or
give us the upper hand.
It is clear to me by now that this manoeuvre always exists, but the battlefield remains tricky (as
it does in every other opening) and White players will often come up with small improvements
after move 15-20, trying to unsettle us. The secret here is to take our time and avoid a fast
decision when faced with such a novelty. Rash decisions will almost never pay off in this type of
profound game and one should keep in mind that the King's Indian off ers more chances for a win
exactly because the structures are more demanding.
Ending here, I would like to add that I am looking forward to continuing with this series, and
wish the readers many wins and interesting games when facing the Mar del Plata System.
Va<isilios Kotronias
Athens, 17th December 2014
Contents
Key to Symbols used & Bibliography

Introduction 3
6
Exercises 7
Rare Lines
1 Various 9th Moves 12
2 9.a4 27
3 9..ig5 36
9.llid2
4 1 Ufa2 and 11.�b1 50
5 l l.b3 61
Bayonet Rarities
6 10.�d2 76
7 10.�b3 87
Bayonet 1 O.c5
8 11th Move Alternatives 94
9 ll.�d2 111
10 11.�el 124
Bayonet 1 O.g3
11 Introduction 132
13 13.b5 156
14 13.@g2 163
Bayonet 1 0.�el
Bayonet 1 2.i.£3
16 13.�b3 185
17 13.ib2 195
18 13.ia3 204
19 13.dxc6 210
20 13.b5 215
21 13.ie3 221
Bayonet 1 2.f3
23
22 13.b5 228
13.:gbl 234
24 7
24 13.@h l 241
25 13.ie3
26 15.cxd5l 253
Variation Index 275

Key to symbols used
;!; White is slightly better
+
±
Black is slightly better
White is better
+ Black is better
+- White has a decisive advantage
-+ Black has a decisive advantage
equality
Gii with compensation
? with counterplay
m 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.
Khalifman: Opening/or Whit e According to Kramnik lb, Chess Stars 2006.

Golubev: Understanding the King's IndUin, Gambit 2006.
Markos: Beat the KID, Quality Chess 2008.

Nunn & Burgess: The New Classical Kings IndUin, Batsford 1997
Panczyk & llczuk: The Classical King's IndUin Uncovered, Everyman Chess 2009.
Vigorito: Attacking Chess - The King's Indian Volume l, Everyman Chess 2011.
Periodicals
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 book. 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
the King's Indian. I hope at least some of the readers will be as interested in this question as I am.
remembered; rather, I was trying to get closer to the absolute truth about the theoretical status of
places the analysis continues far beyond the scope of any normal opening preparation, in order
I would like this series to be read as both an opening book and a middlegame book. In many
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 cenain 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.
recommendation is for you to look at each position briefly (say for a maximum of five to ten
The exercises on the following pages are mainly intended for developing intuition. My
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 when calculation is necessary is, in itself, a useful skill to develop.
I have decided to go against my original intention of including 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 panicular 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 26 chapters will serve you well for a long time to come.
In all of the exercises it is Black to play.

8 Kotronias on the King's Indian - Mar del Plata II
a b c d e f g h
Page 37, Chapter 3 Page 54, Chapter 4
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
Page 32, Chapter 2 Page 47, Chapter 3 Page 68, Chapter 5

Exercises 9
Page 7 1 , Chapter 5 Page 83, Chapter 6 Page 92, Chapter 7
Page 8 1 , Chapter 6 Page 84, Chapter 6 Page 1 04, Chapter 8
Page 82, Chapter 6 Page 89, Chapter 7 Page 1 1 6, Chapter 9

10 Kotronias on the King's Indian - Mar del Plata I I
Page 1 2 1 , Chapter 9 Page 1 44, Chapter 1 1 Page 1 70, Chapter 1 4
Page 1 22, Chapter 9 Page 1 80, Chapter 1 5
Page 1 23 , Chapter 9 Page 1 54, Chapter 1 2 Page 1 84, Chapter 1 5
Page 1 38, Chapter 1 1 Page 1 65 , Chapter 1 4 Page 1 88, Chapter 1 6

Exercises 11
Page 1 90, Chapter 1 6 Page 224, Chapter 2 1 Page 232, Chapter 22
Page 203, Chapter 1 7 Page 225 , Chapter 2 1 Page 244, Chapter 24
Page 207, Chapter 1 8 Page 225, Chapter 2 1 Page 245 , Chapter 24

Rare Lines
a b c d e f g h
Various 9th Moves

Variation Index
1 .d4 til f6 2.c4 g6 3.tilc3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tilf3 0-0 6 . .ie2 e5 7.0-0 til c6 S.d5
S ... til e7
A) 9.c5?! 13
B) 9. til h4 til es 10.g3 f5 1 1 .exf5 til xf5 13
B l ) 1 2.tilf3?! 14
B2) 1 2.tilxfS 15
C) 9.i>hl til es! 16
C l ) 1 0. til e l 16
C2) 1 0 .a4 17
D) 9 ..ie3 til g4 lS
D l ) l O . .ig5 lS
D2) 1 O . .id2 f5 19
D2 1 ) 1 1 .tilg5 19
D22) 1 1 .exfS 21
E) 9.�c2 22
F) 9.g b l !? 24
G) 9.gel 25
A) note to I 0 .1/;\la4 ?! B I ) after 1 3.id3 E) after l l .g3
I O . . ltlfxd5!N
. 1 3 . . . ltld4!N I I . . .ih3!N
Chapter 1 - Various 9th Moves 13
I .d4 tll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 Ag7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 1 0 . . . li:) fXd5!N 1 I .li:)xg6 li:)xc3 1 2.li:)xe7t
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 Wxe7 1 3 .bxc3 i.xc3 1 4.:B:b l b6 1 5 .:B:b3 :B:d8
1 6.Wc2 i.d4+ White's compensation seems
insufficient.
The direct I O .i.e3 b6 l 1 .a3N, intending b2-

b4, looks more meaningful, yet after 1 1 . . . i.g4
( 1 I . ..a5!? planning . . . li:) f6-e8-d6 is of course
also better for Black) 1 2.Wa4 ( 1 2.li:) d2?! i.xe2
1 3 .Wxe2 c6+ or 1 2.b4 cxb4 1 3 .axb4 c6!+)
12 . . . li:) c8 1 3.h3 i.xf3 1 4.i.xf3 li:) d6+ it is clear
that White does not have enough for the pawn.
10 c6!
a b c d e f g h
•••
1 0 . . . li:)e8 l I .i.e3 b6 1 2.b4 cxb4 1 3.Wxb4

li:)d6+ is another line in which Black is better,
We will begin with a selection of rare 9th but the text is clearer.
moves for White: A) 9.c5?!, B) 9.tll h4,
C) 9.ci>h l , D) 9.i.e3, E) 9.Wc2, F) 9J�bl!? u.gdl cxd5 1 2.exd5 tll f5 13.tll xe5 tll d4
and G) 9.gel . l 4.i.e3 We8!?
14 . . . li:)xe2t!N 1 5 .li:)xe2 :B:e8+ is even stronger.
9.li:) e l was covered in Mar del Plata I.
9.a4 is examined in Chapter 2, 9.i.g5 in
Chapter 3, 9.li:)d2 in Chapters 4 and 5, and
9.b4 in the rest of the book.
A) 9.c5?!
A rather incomprehensible pawn sacrifice that

Black should accept with pleasure.
9 dxc5 10.Wa4?!
•••
I O .li:)xe5 is hardly equalizing due to:
B) 9.tll h4 tll e8
I will take this move, originally suggested by
b d f g h
John Nunn, as my main line.
a c e
14 Rare Lines
9 . . . h6 1 O.g3 lll h7 don't we? If the white knight does not have
White can gain a slight edge as follows: access to g5, what could be more natural?
1 1 .8 c6 1 2.ie3 .ih3 1 3 .lll g2 f5 1 4 .'1Wd2
l 4.c5 fxe4! ( l 4 .. .f4? l 5.gxf4 ixg2 1 6. Wxg2 1 1 .exfS tlixf5
exf4 l 7.if2t) l 5.dxc6 (l 5 . fxe4 cxd5
1 6 .lll x d5 dxc5 =) l 5 . . . exf3 l 6.ixf3 bxc6
l 7.cxd6 lt:\ f5 f!
1 4 . . . lll g5 1 5 .:B:ad l !N
Instead, l 5.c5 cxd5 l 6.lll x d5 dxc5 l 7.ixc5
allowed Black brilliant counterplay and
eventually a typical King's Indian win in
fxe4 l 9 . .ixd5t Wh7 20 ..ixf8 ixfB 2 1 .fxe4

the following game: l 7 . . . lll x d5! l 8 .ic4
lll xe4 22.:B:f7t ig7 23.Wi'd3 Wb6t 24. lll e 3

lll d6 25.:B:f2 :B:e8 26.Wi'b3 e4 27.Wxb6
axb6 28.:B: d l lt:\f5 29.lll xf5 gxf5 30.if7
:B:e5 3 1 .:B:d5 :B:e7 32.ih5 :B:c7 33 . .id l :!'l:cl
34.:B:c2 :B:b l 3 5 .@f2 @g6 36.:B:d6t 'itig5
37.:B:d7 ifs 38 .:B:c8 ic5t 39.Wel :B:xb2
40.:B:g8t @f6 4 l ..ib3 ig4 42.:B:xg4 fxg4
43.:B:f7t @e5 44.:B:g7 .ib4t 45.@fl e3
46.ic4 fil2t 47.Wgl ic5 0- 1 Nikolaidis -
Kotronias, Vrahati 20 1 0 . Bl) 12.tlif3?!
This does not meet the requirements of the

position, but the truth is that White is not
better, no matter how he continues.
12 ... tli f6 1 3.id3

This happened in Bauer - Libiszewski,
Montpellier 2004. Black should have now
played:
10.g3
Nunn points out the mistake 1 0 . .ie3 ?!
lll x d5 when White simply loses a pawn as c7
is defended.
1 0 ... fS
Well, we play the King's Indian to play . . . f5 ,
1 3 ... tli d4!N 14.tlixd4 exd4 15.tlie4 tlixe4 14.g4!?

1 6.he4 ti'f6 17.a4 This look necessary if White wants to avoid
1 7.f3 ih3 1 8.fil2. l:l:ae8t an immediate draw.
8
If l 4.ie3, then Black may actually play an
7
immediate 1 4 . . . e4 with equality.
6 The same happens after: 1 4 .id3 e4!! 1 5 .lll xe4
5 l 7.fXe4 l:l:xfl t 1 8.'tt> xfl We7 l 9.Wd3 l:l:e8=

lll xe4 1 6.ixe4 ( 1 6.fXe4 ih3t) 1 6 . . . ixe4
4
1 4 .ig5 h6! 1 5 .ie3 e4 1 6.g4 exf3=
3
2 1 4 ....id7 1 5 ..ig5
1
The only way to maintain some pressure.
a b c e g h
17....ih3 1 8 ..ig2 .if5 1 9J�a3 gae8t
With annoying pressure. The d4-pawn is
strong and the black pieces are more active.
B2) 12.tlixfS .ixf5
1 2 . . . gxf5! ? 1 3.f4 e4 also looks okay for Black

with a pair of knights gone, for example:
l 4.ie3 c5! l 5.dxc6 bxc6=
1 3.f3 tli f6
The position is approximately equal.
17.fxe4
l 7.f4?! Wes+ is already better for Black.
17 ...ti'e8 1 8 ..if3 tli h7

1 8 . . . We5!? l 9.We2 h5 20.gxh5 lll x h5
2 1 .ixh5 Wxh5= looks drawish too.
1 9.ti'd2 ti'e5 20.h3 gae8i
a b c d e f g h
Black has excellent compensation for the
pawn and good prospects for the rest of the
game.
16 Rare Lines
C) 9.@hl Cl) 10.tll e l f5 1 1 .exf5 tll xf5 12.id3
8!��}�!�it
This is essentially a non-committal developing
move, which White hopes will prove useful in
a variety of schemes. I think that the following 7 %�
6
� ,,,,,%
- y,
.,,.% · �
� .,
analysis provides a solid and sufficient antidote
5
��- - -- %�r -�%, �
� -8�')) % -
to it.
4 �-8 -
- - ��
3 �
�%'"//, -
��
r�li.-
�%
�%J·ef'·----; �%J'0 m
�{0 '0
2 �f�®,'0 �%'"/ j��Jtj
�
1 �� if l:-@ �
a b c d e f g h
12 .td7N
•••
Also possible is 1 2 . . . lt:)f6 1 3.li:)8 li:) d4

1 4.li:)g5!? ( 1 4.li:)xd4?! exd4 1 5 .li:)e4 li:)xe4
1 6.ixe4 Wh4! 1 7.Wc2?! if5! 1 8 .ixf5 :B:xf5
1 9 . Wg 1 :B:e8+ was excellent for Black in
Miles - Tirard, Cappelle la Grande 2000.)
14 . . .We? 1 5 .li:)ge4 which in fact happened in
Melkumyan - Y. Zhou, London 20 1 2, and
here Black should have chosen:
One of the points of White's idea is seen

after 9 . . . li:) d? 1 0.g4!;!; when .. . f5 has been
discouraged as the white rook gets access to g l .
9 . . . li:)h5 allows White to demonstrate another

fine point of the subtle king move: 1 0. li:) g l !
li:) f4 1 1 .i.8;!; and 1 l . . . f5 can be met by 1 2 .g3
fXe4 1 3 .li:)xe4 li:) h3 1 4.li:)xh3 ixh3 1 5 .ig2N
(improving on 1 5 .:B:el in Lauridsen -
Lindfeldt, Aarhus 1 993) with a small but clear
a b c d e f g h
white advantage.
1 5 . . . li:)h5!N� With excellent chances.
The next decision for White will be between
Cl) 10.tll e l and C2) 10.a4. 13.tll f3 !
White tries to re-establish contact with g5
After 1 0.:!:'!:gl f5 1 l .exf5 li:)xf5N= the white and e4. Other moves would leave the second
pieces look a bit awkward, and f2 is temporarily player with an easy game:
weak. 1 3 .8 Wh4 1 4.li:)e4 ih6! 1 5 .g3 We7=;
1 3 .li:) c2 c6= or 13 ... Wh4!?=.
1 3 ...ti'e7! 12 ... tll f6 13.tll d3 b6 14.id2 f4

Now there is a final parting of the ways: l 4 . . . ia6!?N deserves attention too.
8
14J�el
The old rule of rook facing queen seems to
cause us the most annoyance. In the alternative
cases listed below we have an easy ride:
1 4.ig5 'Wf7 1 5 .id2 h6 1 6. tlie4 lli f6=
14.tlig5 ih6! 1 5 .tlice4 b6 1 6.f4!? ( 1 6.g4?!

3
2
tlid4+) 16 ... tlif6 1 7.tlixf6t 'Wxf6 1 8 .fxe5 Wxe5=
14 ... c5!
a b c d e f g h
A logical continuation. l 4 . . . tlif6!? followed
by . . . E!:ae8 should also be equal.
15.b4 axb4 16.tll b5 g5 17.ixb4 g4 18.a5 g3
1 5 .tll g5 ih6 1 6.tll ce4 lll f6= The race is in full swing.
Black is by no means worse.
1 9.h3
C2) 10.a4
1 9.tlixc?? tli exd5!!+ leads to a bad position
Generally speaking, Black is well placed to play for White after 20.cxd5 tlixe4 2 1 .tlie6 'Wh4
. . . f5 now, as the following lines illustrate: 22.h3 ixe6 23.dxe6 tlig5 24.tlif2 gxf2 25.E!:xf2
Wxf2 26.e? Ei:fe8.
8 K m�,.i.�41)�9
%(�� ;]- - · �%'"//,1""'�� '0 ��
1 %�.r�
" ' ,� ..... •, • � , , ,��•
19 ...ixh3! 20.gxh3
" %
6
� �� -8r� -- ��,� �£
,, . . ,
�
s m �
4
�
�
�
3 - � • etJ
%
8 , �%'8"//, �
�� ,�r��%��
2 m.t,r� 8 �
" ��,, �- ,,
r� ;�
��ref"'
1 �-- -%ml•:��
a b c d e f g h
1 0 ... a5! 1 1 .tll el f5 1 2.f3
1 2.tlid3 fxe4!N 1 3 .tlixe4 tlif5 1 4.f3 tlif6
1 5 .tlidf2 llixe4 1 6.tlixe4 ih6= is easy equality
for Black. The exchange of dark-squared
bishops via h6 should always be on our mind
in similar structures.
18 Rare Lines
stood fine in Cvitan - Socko, Biel 2007. The

game continued 25 .ifl l0 g6 26.l:l:fa2 l:l:xa5
27.ixa5 l:l:a8 (27 . . . idS!N--+ was preferable)
28.llJxc? l:l:xa5 29.l:l:xa5 Wfxc7 30.Wf a4 llJ f8
3 1 .l:l:a8 l0g3 32.ig2 l0 e2 33 .Wfe8 Wig?
34.Wle6t Wh8 35.Whl ie7 36.Wlg4 Wfxg4
37.hxg4= and was drawn after a long struggle.
2Uha5 Wf d7 22.llJfl llJg6--+

A very unpleasant position for the first
player, which the engines already evaluate as
being slightly better for Black. I wouldn't like
to be in White's shoes here.
1 2.h3
D) 9.ie3 This is the first choice of the silicon entities.
A bit of a provocative move, but it is still 1 2.l:l:c l was played in Gniazdowski -

playable. White intends l0 d2, with an ideal Kolanowski, corr. 2007, and here the typical
set-up. reaction should be 1 2 . . . h6 1 3 .id2 ( 1 3 .ih4
llJ f6 1 4.h3 e4 1 5 .llJ d4 llJ g6 1 6.ig3 f4 1 7.ih2
f3 1 8 .gxf3 llJ h5� is excellent for Black)
1 3 . . . l0 g6 1 4.h3 llJ f6+ when I don't see the
point of White's play.
1 2.llJd2 is answered simply by 1 2 . . . llJ f6, again

planning a transfer of the e7-knight to g6.
Then 1 3.f4 h6 1 4 .ih4 l0g6 1 5 .fxe5 l0xh4
1 6.exf6 Wfxf6 is certainly not worse for Black.
An immediate l 2.id2 should probably

be answered by 1 2 . . . e4N00 or 1 2 . . . llJg6!?N
1 3.l0g5 Wf e?ft..
1 2 .Wfcl ! ?N is another engine recommendation.

12 . . . h6 1 3 .id2! ( 1 3 .ih4 e4 1 4 . llJ e l Wfe8ft.)
13 . . . @h? (The radical 1 3 . . . f4!? 1 4.Wlc2 llJ f6
1 5 .h3 if5 1 6.id3 ixd3 1 7.Wfxd3 Wies
D I ) 10.i.g5 f5! l l .exf5 gxf5 may actually be possible, in spite of seeming
antipositional.) 1 4 .Wlc2 l0 g6 1 5 .g3! e4!
This produces a situation where the bishop ( 1 5 . . . llJ f6 1 6 . llJ e l id? l 7.l0g2;!;) 1 6. llJ e l
is rather misplaced on g5, and the engines' Wf f6 leading t o a n interesting position which
favourable evaluation for White is unjustified. deserves further examination.
1 2.a4 h 6 1 3 .icl was played i n Fourie -

Vanchak, corr. 20 1 0, and now best seems
8
1 3 . . . l0 g6N 1 4.h3 llJf6 1 5 .E!:el We? with an 7
unclear game. 6
1 2 . llJ h4N can be answered by 12 . . . if6 5
1 3.ixf6 llJxf6= with the idea 1 4.f4 e4 1 5 .g3 4
c6+± .
3
1 2 tll h6!? 2
1
•••
The more popular of the two knight retreats,
a b c d e f g h
and my personal preference.
13.a3 White can respond with either 02 1) 1 I .tll g5

This move seems rather feeble. or 022) 1 1 .exfS .
However, 1 3 .c5 llJf7 1 4.cxd6 cxd6 1 5 .ih4 l 1 .l0 h4 llJf6 1 2.exf5 gxf5 1 3.f4 e4 1 4 .ie3 c5
id?+± is not worse for Black, as . . . We8 1 5 .a3 id? 1 6.'1Wd2 was played in Shengelia -
followed by . . . l0 g6 is coming. Calistri, Cappelle la Grande 2005, and now I
like:
a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . l0 g6N ( 1 6 . . . a5 !?N is suggested by

Mikhalevski, and 1 6 . . . b6N also looks okay.)
1 7.l0xg6 hxg6 1 8.b4 b6= Intending to follow
up with . . . We? and . . . E!:ab8, which would have
been fine for Black.
02) IO.id2 f5 021) 1 1 .tll g5 tll f6 12.exfS
Black has no reason to postpone . . . f5, as the 1 2.8 is best answered by 1 2 . . . l0h5!, with
knight sally to g5 is not dangerous in the the idea: 1 3 .c5 dxc5 1 4.ic4 Wh8 1 5 .ie3 b6
present case. 1 6.l0e6 ixe6 l 7.dxe6 l0 f6+±
20 Rare Lines
Black seems to equalize with accurate

handling.
1 5 .Wc l ! ?
Overprotecting the g5-knight.
l 5.f4 li:) d4+± is excellent for Black.
1 5 .8 is answered by 1 5 . . . li:) h5 1 6.Wc l
( 1 6.li:)ce4? li:) f4+) 1 6 . . . a6= and the position
is balanced.
a b c d e f g h
1 2 ... tll xf5
1 2 . . . gxf5 !? transposes to line D22 below, and
is what I actually prefer.
13 ..id3
This has been tried by players such as
Ljubojevic and Chiburdanidze, and could be
quite dangerous if Black loses concentration.
The following piece of analysis is what I
consider to be best play:
1 3 ...YlYe7 14.tll ce4

Played by Chiburdanidze. We will now examine Maya's 1 4.li:) ce4, which
coincidentally is the engines' first choice:
1 4.l:l:e l N
1 4 . . . c5 ! ? 1 5 .b4 b6 1 6.li:)xf6t ixf6 1 ? .li:) e4

14 ... tll xe4
li:) d4 1 8 .l:l:b l if5t./= was probably also okay

for Black in Chiburdanidze - Tan, Ningbo
2009.
15.tll xe4 .ih6! 1 6 ..ixh6!N

1 6.ic3 li:) d4=
1 6.Wc l ixd2 1 7.Wxd2 was played in Ganaus

- Dochev, Paracin 20 1 0 , and here 1 7 . . . li:) d4 is
a b c d e f g h at least equal for Black.
This can be answered with a typical
manoeuvre: 16 ... tll xh6 17.YlYd2!
1 4 . . . ih6!? 1 7.c5 if5=
After 1 2 .lll h4 lll h 6! 1 3 .f4 ( 1 3 .lll f3!?N lt:\ f7

2 1 . .. tll xe4 22.gxe4 ygf6! 23.yge3 1 4 .lll g5 lll xg5 1 5 .ixg5 Wd7 1 6.:B:cl lll g6+!)
23.1':!:8 exf4 24.:B:fxf4 Wg7= 1 3 . . . lll g6! 1 4 .lll xg6 hxg6 1 5 .fxe5 ixe5
l 6.g3 lll f7+ I had a dream position in lzoria
- Kotronias, Agia Pelagia 2004, although I
eventually managed to lose.
12 ... tll f6 1 3.ygb3

Strongest, according to the engines.
1 3 .f4 is considered by Golubev as better

for White but I disagree. The game Slipak
- Peralta, V illa Ballester 1 999 continued
1 3 . . . e4 1 4.ie3 h6 1 5 .lll h3, and now Black
should play: 1 5 . . . c6! 1 6.dxc6 ( 1 6.lll f2 cxd5
a b c d e f g h
1 7.cxd5 b6!+±) 1 6 . . . bxc6 1 7 .Wd2 d5Nf!
Black shouldn't have any serious problems

holding this position.
D22) 1 1 .exfS gxf5
l l . . . lll x f5! ? is possible here too, with

approximate equality. If 1 2 .lll g 5 then Black
above) 1 3 . fxe3 :B:xfl t 1 4.ixfl

has an extra option in 1 2 . . . lll fe3!? ( 1 2 . . . lll f6
is line 021
Wxg5 = .
22 Rare Lines
1 3 ... c6! 14.i.6 d4 20.l0a4 l0 e4 2 1 ..ic l d3t) 1 9 . . . d4 20.l:l:fd l !

Again strongest according to the engines, Wh7! Black's initiative gives at least enough
which are initially very optimistic about compensation for the pawn.
White's chances here.
The alternative 1 4.l:l:ad l !?N h6 1 5 .llJ e6 1 5 ....ixe6 16.dxe6 ti'c8 17J�adl
.ixe6 1 6.dxe6 Wc8 1 7 .f4! ( 1 7 . .icl l:l:d8!=) This position was reached in Lou Yiping -
17 ... e4 1 8 . .ie3 l0 e8 1 9 . .ih5 Wxe6 20 . .ixe8 Ding Liren, Beijing 20 1 2. Black should have
.ixc3! 2 1 ..ixc6 bxc6 22.Wxc3 should be now played:
answered as follows:
�,,, �� ---�
6 . .r.� !.:ii� -
5 ��---· ·"·'···· ·
.,
4 ��r�r��
� ��in>, ��:'¥'· · r.�
�m� •
8�. .,/.� 8�
3 � r.; �
2
�
1 � .. .� �-�
....J
��
.
·· ,
a b c d e f g h
22 . . . cS! (22 . . . 'iii h 7 23.l:l:f2 l:l:fd8 24.l:l:fd2 l:l:d7

25.b4;!;) 23.l:l:d2 llJ c6 24.l:l:fd l fild8 25.a3 a5
26.Wb3!! l:l:ab8 27.Wa4 llJ d4! 28 . .ixd4 cxd4
29.l:l:xd4 e3 30.l:l:e l l:l:xb2 3 1 .Wxa5 l:l:db8
32.Wd5 Wxd5 33.l:l:xd5 l:l:a2 34.l:l:b5 l:l:e8+± E) 9.ti'c2
The draw is near.
An interesting move that has been a speciality
of Eljanov. White vacates d 1 for the rook and
defends e4 with an extra unit, keeping several
schemes of development open.
a b c d e f g h
9 ... tll h5 1 1 .g3

This appears to me like the most logical
response.
IOJ�dl
The natural follow-up to White's last,
making use of the newly vacated d l -square.
After 1 0 . .id2 f5 1 1 .l:l:fe l lll f6 1 2.id3 c5!?

1 3 .dxc6 ( 1 3 . lll g 5 h6 1 4. lll e 6 ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 f4
1 6 .lll d 5 lll c6 1 7 .b4 l:l:e8 looks okay for Black)
1 3 . . . bxc6 1 4.ig5
a b c d e f g h
1 1 . ..i.h3!N
The bishop is ideally placed, and should give
White some uncomfortable moments.
l l . ..f5!? 1 2.lll h4 fxe4? ( 1 2 . . . lll f6! 1 3.exf5

ixf5!?N 1 4 .lll xf5 lll x f5 is given by Vigorito
and looks interesting, for example: 1 5 .ifl
b d f g h
a c e
Wd7 1 6.ig2 '.t>h7 l 7. lll e 2 h5�) l 3.lll xg6
lll xg6 1 4.ixh5 Black's position was in ruins in
1 4 . . . c5 ! ( 1 4 . . . h6?! 1 5 .ixf6 ixf6 1 6.c5!±) Bukavshin - Balashov, Izhevsk 20 1 3 .
1 5 .exf5 gxf5 1 6 .lll h4 h6 17 ..id2 e4 18 . .ie2
Wh7 l 9.g3 lll c6 20 . .ie3 lll d4 2 1 .'Wd2 lll x e2t This i s a possible follow-up after l l . . . ih3!:
22.l:l:xe2 .ie6 the chances were even in Baldin
- Efanov, corr. 20 1 1 . 1 2.c5 f5 13.tll h4 c!ll f6 14.exf5 gxf5 1 5 .b4 b6
1 6.gbl a6ft
1 0.g3 h6 1 1 .l:l:d l transposes to our main line.
1 0 ... h6!
White has been optimally prepared for a
quick . . . f5 , so Black must spend a tempo on
this precaution.
After 10 .. . f5?! 1 1 .lll g 5 lt:\f4 1 2.ixf4 exf4
1 3.c5! White's pieces were exerting unpleasant
pressure on Black's position in Eljanov -
Baryshpolets, Kiev 20 1 3 . The further 1 3 . . . WhS?
(13 . . . fxe4;!;) 1 4.lll e 6! ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 ie5 saw
his chances disintegrate to the point of no
redemption, and the best way to convert would
have probably been: 1 6.l:l:d2N Wc8 l 7.lll b 5±
24 Rare Lines
White isn't going anywhere on the queenside,

and the h3-bishop doesn't seem to be in danger
of getting trapped as the plan of transferring
the c3-knight to f2 requires many tempos. The
position is unclear, with chances for both sides.
F) 9J:�b l!?
A n interesting move in my opinion, but I think

I have managed to find a path to equality.
b d f g h
�
a c e
8
1•�;,
7 ��% · �% , , ( . ,
. �� . . ·. . · -�·, - � 1 8 .a3 lt:\ f6 1 9.ia2! ( 1 9 .Wf c2 '\Mic? 20.:B:bd l
:B:ad8+) 1 9 . . . Wfxd l 20.:B:bxd l h6 2 1 .b4 cxb4
6
� . . ...&fly,
%,,
22.axb4 :B:fd8=
� K• �
s
�� !�'8'�� 14 ... @hs 1 5 .i.e3!
4 � � After 1 5 .d6 Wfxd6 1 6. lll b 5 ( 1 6 .lll f7 t?? :B:xf7
3 � � � �
1 7.'\M!xf7 ie6-+) 1 6 . . . '\Mfb6 1 7. lll f7 t Wg8
�� •/d"""';W, � �� ,,
1 8 .lll h 6t Wh8= a surprising perpetual check
2 8� -..t�8� is the result.
1 ��l•f�""
a b c d e f g h
1 5 ... b6 1 6.gbdl
1 6. lll e6 ixe6 1 7.dxe6 WfcB will transpose,
unless White plays 1 8 .ic4 when Black is again
9 ... lll h5 1 0.gel! fine with 1 8 . . . f4 1 9.M2 lll c6? .
Black stands excellently after: 1 O.g3 f5
1 1 .lll g5 lt:\ f6 1 2.f3N f4 1 3 .Wg2 ( 1 3.b4 leads
8 J ��)iit , ,J- �.;-
%r�. %..�,,%� ••
to a bad version of the Bayonet Variation,
,
� ,,Y,�
6
or 1 3 .gxf4 lll h 5 1 4 . fxe5 ixe5+) 13 . . . lll e 8! 1 /,,,,,,
1 4 .lll e 6 ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 Wh8 1 6.Wfb3 ( 1 6 .lll d 5
��-0 �% -,,,�
.
W,.. . �----��JF
�
c6+) 1 6 . . . Wfc8 1 7. lll d5 lll c6?
s � •8r�Am41)
� ,....,,�
10 ... £5 1 1 .lll g5 lll f6 1 2.f3 lll h5N 1 3.c5!
4 , � %.....
� � ��
'"/
3 m v m �8-
/,%� - · z r
�w-�
dxc5 1 4.ygb3!
2 �w-�- - -:� �- - �
,,,
�
This is the position that caused me a lot
GJP� �� 1�

of concern, but eventually I found a way for
- � ��
Black to hold his own.
im
Instead, 1 4.ic4 '.t>h8 1 5 .ie3 b6 1 6. lll e 6 a b c d e f g h
( 1 6.d6 cxd6 1 7. lll f7 t :B:xf7 1 8 .ixf7 '\Mid?=)
16 ... £4 17.lll e6!
16 .. .ixe6 17 .dxe6 c6 leaves White struggling
In case of 1 7 .if2, Black frees his position by:
to prove compensation, though I think he
1 7 . . . lll f5! 1 8 .exf5 Wfxg5 1 9.lll b5 ixf5 20.lll xc?
can j ust about achieve this with an accurate
:B:ad8 2 1 .lll e6 ixe6 22.dxe6 e4! 23 .fxe4 id4
sequence:
24.ixd4t cxd4 25 .'\Mfb5 '\Mff6 26.'\M!b4 Wfxe6
27 . .bh5 gxh5= 9 ... tli eS! 10.b4 f5 1 1 .tlig5 h6 12.tlie6 .ixe6

13.dxe6 fxe4
17 ....ixe6 1 8.dxe6 YlYc8 19 ..ifl tli c6 20.YlVa4 The most clear-cut.
tli d4 21 .e7 tlixe2t!?
2 1 . . .E!:e8 22.ia6 (22.ixd4 exd4 23.ia6 Also possible is 1 3 . . . c6+! .
'\M!e6 24·tlid5 ie5) 22 . . . '\M!e6 23.tlid5 c6 is also
interesting. 14.tlixe4 tli f5
22J�xe2 ge8
Bl�ck s �ems to have equalized, a logical
contmuanon being:
a b c d e f g h
1 5.e7!?N
a b c d e f g h
The computer suggestion.
23.b4! gxe7 24.bxc5 YlYe8=

�
1 5 . 5 gives White nothing after: l 5 . . . '\M!e7
1 6. £d3 '\M!xe6 1 7.Ei:b l '\M!f7+
With the following idea:
25.c6 ge6 26.gd7 tlif6 27.gxc7 gc8 l 5 .'\Mf d5 is best met as follows: l 5 . . . c6N
E!:dB l 9 ..ig4 '\Ml f7a> was also fine for Black in

( 1 5 . . . '\M!c8!? 1 6 . .ib2 c6 l 7.'\Mfd3 '\M!xe6 1 8 .E!:ad l
G) 9.gel
Zilberstein - Yanayt, Reno 2004.) 1 6.e7t cxd5
Another waiting move, which I believe can be
1 7.exd8='\Mf E!:xd8 1 8 .cxd5 l[if6 1 9 . .id3 @h7
dealt with as follows:
20.tlixf6t ixf6 2 1 .Ei:b l E!:c8 Black does not
have any problems, as the idea of exchanging
dark-squared bishops via g5 will equalize the
chances.
1 5 ... tlixe7
l 5 . . . '\M!xe7 1 6.'\Mfd5t i>h8 l 7.'\M!xb7 tli f6+±
may be even better.
1 6.gbl c6m
White has enough for the pawn, but
probably no more. A likely continuation is:
a b c d e f g h
26 Rare Lines
17.b5 tll f5 1 8.tll g3!? that sector of the board. I suggested 9 . . . tlie8
1 8 ..ig4 tli d4 1 9.bxc6 bxc6 20.ie3 l:l:b8= 1 O.g3 f5 l l .exf5 llixf5 as a possible reply, when
I cannot see an advantage for the first player.
After 1 2.llixf5 ixf5 1 3 .8 lli f6 Black should be
able to lash out with . . . e4 at some point, fully
equalizing the chances.
A less committal move is 9.Wh l , which
keeps us guessing about White's intentions.
It is important here to play 9 . . . tlie8!, as
9 . . . tli d7 1 0.g4!;!; instead would put a halt on
our schemes and leave White with a pleasant
edge. After 9 . . . tlie8! I see nothing better
for White than 1 O.a4, but then the natural
1 0 . . . a5! 1 1 .tli e l f5 1 2.8 lli f6 1 3 .tlid3 b6
14 . .id2 f4 gives us a standard attacking
position and at least equal chances.
Apart from the rather anaemic 9.ie3 tli g4,

which allows us to expand with gain of time,
the remaining 9th move attempts are rather
serious and require some precision on our part.
A major try is 9.Wfc2 when I think Black
should react as follows: 9 . . . tlih5 1 0.l:l:d l h6!
l l .g3 .ih3!. Placing the bishop on h3 requires
a certain amount of responsibility as we have to
watch out for f2-8 and tli c3-d l -f2 ideas once
we get our pawn to f5, but I think these ideas
are rather remote with the rook standing on
1 5 .b4 b6 1 6.l:l:b l a6+! Black seems to have a

d l . After 1 2.c5 f5 1 3 .tlih4 lli f6 14.exf5 gxf5
good game.
Finally, out of the two rook moves 9.l:l:b l !?
and 9.l:l:e l , I consider the first to be the more
venomous, but I think I have managed to
find a sufficient antidote in the sharp line
9.l:l:b l ! ? tlih5 1 0.l:l:e l ! f5 l 1 .tlig5 llif6 1 2.8
tlih5N 1 3 .c5! dxc5 1 4.Wfb3! 'tt> h 8 l 5 .ie3!
Conclusion
b6 1 6 .l:l:bd l f4 l 7.tlie6! ixe6 l 8.dxe6 Wf cB
l 9.if2 tli c6 20.Wfa4 tli d4. Placing the knight
In Chapter 1 we examined several White
on h5 did seem to have a good point as White
attempts to take us by surprise on move 9.
needs to again move his rook to d 1 in the
9.tlih4 is perhaps the most weird-looking
complications, and this time loss allows us to
of them, but it does have some bite if
reach equality by utilizing the extra tempo to
underestimated, as White wants to gain some
arrange our defences.
kingside space and contain our expansion in
Rare Lines
9.a4
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl:if3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5
7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7 9.a4 a5 10.tl:i e l
1 0 ... tl:i d7
A) 1 1 .J.e3 28
B) l l . ti:id3 f5 30
B l ) 1 2 .erl5 30
B2) 1 2.J.d2 32
B2 1) 1 2 ... ti:i f6 32
B22) 1 2 ... fxe4N 33
B3) 1 2.6 34
A) note to 17 .VNb3 B 1 ) after l 2.exf5 83) after 1 4 .VNb l ! ?
20 . b3!N
. . l 2 . . lll xf5!
.
28 Rare Lines
I .d4 tlif6 2.c4 g6 3.tlic3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tlif3 A) l I ..ie3 f5 1 2.f3 tlic5!?
0-0 6 ..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tli c6 8.d5 tli e7 9.a4
This move does have a certain logic behind 12 .. .f4 l 3.if2 g5 is of course perfectly feasible,
it, as the queenside is the theatre of war where transposing to the line 9 . tli e l tli d7 1 O . .ie3 f5
the first player expects to flourish. White 1 1 .8 f4 1 2 . .if2 g5 1 3 . a4 a5 - see Chapters 2 1
obviously wants to gain space by playing a4- and 2 2 o f Mar de! Plata I .
a5, but the move can also be a useful prelude
to a Bayonet attack, where the a3-square will
be available to the bishop without blocking the
a-pawn.
a b c d e f g h
13.tlid3 b6
An unclear posmon has arisen in which
a b c d e f g h
White has the following options:
9 ... a5 14.b4
I think this is the most critical response, 1 4.tlixc5 This is recommended by most
making White work hard for the realization of engines: 14 . . . bxc5 1 5 .tlib5 f4 1 6 . .id2 E!:a6!
his plans. It is true that the b5-square is now A nice and economic way of defending
weakened and that the text invites White to everything. 17 .ic3 E!:f6 1 8 .'IW d2 c6 1 9 . tli a3
open lines with b2-b4, but, on the other hand, g5 20.E!:ad l Wh800 White can try to attack the
Black has chances to block or slow down a5-pawn by tli a3-c2-a l -b3, but it looks rather
White's expansion, so as to gain time for his slow. It is always worth keeping in mind that
counterattack on the other side of the board. Black is playing for much higher stakes on the
other side of the board.
10.tliel
The knight will be posted to d3, eyeing the 14 ... tlixd3 1 5.Wfxd3 axb4 1 6.tli b5 ci>h8=
b4- and c5-squares, where the future of the An equal position had been reached in
battle lies. Korchnoi - Kasparov, Barcelona 1 989. We
will now follow the remainder of the game
1 0 tli d7
••• with brief comments based on those made by
We will examine A) 1 1 . .ieJ and the Kasparov in Chess Informant.
immediate B) l I .tli d3.
17.Wi'b3
Chapter 2 - 9 . a4 29
1 7 .id2!? c5! l 8.dxc6 lll xc6 1 9.'IW d5! id?!?

20.'1Wxd6 is a line given by Garry, and now
rather than his suggested 20 . . . lt:\ d4N, I prefer:
a b c d e f g h
22 ... ti'bs 23.i.fl g8s 24.gb 1 tll h5 25.@h1
ti'd8! 26.a5?!
26.ifl !? was preferable.
26 ...i.xb5 27.ti'xb5 bxa5 28.g3 f4 29.g4 e4!

30.fxe4
30.gxh5 e3 3 1 .ig l '1Wg5-+ gives Black a
strong attack.
30 ... tll f6 3 1 .i.h4 ti'e7 32.i.f3 ti'e5 33.gel

33.E!:xa5 ? '1Wc3-+
33 ... tll h7 34.ti'd7 i.f6!; 35.i.xf6t c!ll xf6

36.ti'f5 ti'xf5 37.exf5 c!ll x g4 38.i.xg4 gxg4
39.gh3?!
39.f6!+ might have held.
39 ... @g7! 40.ge7t @f6 41 .ge6t @xf5

42.ghxh6 gau 43.gh5t g85 44.gxg5t
@xg5 45.c5 a4! 46.cxd6 cxd6 47.gxd6 gas!
48.ge6 a3 49.gel @£5 50.h4 f3! 5 1 .d6
5 1 .Wgl wf4 52.Wf2 a2 53.Ei:al E!:g8-+
19.exfS gxf5 20.i.g5
20.a5 bxa5 2 1 .Ei:xa5? c5 !-+ 5 1 . .. a2 52.gal @f4 53.@h2 fl! 54.d7 @a
55.gcl al ='ilY
20 ... h6 2 1 .i.h4 i.d7 22J�a3 0-1
After 22.a5 ixb5 23.'1Wxb5 bxa5 24.E!:xa5 Korchnoi resigned in view of: 56.E!:xa l E!:xa l
Kasparov gives 24 . . . E!:bS+, but the computer 57.dB='IW Ei:hl t! 58.'itixh l fl ='IWt 59.i>h2
suggestion 24 . . . e4! ? is also perfectly feasible. '1Wg2#
30 Rare Lines
B) 1 1 .tll d3 f5 13 ... c!ll f6 14.tll fl c6!?

Freeing the queen's path towards b6 and
preparing to use the c-file after a subsequent
. . .id7 and . . . cxd5. I must stress that Black
should take care to play . . . cxd5 only when he is
sure that White won't be able to use effectively
the b5-square for his pieces.
15.tll fe4
1 5 .id3 Wb6 1 6.dxc6?! bxc6 1 7 .ixf5 ixf5
1 8 .Wxd6 E!:fd8!t gives Black more than enough
compensation for the pawn.
a b c d e f g h
1 5 ... c!ll xe4 16.c!ll xe4
1 6.fxe4?! llJ d4+
In my opinion this is the tabiya of the
9.a4 variation. White now has several ways 1 6 ...ti'b6t!?
to continue: Bl) 1 2.exf5, B2) 1 2.i.d2 or 16 . . . llJ d4 1 7.ie3 if5 1 8 .id3 cxd5 1 9.cxd5
B3) 12.f3. Wb6 20. E!:f2 ixe4 2 1 .ixe4 E!:ac8= is a safe
course, when Black has little to worry about
Bl) 1 2.exf5 after doubling his rooks on the c-file.
Not the most critical, as it leads to a fluid position 17.@hl

in the centre. The inclusion of the moves a2-a4 1 7. c5!? dxc5 1 8 .ic4 cxd5 1 9.Wxd5t Wh8
and . . . a5 are not necessarily in White's favour, 20.Wxc5 Wxc5t 2 1 .l0xc5 b6 22.l0e4 h6
as the following analysis indicates. 23.Ei:d l llJ d4 24.llJd6 'tt> h 7= shouldn't concern
Black either, a sample line being: 25 .id5 E!:b8
26 .lOxcB E!:bxc8 27.ie4 l0b3 28 .Ei:b l l0c5+±
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a b c d e f g h
1
a b c d e f g h
12 ... tll xf5! 1 3.f3N
After 1 3 .f4?! exf4 1 4.ixf4 id4t 1 5 .Whl
l0e3+ Black is obviously better, as he gets the 17 ....td7
two bishops without conceding anything. This position has been given as unclear by
Chapter 2 - 9 . a4 31
Hort with the pawns standing o n a2 and a7. l 9 . .ic4 'tt> h 8 20.d6 the right continuation
Let us see if there can be any problems for is to prevent the bishop's intrusion on g5 by
Black in the present set-up. 20 . . . h6!, when play is likely to continue as
follows:
1 8.b3
1 8 .:B:a3!? cxd5!
18 ... lll d4 is good, but there is no reason to
delay taking on d5. After: 1 9.dxc6 Wxc6!?
( 1 9 ... ixc6 20.lll xd6 :B:ad8 2 1 .c5! Wxc5
22.ic4t id5 23 ..ixd5t Wxd5 24. lll e4 :B:c8
25 .ie3 :B:c6 26.:B:c3=/;!; could well be slightly
easier for White to play in practice.) 20.:B:c3
We? 2 1 .b3 ic6= I regard the ensuing
position as equal.
1 9.cxd5
1 9.Wxd5t?! is a tactical idea which turns
out to be insufficient for White: 1 9 . . . Wh8
20.lll g 5 (20.c5 ic6!) 20 . . . h6! 2 1 .lll e4
(2 1 .lll f7 t?! Wh7 22.lll xd6 Wxd6 23 .Wxd6
lll xd6 24.:B:d3 :B:f6 25.c5 ixa4 26.:B:xd6
[26.cxd6? ib5] 26 . . . :B:xd6 27.cxd6 :B:d8+ is
the line where the tactics rebound on him.)
21 . . . ic6+
1 8 ... cxd5
1 8 . . . 'tt> h 8!? is an interesting waiting move.
1 8 . . . lt:\ d4 1 9 .ig5 Wxb3 20.lll xd6 cxd5

2 1 .cxd5 e4 22.lll xe4 Wxd5= also looks fine for
Black.
19.cxd5
1 9.Wxd5t
The more tactical recapture. This is how play
might develop:
a b c d e f g h
1 9 . . . whs 20.ia3
1 9 . . . lll d4 20 . .ic4 20.c5?! ic6! 2 1 .cxb6 ixd5 22.ic4!? ic6!
20 . .ie3 ? Wxb2-+ 23.:B:d l (23.ia3 d5 24.ixf8 ixf8 25 .id3
20.:B:c3 ?! ixa4 dxe4 26.ixe4 lll d4+) 23 . . . d5! 24.ixd5
20 . . . :B:ac8 2 1 .b3 i5 :B:ad8 25 .ia3 .ixd5 26 . .ixf8 ixfB 27.:B:ac l
The rook is rather silly on a3, making the lll d4+
position at least equal for Black. 20 . . . ic6
20 . . . lll d4!?
1 8.c5!? is probably the most interesting 2 1 .Wd3 ixe4 22.fXe4 lll d4=
possibility at White's disposal. After 1 8 . . . dxc5 1 9 ... �facS
32 Rare Lines
The idea is to delay playing . . . tli d4 in order 22 �f5 23.Wi'gS @g7 24.£4 exf4 25.Wfxf4
to prevent ia3 due to . . . tlie3.
•••
Now Black i s fine after either of the two

following moves:
20 .ic4
•
Black still has to play carefully to equalize. 25 �ke8=

•••
Or 25 . . . ixa4 26.tlig5 id7 27.:!:'!:ae l h5

28 .'\Wd2 :B:ce8= .
B2) 1 2 .id2•
18 � i!•.i. J
T_'i ____v,� I
__��·
6
��,.,
-% •
�
. ,, �
- �r ��•••
� �
5 �% �8 �.f·-
%
%
4 v.8 �
� 8� ' 8 ��
2
3 ��% efm!a�w-0a�w-0
- """v, -0
� ��r�8 r81'
1 �� - -%� w� -1; -1- -
a b c d e f g h
2 I ..ixh6 This move immediately eyes the b4- and a5-
2 l .ia3 is answered strongly by 2 l . . .ixa4! squares, hoping to slow down Black's attack
22.Wld3 id7 23.g4 tli e3 24.ixd6 llixfl by refraining from an immediate f2-f3 . Black
25.ixf8 :B:xf8 26.:B:xfl if4+t. has a choice between B2 1 ) 12 �f6 and B22)
•••
1 2 fxe4N.
•••
2 1 . �xh6 22.Wfd2
••
22.g4!? :B:f4! with counterplay. B2 1 ) 12 �£6 1 3.f3!

•••
After 1 3.exf5? ! Black should prefer 13 . . . tlixf5!+

with a comfortable edge.
1 3 ... b6
Now White tried a new idea at the recent
Olympiad in Tromso:
14.�fl!?
Intending tlib5 and b2-b4.
Instead, 14.b4 axb4 1 5.tlixb4 id7 ( 1 5 . . . tlih5!?N
a b c d e f g h
is interesting) 1 6.tlid3 Wh8 1 7.a5
Chapter 2 - 9 . a4 33
15 ... tli c5 1 6.b4 axb4 17..ixb4 i.h6!=

The chances are level.
B22) 12 fxe4N
•••
a b c d e f g h
1 7 . . . :B:xa5 ! 1 8 .:B:xa5 bxa5 l 9.c5 Wa8 20.c6!

ic8 2 1 .ie3 (2 1 .Wa4 tli eg8!??) 2 1 . . .ia6
(2 1 . . . fxe4!?N 22.fxe4 llixe4 23.:B:xf8t ixf8
24.tlixe4 llixd5 25.tlixe5 lli xe3 26.Wd4 ig7
27.tlif7t Wg8 28.Wxe3 Wxc6� does not look
like a bad alternative) 22.Wd2 :B:b8 23.g4?
(23.:!:'!:al N ixd3 24.Wxd3�) 23 ... :!:'!:b3!+ was
already better for Black in Tosic - Markovic, A logical reaction, making it all the more
Cetinje 1 992. surprising that it has not been tested in
practice.
It is most likely that Black has nothing better
14 ... tli d7
13.tlixe4 tlif5 1 4.6
than this retreat, making it hard for White White does not seem to have anything better.
to make headway. Gajewski - Cheparinov,
Tromso (ol) 20 1 4, continued: 1 4 . . . f4? 1 5 .tlib5
g5 1 6 .b4 h5 1 7.h3 ih6 1 8 .bxa5 bxa5 1 9.c5
g4 20.fxg4 hxg4 2 1 .hxg4 With an advantage
for White, who went on to win a complicated
tactical struggle.
1 5.tlib5
1 5 .tlid3 lli f6 1 6.llif2= ( 1 6.Wc2 ia600)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
15.tlidfl tli c5?
a b c d e f g h
34 Rare Lines
Black has an excellent position with easy White achieves nothing by 1 4.b4 axb4
play. The exchange of dark-squared bishops via 1 5 .li:)xb4 li:) c5 1 6.'tt> h l ( 1 6.a5N :B:xa5 1 7.:B:xa5
h6 is lurking, and d4 is firmly in his hands. bxa5 1 8 .ixc5 axb4 l 9.ixb4 c5 20.ia3 is quite
level after either 20 . . . li:) g8!? or 20 . . . ih6!=)
B3) 12.f3 16 ... id?! 1 7.a5 fxe4!= as in Kapetanovic -
Bakic, Yugoslavia 1 992. For example: 1 8 .fxe4
( 1 8 .li:)xe4? li:)xe4 1 9. fxe4 bxa5+) 1 8 . . . :B:xfl t
1 9 .ixfl :B:xa5 20.:B:xa5 bxa5 2 l .ixc5 axb4
22.ixb4 Wb8 23.li:)b5 li:) g8!? (23 . . . ixb5N
24.cxb5 Wa7ft.) 24.Wf3 li:)f6=
Instead, 12 . . . li:) f6?! 1 3.c5!± looks dubious as

the inclusion of the moves a2-a4 and . . . a5 in
this case favours White.
1 2 .. . f4 is quite okay and has been our standard

way of treating the structure, when it arises Instead, the traditional method of attack by
via the move order 9.li:) e l li:) d? 1 0 . li:) d3 f5 1 4 . . .f4 1 5 .if2 h5?! 1 6.b4 axb4 1 7.Wxb4 g5?!
1 1 .£3 f4 1 2.a4 a5 . The reader is advised to ( 1 7 ... :B:a5;!; is the only move) fails to 1 8.a5 bxa5
study Chapter 3 (line A) of Mar del Plata I for 1 9.Wa3! ( 1 9.:B:xa5?? c5-+) 1 9 . . . :B:f6 20.c5 with
further explanations. a powerful initiative for White. For example:
13 ..ie3
This looks like the only reasonable alternative
to 1 3 . .id2!? which transposes to line B2 1 after
1 3 . . . li:) f6.
13 ... ci>h8!?
13 . . . li:)c5 is not out of the question.
1 4.Wbrn
Atalik's recommendation.
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 2 - 9 . a4 35
20 ... E!:g6? (20 ... l0xc5 2 1 .l0 xc5 dxc5 is Conclusion

pathetic, but forced) 2 l .cxd6 cxd6 22. llJ b5
llJ f8 23.l0 b2!!± Black has huge problems. In Chapter 2 we examined several positions
ansmg after the logical 9.a4. After
1 5 .tll b5 9 . . . a5 1 0. llJ e l l0 d7 Black will try to block
Too artificial is: l 5 .Wfa2 l0 c5 1 6.l0xc5 dxc5= the queenside and counterattack on the
other flank if possible, but there are several
15 ... tll f6! 1 6.tll fl tll d7 nuances that need to be mastered as White's
White can now take a draw with: play can be surprisingly quick. Particularly
�
venomous is the line 1 1 .l0d3 f5 1 2 .id2 llJ f6
8 .i �
- --- Y- �:fl/.�
�� ; � �
7 � V//.··- -·
1 3 .£3! b6 1 4 .llJf2!? when Black needs to be
�'SI� modest with 14 . . . llJ d?, keeping the position
!· ··�· ·�·
/
under control on the queenside, rather than
�
6
�tl'l zrmf•
going for the dubious plan of an immediate
s
4 zr� !� zr��
kingside attack. Unfortunately, in this
line it seems impossible to play for the win
�� ;'��
·
%
unless White presses too hard, but on the
� �- ��-'�'�
other hand the suggested course should offer
us sound equality. Perhaps a more accurate
�
�-- efv� ��r=----
way for White to reach the above position is
1
the immediate 1 2.£3; to avoid the possibility
a b c d e f g h
l 2.id2 fXe4 when we have more chances to
play for a win by simply placing our knights
17.tll d3 in good positions and hoping to accomplish
Alternatively, he can try 1 7 .b4 fXe4!? 1 8 .fXe4 our plan of exchanging dark-squared bishops
axb4 1 9.Wfxb4 l0 g8 20.a5 ixb5 2 1 .cxb5 E!:xa5 via h6.
the consequences of which are unclear, but I

22.E!:xa5 bxa5 23 .Wfxa5 ih6 24.ia? l0gf6� After 1 2.£3 b6 White may of course play
1 3 .id2!?, but also possible is 1 3 .ie3 which
believe Black to be at least equal. is the line closing the chapter. In that case,
after 13 . . . 'tt> h S!? 1 4.Wfb l ! ? ia6! Black seems to
be quite okay, but still has to acquiesce to a
draw after 1 5 .llJb5 llJ f6! 1 6.llJf2 llJd7 1 7.l0d3.
Therefore we may conclude that Black stands
overall quite well in this chapter, provided he is
ready to accept a drawish outcome.
Rare Lines
9.ig5
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tl:if3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5
7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7 9.i.g5
9 ... tl:i b5
A) 10.Y*i'd2?! 37
B) 10.g3!? h6 1 1 .i.d2 i.h3 1 2.gel f5 1 3 . tl:i b4! tl:J f6 1 4.exfS gxf5! 37
B l ) 1 5 .f4!?N 38
B2) 1 5.f3!? 39
B3) 1 5.Y*i'c l ! ? f4! 40
B3 1 ) 1 6.gxf4!? 40
B32) 1 6.Y*i'c2N 42
C) 1 0 . tl:i e l tl:i f4 1 1 .ti:i d3 tl:ixe2t 1 2.Y*i'xe2 h6! 43
44
C l ) 1 3.i.e3 43
C2) 1 3.i.d2
C2 1 ) 1 3 ... fS 45
C22) 1 3 ... g5!? 1 4.g4!? tl:i g6 46
C22 1 ) 1 5.f3 47
C222) 1 5 .a4 48
C223) 1 5. gaclN 48
C2 l ) after 22.ixc3 C22) note t o l 4.g4!? C222) after l 5 .a4
a b c d e f g h
22 . . . ltlxf4!N
Chapter 3 - 9 .ig5 37
l .d4 tli f6 2.c4 g6 3.tlic3 ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tlif3 left White under pressure i n Faldini - Cvitan,
0-0 6.ie2 e5 7.0-0 tli c6 8.d5 tli e7 9.ig5 Mendrisio 1 989, the first game in which
The so-called Odessa Variation. White's 1 0.'1Wd2 was employed.) 1 2 . . . fxe4 1 3 .li:)xe4
main idea is to exchange his dark-squared ixh6 1 4 .'\Wxh6 lt:)f5 1 5 .'\Wd2 b6= White has
bishop for the f6-knight before pursuing his more chances than he deserves.
standard queenside strategy, leaving Black with
a knight on e7 that is very hard to redeploy to 12.YlYxh6 tli f4t
a harmonious position. Black is already dictating events.
9 tli h5
••• 13.tliel c6! 14Jkrn
After the above introduction, our chosen 1 4 . li:) d3 li:)xe2t 1 5 .li:)xe2 b5+ is also better
reply needs no particular explanation; Black for Black, but White enjoys more chances than
prevents the exchange of his "good" knight in the game.
and prepares to invade on f4 according to
circumstance. Now White has A) I O.YlYd2?!,
B) 1 0.g3!? or C) 10.tli e l .
A) I O.YlYd2?!
This move strikes me as being too artificial.
10 £6 I l .ih6
•••
More critical is 1 l .ie3 f5 1 2.ig5 f4 1 3 .li:) e l

h 6 1 4 .ih4 li:) f6 ( 1 4 . . . if6!?N 1 5 .ixh5 ixh4
1 6.ie2 'tt> g7 1 7.li:)d3 li:) g8=) l 5.f3 g5 1 6 .if2
g4ft as in Plakhotnikov - Bolshunov, corr.
20 1 1 .
B) 1 0.g3!?
It is quite logical to keep the knight out of f4.

On the other hand, Black can now gain time
for his development by occupying h3 with his
bishop.
38 Rare Lines
White has a choice o f interesting moves here:

Bl) 1 5.f4!?N, B2) 1 5 .f3!? and B3) 1 5 .ygcl!?.
Bl) 1 5.f4!?N
1 6.fxe5
Creating a passed cl-pawn seems by far the
most sensible idea for White.
1 6.ie3 cxd5 1 7.cxd5 l0g4 1 8 .ixg4 ixg4

Black now stands well due to his control
over the light squares.
1 9.Wd2
l 9.Wb3?! e4! leaves Black at least equal, in
a b c d e f g h
view of the idea ... if6. For example:
22.ie3 b6 23.l:l:e2 ixe4 24.'1Wxe4 W/f5 a) 20.Wxb??! l:l:b8 2 1 .Wxa? l:l:xb2t is just
25.Wxf5 gxf5 26.l:l:d l @h7 27.f3 Wg6= Black bad for the first player.
Ki. Georgiev,
even went on to win by gradually outplaying b) 20.l:l:acl is strongly answered by 20 . . . if6!
his opponent in Nikcevic - 2 1 .l0g2 (2 1 .l0b5?! ixh4 22.gxh4 l0g6-+)
Cetinje 20 1 3 . 2 1 . . .Wa5+ and the d5-square is certainly
weak.
1 3. . .llJ f6 14.exf5 gxf5! c) 20.l0b5 a6 2 1 .l0d4 Wa5 ! 22.l0e6 Wxd5
I like this logical recapture. 23.lOxfB Wxb3 24.axb3 Wxf8 25 .h3 ixh3
26.l:l:ad l l:l:d8 27.ic5 l0 c8+ gives an edge for
14 . . . g5?! 1 5 .l0g6 l0xg6 1 6. fxg6 if5 1 7 .ie3;!; Black.
White seems to have a slight pull, for example:
17 . . . We8 1 8 .c5 ixg6 1 9.l:l:c l t
20.b4! ? b6 2 1 .ixe? Y!!x e7 22.d6 Y!!g5 23.llJd5

Wh7 24.:gcl requires examination too, but I
feel Black is fine.
a b c d e f g h
1 9 . . . :gf6!
A strong, multipurpose move, defending h6
and covering the g6- and d6-points.
20.:gac l l0 g6 2 1 .l0xg6 :gxg6?
a b c d e f g h
Black has no problems as all his pieces are
harmoniously placed.
20 ... b6 2 1 .d6 bxc5 22.dxe7 Y!fxe7 23.tlixf5!
16 ... dxe5 17.ie3 cxd5 1 8.cxd5 tlig4! Otherwise White would be worse.
23 ...gxf5 24.i.xg4 Lg4 25.Y!/xg4 Y!fe6

26.Y!fe4 Y!ffl 27.gfl gxfl t 28.gxfl. Y!fxa2
29.tlic3=
White has enough compensation for the
pawn and the game should end in a draw.
B2) 15.f3!?
White covers the weak light squares around his

king with this move, which has been employed
by Eingorn. This is how play might unfold:
a b c d e f g h
15 ... c6 16.i.e3 cxd5 17.cxd5
19.icS!
By far the most testing move.
After 1 9.ixg4? ixg4 Black takes over
the initiative, for example: 20.'\Wb3 Y!!d6!?,
with the idea 2 1 .Y!!x b?? :gfbg 22.llJb5 Y!!xd5
23. Y!!xe? (23 .Y!!x d5t l0xd5 24.llJd6 l0 xe3
25.:gxe3 if8!-+) 23 . . . :gxb5+.
19 .. J:kS! 20.tlia4!
White fights to keep the c4-square under
control, to add punch to a d5-d6 advance.
a b c d e f g h
40 Rare Lines
17 a6!?N
•••
I like this more than 17 .. . f4 1 8.if2 fxg3

l 9.hxg3 lLi h7 20.lLie4 lLi g5 as played in
Eingorn - Herzog, Vienna 1 994, when White
could have kept an edge by 2 1 .'Wd2N lLi xe4
22.fxe4;!;.
1s.Wd2
1 8 .Wb3 takes the queen far away from the
sensitive kingside area, and I think that by
simply playing 1 8 . . . :B:f7 Black gets a good
a b c d e f g h
game, a sample line being: l 9.a4 Wd7 20.i> h l
f4 2 1 .gxf4 exf4 22.ixf4 lLih5 23 .id2 lLif5
24.lLixf5 Wxf5 25.lLie4 :B:e8� 1 5 £4!
•••
Black must play incisively, otherwise

1 8 �kS!? 19J�acl
•••
White will carry out the abovementioned
In case of l 9.ixh6 ixh6 20.Wxh6 the plan, obtaining the better chances. The game
eloquent 20 . . . Wf7!� gives Black powerful continuation was B3 1) 1 6.gxf4!?, but B32)
compensation. 1 6.Wfc2N may be more testing.
B3 1 ) 16.gxf4!?
This was Legky - Mestel, Groningen 1 989,

and now Black should have equalized with the
correct:
a b c d e f g h
1 9 b5 20.a3 Wfd7ft
•••
Black does not seem to be any worse. The

d5-pawn is weak and this factor compensates
for the slight looseness of his kingside.
B3) 1 5.Wi'cl!? a b c d e f g h
1 6 lLif5!N 17.lLixf5
•••
A n interesting idea, devised by Legky. White l 7.lLig6 We8!-+

attacks h6 and prepares f2-f3 , then lLi c3-d l -f2,
trapping the h3-bishop. 17 .i.xf5 1 8.fxe5 tli g4
••
I will give some variations here to show how 34.°1We2 Wh4 3 5 .8 :B:hf7 36.:B:c3 :B:e7 37.Wf2
play may continue: :B:f4 3S .b3 :B:d4=
1 9.hg4 hg4 20.if4 dxe5! 2 1 . ..ti'e8

It looks most natural to transfer the queen
to g6, to add force to a potential push of the
h-pawn.
22.ti'c2! ti'h5 23.lll e4

23.:B:e3 M3 24.Wd3 :B:f7�
8
7
6
5
a b c d e f g h 4
2 1 .ig3 3
The most critical move according to the
computers. 2
1
f g h
The more practical 2 1 .ixe5!? ixe5 22.:B:xe5
Wh4 23.lll e4 :B:f7 24.Wel i8 is okay for Black
in spite of his two-pawn deficit, an important 23 .. J�f7!
line being: 25.:B:c l ! (25 .lll g3 Wxc4 26.:B:c l A double-edged position has been
Wg4 27.:B:eSt :B:xeS 2S.WxeSt fils 29.°1We6t reached, where Black seems to have enough
Wxe6 30.dxe6 :B:eS 3 1 .:B:xc7 :B:xe6�) 25 . . . °1Wh3 compensation for the pawn. The following
26.Wfl Wg4t 27.lll g3 lines indicate how he should proceed against
the various white options:
24.ti'b3
Striking against the deserted queenside, but
it shouldn't be too dangerous.
Alternatively, 24.c5! ? if3 25 .:B:e3 °1Wh3 26.:B:x8

:B:x8 27.:B:d l (27.d6 We6! 2S.:B:dl :B:f7 29.b4
ifs 30.°1Wd3 :B:dS=) 27 . . . Wg4 2S .°1We2 :B:f4
29.°1Wxg4 :B:xg4 30.8 :B:g6= should not worry
Black.
24.:B:e3
This looks most natural.
24 . . . :B:afB 25 .:B:ae l
42 Rare Lines
25.h4 l:l:f4!! 26.l:l:ae l Wg6 27.Wd3 M5 24 b6!

•••
28.i>h l l:l:g4 29.c5 '.t>h7� sees Black Simple and strong. The following computer
preparing to triple on the g-file, with assisted analysis revealed to me that Black is
excellent counter-chances. fine:
25 .c5 is again a good practical choice, yet
25 .Wd3 l:l:af8 26.l:l:e3 Wg6=

after 25 . . . M3 26.d6 cxd6 27.cxd6 Wh3 25.ge3
28.l:l:xf3 l:l:xf3 29.l:l:dl l:l:3f7= I don't see any
danger.
8
25.l:l:ac l l:l:af8 26.c5 Wh3=
7
• � �·
%�
%....
-,�-""'"�-�
I.f%�t�-� �..��
.....
25.c5 bxc5 (25 ... l:l:afB 26.l:l:e3 Wg6=) 26.l:l:ac l
�" �� !- �� \w
if3=
�
4 � !�� f�
25 gaf8 26.c5 YlYg6 27.gael .ih3
" ��• ��-----� ��-W·-�
•••
A key move, threatening . . . h5 .

3 ..
2 ��;�
�
v.n
. . . . . ?.,,,;
�z - ---Z.- ..�
- --\�·ef "" 28.i>hl bxc5! 29.YlYc4 .ig4 30.b3 h5 3 1 .h4
1 � u. g m
. .. .....
.ih6 32.i'.k3 i.£4 33.YlYxcS .if5 34.YlVc4 gg7

Black has strong counterplay against the
a b c d e f g h
white king. The engines offer a flat 0.00
25 . . . Wg6 26.Wc3 ih3! 27.i>h l h5! evaluation here and this should indeed be the
Black's play should be enough to guarantee case in view of the pending . . . Wg4.
a draw:
28.l:l:gl ig4 29.ixe5 B32) 1 6.YlYc2N YlYd7
The following line is simplest:
29 . . . ixe5
29 . . . l:l:e?!? could also be considered.
30.Wxe5 l:l:g7 3 1 .l:l:eg3 if3t 32.l:l: l g2 ixg2t
33.'.t>xg2 Wf7 34.f4 h4 3 5 .l:l:g5 l:l:xg5t
36.Wxg5t Wig? 37.i>f3 Wxg5 38.tlixg5 l:l:e8
39.tlie6 @f7 40.tlixc? l:l:e l =
1 6 . . . lli d? l 7.tlie4 lli f5 l 8.tlixf5 hf5 1 9 .id3

lli f6 is also possible, but looks a bit better for
White.
17.ti'd3 l I. .. tlixe2t 12.ti'xe2

With some vague ideas of ie2-d l -c2. It is apparent that Black has lost a lot of
time to get the light-squared bishop, and that
l 7.id3 c6!ft is a position with mutual his remaining knight on e7 is temporarily
chances. badly placed. The next moves are designed
to improve the knight and gain kingside
17 ... tlifS! space.
K � .i. i .. � • •
An important resource.
s �
rm,
.....�%m . . %--
..... %.. ,v,-
. ....�- r
,y,�
1 7 . . . fxg3 1 8 .Wfxg3!? ( 1 8.hxg3 lt:) f5 1 9.li:)xfS
ixf5 looks fine for the second player, who 7
can pull his bishop to h7 and contemplate a 6
5 "
�� ""'"�p ��-��
��c8� ��
push of the h-pawn at a later stage.) 1 8 . . . WhS
/� ��/i%��
1 9.Wh l :B:g8 20.:i:'!:gl;!; White looks better, as
� • 8�
f2-f4 is coming. 4�
3 � . kZ1ltJ• -
2
�� """- �•:= '"'
8� """-188�
1
a b c d e f g h
1 2 ... h6!
Attention! The rash 1 2 . . . f5?! allows White
to strike at the e5-square with 1 3 .f4!, leaving
Black with nothing better than: l 3 . . . h6
1 4.ixe7! ( 1 4.ih4?! exf4 l 5 .ixe7 Wfxe7
1 6.li:)xf4 id4t 1 7.Wh l Wfg700) 1 4 . . .Wfxe7
1 5 .fxe5 dxe5 The position is rated as equal by
computers, but I think after any of 1 6.c5N;!;,
1 6.a4N;!; and 1 6.:B:ae l N;!;, White has the easier
game. White even went on to win after 1 6. :B:f2
in Berchtold - Josse, email 2007 .
White can retreat with either Cl) 13.ie3 or

C) 1 0.tliel C2) 13.id2.
White does not weaken himself; the knight Cl) 13.ie3 f5! 14.f3
is heading towards d3, to initiate queenside
play or to support f2-f4, all according to 14.f4?! is logical, but yields no advantage in
circumstance. the present instance. In fact it is Black who
is slightly better after the typical response:
1 0 ... tlif4 1 1 .tlid3 14 . . .exf4 1 5 .li:)xf4 g5 1 6.li:)hS (After 1 6.li:)e6?!
Challenging the intruder and forcing ixe6 l 7.dxe6 f4+, Black's advantage is even
clarification. more glaring. If the bishop was on d2 this
44 Rare Lines
move would be met by g2-g3, undermining 17J�acl i.d7 1 8.�b4 g4! 19.@hl
Black's structure, while now Black manages to This was Sanna - Palladino, corr. 1 999, and
build up the desired formation with the gain now I prefer:
of an important tempo.) 1 6 . . . ie5+ The black
knight is about to find an excellent square
on g6.
14 £4•••
Time to expand. C2) 13.i.d2
Another idea is 14 . . . Wh?!?N 1 5 .c5 li:) g8!

.1 m..t� � - �
s �·0
• r�.••
�
z, , , z
redeploying the knight to f6, from where it can
�� .,%_
�-��z·,,//,(""'�%l'0
1 ��
6
support . . . g5-g4. After 1 6.a4 ( 1 6.cxd6 cxd6
� . 8'• �.,
z
5 .�
,,,,. ,,,,,,
1 7.Ei:ac l li:) f6 and Black looks at least equal)

1 6 . . . li:) f6 1 7.a5 a6! 1 8.cxd6 cxd6 1 9 .li:)f2
//, �7:�
8��
'
4 ��%.,,l�
id?? Black has a satisfactory position.
8 �-
��
14 . . . g5 is another example where Black keeps
�vr� �
3 � met:Jm -
2 8 �
the position fluid for the time being. After
1 . .. z., , ,,.%B"i� ... .

1 5 .c5 li:) g6 1 6.E!:fd l f4 ( 1 6 . . . li:) f4!?N may be ��Jr�,,,,.;�(0 ��P
,,
worth a try) 1 7.if2 g4! 1 8 .Wh l ( 1 8.fxg4N
a b c d e f g h
Wg5?) 1 8 . . . gxf3 1 9.gxf3 if6 20.E!:gl @h7
2 1 . a4 E!:g8 22.b4 ih3 23.c6 b6 24 . .ie l li:)h4
25.E!:xg8 Wxg8 26.ixh4 ixh4 27.Ei:g l Wf7 the The bishop retreats to a safer square where
players agreed a draw in Vaclav - Hasselmeyer, it cannot be hit by . . . f7-f5-f4, but where it has
corr. 20 1 1 . much less queenside ambition. Black of course
has plenty of kingside potential, the question
1 5 .i.fl g5 1 6.c5 �g6� being how to get the ball rolling. Both
Black has a good position with decent C2 1 ) 13 f5 and C22) 13 g5!? deserve
••• •••
attacking chances. attention.

C2 1 ) 13 ... fS 14.£4! exf4 1 8 .. .ih3!

1 5 .tlixf4 g5 1 6.tlih5! Initiating a forced sequence.
1 6.lll e6? ixe6 1 7.dxe6 f4 1 8 .g3 happened in The alternative is as follows:

Yermolinsky - Topalov, Hoogovens 1 999, and 1 8 . . . fXg3 1 9.l:l:xf8t Wxf8 20.lll b 5!
here Veselin should have followed the older 20.l:l:fl ih3 2 1 .l:l:xf8t l:l:xf8= was equal in
game Blees - Klarenbeek, Heraklion 1 993 Prakash - Konguvel, Nagpur 1 999.
with: 18 ... lll g6 1 9.gxf4 ixc3! 20.bxc3 gxf4+ 20 ... °1Wf2! 2 1 .°1Wxf2 ixf2
Black is clearly better. 2 1 . . .gxf2? 22.lll xd4 ih3 23.lll g3 l:l:f8
24.l:l:fl ± gave White a clear advantage in
the ending in Samraoui - Dullemond, corr.
2005.
a b c d e f g h
22.lll xc7! ih3 23.hxg3 l:l:f8!N

23 ... l:l:c8? was a bad choice in Lukacs -
Rajlich, Budapest 200 l , which White could
have best taken advantage of by: 24.lll bS!N
17.<>thl f4 1 8.g3! l:l:xc4 25 .ic3+-
A tense position is reached, that should 24.lll e6 l:l:f3 25 .ic3 ixg3 26. lll d4 l:l:d3
objectively peter out to a draw: 27.lll xg3 l:l:xg3 28.rii h 2 l:l:e3;!;
Leading to an ending that should probably
be drawn, but it is obvious that the onus is on
Black.
1 9.gxf4! ixfl 20J�xfl tli g6!

I do not trust 20 . . . Wd7 as played in
Degerman - Ziegler, Sweden 20 1 3, in view of:
2 1 .lll b 5N ixb2 22.l:l:g l �
21 .ygd3
2 1 .e5 gxf4 22.°1Wd3 °1Wg5 23.lll f6 t l:l:xf6
24.exf6 Wxf6 was agreed drawn in Jonckheere
- Bubir, corr. 2005 , in view of 25.lll e 2 ie5
46 Rare Lines
26.E!:gl 'tt> h 7 27.lll x f4 .ixf4 28 . .ixf4 Ei:f8= C22) 1 3 ... g5!?

when there i s not much play left i n the
position.
2 I . ...ixc3! 22 ..ixc3
14.g4!?
14.h4? g4!+
White had needlessly weakened his kingside
in Oll - Shirov, Tilburg 1 992. The game
continued:
1 5 .f4 gxf3 I 6.Wxf3 f5 1 7.Wh5
The Estonian grandmaster's prospects of
23.ti'd4 saving the game would have been grim had
The draw is more obvious after: 23.lll x f4 Alexei now chosen:
E!:xf4 24.E!:xf4 gxf4 25 JWd4 Wg5 26.WhSt @f7
27.Wh?t 'tt> e 8 28 ..ig? We7=
23 ...ti'e7 24.ti'hst
24.lt:\xf4? Wh7!!+ is suddenly much better
for Black.
24 ... @f7 25.ti'h7t @es 26..ig7! gds!

White has nothing better than to force a
draw with the following line:
21.tlixf4 gxf4 2s.gxf4 gxf4 29.ti'g6t ti'f7

30.ti'xh6 f3 3 1 .ti'hst @d7 32.ti'h3t @e7 1 7 .. . f4!N
33.ti'h4t @d7= Instead after 17 . . . E!:f6?! Lembit eventually
drew, as he didn't miss his chance to play
1 8 .g4!= at this point.
1 8 .Wf3
1 8 .lll e2 l::1 f6 1 9.lll exf4 exf4 20.lll xf4 Wf8!-+ C22 1) 1 5.f3
1 8 .g3 l::1 f6 !-+ with the idea 1 9.gxf4? l::1 g6t
20. i>h2 ig4 are two lines provided by Shirov. This is the simplest option for Black to handle.
1 8 . . . 'itih?! 1 9.g3 l::1 g 8 20.wh1 ih8 2 1 .l::1 g l
ig4--+
Black has a raging attack.
l 4.c5 dxc5!?
A non-standard treatment that works well
here.
Also possible of course is 14 .. .f5 1 5.8
lll g6Nft (improving on the immediate
1 5 .. .f4 in Prohaszka - Huschenbeth,
Pardubice 2009) and Black stands excellently
having secured his standard kingside play.
a b c d e f g h
1 5 .lll xc5 c6
1 5 . . . b6N 1 6. lll b 3 a5 1 7.a4 c6 1 8.dxc6 ie6
1 9.Wb5 lll xc6 20.Wxc6 l::1c8 2 1 .Wlb? ixb3 1 5 ... tll f4 1 6.tll xf4 exf4 17.tll dl!
22.ie3 is unclear. This seems to b e best for White, with the
l 6.l::1 fd 1 ! cxd5 1 7. lll x d5 lll x d5 l 8.exd5 b6 idea of exchanging Black's dark-squared bishop
l 9.lt:\a6!?N00 immediately via c3 .
The position holds chances for both sides.
Instead, l 9. lll e4?! f5 20.lll g3 Wd6 2 1 .Wc4 Instead, the slow 1 7 .l:l:fd 1 ? ! h5! 1 8 .h3 ie5
a5! 22.W c6 Wxc6 23.dxc6 ie6 24.ic3 was 1 9 .ie l '.t>g7 20.l:l:d3?! led to trouble after:
the continuation in Groszpeter - Hardicsay, 20 . . . l:l:h8 2 1 .lll d l hxg4 22. fxg4 A sad necessity.
Oberwart 1 993, and here Black could have (The alternative 22.hxg4? l:l:h3! 23.lll f2
secured an edge: l:l:g3t 24.wfl Wh8 25 .Wc2 Wh2 26.'itie2
l::1 g2 27.Wdl id?-+ is hopeless for White.)
22 ... Wf6 23 .ic3 id? 24. lt:\f2 l:l:ae8+ Black
won comfortably in Pelletier - Radjabov, Biel
2006.
8
7
6
a b c d e f g h
5
24 . . . @f7!N+
14 ... c!ll g6
2
White's options here are C22 1 ) 1 5.f3, 1
a b c d e f g h
C222) 15.a4 and C223) 1 5 .gaclN.
48 Rare Lines
17 ... c6!? 18.i.c3 cxd5 1 9.i.xg7 @xg7 16.f3 ti'e7 17.ti'fl h5!? 1 8.h3 tll f4 19.tll xf4
20.cxd5 i.d7 2 1 .tll fl gcs 22.ti'd2 ti'b6 gxf4!? 20.gfcl if6 2 1 .@fl @g7 22.@e2
23.gfel gc5 24.@g2 gfc8 25.gacl gxcl ghs 23.ghl i.d7 24.gagl i.h4 25.ti'fl
25 . . . ib5!?N could have secured a slight edge gh7 26.i.el hxg4 27.i.xh4 gxh4 28.hxg4
for Black. gahs 29.gxh4 ti'xh4 30.b3 gh7 3 1 .tll d l c6
A draw was a fair result, Yi-Yi Nikcevic -

32.tll c3 ti'ds 33.ti'fl ti'hs 34.gg2 c5=
26.gxcl gxcl 27.ti'xcl ti'd4 28.ti'c3 ti'xc3
The ending was balanced in 011 - Dolmatov,

29.bxc3 i.b5= Kotronias, Corfu 1 993.
Rostov-on-Don 1 993. C223) 1 5 .gaclN
C222) 1 5.a4 This position has been awarded a ';!;' from

Shirov, who gives 1 5 . . . lt:\f4 1 6.ixf4 exf4 1 7.8,
I have faced this move once in my own practice. with the idea b2-b4 and c4-c5 , as the way to
My answer was as follows: play for White. However, if Black parts with
his knight at the right moment he has nothing
to fear.
1 5 . . . lt:\ f4!?N may well be the best of them.

1 6.ixf4 ( 1 6.lt:\xf4 exf4 produces an inferior
version of the Oll - Dolmatov game as White
has spent a tempo on the rather useless Instead, l 5 . . . c5!?00 is worthy of examination,
a2-a4) 1 6 . . . exf4 1 7.8 id4t 1 8 .Wg2 h5 the idea being to start queenside activity by
l 9.h3 a6+ Black is at least equal, but I was . . . a6 and . . . b5 at some later stage.
probably afraid of something like 20.'\Wc2
'\Mff6 2 1 .lll e2 ie3 22.'\Mfc3 . However, Black The other possibility, namely 1 5 . . . lt:\f4
shouldn't be worried; after 22 . . . i>g7! he is l 6.ixf4 exf4, apparently falls into Shirov's
the one who can press in the ending, as every plans, although I am not sure it is White who
opening of the position favours him. benefits from this:
87 J� �· j-)°il- � ·· ·
Conclusion
"�
· ��
. . . � �
In Chapter 3 we examined the move 9.ig5 ,
�� . . . �� Hf""
6
�
the so-called Odessa Variation. I think Black's
�
"'" "'""
: �� !i!.!�
best reaction is the traditional 9 . . . lll h 5 leading
to lively positions with good chances on the
� .... . r.�
3
�� d""'"'� �� 0 ��-0
kingside. Control of the f4-square is of major
� �m�
- -
2
. "D�.!� . .
importance in this line and our thematic reply
[j t� •lit� � ensures either a weakness in the White camp,
or a gain of the bishop pair, which is quite a
b d f g h
.. ..
a c e success at such an early stage of the game.

1 7.@g2! ( 1 7.£3?! id4t 1 8 .'iii g2 h5 1 9.h3 'iii g7 My analysis indicated that Black stands quite
looks rather unpleasant for White.) 1 7 . . . id7 well in the complicated positions arising after
l 9 .h3 '\Mff6 20.£3 '\Ml g6 2 1 .'\Mf f2 c5! It looks to me

1 8 .Ei:h l ( 1 8 .b4?! a5t or 1 8 .c5 id4+) 1 8 . . . hS 1 0 .g3!? h6 1 l .id2 ih3 1 2.Ei:e l f5 1 3. lll h 4!
ll\ f6 1 4.exf5 gxf5!, even after Legky's 1 5 .'\Mf c l !?,
as though Black stands well, as he has enough planning the devilish f2-f3 and lll c3-d l -f2 to
space and two bishops, but the position is hit our bishop on h3 . We should react incisively
certainly quite complicated strategically. with 1 5 . . .f4!, obtaining fine compensation for
the pawn after 1 6.gxf4!? lt:\ f5!N, although it
1 6.b4 ti'e7� needs to be stressed that Black needs to do
Black is fine. One point to mention occurs some memorization work here. The reason is
after the following dubious reply by White: that the compensation is not as obvious at it
seems at first sight.
17.c5?! In the other line, namely 1 0 .lll e l lt:\ f4
17 .f3!? a5!?f! is okay for Black. 1 1 .lll d3 lll x e2t 1 2.'\M!xe2 h6!, Black stands
excellently too, as he is ready to launch his
attack without any material investments. After
1 3.id2 I'd rather choose 1 3 . . . g5 !? 1 4.g4!?
lll g6, which has the advantage of being both
good and easy to play; sooner or later Black
will jump to f4 with his knight, forcing White
to capture it and open up the g7-bishop, after
which the second player can hardly be worse.
Overall, a pleasant chapter for us, with a
bunch of positions where we can play for a
win, but there is apparently some need to
be accurately prepared against Legky's line
mentioned above.
9.�d2
a b c d e f g h
1 1.�a2 and 1 1.�bl

Variation Index
1 .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.� d2 a5 10.a3
1 0 ...J.d7
A) 1 1 .ga2 51
Al) 1 1 ... c5!? 51
Al l) 1 2.dxc6 52
Al2) 1 2 .b3 53
A2) 1 1 . ..a4! 53
B) 1 1 .gb l a4! 1 2 .b4 axb3 1 3.�xb3 b6 14.gal 55
B l ) 14 ... � e8!? 55
B2) 14 ... J.a4 58
A I ) after 1 1 . . .c S ! ? A2) after l 5 .id 3 B2) note to l 5 .'ll xa4

Chapter 4 - l 1 .Ela2 and 1 1 .Elb 1 51
1 .d4 tll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5 .tll f3 Al) 1 1 . .. c5!?

0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.tll d2
White plan in this line is to go for b2-b4 and This less committal move seeks to stifle the
c4-c5, hoping to place the d2-knight on c4 a2-rook by fighting to control the b4-square.
and apply strong pressure on d6. I think that White can in turn respond with Al l) 1 2.dxc6
Black's best reaction is a restriction strategy on or A12) 1 2.b3.
the queenside:
1 2.b4?! axb4 1 3.axb4 cxb4 1 4.E!:xa8 '1Wxa8
9 ... a5 1 0.a3 i.d7 1 5 . tli b 5 has, by some sort of miracle, scored
Black hopes to slow down White's offensive 212 in practice, but obviously the whole
as much as possible before proceeding with enterprise is j ust bad. Black has a very strong
his kingside counterattack. White now reply in:
8 ii' �. �. .,,J•��
traditionally continues with the preparations
7 � �-- ···· '··· ·

for b2-b4, as there is no other plan available.
� ·•-*-••lfi
We will first look at positions where White
6
ignores the positional threat . . . a4, trusting that
. �
the opening of lines he will gain in return (after
. . . a4, b2-b4 and . . . axb3) is more significant 5� �
��-07.�
-
�� lr.•.....
-- - ..7.� :�
��
3�
than the slight damage to his pawn structure. 4 �8• �
,J ··· - � � � �8• �
We will start our examination with the slightly
2 •
�� Z."/< ��-0 ��-0
odd A) 1 1 .ga2 before proceeding to the more
� � \.t � 8 �
natural B) 1 1 .gb l .
1 � dii� ·:= ....
a b c d e f g h
l l .b3 i s examined i n the next chapter.
1 5 . . . °1Wa2!N 1 6.tlixd6 ( 1 6.id3 ixb5 1 7.cxb5
A) 1 1 .ga2 E!:c8 1 8 .ib l '1Wa7+ leads to an unenviable
position for White as well.) 1 6 . . . ia4 1 7 .°IWe l
b3 l 8 .c5 b2 l 9.ic4 °1Wa3 20.ixb2 '1Wxb2
2 1 .°1We3 ic2!+ White has lost a piece for very
little. The sacrifice 22.tlixf7 hardly brings any
dividends after the cool:
52 9 . tli d2
22 . . . i>xf7!! 23.d6t '.t>e8 24.dxe7 i>xe7 25.c6

Wfd4 26.Wf a3t Wfd6 27.Wfb2 llixe4 Accurate
defence should win for Black.
picturesque miniature for Black in Flear M.
Gurevich, Tel Aviv 1 989.
-
tlixb4+ 23.tlic5? tli c2! 24.Wf dl tli e3 led to a
Al l) 1 2.dxc6 17... cxd.5
! �� f"'��
This has been played in a few old games, but
8
looks rather feeble with the rook on a2.
�� //,,,,,;_,,%�
7 . -.i.:li): i � i
6 iJt.
5 �� ,- �
4
� �l%
�_
& _
� �7:
_ r.F,/,� � � �
8 - . . ��
- ��
3
2
-%-/�;f��"//,�: �j,, �-�� 8 �-��
1 - ��:�vm1�-1 ----
a b c d e f g h
1 8.b5!N
This appears more logical than 1 8 .tli f3
e4! 1 9.tlie5 M5 20.tlib5 dxc4 2 1 .tlixc4 :B:d8
22.Wfb3 Wfb8! 23.tlie3 ie6+ as played in Kolev
- Neverov, Odessa 1 989, a game Black went
on to win. However, it has to be admitted that
. Black's advantage is rather infinitesimal at this
stage.
1 8 ... tli fS 19.gel

1 9 .c5 Wfa5 ! 20 ..ib2 Wfb4 2 1 .Wfb3 Wfxc5
22 . .ia3 fails to: 22 . . . Wfc8 23 . .ixf8 tli d4!+
19 ... gcs 20..ib2 .ie6 2 1 .i.6!

2 1 .c5?! d4!? 22.tlia4 Wfa5+± produces a
"jungle" position that is quite hard to evaluate,
but my feeling tells me Black shouldn't be any
worse in the forthcoming complications.
21 . .. tli d4 22.tlixd5 tlixf3t 23.tlixf3 tlixd5

24.cxd5 .ixd5=
Reaching a level position which should end
peacefully.
Chapter 4 - 1 l .E!:a2 and 1 1 .E!:b l 53
A12) 12.b3 1 8 .WbS Wxb8 1 9.:B:xb8 li:) f6 20.:B:b? :B:fa8

2 1 .li:)b5 .ih6ft is rather more pleasant to play
A logical and harmonious reaction, after which as Black.
both sides can be happy to some extent. White's
pawn structure has not worsened, but on the 1 8 ... � £6 1 9..id3
other hand it will be more time-consuming 1 9 .li:)g5 Wc8!= would not have given White
than usual to play b2-b4. Meanwhile, Black an advantage either.
will be preparing .. . f5 in the usual manner,
by dropping his knight to e8 and hoping 1 9 ...ti'a8!
that the slowing down of White's play will This accurate move was Black's choice in
offer him equal chances in the upcoming Kamsky - Shirov, Dos Hermanas 1 99 5 , with
fight. White responding in a logical manner:
20.gel
Now the most accurate continuation for
Black is as follows:
a b c d e f g h
12 ... �e8
Black is preparing to play . . . f5 under the best
a b c d e f g h
possible circumstances here, as with the White
rook on a2 instead of b l , b3-b4 will be delayed
by one move. 20 ... ga3N 2 1 .ti'c2 fxe4 22.�xe4 �f5
23.gb6 ti'a5! 24..ixa3 ti'xh6=
13.gb2 With complete equality.
There is nothing better.
A2) 1 1 . .. a4!
13 ... fS 1 4.b4 axb4 1 5.axb4 b6 1 6.bxc5 bxc5
17.ti'b3 ga6 This move is also good here, as the white rook
Black tries to stop the white queen from on a2 is a rather clumsy piece in the ensuing
arriving on b6. positions.
17 ... li:) f6N 1 8 .Wb6 Wb8!?= is quite okay for 1 2.b4 axb3 13.�xb3
Black too though.
1 8.�f3!
54 9 . tli d2
8 i. � � � -- �
. ��
7 � .'%'""'%�••
�I !:::
�f&y,�//, .&
• 0.
6 �--- - -%�A(""';_,,y,�
,
5 - - ---%� ·lr�----,,-
4
3
T��
'0
!�'8'
%' "//, ��-0
�
��
•
� j,, � -
'f '/ ,,.;� � 8�
�tiJ
2
�
I � �� 1-l{("if
a b
..
c d
,,,,,
e
Y,
f g h
1 5 ...ygeS!N
The strongest reply, the point being that
Black keeps the possibility of pulling the a4-
14.i.e3 bishop back to d7 in case of ic2.
1 4.tlixa4!?N E!:xa4 1 5 .8 can be answered Instead, after 1 5 . . . '\Mf d7!? l 6.h3 tlih5! l 7.ic2!
strongly by: .ixb3 1 8 . .ixb3 tli f4 1 9.ia4 Wfc8 an unclear
position was reached in Tamur - Spasov, Izmir
2003. White's bishop is apparently doing
nothing on a4, but in the game White found
some purpose for it by resorting to the double
edged: 20 . .ic6!? lli xc6 2 l .dxc6 tli e6 22.a4 f5
23.8 Wh8 (23 . . . E!:a5 !?) 24.a5! bxa5 25.'\Mf d5
White had some counterplay in return for
being a pawn down, and the game ended in a
draw after a long struggle.
b d f g h
1 6.i.c2
a c e
1 6.tlixa4 Wfxa4 1 7.8 tlih5 seems excellent
1 5 . . . tli d?! 1 6.c5 ( 1 6.Wfc2 b600) 1 6 . . . dxc5 for Black, who wants to play .. . f5 and then
l 7.ib5 E!:a8 1 8 ..ixd? Wfxd7 l 9.tlixc5 Wf d6 return with his knight to f6. In the meantime,
20 . .ie3 E!:fb8= With approximately equal White has no way to unblock the a3-pawn and
chances. However, this continuation appears is restricted to a passive role.
better for White than 14 . .ie3.
16 ... .td7! 17.f3 � h5�
14 ... b6! Black has everything under control here,
The situation has now stabilized on the and from a practical viewpoint this position
queenside, and White has to find a way to might be easier to play for a win than the one
unblock his a-pawn in order to challenge the Spasov got. In any case Black stands excellently
black pawn skeleton. after either queen move on his 1 5th, so White
should choose 1 4 .tlixa4!? as a means of
15 ..td3 avoiding drifting into a prospectless position.
Chapter 4 - l l .E:a2 and 1 1 .E:b 1 55
B) l l J�bl 13 ... b6 1 4.gal

White's plan is so time-consuming
This move has a major disadvantage; the rook that Black has more than one satisfactory
will soon have to return to the a-file in order continuation here. Bl) 14 ... tli eS!? merits
to reinforce an advance of the a-pawn, in the serious consideration, although our main
structure that arises after 1 l . ..a4 1 2.b4 axb3 option will be B2) 14 ... i.a4.
1 3.tlixb3 b6. I think that this fact alone is
enough to give Black an easy game, without Bl) 14 ... tli eS!? 15.a4 f5
problems.
Black is placing his bets on classical King's
8 Indian play, hoping that he will be fast
7
enough in creating pressure on the kingside.
An interesting fight is to be expected, as the
6 following analysis shows:
5
4
3
2
l l ... a4! 1 2.b4 axb3 1 3.tlixb3

The slightly unnatural 1 3 .:B:xb3 b6
1 4.a4 tli e8 ( 1 4 . . . i.h6!?N could we worth
a b c d e f g h
investigating further) 1 5 .:B:a3 f5 1 6.tlib3 tli f6
1 7.f3 transposes to the note to White's 1 7th
move in line B 1 below. 1 6.f3
Solidifying the centre.
1 6.a5
This direct move led to a level position in a
couple of games by Ulibin.
16 . . . bxa5 1 7 .tlixa5 tli f6 1 8.c5
It is already too late for 1 8.f3? in view of
1 8 . . . c6!+.
1 8 .i.g5 was tried in Ulibin - Nithander,
Stockholm 2008/9, and Black failed to find
the easy equalizer: 1 8 . . . tlixe4N 1 9 .tlixe4
fxe4 20.lli b? :B:xa l 2 1 .Wfxa l Wfe8 22.Wf a5
a b c d e f g h
lli f5 23 .Wfxc? Wf cB=
Y2-Y2 Ulibin - Smirin, Vienna 1 998. The

1 8 . . . tlixe4 1 9.tlixe4 fxe4 20.tlib?
56 9 . llJ d2
will check a couple of them:

draw agreement is quite justified in the final Black has some other interesting tries and we
position in view of:
20 . . .'IWbS 2 1 .:B:xa8 Wxa8 22.cxd6
22.c6 ic8+ l 7 . . . c5 has been the choice of Igor Nataf, a
22 . . . ia4 23 .Wd2 l0 f5 ! 24.dxc?! Wxb7 25 .d6 King's Indian connoisseur. After l 8.dxc6!
id? ixc6 1 9 .l0d2 ( 1 9 .Wb l !?N could be a better
White's passed pawns offer enough try) 1 9 . . . llJ cS 20.llJd5 (20.Wb3! ?Nt) 20 . . . llJ d?
compensation for the sacrificed piece, but no 2 1 .lO b l l0 c5 22.l0 bc3 Wd7 23.:B:a3 l0xa4
more than that, as they are well blockaded. 24.l0xa4 :B:xa4 25 .:B:b3 the players agreed a
draw in Gleizerov - Nataf, Montecatini Terme
Let us now focus on the most natural 1 6.8: 1 997, but it is obvious that White missed a few
chances for an advantage along the way.
16 ... llJf6 1 7.i.e3
White is finally threatening a4-a5 . 1 7 . . . 'itihs
This has been played by Inarkiev.
l 7.:B:a3 has also been tried, but looks a bit 1 8 .a5
irrational to me. After 17 . . . llJh5! 1 8 .ig5 Principled.
( 1 8 .a5 bxa5 1 9.c5 a4 20.l0d2 ih6! sets up the 1 8 . . . bxa5 1 9.c5
lovely idea: 2 1 .c6?? ie3t 22.'itih l f4!! 23.cxd? l 9.l0xa5 !? may have been a better choice,
l0 g3t 24.hxg3 l0 f5 ! 25.exf5 fxg3-+) but White found it difficult to resist the text
8
move.
76
1 9 . . . a4 20.llJd2 dxc5 2 1 .l0xa4?
An instructive error, completely missing
5
Black's reply.
2 1 .ixc5N l0 c8! 22.l0xa4! llJ d6 would have
been close to equal.
4 Now White was confronted with a shocker:
2 8 �" J� it � J:
76
.I
W,� ��. r,.
4 �-
n . . . . ,.�,.. .. .-
.JL ,gj:
�. � &
,, - ..
� � � .
.,
W.- A ?�
b d f g h
�8 �·�ef'·"" "-
5 � ��-ef.�.�?.� ��
.
�
- � "�
a c e
�. �
1 8 . . . llJ f4! l 9.Wd2 h6 20.ixf4 exf4 2 1 .l0b5 �
4
.
3 �� !�
ie5 22.id3 fxe4 23 .ixe4 llJ f5 24.ixf5 :B:xf5
25 .a5 ixb5 26.cxb5 We8+ Black was at least
slightly better and went on to win in Civitillo
2 � mt� !�.
- Robledo, corr. 2006.
r:·� �-� fm. .
a b c d e f g h
17 ... llJ hS!
In my opm1on the best move, and 2 1 . . . l0 exd5 !!+
unsurprisingly it has been tried in A brilliant sacrifice, giving Black a strong
correspondence chess. The idea is, of course, initiative. It obviously had an overpowering
to invade on f4 with the knight, trying to impact on White who collapsed in just a few
force the exchange of White's precious bishop. moves:
Chapter 4 - l l .E:a2 and 1 1 .E:b 1 57
22.exd5 l0xd5 23.l0c4? 19 ... gxal 20.llJxal cxb6

23 .ixc5 ixa4 24.l:l:xa4 l:l:xa4 25.ixf8 l0 c3 The computers originally rate White's position
26.ixg?t Wxg7 27.'IWe l l:l:a2 28 .ic4+ had as better due to his structural superiority, but it
to be preferred. seems that things are not so clear.
23 . . . l0xe3-+
White loses material and the game is 2 1 . llJ c2
practically over. 2 1 .°1Wd2?! ih6 22.wh 1 fxe4!+
24.l0xe3 e4 25.llJc4 ib5 26.l0 ab2 Wxd l
27.l:l:fxd l ixb2 28.llJxb2 ixe2 29.l:l:e l l:l:xa l 2 1 . ..i.h6! 22.i.fl
30.l:l:xal exf3 3 1 .'tt> f2 l:l:b8 In case of 22.l:l:e l , Black equalizes
Here White threw in the towel in M. comfortably by: 22 . . . l0xe2t 23.°1Wxe2 ixe3t
Gurevich - lnarkiev, Torrelavega 2007. A 24.'1Wxe3 We? 25.l0a3 l:l:a8 26.l0ab5 '1Wxc4
perfect example of Black's swindling chances 27.Wxb6 fxe4 28.fxe4 l:l:e8 29.l:l:b l l0 c8= Black
in the King's Indian, but I still prefer the has traded plenty of pieces and his remaining
objectively correct 1 7 . . . l0h5! over l 7 . . . 'tt> h 8. bishop is not bad. 30.°1We3 Wg7 3 1 .l0a3 Wa6
Wa4 36.'itih2 l:l:c7 37.Wf2 Wb5 38.llJe3 Yi-Yi

32.l0a2 l:l:e7 33.l0b4 °1Wa5 34.h3 ie8 3 5 . llJ c4
18.a5!
1 8 .g3 can be met by either 1 8 . . . llJ f600 with Lambert - Jordan, corr. 2009.
an unclear position, or the more concrete
1 8 . . .f4!? 1 9.if2 fxg3 20.hxg3 llJ f4! 2 1 .gxf4
exf4 22.l0d4 l0xd5 23.l0xd5 °1Wg5t= with a
perpetual check.
1 8 ... llJf4 19.axb6!

Things are easier for Black in case of l 9.°1Wd2
fxe4 20.fxe4 l0xe2t 2 1 .°1Wxe2 (2 1 .l0xe2 l:l:xfl t
22.l:l:xfl l0 c8 23.axb6 l0xb6=) 2 1 . . .bxa5
22.l0xa5 l:l:xfl t 23 .°IWxfl c6 24.llJb? l:l:xa l
25.l0xd8 l:l:xfl t 26.'tt> xfl cxd5 27.cxd5 if6=
with a clearly drawn ending.
23.i.xb6 gb8 24.i.e3 gb3!

Vodicka - Herzog, email 20 1 3 , was agreed
drawn at this point. There is still life left in the
position though, as the following line shows:
25.hf4 hf4 26.llJb5 ti'c8! 27.g3 i.h6

28.gfl
28.Wh l ixb5 29.cxb5 °1Wc3=
58 9 .lll d2
a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . '\M!xa4!N ( 1 6 . . . :B:xa4 1 7.'\Mfd3 i>h8 1 8 .id l

li:) eg8 1 9 .id2 was the game continuation,
when 19 ... li:) d7= still seems to keep it level.)
1 7.f3 :B:fe8 1 8.id3 li:) d7 1 9.'\M!c2 if6 20.ie3
ig7=
1 5 .id3 is easily dealt with by 1 5 ... '\M!e8= or

1 5 . . .ixb3 1 6.'\M!xb3 li:) d7ft .
B2) 1 4 ....ia4
1 5 .'\M!c2 is probably best met by:
�� -Jlit.,J•;�
This move is interesting as well, and produces
768 1
a positional struggle.
8 i. � \ ,, �· ��
�� -� ;• •J� i
··�
5 .•. . ,.�•
�· 1 . 4-----v.�&
��rJ,,-- �
7 � . -·�· P '8"--� - - - -�
6 �.,, . . - , � 4 f� !�� '8 ��
% ,
� ,,,, ; , �
3 -��
�� " !"�-0
s B "� zrS' �
.
2 ., ., ,.� -�f�
f
4 a ! �
�% '"//, � � �
•8'• �w0
� 1L �di
., � m �
�
�·----
1 �� · �
----- · ----
;
�/,-�
3 �ltJ� m b d f g h
2 m f� r�
a c e
.
%,,..% �
1 r, ,� ��:� �.,, . li:) c5 1 8.'\M!c2, as played in Moussa - Al

..
� ..
�v. ��-r{
,
,.
.
1 5 . . . li:) d?N ( 1 5 . . . ixb3 1 6.'\M!xb3 li:) d7 1 7.id2
�
a b c d e f g h
�� , ,
Modiahki, Doha 1 993, is also equal, and now
I think that the most accurate way of handling
:B:xfl t 2 1 .ixfl h5 22.ie2 i>h7= Planning to

1 5 .tll xa4 the position is: 1 8 .. . f5N 1 9.f3 fxe4 20.fxe4
A bishop is a bishop! It is only logical that
White takes immediately, to avoid the black exchange the dark-squared bishops via h6. If
queen landing on a4 later on. White evades the exchange by 23.ie3 ih6
After 1 5 .ig5 '\Mies 1 6.li:)xa4 as played in 24.if2 then 24 . . . li:) g8 gives Black a good game.)
Blees - Grivas, Xanthi 1 99 1 , Black is given 1 6.li:)xa4 :B:xa4 Black's plan is to follow up with
that chance, and he should grab it: . . . '\M!a8 and .. . f5 , maintaining good chances.
Chapter 4 - l 1 .Ela2 and 1 1 .Elb 1 59
Two games in my database transposed to this 1 5 .. J�xa4 1 6 . .id3

position, with Black scoring well. Solidifying the structure and preparing a
methodical unblocking of the a4-square.
In case of 1 5 .f3 Black has many moves of
approximately the same value, a recent example I also considered 1 6.Wd3N tli d7 1 7.id l f5
being: 1 5 . . . tli d7!? (The alternatives 1 5 .. .'1Wd7=, 1 8 .f3 :B:f7 1 9 .ic2 Wf8 20.id2 ih6 2 1 .ib4
15 ... We8= and 15 ... tlih5= all introduce a plan :B:a8 22.:B:fe 1 fXe4! (22 . . . if4 23.a4 h5 24.a5t)
involving both . . . Wd8-e8 [-d7] and . . . tli f6-h5, 23.fXe4 llif6 24.id l
which looks like the best idea to me. Black is
able to eye both sides of the board.) 1 6.tlixa4
Elxa4 l 7.id3 Wa8 l 8.We2 lvanchuk -
Morozevich, Thessaloniki 20 1 3 , and here best
seems:
a b c d e f g h
24 . . . tlih5! 25.g3 (25 .ixh5 gxh5+ gives the

remaining black knight a wonderful square
on g6) 25 . . . Wc8! 26.Wg2 Wd7 27.ie2 :B:af8
b d f g h
28.:B:fl :B:xfl 29.:B:xfl :B:xfl 30.Wxfl Wh3t
a c e
3 1 .Wgl lli f6= when clearly Black has no
1 8 . . . c6N 1 9 .:B:dl :B:c8? With an excellent problems.
position for Black.
1 6.f3N '\Wd7 1 7.Wd3 ( 1 7.id3 tlih5 1 8.g3 :B:fa8
Finally, l 5 .ie3 tlid7 1 6.tlixa4 :B:xa4 l 7.tlic5 1 9.We2 Wh3 20.ic2 :B:4a 7 2 l .ib2 ih6 22.:B:f2
�a7 1 8.tlid3 f5 f5 23.exf5 llixf5 24.ixf5 Wxf5=) l 7 ... tlih5!
1 8 .g3 5! 1 9 .id l llif6 20.tlid2 :B:aa8 2 1 .a4
ih6? With sufficient counterplay for Black.
a b c d e f g h
60 9 . tli d2
1 6 ... Wfas Conclusion

Perhaps better is 1 6 . . .'1Wd7!?N l 7.f3 ( 1 7.Ei:b l
E!:aa8 1 8 .'\We2 tlih5 1 9.g3 f5 20.exf5 llixf5 is Chapter 4 has been an introduction to the
excellent for the second player) l 7 . . . tlih5 important variation 9.tlid2. My suggested way
1 8.g3 f5? with a fully satisfactory position for of fighting this system involves the solid set-up
Black. arising after 9 . . . a5 1 0.a3 id7.
I could see nothing more natural than
17.�d2 � d7 1 8.�bl � c5 19.�c3 ga6 slowing White's queenside offensive first and
20.i.c2 <!ihs 2 1 .�b5 Wfds 22.i.b2 then developing a piece, and I am intuitively
22.ie3!N tli g8 23.'\Wd2 lli f6 24.ixc5 would inclined to describe the above recommendation
have been a better continuation for White, as the best way of meeting 9.tlid2. I have also
although Black is not in real danger after either played positions where I retreated my knight
recapture. to d7 and went for .. . f5 but I think they
?.I� Ii'.
are unnecessarily complex compared to my
8 � �z �·
suggestion here.
� �"/ z
�
m z
In the present chapter we paid attention to
v� • • � •
7��,ref" · " ;.-;% .,,4- - - - ·v.� ·� · - -
7 .
6 r-- - - %·-- - -- -,y,�
White's most direct attempts to push his pawn
Bt2S'• �
- lil "� ��
lrm
to b4 by either l l .E!:a2 or 1 1 .E!:b 1 . I think
s
��-,�,�
that in both cases Black does best to react
4
with l l . . .a4!, ensuring a weakening of the
3 �� w-0 lil w0
adversary's pawn skeleton and subsequently
� �v�- - ��
trying to freeze the weak pawns. In the first
case, after l l .Ei:a2 a4! 1 2.b4 axb3 1 3 .tlixb3
2
" - - - - %� ·0
Y.�
�.,tm
1 � �v- � r{ ""
�-�- - %(b:'
ia4! a harmonious blockade is achieved with
�
0----� the a2-rook looking clumsily placed. If White
a b c d e f g h
.....
does not take immediately on a4 then Black

may improve further his coordination by
22 ... fS 23.f4 fxe4 24.fxe5 �f5! 25.Wfe2 dxe5 placing his queen on e8, so I think that White's
26.i.xe4 � d4 27.gxffit Wfxffi 28.i.xd4 exd4 best should be 1 4.tlixa4!?N E!:xa4 1 5 .f3 tli d7!
29.gel gas+t l 6.c5 when, at least, he should be able to keep
In the second case Black should also be fine,

A complicated fight had arisen in Ftacnik equality.
- Kupreichik, Cuxhaven 1 992, with Black
finally emerging victorious. as can be seen from the typical line 1 1 .Ei:b 1 a4!
E!:xa4 l 6.id3 WI d7!? 1 7 .f3 tlih5 l 8.g3 f5? with

1 2.b4 axb3 1 3.tlixb3 b6 1 4.Ei:al ia4 1 5 .tlixa4
fine counterplay. I believe that the positions

examined in this chapter are easier to play with
Black because it requires a really great effort
by White to get his broken queenside pawns
going - if that can be ever achieved. In the
meantime we can organize our usual kingside
play which should suffice for full equality.
9.�d2
a b c d e f g h
1 1.b3
Variation Index
1 .d4 tl) f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl)c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tl)f3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5
7.0-0 tl) c6 8.d5 tl) e7 9.tl)d2 a5 1 0.a3 J.d7! 1 1 .b3
1 1 ... c6!
A) 1 2 .ga2 62
B) 1 2.gbl 65
Bl) 1 2 ...Y;Ybs 65
B2) 1 2 ... b5! 67
B21) 1 3.dxc6 67
B22) 1 3.b4! 69
C) 1 2.Y;Yc2 70
D) 1 2.J.b2 J.h6!? 71
DI) 1 3.dxc6 73
D2) 13.<ii h l 73
A) after l 2 .:i"!a2 822) after 1 5 .cxd5 D) note to 1 2 . . . ih6 ! ?

62 9 .lll d2
1 .d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.lll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 1 3 .a4!N;!; l:l:c8 1 4 . .ia3!
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.lll d2 Now White does not have to waste time
a5 1 0.a3 i.d7! 1 1 .b3 with l:l:c2.
Stopping Black's intended . . . a4, after 14 . . . c5 1 5 . .ic l ! lll e 8 1 6. lt:\ f3 .ixc l 1 7.Wxc l
which White would have to compromise White is playing for f2-f4, which will confine
his pawn structure in order to open lines on Black to a state of passivity.
the queenside. Other continuations were 1 7 . . . f6
examined in the previous chapter. l 7 . . .f5 l 8 .Wh6 lt:\ f6 l 9 .lll g5 looks awkward
severely hampering his movements.

for Black as the enemy queen and knight are
1 1 . .. c6!
I like this central approach here, through
which Black seeks queenside play himself. It 8
results in a complex strategic struggle with 7
chances for both sides. White's four main
6
5
options are A) 12J�a2, B) 12J�b l , C) 12.ygc2
and D) 12.i.h2.
A) 1 2.ga2 3
White wants to place his rook on c2, to stabilize
2
the c3-knight and coordinate his forces in the
a b c d e f g h
best possible way.
1 8 .lll e l !
Preparing to drop the bishop back to d 1 and
carry out f2-f4.
1 8 .Wh6 g5 ! is unclear.
1 8 . . . g5
After l 8 .. . f5 l 9.f4! exf4 20.Wxf4± White's
advantage is more than obvious.
1 9 .lll c2! lll g6 20.lll e3 lll g7 2 1 ..ig4!
Exchanging this bishop leaves Black with
weaknesses on the light squares.
2 1 . . .f5 22.exf5 lll xf5 23 . .ixf5 .ixf5 24.lll xf5
l:l:xf5 25.lll e4 We? 26.g3 l:l:cf8 27.Wd l
Black may have averted f2-f4, but his
position has been rendered static and the
weakness of the d6-pawn is glaring. White
is spoilt for choice here, and he could even
consider a transfer of his king to the queenside
before trying to open lines in the critical
1 2 . . . .ih6?! sector. The moral of the story is that Black
A move that is often played in these should avoid a blocking of the centre with
. . . c5 if he cannot achieve a successful .. . f5 .
work so well in view of:
positions, but in the present case it does not
B y the term "successful" , I mean a n . . . f5 that
Chapter 5 - l l .b3 63
White will not be able to meet with f2-f4,

8
opening up the game for his better developed
7
6
pieces.
1 3.�k2 5
White does best to centralize his rook.
After 1 3 . a4 tlie8! 1 4.:B:c2 (1 4.ia3 c5 is equal,

as Black will follow up with . . . f5) 14 . . . f5=
Black reaches the dream position with full
equality. a b c d e f g h
1 5 . . . lli c?!
1 3 ... � eS! Black is now ideally placed to carry out . . . f5 .
Paving the way for the f-pawn and l 6.tlib5
reinforcing the sensitive d6-square. In case of 1 6. tli e l f5 1 7.exf5!? (l 7.tlid3
tli a6!=) 1 7 . . . gxf5 ( 1 7 . . . tlixf5=) 1 8 .ig5
( 1 8.tlid3 tli g6+) 1 8 . . . if6 1 9.ixf6 :B:xf6
20.f4 e4 2 1 .g3 Wf8 22.tlig2 :B:h6 23.tlie3
Wig? 24.Wd2 tlie8 25.:B:el lli f6 26.ifl
'tt> h 8= play looks balanced.
1 6 . . . tlixb5 1 7.axb5 Wh8=
Black stands absolutely fine.
14 . .id3 is strongly met by 14 .. . f5!, as 1 5 .c5 ?

( l 5.dxc6 bxc6+± is excellent for Black)
is now simply a blunder on account of:
1 5 . . . cxd5 1 6.cxd6 llixd6 17.tlixd5 llixd5
a b c d e f g h
l 8.exd5 e4+ With a huge advantage for the
second player.
14.dxc6
The critical move, but Black is still fine. Finally, l 4.b4 is not worrying, in view of
White hopes that, with Black's control over d5 1 4 . . . cxd5 1 5 .cxd5 axb4 1 6.axb4 f5 . I think
reduced, he has chances for b3-b4-b5 , creating that only Black can be better in the ensuing
an outside passer. However, we will see this struggle, for example: l 7.b5 (1 7 .tlic4 fxe4!
plan can be countered effectively. exploits the fact White cannot recapture
on e4 in view of . . . ia4.) 1 7 . . . ih6! 1 8.:!:'!:e l
A completely different approach is: ( l 8.tlic4?! hc l 1 9.:!:'!:xc l fxe4 20.tlixe4
14.a4 c5 .ixb5+, or 1 8 . .ia3 ?! Wa5t) 1 8 . . . 'tt> g ? 1 9. tli c4
14 .. . f5 l 5 .c5 ! cxd5 1 6.cxd6 tli c6 l 7.tlixd5 hc l 20.:!:'!:xc l fxe4 2 1 .tlixe4 lli f5 Black has an
llixd6 l 8.ia3 ie6 might be possible too. excellent position.
1 5 .tlif3
l 5 .id3 f5 = is not a problem for Black. 14 ... bxc6 1 5.b4!
The logical follow-up to White's previous
move.
64 9 . ltJ d2
Also possible is l 5 . li:) f3 f5 1 6.li:)g5!?, with the 1 5 ... axb4!

following choice for Black: This is superior to 1 5 . . . li:) f6?!, when Black's
idea is to postpone taking on b4 so as to
a) White's idea is seen after the obvious 1 6 . . . h6 deprive White of the ia3 resource. However,
1 7.c5!. Still, after 1 7 . . . d5 1 8 .exd5 hxg5 1 9.d6 as we shall see, the creation of a protected
if6 20.ic4t Wg7 2 1 .dxe7 Wxe7 passed pawn is a clear achievement for White,
so he should seize his chance by playing:
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
22. li:) a4! Ei:d8 23.li:) b6! (23.Ei:d2 li:) c7 24.E!:d6
li:)b5 25 .ib2 ic8 26.ixb5 cxb5 27. li:) c3 1 6.b5! ie6 1 7.Ei:e l ! ( 1 7.a4 d5 1 8 .cxd5 cxd5
E!:xd6 28.cxd6 Wd7 29.li:)d5 Wxd6 30.li:)xf6 1 9.li:)xd5 li:) exd5 20.exd5 li:)xd5 2 I .li:)e4 We7
Wxd l 3 1 .Ei:xd l Wxf6 32.E!:d5 b4= is balanced) 22.E!:xc8 E!:xc8 23.We l li:) b4+ is a bit better for
23 . . . ie6 24.We l ! li:) c7 25 .Wxa5 e400 it is not Black.) 17 . . . cxb5 1 8 .cxb5 Wb6 l 9.ib2;!;/= The
certain that he has an advantage as Black's position is a bit better for White, and Black
active pieces compensate for the pawn. must play "difficult" moves to have chances of
holding.
b) 1 6 . . . fxe4 This looks simplest, intending
. . . li:) e7-f5-d4. White has to play 1 7.g4! h6 1 6.axb4 tlif6 17.tlib3
1 8 .li:)gxe4 ie6+± entering a very complicated It turns out that 1 7.ia3 does not represent
position where Black's chances are by no a threat for Black. After 1 7 . . . E!:aS 1 8 .Ei:a2
means inferior. ie6 l 9.b5 cxb5 20.li:)xb5 li:) c6 2 1 .Ei:c2 li:) d4
22.hd6 li:)xc2 23 .Wxc2 E!:e8= the game is
approximately balanced, as White has just
enough compensation for the exchange.
17 ...i.e6 1 8.ga2
This looks to be the more challenging of
White's responses.
After 1 8.ig5 h6 1 9.ixf6 ixf6 20.Ei:d2 Wb6!

2 1 .b5 cxb5 22.E!:xd6 Wb8 23.c5 (23 .Ei:xe6 fxe6
24.li:)xb5 E!:fd8 25.Wcl Wb7!+±) 23 . . . E!:fdS
24.li:)xb5 li:) c6 25.E!:xdSt li:)xd8= the game is
level as Black will regain his pawn.
Chapter 5 - l l . b3 65
18 ...ti'c7 19 ..ie3 ga8 20. ti' al gxa2 2 1 .ti'xa2 B) 12.gbl

gb8 22.b5
22.Wa4 d5 leads to easy equality for Black. Preparing b3-b4, but Black has his own ideas
on the b-file: Bl) 12 ... ti'bS or B2) 12 ... b5!.
More complicated is: 22.Wa3 d5! 23.exd5
cxd5 24. lll c5 d4 25.lll b 5 l:l:xb5 26.lll xe6 fxe6 Bl) 12 ...ti'bS
30.l:l:cl MB 3 1 .W c8 We? 32 . .ic4 '.t>g7 33 ..ixd5

27.cxb5 dxe3 28 .Wxe3 tt:l ed5 29.Wc5 '\Wd8
Hoping to carry out . . . b5 under even better
lll xd5 34.Wb8 Wg5 Once again, Black should circumstances.
have no problem drawing. For example:
a b c d e f g h
3 5 .l:l:fl tt:i f4 36.g3 cj{gs 37.b6 lll h3 t 38.i>g2

tt:l f4t 39.i>h l Wg4 40.£3 Wh3 4 1 .l:l:gl tt:l d3
42.l:l:g2 lll e l 43.l:l:f2 lll d3 =
One possibility worth mentioning is the

logical 1 3 .b4. Then Black should proceed with
the cautious 1 3 . . . l:l:c8!, after which White has
simply nothing. The following variations are
the proof:
a b c d e f g h
22 ... cxb5 23.tlixb5 ti'c6 24.ti'a7 tli d7
25.tll d2 tli c8 26.ti'c7 ti'xc7 27.tlixc7 tli c5=
Black has stabilized the situation on the
queenside, and the expected result is a draw.
a b c d e f g h
66 9 . llJ d2
1 4 .ib2 ( 1 4.dxc6 l0xc6+ is good for Black, answered as follows: 14 . . . axb4 1 5 .:B:xb4 c5
while 14.bxa5 :B:xa5 1 5 .'\Wb3 cxd5 1 6.exd5 1 6.:B:b6 f5 l 7.Wb3 :B:a7 1 8.Wb 1 llJ f6? In
:B:a7= is j ust level.) 14 . . . axb4 1 5 .axb4 cxd5 my opinion, Black's chances on the kingside
1 6.cxd5 b5 1 7.id3 Wb6 1 8 .l0b3 ih6? Black are more realistic than White's chances on the
had an excellent position and went on to win other wing.
in Nemet - Gallagher, Zurich 1 995.
e) Finally, I looked at 1 4.ib2. I consider
l 3.a4N i s suggested b y the engines, but I that Black has a good answer in 14 . . . Wd8,
think that after 1 3 . . . l0 e8 White has failed to planning to meet l 5 .id3 {intending l0 e2 and
make any significant gains over the similar line f2-f4) with the timely 1 5 . . . f5! In that case, I
White anything on this occasion:

arising after l 2.:!:'!:a2. Rash attempts won't offer cannot see the slightest trace of an advantage
for White.
We will now turn our attention back to the

move I chose as my main line after 12 . . . Wb8,
namely l 3.dxc6:
13 ... bxc6 14.b4 axb4 1 5.axb4 d5 16.tlia4?

White had to play 1 6.b5!N d4 1 7.bxc6
Wd8 1 8 .cxd? dxc3 1 9 .l0b3 which seems to
maintain level chances after 1 9 . . . :!:'!:a2 20.:!:'!:a l !
:B:xa l 2 1 .lOxal Wxd7= (or 2 1 . . .Wc7=) .
a b c d e f g h
Instead, in the game under examination he
a) 1 4.c5?! cxd5! l 5.exd5 dxc5 1 6.l0c4 is clearly chose the ill-fated text move, going quickly
not good for White after either 1 6 . . . b6+ or downhill after:
1 6 . . . llJ d6! 1 7.llJb6 if5!+.
b) 1 4 .ia3?! c5 White merely helps his

opponent carry out his plan of blocking the
queenside and playing for . . . f5 .
c) Trying to redeploy the knight by 1 4 . llJ B

surely merits White's consideration. I suggest
that Black again goes for the blockade with
14 . . . c5! when, once more, I cannot see how
White can break through. After 1 5 .llJb5
( 1 5 .llJ e l f5= with the idea 1 6.exf5 gxf5 l 7.f4
e400) 1 5 . . . Wd8 1 6.id3 f5! there is simply no
point in entering to g5 with the knight, in
view of: l 7.l0g5 h6 l 8 . l0 e6 ixe6 l 9.dxe6 f4!
The pawn on e6 will soon disappear.
20.f3?! exf3 2 1 .tll xf3 gal 22.YlYel tli d7!

d) l 4.b4 is an attempt to make something
out of the rook on the b-file, which can be
23.YlYfl gal 24.lll xd7 i.xd7 25.lll xh4 i.e6 On the contrary, after 1 3 . . . cxd5 1 4.exd5 ,
26.YlVe3 gd8 27.i.b2 f6?! the correct 1 4 . . . .if5! ( 1 4 . . . lll exd5 ? 1 5 .lll x d5
27 .. .'\1*'c7N-+ was actually much better, lll x d5 1 6.lll e4t should be avoided) 1 5 .lll c4! ?
taking the sting out of b4-b5 . ( 1 5 .l:l:b2 lll fxd5t) 1 5 . . . .ixb l 1 6.lll xb l lll exd5
l 7 ..if3 e4 l 8 ..ixe4 lll xe4 l 9.V/Jxd5 lt:\ f6
28.gal? 20.V/Jxd6 V/Jxd6 2 1 .lll x d6 a4!+ looks at least
28.b5!N had to be played at all costs, giving slightly better for him.
White chances to resist after 28 . . . cxb5 29.l:l:xb5
V/Jc7 30.V/Jb3+. B2 1) 1 3.dxc6
28 ... gxal t 29.i.xal g5 30.lll f3 lll f5 This is of course the most natural reply, but
3 1 .YlYe4?? Black is by no means worse after it.
A horrible blunder, but White would not
have held out much longer even after the
forced 3 1 .V/Jf2, in view of 3 1 . . .c5!+. Then
32.V/Jxc5 lll g3 gives Black an irresistible attack
3 1 . ..YlYa7t
0-1
Lutsko - Fedorov, Minsk 2008.
B2) 12 ... b5!
s .i B S � ·q
�� 'S. . ,,%f"'1""'��-�� a b c d e f g h
?
6
�� -j}��zlJ.11£
, • �
-�-.·�!. . "�
B i lf� •
'8 . . ;-
1 3 ... b4!
5� % . The point of Black's conception; the pressure
4 . 'lr•
!'t!J �. �.
against e4 ensures him of at least an equal
game.
;/, , , , , %�
3 rfj �%'-� �%'-�
2 - m �lf� 8 lf�
',. , , , , : .,,,
,, /, 14.lll d5
!�VRfm. .
1 4.cxd7 bxc3 1 5 .lll f3 lll xe4 is the main
1 � tactical j ustification of Black's play. After
a b c d e f g h
1 6 .V/Jd3 f5N l 7.lll g5 lll x g5 1 8 . .ixg5 V/Jxd7t
he holds the initiative.
Although the alternative above is perfectly
playable for Black, my personal preference is 1 4.c7 V/Jxc7 l 5 .lll d5 lll exd5 l 6.cxd5 a4!?+ gave
for this clean, active move. Now B2 1 ) 1 3.dxc6 Black all the pressure in Grigore - Nevednichy,
is natural, though the most critical possibility Romania 1 99 5 .
seems to be B22) 1 3.b4!.
1 4 .lll b5 i s another continuation that fails to
l 3.cxb5?! merely leads to a complicated make an impact on Black's position; however
position which is not at all worse for Black it may well be White's best option.
68 9 . tli d2
z ��• -••
7 � nJ.. • • w� ,
1 9 .id3 li:) c5 20.ib l + was called for, although
s White's position remains difficult.) l 7 . . . exf4
6 �� - �-""''rif�
5 . � . . 7.-L. :�
1 8 .ixg7 'tt> xg7 1 9.l:l:xf4 This was the game
Ftacnik - Gadjily, Moscow (ol) 1 994.
. 7..f� -87.� ��
.
4
�•
.
3 ??.�. . . �87.·�7.'�-
. ..
2 7.• �j,_� �
"//, ��- 0 �-�
f:j �.
i-•� ·:m . .
a b c d e f g h
After 1 4 . . . ixc6 1 5 .if3! ( 1 5 .Wc2 d5!! 1 6.exd5

li:) fxd5 looks risky for White) l 5 . . . Wb8 1 6.a4
li:) d7 1 7.l:l:e l li:) c5 1 8 . li:) fl l:l:d8 the position
b d f g h
was equal according to Vigorito in Grigore a c e
- Jo. Baron Rodriguez, Benasque 1 999, an
assessment that is hard to challenge. The The continuation l 9 . . . li:)c5!? ( l 9 . . . ixd5!N
fantastic knight on c5 presses both b3 and e4, 20.exd5 li:) ce5+ looks even more depressing
giving Black sufficient compensation for his from White's point of view) 20.li:)fl ? Wg5
weakness on d6. made things even worse for Ftacnik and was
equivalent to positional capitulation. Black
Finally, the insertion of the moves l 4.axb4 went on to win against his famous opponent.
axb4 does not seem to improve White's chances
in any of the above lines. 15 ....ixf6 1 6.tll f3 V!fe7 17.a4?!
After this Black is going to be better.
1 7.l:l:al !N is the only move, when White has
chances to keep the balance.
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
14 ... c!ll xc6 1 5 .tll xf6t
The alternative 1 5 .ib2 ie6 1 6.l:l:a l li:) d7
led to a difficult position for White after the
incorrect l 7.f4? !. It seems suicidal to exchange 17... c!ll dS!
dark-squared bishops with c5 firmly in Now the knight is again on its way to c5,
Black's hands. ( 1 7.axb4 axb4 1 8.l:l:xa8 Wxa8 and White's position slowly disintegrates.
Chapter 5 - 1 l . b3 69
18.i.h6 ge8 19.ygd2 i.c6 20.i.d3 GM Chuchelov has proven that after
It is incredibly hard to defend such a position 1 4 . . . bxc4 1 5 . li:)xc4 cxd5 1 6.exd5 if5 1 7.:B:b3
for White, as there is hardly a way to stir up the position can become dangerous for Black
any counterplay. in view of the passed b-pawn. Vigorito's
li:) e4 l 9.li:)xe4 ixe4 20.ia3 :B:xfl t 2 1 .ixfl t

suggestion of 1 7 . . . li:) e4!? ( 1 7 . . . :B:al 1 8.'\Wd2!
20 ... tll e6 2 1 .i.e3 ygb7 22.gfel i.d8! 23.i.c2
i.b6 24.i.xb6 ygxb6 25.gbdl was better for White in Chuchelov - Filipek,
25 .'\Wxd6 :B:ad8 26.'\Wxe5 li:) d4+ Leuven 1 999, as the exchanges had rendered
the b-pawn unstoppable) is best answered by:
a b c d e f g h
1 8 .b5!N (Praxis has seen only 1 8 .li:)aS, as in

Chuchelov - Jens, Netherlands 2000, and it is
here where Black can indeed be fine. Vigorito
proposes 1 8 . . . '\Wc8 as an improvement over
existing theory, with the assessment that Black
stands well.) White is pressing quite a lot and
B22) 1 3.b4! axb4 14.axb4 I consider the position difficult for Black, for
example: 1 8 . . . li:)xc3 1 9.:B:xc3 ie4 20.ig5! f6
2 1 .ic l li:)xd5 (2 1 . . .ixd5 22.ia3±) 22.:B:b3
li:)b6 23.li:)xd6 id5
14 ... cxd5!? 24.ie3!t

70 9 .lll d2
1 5.cxd5 17 ... Wi'b6 1 8.Wfd2 gfc8 19.i.d3 <!ig7=

Here I found an interesting new idea for With equality, though the position is by no
Black: means drawn at this stage.
C) 12.Wfc2
This developing move has been tried in

correspondence chess, but I don't think it fits
into White's plans. After all, what is the queen
doing on a file that is about to be opened for
the black rook?
a b c d e f g h
1 5 ...i.h6!?N
Instead, l 5 . . . Wb6 1 6.:B:b2! h5 1 7.li:)db l ! :B:fb8
1 8 .ie3 Wd8 1 9.8 li:) h7 20.Wd2 f5 2 1 .:!:'!:a2t
saw White organize successful pressure against
the b5-pawn in Tratar - Sedlak, Bled 2008.
I6.li:)b3
1 6.:B:b3 Wb6 1 7.li:)db l ixc l 1 8 .'IWxc l li:) e8=
looks okay for Black, who can prepare ... f5
while defending himself successfully on b5.
1 6 ...i.xcl 17.gxcl The less incisive 1 2 . . . Wc7 1 3 .'1Wd3 :B:fc8

1 7.'IWxc l :B:c8! 1 8 .'1We3 :B:xc3 1 9.'1Wxc3 li:)xe4 1 4 .ib2 ih6 1 5 .dxc6 bxc6 allowed White to
20.Wf3 lt:) g5 2 1 .'1Wf6 li:) e4= obtain some sort of a game with the following
inspired sequence: 1 6.c5! d5
a b c d e f g h
1 7.f4!! exf4 1 8 .l0a4 ig7 l 9 .llJb6 :B:ab8 1 8.tll xa5

20.lOxcB ixc8 2 1 .:!'l:ac l This was Cordoba - 1 8 .llJxc5 :B:xc5 l 9.bxc5 llJ c@ gives Black
Winkler, corr. 2007, although even here Black dangerous compensation.
managed to hold rather easily after 2 1 . . . .ie6
22.exd5 l0 exd5 23.llJc4 if5 24.Wd l :B:d8
25 .We l :B:e8! 26.llJ d6 :B:e7 27.llJxf5 gxf5+± as
his tremendous piece activity made up for his
horrible pawn structure.
13.dxc6
There seems to be no advantage for White;
by taking on c6 he tries to shield himself
against potential tactics along the c-file.
1 3.Wd3 would now be met by: 1 3 . . . cxd5

1 4.cxd5 :B:xc3! 1 5 .Wxc3 llJ fxd5 1 6.exd5
( 1 6.Wc2 llJ f4 1 7.llJf3 l0xe2t 1 8.Wxe2 d5
1 9 . .ib2 d4 20.a4 l0 c6 2 1 ..ia3 :B:e8 22. l0 d2
We?� gives Black strong compensation as he
can place his bishops on e6 and h6, pressing
his opponent.) 1 6 . . . e4 1 7.Wc2 ixa l 1 8 .l0xe4
ie5 1 9 . .ih6 :B:e8 20.ig5 Wb6 2 1 .l0f6t
.ixf6 22 . .ixf6 l0xd5 23 . .ial llJ f4 24.if3 D) 12.i.h2
Wc5 25 .Wb2 We5 26.Wd2 Wg5 27.Wc3 f6=
However, this is probably White's best course. This move bears the approval of players such as
Kramnik and Sakaev, so it cannot be bad. The
After 1 3.dxc6, a likely continuation is: idea, besides protecting the a 1 -rook in order to
enable b2-b4, is to organize kingside pressure
by putting the bishop on d3 and trying to play
f2-f4 - but Black can surely prevent this.
a b c d e f g h
13 ... bxc6 1 4.b4 d5 15.tll b 3 c!llxe4! 1 6.c!ll xe4
dxe4 17.g4 c5!!
Freeing the c6-square for use by the knight.
72 9 . ltJ d2
12 ....ih6!? 1 3 . . . dxc5! 1 4 . llJ c4 cxd5 1 5 .exd5 e4! 1 6 .l0a4?!

It makes sense to put the bishop on the h6- ( 1 6.d6 llJ f5 1 7.l0a4 ixa4 1 8 .bxa4 l:l:a6 1 9.l:l:b l
cl diagonal, trying to impede White's intended ig7 20.Vfid2+ would have kept White's
course of action. Ideally, Black would now like disadvantage to a minimum.) 1 6 . . . l0 exd5
to block the centre by . . . c5 and carry out an 1 7 .l0xc5 ic6 1 8 .Vfid4 llJ f4 1 9.Vfixd8 l0xe2t
advance of his own f-pawn to f5, taking the 20.'tt> h l l:l:fxd8 2 1 .ixf6 Black had achieved a
sting out of White's f2-f4 idea. sizeable plus in Jannsen - Nijboer, Netherlands
1 999, which he could have best maintained
An immediate 1 2 . . . c5 ?! does not look so good with the accurate:
in view of: 1 3 .l0b5 l0 e8 1 4.b4!? (the slower
1 4 .ic3 is also possible) 1 4 . . . axb4 1 5 .axb4
l:l:xa l 1 6.'IWxa l ih6
a b c d e f g h
2 1 . . .l:l:d5!N 22.l0xe4 l:l:b5!+
1 3.b4 allows Black an easy game, although

probably no advantage. The correct reaction is:
sacrificed piece. 2 1 . Vf1 a3 (2 1 .ia3 Vf1 a5! 22. Vfib2

20.c5 f6 White has strong pressure for the 13 . . . axb4 1 4.axb4 l:l:xa l 1 5 .ixa l cxd5 1 6.exd5
b5! 23.l:l:b l !? [23.c6 ic3! 24.Vfib3 b4 25.ic l

l0xd6 26.cxd? l:l:f7!= was equal in Ulibin -
Galkin, Elista 1 996.] 23 . . . l0xd6 24.cxd6 l:l:a8
25 .h3;!; is no picnic either, although Black
should probably hold.) 2 1 . ..l0xd6 22.cxd6
Vfib6 23.l:l:b l f5 24.exf5 ixf5 25.l:l:fl e4
26.ie5 e3 27.f3 ib4 28 .Vfib2 ic5 29.Vfixb6
ixb6 30.l:l:al l:l:e8 3 1 .if4;!; White had the
better ending in Hefka - Ollmann, corr.
2007, but Black's resourceful defence held the
a b c d e f g h
draw.
1 6 . . . Vfib6! 1 7.llJde4 llJxe4 1 8 .l0xe4 if5 1 9 .c5!
The final split of the chapter will see us examine Vfixb4 20.l0xd6 Vfixc5 2 1 .ixe5 ic2 22.Vfid4
D l ) 13.dxc6 and D2) 13.@h l . Vfixd5 23 .Vfixd5 llJxd5 24.if3 A draw was
agreed in Arlandi - Gelfand, Leon 200 l , as the
1 3 .c5?! i s a dubious sacrifice that has been entire queenside had disappeared.
dealt with convincingly by Friso Nijboer:
D I ) 13.dxc6 2 1 .Wxd4 ig7 22.Wd l l:l:fd8 23.id4 lll e 8

24.lt:\xe8 .ixe8 25 .l:l:b l ie5 26.b4 .ia4 27.Wd2
With this logical move, White seeks to Wf6 28 . .ixe5 Wxe5+! is another typical line,
unbalance the structure. Now all three illustrating how unclear this position is.
s K � S ��- �
recaptures are possible, but my preference is
for:
7 ��t--,�� r
s K � �· ?. ��- �
·� t- ,�� ' - 6 �� ,�-,, · '·
5 �,,,,,%
p �%1'0 �% -�------� ,,,,,
7 ��
�
6 • �ow
'%.r�- - - ;�� ,��%
,,,,,%__��_ _ _ _ _,_
�
__ if� · 7:-%
� �----% � m
4
.�
5 - � �
� �
3 � 8 �__ met:J•
?},1'0 ��
��8 �
,,,
4
% "'//,
'• '•
� �r• #�
"----"dY,,, ;_ fDr�
2
� !m ��
3 �.-� �
�%1'0 �%1'0
/, ;
2
1 �m-----Y-� Vmrm- - -
a b c d e f g h
,,,,, - - - - - % '"//,
� m.t,� 8 r�
1 t�- --- -%� vmr�-;f-- -
a b c d e f g h
1 5 ...ti'c7!?N
I prefer this to 1 5 . . . dxe4 1 6. lll x e5 .ie6
1 3 ... bxc6!? 1 7 .ic4, which was the line of play chosen in
1 3 . . . ixc6 1 4.id3 turned out a bit better for Smuts - Tarrio Ocana, corr. 20 1 0. Here I think
White after 1 4 . . . lll d7 1 5 . lll f3 f5 1 6.b4! axb4 that 17 . . . Wxd l N 1 8 .l:l:axd l l:l:ab8= would have
1 7.axb4 l:l:xa l 1 8 ..ixa l lt:\ f6 1 9.l:l:e l;!; in Lahno kept things under control for Black.
- Ju, Jermuk 20 1 2.
1 4 . . . Wb6!?, stopping b3-b4 ideas 1 6.exd5 cxd5 17.tlia4 ixa4 18.i.xe5 ti'xc5
permanently, looks better. The continuation 1 9.hf6 i.d7 20.i.d4 ti'd6=
1 5 .lll f3 l:l:fd8 1 6.l:l:e l l:l:ac8 1 7 .Wc2 .id7 With a balanced game, where both sides still
1 8 .l:l:ad l .ie6 l 9. lll b 5!? ( 1 9 . .ie2 lll d7+± would have chances.
have also been unclear) l 9 . . . .ig4 20 ..ic l
ixf3 2 l .gxf3 .ixc l 22.Wxc l d5 23.exd5 D2) 1 3.<!ihl c5
lll fxd5 24.l:l:xe5 Wf6 25 .l:l:e4 lll c7 26.lll xc7
l:l:xc7 27.ic2 lll c6 28.l:l:xd8t lll x d8 29.Wd2 The time has come to block the position. Now
lll e 6+! saw a wild fight peter out to equality in all Black needs is to move the f6-knight to e8
Carbajal - De Souza, corr. 2008, a game that and carry out a successful . . . 5, and he will
was ultimately drawn. have at least equal chances.
14.c5! d5 14.i.d3
The position is rather wild, and Black has 1 4.Wc2 lll e 8 1 5 .lll b 5 f5 1 6 . .id3 fxe4=
good chances to play for a win. was agreed drawn at this point in Sakaev -
Amonatov, Dagomys 2009. Indeed, Black
1 5 .tlif3 has succeeded in thoroughly equalizing, and
l 5.exd5 cxd5 1 6.lll b 5 lll c6 1 7. lll f3 l:l:b8 a possible continuation would have been
1 8 .lll d6 We7 1 9 .l:l:e l e4 20.lll d4 lll xd4 1 7.lll xe4 lt:\5 1 8 .b4 axb4 1 9.axb4 l:l:xa l
74 9 . tl:i d2
20.:B:xa l cxb4 2 1 .c5 ixb5 22.ixb5 li:) d4

23.ixd4 exd4 when the silicon entities show
us the sign 0.00.
14.li:)f3
Preparing to challenge the h6-bishop, in
order to exchange it and carry out f2-f4 at
a later stage.
s a� � �•
7
��r�!!J;l�'ef--
�r--,v.� ,
- - -. T�-0
5
6
!!Jf% """!!J;l'if "'"'� ""'
� �· 8 � •
4 ,,�, 0, f,� �8f. � '8f.� ��
%'"//,
� � � � �
3
r- �
�f - � 8 m •tLi•
----·"w.�_ ,. � �-0
y
2
1 '/,� 1� 1-�
a b c d e f g h
1 4 . . . li:)h5!
1 4 ... li:)e8 1 5 .ic l ixcl 1 6.Wfxc l was a bit
better for White in Beliavsky - Erdogdu,
Budva 2009, and is exactly the type of
position we are trying to avoid.
1 5 .g3
1 5 .li:) e l li:) f4 1 6.if3 f5 1 7.ic l appears
more critical, yet after 1 7 . . . Wg? 1 8 .g3 li:) h3
1 9.ixh6t i>xh6 20.ig2 f4 2 1 .li:)d3 Wg7 it
seems that White cannot exploit the curious
position of the h3-knight.
1 5 . . .f5 1 6.li:)h4
1 6.exf5?! li:) xf5 1 7 .g4? li:) d4 1 8.gxh5 li:)xe2
wins for Black.
1 6 . . . li:) f6 1 7.8 fxe4 1 8.fxe4 ih3
1 8 . . . ie3!N looks even better.
1 9 .li:)g2 '\Mid? 20.ic l ixc l 2 1 .Wfxc l :B:f7
22.Wfd2 :B:af8 23.'.t>gl Wg7 24.:B:f2 li:) eg8
25 .:B:afl li:)h6+
Black had a fine position and it was White
who was struggling to draw in Zhao Xue - Ju
Wenjun, China 2008.
After 14.id3 Black should proceed as follows:

Conclusion 1 5.b4! axb4! 1 6.axb4 ll'i f6 1 7.ll'i b3 ie6 with

double-edged play as the reader can confirm
In Chapter 5 we continued our examination by consulting the relevant section. Another
of 9.ll'i d2 a5 1 0.a3 id?! by looking at the move that we studied was 1 2.E!:b l when the
critical line l l .b3. In this way, White avoids a direct 12 . . . b5! gives Black excellent play, even
weakening of his pawn structure but accepts a after White's best reaction of 1 3 .b4! axb4
time loss in carrying out the advance b4. l 4.axb4. In that case my recommendation is
Under Yannis' influence I became a fan of to go for 1 4 . . . cxd5!? 1 5.cxd5 ih6!? 1 6.ll'i b3
l l ... c6!, which, to be honest, I had not looked hc l 1 7.Ei:xcl which is quite principled, as the
at before. This move is positionally well exchange of dark-squared bishops generally
founded as it opens up the c-file to exploit the favours Black in this type of structure.
slight weakening of the c3-square and possibly 12.�c2 is another move we looked at for
generate play by ... b5 later on. However, the sake of completeness but obviously Black
playing on the side where the opponent is stands fine after the natural 1 2 ... E!:cS!, as the
strong is never easy, so we had to cover several line 1 3 .dxc6 bxc6 1 4 .b4 d5 1 5 .ll'i b3 ll'ixe4!
important details to make sure this particular 1 6.ll'ixe4 dxe4 l 7.g4 c5!! verifies.
move worked here. Finally, 12 .ib2 ih6!? is not better for
A quite logical continuation for White White after either 1 3.dxc6 bxc6!? 1 4.c5! d5
is 1 2.E!:a2 to place the rook on c2, but then with a complicated game, or 1 3 .Wh l c5 when
12 . . . E!:cS!N 1 3 .E!:c2 ll'ie8! is excellent for Black, it is too hard for White to carry out f2-f4.
after 9 . tl'i d2.

who is ready for both open and blocked Consequently, Black maintains equal chances
positions. A typical line runs 1 4.dxc6 bxc6
Bayonet Rarities
a b c d e f g h
10.�d2
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl:if3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5
7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7 9.b4 tl:i b5 lO.ti:id2
10 ... tl:i f4
A) 1 1 .i.f3 77
Al) 1 1 . . . ti:i d3!? 77
A2) 1 1 . . . fS 78
B) 1 1 .ti:i b3!? 79
C) 1 1 .a4 f5 12 .i.f3 g5 1 3.exfS ti:ixfS 14.g3! tl:i b3t!? 1 5 .<ii g2 �d7! 81
C l ) 16. ti:ib3?! 83
C2) 16.i.e4!? 85
A2) after l 3 . exf5 B) after 14.g4!? C2) after 1 8 .%\!d 3

Chapter 6 - 1 0 .ltJd2 77
1 .d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.lll c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.lll f3 This may easily transpose to a popular line
0-0 6 .ie2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.b4
• from a later chapter, but it can also lead to
An interesting move, which demands exact independent territory. Black now has a choice
play on Black's part. Its clear-cut aim is to between Al) l 1 . lll d 3!? and A2) l 1 . " f5 .
••
organize the thematic advance c4-c5 , followed

by lll f3 -d2-c4 to apply pressure on d6. In the A l ) l l . . .lll d3!? 12..ia3 a5
9.lll d2 variation Black can slow down White's
queenside offensive by . . . a5, but here more
refined methods are required as the above
mentioned advance would be rather playing
into White's hands.
9 lll h 5
•••
It is logical for Black to try to exploit the

weakness of the f4-square and at the same time
open the way for an advance of his f-pawn.
10.lll d2
The aim of this move is to generate play
quickly on the queenside by c4-c5 and lll c 4.
There is, however, an obvious disadvantage in This continuation occurred in the game
that the black knight can now invade f4 with Anand - Gelfand, Dortmund 1 997.
gain of time.
1 3.bxa5 gxa5 14.lll b 5 .id7!? 1 5 .lll b3 ga4
1 0 lll f4
•••
White can now play A) l l ..if3, B) 1 1 .lll b3!?

or C) l l .a4.
A) l l ..if3
78 Bayonet Rarities
1 6 ....ixbS 17.tlid2!? 1 9 . . . lll xd5 ! (Boris analysed only 1 9 . . . Wa8

Or 1 7. cxb5 :B:xa3 and now: 20.ib4 lll c800 with an unclear position.)
20.exd5 e4 2 1 .lll xe4 ixa l 22.cxd6 cxd6
a) 1 8.'1Wc4?! ih6! (I don't like 1 8 . . . c5 ?! 23.lll x d6 Wb8!+ I cannot see any serious
1 9.dxc6! [ 1 9.bxc6 bxc6 20.dxc6 Wb6= is equal compensation for the lost exchange.
according to Anand] 1 9 . . . bxc6 20.Wb4! Wa8
[20 . . . :B:a8 2 1 .a4±] 2 1 .°1Wxd6 :B:e8 22.ie2!t A2) 1 1 . .. £5
when White maintains annoying pressure.)
1 9 . Wb4 W a8+ The resulting position may well The standard attacking gesture.
be slightly better for Black.
b) Correct seems 1 8 .:!:'!:fc l ! ? ih6 1 9.:!:'!:c2 '1Wd7

20.Wc4 :B:c8= with equality, as each side has
a backward pawn that hinders their progress.
Instead, 1 2.c5 g5ft is dealt with under 1 O.c5

and is a direct transposition to variation C of
Chapter 9.
After 1 2.a4 g5 we reach a position examined i n

line C of this chapter.
Finally, 1 2.°1Wb3 g500 yields Black good

attacking chances.
1 2 ... gS!?
Black continues with the standard attacking
method, intending to gain space by playing
. . . g4.
b d f g h
13.exf5
a c e
Chapter 6 - 1 0.tll d2 79
1 8 ..ixh??! allows 18 ... llJf5 1 9.ixf5 ixf5

20.llJe4 We8+ and White is already much
worse.
After 13 . . .ixf5 l 4.ie4 W d7 1 5 .f3;!; White had

a tiny edge that he eventually converted into a
full point in Malmstroem - De Sa Nobrega,
corr. 2000.
14.g3
After l 4.ie4 g4!00 Black successfully contests
the light squares on the kingside, obtaining B) 1 1 .tll b3!?
good counterplay. For example, l 5 . l0 e2 Wh4
1 6.:B:b l l0xe2t 1 7.Wxe2 id? and the second This move has only been tried in a few games.
player does not seem to be any worse, as he is Best seems to be:
ready to double rooks on the f-file with good
control of the position.
14 ... tll h3t 1 5 .ci>g2 tll h6!

A key move, controlling the all-important
g4-square.
16.i.e4 g4 17.ygc2
1 7. W d3 should similarly be answered by
1 7 . . . @h8!00, for example: 1 8 . .id2 °1We8!ft
Black prepares a transfer of the queen to h5
with an attack.
17 ... @hS! 1 8.f3!

White should play this freeing move to avoid
falling under a dangerous kingside attack.
80 B ayonet Rarities
with .. .f4, no matter if White plays f2-f3 This was Malmstroem - Eilering, corr.
immediately or delays it. 2007, and here Black has a choice between the
traditionally good 1 8 . . . l:l:f7N00 and the subtle
1 8 . . . b6!?Nf!, giving his light-squared bishop
extra possibilities on the a6-fl diagonal.
1 3 £4 1 4.g4!?
•••
8 5��- - j��- '

- - �-z.�-:
7 z,,,,% ,Y.�
6
WA
� �
5 � � zrm ,,� ·
-
,,,,, ,,,,,, ,
4 ��
, 8-
� 8�- �8 lj'�h
a b c d e f g h
� l25� �� zra
'"" '//
3
1 3.f3
21 !B" d. �
"'" �� -r,/� ""%
u mg=
'0
The idea of this move is to stop Black's
kingside storm by answering . . . f4 with g2-g4.
-�
a b c d e f g h
1 3 .c5 f4 14.8 g5
Black has launched his intended attack, 1 4 g5!N
•••
reaching a position with interesting chances I prefer to recommend the blocked position
for both sides. here. With the f4-pawn cramping the c l
1 5 .ib2 bishop and good prospects o n the light squares,
1 5 .ia3 lll g6 1 6 .l:l:ac l h5 1 7.cxd6 ( 1 7.lll a 5 I don't believe Black can be in any way worse.
g4 1 8 .'tt> h l lll h4+!) 17 . . . cxd6 1 8 .l:l:c2
( 1 8. lll b 5? l:l:f7 1 9 .'1Wc2?? Wb6t-+) 1 8 . . . g4!-+ Also possible is:
l 9.lll b 5? gxf3 20.gxf3 ih3 2 1 .l:l:fc l lll h4-+ 14 . . . fxg3 1 5 .hxg3 h6 16 .ie3 g5
was already lost for White in Baumann -
Repkova, Manila (ol) 1 992.
a b c d e f g h
1 7.°1Wh2!
a b c d e f g h
Black gets excellent compensation for his
1 5 . . . lll g6 1 6.l:l:ac l h5 1 7.Wf2 g4 1 8 .Wh l pawn after: 1 7.c5 ih3 1 8 .l:l:f2 g4 1 9.fxg4
Chapter 6 - 1 0. t'Li d2 81
�xf2 20.ixf2 '\Mid? 2 1 .g5 � f8 22.ie3 ig4

23.Wfh2 hxg5 24.�c l ! (24.hg5?! �8
25.�cl ih3! 26.t'Lid2 �d3 27. t'Li d l (27.ixe7
Wf g4+) 27 . . . Wfg4 28 .ih4 ih6 29.lll f2 ie3t)
24 . . . �f7 25.ixg5 if8!�
1 7 . . . id? 1 8 .a4!
1 8 .c5 Wfe8 1 9.�ac l Wfg6 looks quite okay
for Black.
19.ci>el hxg4 20.hxg4 gh7 2 1 .ci>d2 a5!ft

a b c d e f g h A strong move, blasting open the queenside.
Black has at least equal chances in the ensuing
1 8 . . . c6! ?N?
struggle.
This yields an unclear posltlon. Instead,
1 8 . . . Wfe8 ?! 1 9.lll b5!N (improving on an
C) 1 1 .a4
immediate 1 9.c5 in Solmundarson -Jorgensen,
corr. 1 993) 1 9 . . . Wf g6 20.lll d2! (20.lll xc7 �ac8
Normally White employs this move order so
2 1 .lll e6 ixe6 22.dxe6 �xc400 is fine for Black)
as to deprive Black of the possibility to play
20 . . . c6! 2 1 .lll xa?;!; is not something I would
1 1 .M3 lll d3!? 1 2.ia3 a5 . Indeed, the c l
suggest to the readers, as White's extra pawn
bishop now has an extra square to develop to,
gives him a slight advantage with no risk
while in some cases the queen's rook may use
involved.
a3 or a2 to offer protection to his kingside.
1 5.i.a3 lll g6 1 6.c5 h5 17.h3 gf7
The standard method for Black, preparing to
defend both d6 and c7 in an economical way.
1 8.ci>fl!?
The kingwill be safer away from the kingside.
1 8 .lll a5 dxc5 !? 1 9.bxc5 hxg4 20.hxg4 if8?,

intending ... �h7 and/or ... b6, leads to a
tense position where Black is by no means
worse.
1 1 . .. fS Quite playable is 1 2 . . . id7. For example:

There is no particular reason for avoiding an 1 3 .li:)b3 g5! 1 4.exf5 ( 1 4.h3 li:) eg6-t) 14 . . . e4
early . . . li:)xe2t , but the text is also satisfactory. 1 5. li:)xe4 ixa l 1 6.li:)xal li:)xf5 1 7.g3 li:)h3t
1 8 .Wg2 ( 1 8.Wh l !?N with an unclear position
12 ..if3 looks better.) 1 8 . . . We7! 1 9.:B:e l Wg7 20.li:)b3
White decides it's time to preserve this li:) h4t!! 2 1 .gxh4 g4 22.ie2 :B:ae8 23 . .id3 ifs+
bishop. Black went on to win an excellent game in
Kuzenkov - Semenyuk, corr. 2002.
1 2.c5 g5 ! 1 3 . li:)c4
1 3 .ex5? ! li:)xf5 1 4.li:)de4 li:)d4t is clearly 1 3.exfS tll xf5
better for Black in view of his powerful A complicated posmon has arisen, with
knights. Black enjoying attacking chances in return for
1 3 . . . li:) eg6! his positional disadvantage.
Black obtains a fine attacking position. For
example: 14.g3!
1 4.cxd6 Evicting the black knight from its
l 4.exf5 ixf5t tremendously active outpost.
1 4 . . . cxd6 1 5 .b5
1 5 .li:)b5 :B:f6 1 6.exf5 ix5t looks tremendous 1 4 . li:) de4? is bad on account of 14 . . . li:)h4+.
for Black, who is massing a lot of troops in
front of the white king.
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
1 5 . . . li:)xe2t 1 6.Wxe2 li:) f4 14 ... tll h3t!?
1 6 . . .f4 1 7.f3 :B:f6 1 8.ia3 li:)h4-t is another This appears to be the only way in which
standard method of continuing. Black can count on level chances.
l 7.Wa2 :B:f6 l 8 . li:) e3 fxe4 l 9.li:)xe4 :B:h6 20.g3
.ih3 2 1 .:B:e l Wd7 The piece sacrifice l 4 . . . li:) d4?! l 5 .gxf4 exf4 is
Black has annoying pressure. dubious in view of: 1 6.li:)de4! li:)xf3t l 7.Wxf3
g4 1 8 .Wd l ! ( 1 8 .Wd3 i5=) 1 8 . . . M5 1 9.:B:a3!
12 ... g5 The virtues of a2-a4 are apparent as the rook
Weakening e4, but, on the other hand, efficiently joins the defence of the kingside.
acquiring an active role for the e7-knight.
1 5.@g2 ygd7!
Chapter 6 - 1 o . tl:i d2 83
A strong move, keeping Black's chances

at least equal without indulging in heavy
complications.
1 5 . . . tl:i d4?! 1 6.ig4! must be a solid positional

advantage for White.
1 5 . . . li:) h6!?
An interesting idea that requires a lot of
analysis.
1 6.tl:ide4 tl:i f4t 1 7.gxf4 g4
White should now seek to refute Black's
sacrifice:
Cl) 1 6.tl:ib3?
A perfectly natural move, defending the square

d4. However, it soon runs into difficulties and
it is doubtful whether White can survive.
1 6 ... tli d4 17.tlixd4

a b c d e f g h 1 7.ie4? ? allowed the tactical shot 1 7 . . . tl:ixf2!
1 8.l:l:xf2 Wfh3 t 1 9 .Wgl l:l:xf2-+ and White
1 8 .ie2!N
resigned in Petrosian - Rashkovsky, USSR
After 1 8 .i>h l ? gxf3 1 9 .l:l:g l Wlh4 20.Wlxf3
1 974.
exf400 2 1 .l:l:xg?t? '.t>xg7 22.ib2 li:) g4!-+
White resigned in Kourkounakis -
Haliamanis, Greece 1 992, as Black's threats
cannot be stopped.
1 8 . . . exf4 1 9 .id3 Wlh4 20.Wh l
Black's compensation does look serious, and
the position requires closer scrutiny. Some
possible variations are as follows:
20 . . . ie5
Intending .. . f3.
2 1 .l:l:a3!?
2 1 .Wld2 lt:) f5 22.l:l:g l tl:i d4+±
2 1 . . .fil5 22.8 g3 23.l:l:a2 l:l:h5 24.li:)b5 lt:) f5
25 .c5
25.li:)xc? Wlxh2t!=
25 ... id?-+
With chances for both sides in a complex
position.
Black. After the text move White faces a 19 .. Jhf3!?

difficult choice. 19 ... c5= is Nunn's logical recommendation,
although even here I would prefer Black's
19.tll a3?! chances.
It seems to me that the first player falls
into serious difficulties after this move. 20.Wxf3 g4!
Alternatively: White is walking on the edge of a precipice.
1 9.dxc6? bxc6 20.tlixd4 :B:xf3! 2 1 .i>xf3 c5-+ is

clearly bad for White.
1 9 .tlixd4!N is not mentioned anywhere but it

seems that the position should peter out to at
least a draw for Black:
a b c d e f g h
1 9 . . . :B:xf3! 20.i>xf3! Wg4t 2 1 .We3 c5!

(2 1 . . .tlixf2!? 22.Wxf2 Wxd4t 23 ..ie3 Wxa l 8
7 i�� · - ��
inr�• -•
��· ·"�
24.Wxa l ixa l 25 .:B:xa l cxd5 26.cxd5 h6=) �
22 . .ib2 (22.Wxg4 .ixg4 23.bxc5 dxc5 24.tlib3 6 �- · "·
· ·
��•�-1· ·1.'%�· . 7.·
5 � ·0 �� £ ��
4 � �8 - �· ·"��
..
:B:e8t-+) 22 . . . Wd?t Black keeps all the pressure
�· �.... 7.. l� 'i)

in a complicated position.
8 ��
3
"'· · · � �� · · "w�
� i ��;� �� 11��
a b c d e f g h
23 . . . .ie4!!N Leading to a winning position, for

example: 24.tli b l ixf3t 25.:B:xf3 We l ! 26.:B:fl
We4t 27.:B:f3 :B:f8 28 . .if4 gxf3 t 29.Wxf3
llixf4t 30.gxf4 Wxb l -+
Another losing continuation is: 2 1 .We4? Wf7!

22.dxc6 (22.f3 if5 23.We l :B:e8-+ gives Black
Chapter 6 - l O. ltJ d2 85
8
a strong attack according to Nunn, but I would
rather say that White is totally lost.) 22 . . . .if5
23.°Wd5 ie6 24.We4 d5 !-+ 76 .��11. .�% �A
-�
& W�
- �-%
�-
�f � -
��&
-- --*
·····" ''"" - �
,
�
�
�, , , , ,//, .
5 �
�� '8��
�
,
4 !�!�!� f·
2 1 . ..Wf5 22.a Wfg6--+
White is under serious pressure.
· · ···""· �-·· · " �@'� �
3 '� �
2 �.,
�:�-�r�� ·
�� -:
C2) 1 6 ..ie4!?
Switching the bishop to the b l -h7 diagonal

appears to be a wise decision, especially if we
1 �
a b c
� ·· " ""� .....
.....
d e f g h
take into consideration that its position on f3 20 . . . :B:xf2t!?

is vulnerable. Black's also stands well after: 20 ... ie5
2 1 .tlib5 Wg7 22.c5! (22.°Wd3 a6 23.tli a3
id?t) 22 . . . h5 23.°Wd3 a6 24.tlia3 id?
25.tlic4 :B:ae8! 26.tlixe5 :B:xe5!
2 1 .:!:'!:fxf2 tlixf2 22.ixh?t 'itixh7 23 .°Wc2t
23.:B:xe? llixd l 24.tlixd l 'itig6 25.tlif2
(25.:B:xc? if6! intending . . . id8) 25 . . . if6
26.:B:e 1 id?+
Ms 27.llixc? if8ft
23 . . . d3 24.:B:xe? dxc2 2 5.'itixf2 'itig8 26.tlib5
Black is at least equal.
8
a b c d e f g h 7
16 ... g4! 6
5
Defending the knight and partly recovering
4
control of the light squares.
16 . . . tlixf2?! 1 7.'itixf2 tlixg3t 1 8 .'itigl llixfl

3
2
1 9 .tlixfl;!; is at least slightly better for White.
17.tll b3 Wfe7 18.Wfd3 1
a b c d e f g h
1 8 .:!:'!:a2!?N
This may be a better move, avoiding Black's
reply in our main line. 1 8 ....ih6!Nft
1 8 . . . tlid4 Black should rather exchange bishops in the
1 8 . . . tli g5 ! ? could also be tried. diagrammed position, intending to transfer
1 9 .tlixd4 exd4 20.:!:'!:e2! his displaced h3-knight to the wonderful g5-
Black is left with more than one decent square.
choice. I prefer:
86 Bayonet Rarities
Alternatively, 1 8 . . . lll g5 l 9 . .ixg5 '\M!xg5 20.c5

was played in Zagorskis - Gross, Pardubice
1 99 5 . After 20 . . . a6!?N Nunn considers the
position to be unclear, but it seems to me that
Black's pieces are less agile than after 1 8 . . . .ih6!.
18 ... h5!? on the other hand, is a quite

interesting possibility. After 1 9 .c5 ( 1 9 . .id2
'\Mff7 20.£3 '\M!g6 is probably okay for Black,
the idea being . . . h4) 1 9 . . . lt:\ f4t!? 20.gxf4 exf4
2 1 .£3? (better are 2 1 .cxd6 lll xd6!? or 2 1 .lll d2
'\M!h4 22.:!:'!:g l a5! 23.bxa5 dxc5?) as played in
Manion - Smirin, Las Vegas 1 997, best seems:
Conclusion
In Chapter 6 we started our examination of

the Bayonet Attack 9.b4, which I decided to
meet with the solid and thematic 9 . . . lll h 5. In
this position White usually replies with 1 0.g3
or 1 O.:B:e 1 , to minimize the consequences of
a knight invasion on f4, but it is also possible
to ignore it by 1 0 .lll d2 which is the move we
considered in this chapter.
My feeling is that 1 O . . . lt:\ f4 gives Black a
lot of play and even chances to fight for the
advantage. The critical line runs 1 l .a4 f5
1 2 . .if3 g5 1 3 .exf5 lll xf5 1 4.g3! when the
Let us now return to the more clear-cut
e4-square falls in White's hands; but that
1 8 . . . .ih6!.
is only the beginning of the story. Actually
Black gets interesting attacking chances by
l 9 ..ixh6 tlixh6
1 4 . . . lll h3t!? 1 5 .'tt> g2 '\Mid?! in view of his better
Black has the easier game. For example:
coordination. Even 1 6 . .ie4!? does not fully
defuse the pressure in view of 1 6 . . . g4! 1 7.lll b3
20.6?
'\M!e7 1 8.'\Mf d3 .ih6! when, by exchanging his
20.:!:'!:ac l = is correct, but even then 20 . . . '\M!g?
inferior bishop, Black gets a very nice square on
2 1 .c5 lt:\f5 leaves White with the more
g5 for the stranded h3-knight. I am tempted
complicated task.
to describe Black's position as the easier one
to play over the board, and it is certain that
objectively he does not stand any worse. He
did not even have to invest any material to
achieve this, which is often the case in other
lines of the Mar del Plata Variation.
Bayonet Rarities
a b c d e f g h
10.lb3
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl:if3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5
7.0--0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7 9.b4 tl:i h5 1 0.�b3
1 0 ... h6!
A) l l .g3 88
B) l l J�el !?N f5 1 2 .exfS J.xf5! 1 3 . ti:i d2 tl:i f4 14.J.fl 89
B l ) 14 ... 'it>h8!? 91
B2) 14 ...J.d3! 91
C) 1 1 .a4 92
A) after l l .g3 A) after 2 1 .l"lab 1 C) after l 1 . . .lll f4! ?
21 ... lll g4! 1 2.ixf4N

I .d4 tlif6 2.c4 g6 3.tli c3 Ag7 4.e4 d6 5.tlif3 kingside.) 1 3 . . . h5! 1 4.E!:f2 ( 1 4.c5 h4!? reveals
0-0 6.Ae2 e5 7.0-0 tlic6 8.d5 tli e7 9.b4 the vulnerability of the g3-square.) l 4 . . . ih6
tlih5 10.'1Wb3 1 5 . tlifl ixc l 1 6.Ei:xc l g5 1 7.c5 f4 Black went
A rare move; White intends to carry out on to win from here in Buhr - Mai, Schoeneck
the c4-c5 advance under more favourable 1 996.
circumstances, with his queen X-raying e6 and
the d-file free for use by his rooks. However, it 12.gel f5 1 3.tlih4
appears rather harmless as Black is given time What else?
to prepare his reaction.
13 tli f6 1 4.exf5
•••
1 0 h6!
••• Black's position is more than acceptable, and
Now Black can contemplate . . . f5 without he may even play:
allowing a knight invasion on e6. In this chapter
we will examine A) l l .g3, B) l l J�el !?N and
C) l l .a4.
The critical l l .c5! f5? transposes to variation

B of the next chapter.
A) l l .g3
Given as slightly better for White by Skembris,

but this assessment is difficult to understand
after the following natural reply:
a b c d e f g h
14 g5!?f!
•••
With good counter-chances.
The normal l 4 . . . gxf5 also deserves analysis.
1 5.tlig6 tlixg6 1 6.fxg6 '1Wd7!?

Black keeps several options at hand, such as
. . . '\Wf5, . . . e4, . . . tli g4 or simply . . . if5.
17.Ae3
a b c d e f g h
Initially the computers are optimistic about
White's chances here, but with careful play
l l . i.h3!N
•• Black is fine:
Also good is: l l . . .f5!? 1 2.tlid2 ( 1 2.exf5
llixf500) 1 2 . . . tli f6 1 3.f3 ( 1 3.c5 '.t>h7! is
excellent for Black as d5 is now under pressure
and 1 4.f3 can be answered with 14 . . . fXe4
1 5 . fXe4 ih3 1 6.fil2 '1Wd7 with easy play on the
Chapter 7 - 1 0.'&b3 89
1 8 ... tll g4!

Black is calling all the shots now.
1 9.tll b5 tll xfl! 20.ti'c4

Both 20.tlixc?? ? Wfe4 and 20.Wfb l e4
2 1 .tlixc? tli g4 22.ixg4 Wfxg4 win for Black.
20 ... e4! 2 1 .gabl

2 1 .tlixc? ixa l 22.:B:xa l tli g4 23.Wf c3+
a b c d e f g h
17 ...ti'f5!
l 7 . . . �.f5?! gives White enough time to
develop an initiative with l 8.c5!, for example:
1 8 . . . Wh8 1 9.a4 ixg6 20.b5 e4!? 2 1 .id4! tli g4
(2 1 . . .'\Mff5 22.cxd6 cxd6 23 .Wfb2;!;) 22.ixg? t
'tt> xg7 23.c6t
1 8.c5
l 8.f3?! e4! l 9 .Wf c2 exf3 20.'\M!xf5 ixf5
2 1 .ixf3 tli d7 is clearly better for Black.
1 8 .Wfb l ?! e4 1 9.tlib5 tli g4 is awkward for

White.
1 8 .tlib5! tlig4 1 9.tlixc? :B:ac8 20.tlie6

22 ... tll x e3 23.ti'xe3 gac8!;
Black's bishop pair and safer king give him
the edge.
B) 1 1 .gel !?N
This is an interesting possibility, preparing to

drop the bishop back to fl in reply to . . . tli f4.
1 1 ... f5 12.exf5
1 2.c5 is probably best met by: 1 2 . . . Wh?
a b c d e f g h
1 3.id3 ( 1 3.exf5 llixf5 is okay for Black when
20 . . . tlixf2 2 1 .Wfb l e4 22.tlixf8 :B:xf8 23 .Wfc2 the c-pawn has been pushed. 1 4.tlie4 tli e7
ixa l 24.:B:xa l tli d3? is wild and woolly, with Putting the d5-pawn under pressure. 1 5 .cxd6
the computer showing 0.00. However, this cxd6 1 6.b5 lli f6! 1 7.tlixf6t ixf6 1 8.tlid2 ig5
seems to be the best line for White. l 9 . tli c4 lli f5? gives Black excellent piece
play.) 13 . . . fXe4 1 4 .lll xe4 b6!= (The more 1 3 .g3!? is worth a look, but Black continues in
double-edged 1 4 . . . :B:xf3!? 1 5 .gxf3 lt:\ f5 is also a thematic manner:
interesting.)
a b c d e f g h
1 3 . . . lll f6! 1 4.lt:\h4 id? It will not be easy for
a b c d e f g h
White to acquire control of e4.
12 i.xf5!
•••
Finally, 1 3 .ie3 lt:\ f6!00 again sees Black
It is important for Black to contest for control controlling the e4-square. He may then play
of e4, leading to a double-edged position. . . . g5 , with attacking chances on the kingside.
12 . . . lll x f5?! 1 3.ib2! ( 1 3 .lll e4!?) 1 3 . . . lt:\ f4 1 3 lll f4 14.i.fl

•••
1 4.ifl ;!; looks better for White.
13.lll d2
Trying to control e4 with as much force as
possible. The alternatives listed below seem
inferior.
1 3 .lll h4!? can be met with 1 3 . . . id7!=, as

1 4 .lll x g6? fails to 1 4 . . . lll xg6 1 5 . .ixh5 '\Wh4
l 6.if3 :B:xf3! with a winning attack for Black.
Instead White must play l 4.ixh5 gxh5
1 5 . lll e4 lt:\f5 1 6 .lll xf5 hf5 1 7.f3 °1We8= or
a b c d e f g h
1 4.°1Wc2 °1We8! 1 5 .lll xg6 '1Wxg6 1 6.'1Wxg6 lll xg6
1 7.ixh5 e4! 1 8.id2 lll f4+!.
The complicated Bl) 14 'itihS!? is certainly
•••
1 3.c5 'tt> h 7+± seems promising for Black as worth investigating, but B2) 14 i.d3! may •••
he controls e4. He is also keeping the h5- be Black's best option.

knight flexible, as it is not yet clear whether
it should retreat to f6 or j ump to f4 after due White has some pull after: 14 . . . c6 l 5 . lll de4
preparation. cxd5 1 6.cxd5 :B:c8 l 7.b5;!;
Chapter 7 - 1 0.\Wb3 91
Bl) 1 4... @h8!? 1 5 .tll de4 tll g8!? 1 9.ixf4 exf4 20.l:l:ad l (20.l:l:ac l l0 g4-+
or 20.bxc5 l0 e4ft) 20 . . . l0 g4 2 1 .h3 llJxf2!
Some fascinating variations arise after this re 22.Wxf2 \Wh4t 23.'tt> g l 8� gives Black strong
routing of the black knight, but I fear that with compensation for the piece.
accurate play White will maintain a nagging
8
edge.
5
4
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
1 9 ... tll 4xd5 20.tll xd5 YlYxd5 2 1 .gb l ! gfd8
22.YlYxdS l:l:xd5 23.l:l:xb7 gxc5 24.g3�
although I do feel Black should hold.

1 6.c5! White will almost certainly recover his pawn
1 6.8!? llJ f6 1 7 . llJ f2 g5 1 8.g3 ( 1 8.ixf4 exf4
1 9.id3 id? 20.l:l:ac l l:l:e8 2 1 .ib l l:l:xe l t
22.l:l:xe l \Wf8 23.ig6 a6 is not worse for Black B2) 14 ...i.d3!
as White has no access to e6) 1 8 . . . llJ g6 1 9 . llJ ce4
l0 e7 20.llJxf6 l:l:xf6= is only nominally better
for White.
1 6 ... tll f6 17.tll g3!

This move is, unsurprisingly, the first choice
of the engines. Others are not dangerous:
1 7 .8 llJxe4 1 8.fxe4 id700 is slightly unpleasant

for White as the f4-knight is a strong piece.
1 7.cxd6 cxd6 1 8 .l0 g3 ( 1 8.b5? l04xd5

1 9.l0xd5 ixe4+) 1 8 . . . id3! 1 9.b5 ( 1 9.ixf4
exf4 20.ixd3 fxg3 2 1 .hxg3 l0 g4+) 1 9 . . . ixfl
20.l:l:xfl l:l:c800 is at least equal for Black.
17 ... dxcS!? 1 5 .tll de4 i.xfl 1 6.gxfl tll f5=

17 ... id7 1 8 .cxd6 cxd6 1 9 .b5t Th e control over the d4-square and the
possibility of invading on h4 gives Black
18.tll xf5 gxf5 1 9.bxc5! excellent play here. A sample line is as follows:
17.f3
1 7.g3 lll d4 1 8 .Wd l lll f3t 1 9.'tt> h l lll h3
20.ie3 Wd7+ lands White in difficulty.
a b c d e f g h
1 2 .ixf4N
•
1 3.8 lll x e2t ( 1 3 . . . a5N may be even better)

1 2. lll d 2?! proved rather slow after: 1 2 . . .f5
a b c d e f g h
1 4.lll xe2 f4 1 5 .c5 g5 1 6.ia3 lll g6 1 7.b5 :B:f7
17 lll h4! 1 8JHl ti'd7 1 9.ti'dl lll fxg2!
••• 1 8.b6 ( 1 8.cxd6 cxd6 1 9.lll c4 if8--t is fine for
20Jhg2 ti'h3 2 1 J�g3 c!LJxf3t Black too) 18 . . . dxc5 l 9.bxc7 Wxc7 20.lll c3
Black holds all the winning chances here.
8 ��. ;< �· �� ir��,- �K ;
-
q l l .a4
76 . . � .. , ,r.� •
� ��
@· �
·
"
5 �n�
� � �- � � � %'"
.
8 ·.
7 4 �l� 1·�· ·· "�� 1·�8".1�. . ·- "�
6 w;......�?.�-� �� -8��
3
2
� '" ""� ��
1 {"� -- - · · '� f�·i · ·
a b c d e f g h
3
2
20 . . . if8! 2 1 .ib2?! (2 1 .lll c4 g4 22.:B:ab l 00)
2 1 . . . g4 22.lll b5 Wd8 23.fxg4 ixg4 24.Whl a6
1
25.lll c3 :!:'!:c8 26.a5 c4! 27.Wc2 (27.lll xc4 f3t)
a b c d e f g h
27 ... ib4+ Black had all the play in Elwert -
Van Oosterom, corr. 1 998.
This waiting move was introduced in
Skembris - Vragoteris, Athens 1 99 1 , but has 12 exf4ft
Black's . . . h6 is more useful than White's
•••
hardly ever been repeated, probably because it

doesn't fit in well with White's plan of opening a2-a4, because it prepares . . . g5 and . . . lll g6,
lines on the queenside as quickly as possible. improving his only inactive piece. Therefore,
Black obtains a much-improved version of the
1 1 c!lJ f4!?
•••
1 O.c5 lt:\ f4 line, a fact which grants him at least
equal chances.
Chapter 7 - 1 0.'&b3 93
Conclusion More critical is 1 1 .l:l:e l !? . Then l l .. .f5

1 2.exf5 i.xf5! enables Black to complete his
Another move wonhy of attention after development harmoniously and the issue of the
9.b4 tll h 5 is 1 0 .\Wb3, which was the topic e4-square shouldn't be a real problem. There
of our analysis in Chapter 7. In my opinion are many ways for White to try and settle on
10 . . . h6! is an excellent reply, preparing that square but, as the reader will notice, I have
to play . . .f5 and keeping the h5-knight managed to come up with something good
flexible. against each and every one of them. The most
An obvious question is what happens if obvious try is 1 3.tll d 2, when 1 3 . . . tll f4 1 4 .ifl
White averts knight invasions by playing id3! 1 5.tll de4 i.xfl 1 6.l:l:xfl lll f5= looks like
l l .g3, but that is rather comfortably answered an adequate equalizer.
by l 1 ...ih3N 1 2.l:l:e l f5 1 3.tll h4 tll f6 1 4.exf5 Finally, there is also the move l 1 .a4, when
g5!? 1 5.tll g6 lll xg6 1 6.fxg6 '&d7!?. The white simply l 1 . ..tll f4 !? 1 2.ixf4 exf4 should suffice,
queen is far away from the kingside and that intending the typical plan ... g5 and . . . tll g6.
actually helps Black exploit the situation with Overall, 1 o.Wb3, although interesting, does
the light squares there. not present us with any serious difficulties.
Bayonet 1 O.c5
1 1th Move Alternatives
Variation Index
1 .d4 til f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5
7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 til e? 9.b4 tll h5 1 0.c5
1 0 ... fS
A) 1 1 .exfS 95
B) 1 1 .Y;Yb3 h6!? 97
B l ) 1 2.exfS 98
B2) 1 2 .a4 1 00
C) 1 1 .tll g5 til f4! 1 02
C l ) 1 2.J.xf4 exf4 1 02
C l l ) 13.gcl?! 1 02
C l 2) 13.e5!? 1 03
C2) 1 2.J.c4 1 04
D) l 1 .J.c4 fxe4 1 2 .tll g5 h6 1 3 .tll gxe4! til f5 1 05
D l ) 14.gel 1 06
D2) 1 4.f3N 1 07
D3) 14.gb l !? 1 08
A) note to l 3 . . . ixf5! A) after 2 l . ixe3 82) after l 9.ie4
a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . l"lxf2!
Chapter 8 - 1 1 th Move Alternatives 95
1 .d4 c!ll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 l l . . .ixf5 1 2. lll g 5 (After 1 2.lll h4 lt:\f4 1 3 .ixf4
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4 exf4 1 4.:B:cl a5 1 5 .cxd6 cxd6 l 6. lt:\xf5 lll xf5
tll h5 I O.cs l 7.lll b 5 :B:f7 l 8.a3 axb4 l 9.axb4 '\M!b6 20.'\Mf d3
This move introduces the old main line, lll d4 the result was sterile equality in Salonen
which is by now considered harmless for Black. - Salminen, corr. 2007.) 1 2 . . . lt:\ f4 1 3 . .ixf4
(In case of 1 3 . .ic4 Wh8 there is hardly any
reason Black should worry.) 1 3 . . . exf4 1 4.:B:c l
h6 1 5 .lll e6 he6 1 6.dxe6 d5ft Black is at least
equal, as he can solidify his centre by playing
. . . c6 next, while the pawn on e6 is well blocked
and poses no serious threats to him.
12.tll d4?!
In view of the analysis that follows, it is clear
to me that this is not the best move.
After 1 2.f6?! lll xf6! 1 3.lll g 5 ( 1 3 .lll d4 dxc5
a b c d e f g h
l 4.bxc5 lll exd5+ loses a pawn for very little
compensation) the simple 1 3 . . . h6+ should
1 0 ... £5!? offer Black the better chances.
The best and most flexible continuation.
It creates tension in the centre and saves 1 2.cxd6!?N
the . . . lt:\f4 invasion for a more appropriate Allowing Black a slight initiative, but it
moment. could well be the only way out:
1 0 . . . lt:\ f4 l l ..ixf4 exf4 1 2.:!:'!:cl is the other

main branch but it is outwith the scope of our 768
5
repertoire.
White has a wide selection of moves here,

4
with this chapter focusing on A) 1 1 .exf5,
B) 1 1 .Wfb3, C) 1 1 .tll g5 and D) 1 1 .i.c4. 32
A) 1 1 .exf5
a b c d e f g h
A move that shouldn't cause us any problems.
Black can exploit the unprotected state of 1 2 . . . cxd6!
the c3-knight to create interesting counter 12 . . . exf3 !? merely leads to equal chances after
chances. the forced sequence: 1 3 .dxe? '\M!xe7 l 4.d6!
( 1 4 . .ic4? '\M!xb4-+) 1 4 . . . fxe2 ( 1 4 . . . '\Mff6!?)
1 1 ... e4! 1 5 .dxe? exd l ='\Mf 1 6.exf8='\Mft Wxf8 1 7 .:!:'!:xd l
The tactical way is the best way here. ixc3 l 8 . .ih6t Wf7 1 9.:!:'!:ac l ie5 20.:B:c5 !
(20.:!:'!:d8?! gxf5 2 1 .:!:'!:e l ?! .id6! 22.:!:'!:ee8 id?!
There is, however, a solid alternative in: is something White must avoid.) 20 . . . id6
96 B ayonet 1 O.c5
2 1 .:B:xd6! cxd6 22.:B:c?t Wf6 23.g4 b5 simplest solution, as White wanted to take on
24.:B:xh? ixf5 25.gxf5 Wxf5= e4 with the knight. l 7.Wxc3 1':!:£3! Thanks to
1 3.f6 ixf6! this nice tactical shot Black ensures himself of
13 ... li:)xf6 14.li:)d4= reveals the point of a draw. 1 8 .:B:fc l li:)xg3 1 9.fxg3 :B:xg3t 20.hxg3
exchanging the c-pawns as now the d5-pawn Wxg3t 2 1 .'.t>h l Wh3t=
is safe.
14.li:)d4 lt:)f5 1 5 .ie3 ixd4! 1 6.ixd4 li:) f4 14 ..id2 ti'h4�
1 7 .ie3 Wg5 1 8 .ixf4 Wxf4+ Black is fully playing for a win here, as the
The black queen will arrive at the fine possibility of invading the White camp with
centralized e5-post, observing both wings. . . . li:) f4 grants him excellent attacking chances.
In Remling - Grabics, Budapest 1 994, White
12 ... tll xf5 13.tll xf5 .ixf5! tried to get rid of the fearsome knight:
This recapture appears both natural and
strong. 15 ..ixh5 gxh5 1 6.ti'el
1 6.Wb3? ? removes an important defender
l 3 . . . :B:xf5?! is positionally inferior but may still from the kingside, allowing 1 6 . . . ie5 l 7.g3
be enough for a draw. A logical line continues ( l 7.h3 ixh3) 1 7 . . . Wh3 l 8.Wc4 ig4-+ .
1 4.Wc2 Wh4! 1 5 .g3 Wh3 when we are at a
critical crossroads:
a) 1 6.:B:d 1 ? :B:xf2! leads to mate in 5 in a

picturesque way:
a b c d e f g h
1 6 ....ie5!
b d f g h
a c e
Nonetheless, White still finds himself
suffering.
1 7.i>xf2 Wxh2t 1 8 .We3 Wxg3t 1 9.if3 Wx£3t
20.@d2 ixc3t 2 1 .Wxc3 Wf2# This is actually a slight improvement over
1 6 . . . :B:aeS!?, as played in the stem game
b) 1 6.ib2 li:) f4! ( 1 6 . . . e3? is given by Nunn, Ginsburg - Wharton, Philadelphia 1 990. That
but it is something Black should avoid due to game had continued: 1 7 .:B:c l
1 7. li:) d l !±) l 7.Wxe400 li:)xe2t 1 8 .Wxe2 :B:h5
1 9.£3 id4t 20.'.t>h l id? should be about
equal, but it is Black who has the easier play.
c) l 6.ie3 is the best move. l 6 . . . ixc3! The

20J�xe3
The only move.
20 ....ixe3 2 1 ..ixe3
a b c d e f g h
1 7 . . . ih3!! l 8 . llJe2 Wg4 l 9.llJg3 hg2

20.'.t>xg2 h4 2 1 .We3 h6!-+ With Black
eventually winning.
Instead l 8 .gxh3 Wxh3 l 9.f3 ( l 9.f4 e3+)
1 9 . . . id4t ( 1 9 . . . e3 20.ixe3 E!:xf3 2 1 .Ei:xf3
a b c d e f g h
Wxf3 22.Wf2 E!:xe3 23.Wxf3 E!:xf3 24.llJb5
dxc5 25.bxc5 ie5+ gives White drawing
chances) 20.Wh l e3 2 1 .Ei:gl t i>h8-+ would 2 1 . .. aS!N
not have relieved White from his troubles. It is important that Black exploits White's
overextended queenside to open lines.
17.£4
This loses material, but White is probably 2 1 . . .E!:ae8 offered White chances of salvation
already beyond salvation. after 22.Ei:el dxc5 23.bxc5 id3 24.g3
E!:f5 25.Wgl ic4 26.d6 cxd6 27.cxd6 b6
After 1 7.g3 Wh3 1 8 .l0xe4 E!:ae8 1 9 .l0g5 28.Ei:dl E!:d8 29.E!:d4 ib5 30.a4 ic6+ in the
Wg4 20.Wd l ixa l 2 1 .Wxa l , the intrusion aforementioned game Remling - Grabics.
2 1 . ..We2!, intending . . . id3, should win for
Black. 22.bxa5
22.b5 E!:ae8 23.id4 id3-+
22 ... gxa5 23.cxd6 cxd6 24.a4 �k8-+

White is helpless as he cannot defend his
weaknesses.
B) 1 1 .ti'b3
Designed to enforce the l0 f3-g5-e6 plan, as

well as a timely e4xf5 , thanks to the support
granted to the c3-knight.
a b c d e f g h
17 ....id4t 1 8.ci>hl ti'xel 19.l:faxel e3
98 Bayonet 1 O.c5
1 3 . . . gxf5N
More accurate than 1 3 . . . tlixf5, as played in
Neat - Britton, Brighton 1 980.
1 4.:B:ac l
14.cxd6 cxd6 1 5 .tlixe5 dxe5 1 6 .d6t '.t>h7
17 .dxe7 Vffxe7 l 8 .ic4 :B:e8=
1 4 . . . 'iii h 8+±
I find it hard to believe the computer's
evaluation of +0.40 for White, as Black
plans to attack via the g-file, while I cannot
see a similarly clear plan for White.
a b c d e f g h
1 5 .tlih4!? a6 1 6.f4
Trying to block Black's attack.
l 1 . .. h6!? 1 6 . . . e4 1 7 .ie3 :B:g8 1 8 .:B:fd l id? 1 9.id4 ie8
A cautious move, keeping the knight out This does not look any worse for the second
of g5 . Now Black must be careful because of player.
the resulting weakness on g6. White can play
Bl) 12.exf5 immediately, or continue his 1 2.b5!? is logical, planning to open fire
queenside expansion with B2) 1 2.a4. against d6. However, after 1 2 . . . b6! 1 3 .cxd6
( 1 3.c6 fXe4 14.tlixe4 lli f4 can only be better
1 2 .id2!? for Black) 1 3 . . . cxd6 1 4.:B:d l ( 1 4.ia3 tli f4
This slightly unnatural move, taking d2 1 5 .tlid2 fXe4 1 6.tlidxe4 lli f5+) 1 4 . . . fXe4
away from the white knight, has been played 1 5 .tlixe4 tli f4 1 6.hf4 :B:xf4 l 7 . tli fd2 tli f5
by Krasenkow. It seems that the logical reply 1 8 .id3 ib7 l 9.g3 tli d4 20.Vff a 3 :B:f8 2 1 .Vffxd6
should be: Vffxd6 22.tlixd6 ixd5 23 .ie4 ixe4 24.tli 2xe4
1 2 . . . lli f6!= :B:fd8= the position remains equal.
Putting e4 under pressure and exploiting the
fact that continuations based on the pseudo Finally, 1 2.g3 tli f6 1 3 .tlid2 h5!?+± leads to a
sacrifice llixe5 offer White nothing. typical situation with good counterplay for
Black.
In case of 1 3 .tlixe5 dxe5 14.d6t '.t>h8
1 3 .exf5
1 5 .dxe? Vffxe7 1 6.tlid5? Vff d 8! White even Bl) 12.exf5 tlixf5!

gets the worst of it as the d2-bishop is
undefended. Threatening ... e4, ... tli d4 or ... tli f4. But this is
hardly the only way to play.
1 2 . . . e4! ?
Another principled choice.
1 3 . tli h4 llixf5! 14.tlixf5
The only move.
1 4 . . . ixf5 1 5 .ixh5
l 5 .g4? Vffh 4! l 6.gxf5 ie5-+
1 5 . . . gxh5
We have arrived at an important juncture:
1 3.id3 g5 !?= should be fine for Black.
1 3 .ib2 li:) f4 1 4 .l:l:fe l li:) h4!? 1 5.li:)xh4 Wfxh4

1 6.ifl if5 = was level in Halasz - Glatt,
Hungary 2002.
a b c d e f g h
1 6.id2N
Defending the c3-knight and keeping open
the white queen's contact with the kingside.
Instead, 1 6 .ib2?! Wf g5!t was already quite
difficult for White in Scholz - Wolff, corr.
1 989.
1 6.ie3!?N can be answered by 16 ... h4!?
( 1 6 . . .WfeB i s also possible) 1 7.l:l:ac l (l 7.h3?
WfcB-+ or 1 7 .l:l:ae l Wfe8�) 17 ... Wfe8 1 8 .li:)e2
h3 1 9.g3 '\M!h5 20.li:)f4 '\Mff3 2 1 .Wfd l ie5 =
with approximate equality.
1 6 . . . h4 1 7.l:l:ae l
l 7.h3?! ixh3 1 8.gxh3 l:l:f3�
1 7 . . . h3! 14 ... axb4 1 5.i.xb4
l 5 .Wfxb4?! li:) f4+
1 8.g3
a b c d e f g h
1 8.li:)xe4 Wf d7! l 9.g3 l:l:ae8 20.'\M!c4 ixe4
2 1 .l:l:xe4 l:l:xe4 22.Wfxe4 dxc5 23.bxc5 l:l:d8=
1 8 ... Wf e8! l 9.f3 e3 20.ixe3 id3! 2 1 .l:l:f2 Wfg6�
1 5 ... tll f4�
With good compensation for the pawn.
Black's dynamic kingside presence should
give him at least equal chances.
13.tll e4!?
1 00 B ayonet 1 O.c5
B2) 12.a4
The traditional continuation, initiating a plan

of putting d6 under pressure by means of cxd6,
b4-b5 , tli f3-d2-c4 and .ic l -a3 . Of course,
this plan is difficult to achieve without some
help from Black, all the more so because the
possibility of . . . tli f4 will, in most cases, create
annoying counterplay.
8 .i � .i. � � �� ·
1 r� .t. r�·• �
%!'� �--- - ·
.,�-
\., ,�- - - Y-� .% �
6
-
��ref-- - -%%1.� �
%,,,,% ,_,,,% ------
�
s - � 8 r� .t. •'))
�� ----· ·
4 8 ·n ----%- ·zr-��
3 vm V,7,� ��
�.,> .fn!�
The untried 1 5.tlifd2N can be answered with
2
l 5 . . . tlif5 1 6.id3 tli d4 l 7JWb2 'itih7!. I think
-��
that the position is approximately equal in view
. ----� ��;� �-----%wi(""
1� � of Black's counterplay against the d5-pawn. A
a b c d e f g h MB 2 1 .l:l:fc l .ib7 22.tlie3 l:l:f7 23.a5 h5!=

sample line is: 1 8.cxd6 cxd6 1 9.£3 b6 20.tlic4
12 ... fxe4!?
This capture seems justified now that White l 5 ... cxd6 l 6.i.d3 b6!?
has wasted a tempo on a2-a4. I have to stress This plan, employed by John Nunn against
though that this is not the only way to play Efstratios Grivas, looks quite interesting. The
and that Black should be able to equalize by idea is once more to pressurize d5.
other means as well.
13.tll xe4 tll f4

1 3 . . . @h?!?N is probably also quite good,
but the text is clear enough.
1 4.hf4
It makes no particular sense to put the
bishop on c4. After 1 4.ic4 Wh7 l 5 . .ixf4 l:l:xf4
1 6.l:l:ae l ig4 1 7.tlifd2 tlif5 1 8.£3 tli d4= Black
is finely centralized and hasn't the slightest
problem.
1 9.:B:ac l i s a suggestion o f Grivas, but I think 24 . . . :B:g4!! A brilliant detail. (24 . . . :B:ff8?! 25.lt:\8
that after 1 9 . . . Wh? White has nothing better i>g7 26.:B:a3;!; leaves White in control as he can
than 20.ie4 transposing back to our analysis. contest the c-file by :B:a3-c3.) 25.8 :B:f4 26.lll fl
8
(26.:B:ac l :B:ff8 27.:B:xc8 :B:xc8 28.lll fl \t>g7=)
26 ... :B:ffS 27.lll e3 h4= The white knights at
7
b5 and e3 are awkwardly placed, preventing
6
White from contesting the c-file; the result is a
5
positional draw.
4
20 ...Wi'd7
The most harmonious choice, after which
3 White must show his hand.
2
1
2 1 .tll d2!?
The only try.
a b c d e f g h 2 1 .Wfb l :B:c4= or 2 1 .h3 :B:ff8= are no

1 9 ... @h7!N improvements.
I like this fine prophylactic move, which is
In the game Nunn erred with 1 9 . . . '\Ml f8 ? , and

useful in many lines.
after 20.a5! Wh8 2 1 .axb6 axb6 22.:B:a?t White

had a clear advantage.
20J�acl
20.g3?! allows the tactic 20 . . . :B:x8 2 1 .ix8
:B:xc3 22.Wfxc3 e4 and Black is at least equal.
20.a5 doesn't quite work here, in view of:

20 . . . Wfc?! 2 1 .lll b5 (2 1 .axb6 Wfxb6 22.b5
a b c d e f g h
Wf c5+!) 2 1 . . .Wf d?=
20.lll d2!? is what White wants to do, but Black 2 1 . " gffS! 22.tll b 5 a6 23.tll a3 gxcl 24.gxcl
LB 23.lll b5 '\Mid? 24.Wf d3
can equalize after: 20 . . . h5 2 1 .a5 ih6 22.a6
h5!
The long-awaited freeing move.
25.Wfd3 .ih6 26.tll ac4 gc8 27.gfl Wi'c7

28.c!ll xe5!
After this little tactic the game peters out to
a draw.
28 .. ..ixd2 29.Wfxd2 dxe5 30.d6 Wfd7

3 1 ..ixb7 Wfxb7 32.dxe7 Wfxe7=
a b c d e f g h
C) 1 1 .�g5 Vega, Candas 1 997) l 4 . . . ixc3 1 5 .l:l:xc3 fXe4

1 6 . tli g5 f3 l 7. gxf3oo is less clear.
A move with a logical background; White
wants to exploit the newly created hole on e6. 14.�e6 i.xe6 1 5.dxe6 i.xc3 1 6.gxc3 fxe4
However, it seems that by resorting to simple 17 .cxd6 cxd6
means Black obtains more than adequate
counter-chances.
l l . .. �f4!
White can choose to remove the intruder by
Cl) 12 ..ixf4, or continue his focus on e6 with
C2) 12.i.c4.
Cl) 1 2 ..ixf4 exf4
7
6
3
2 1 8 .l:l:h3 @h7 1 9.Wd4 d5 20.l:l:d l Wb6! 2 1 .We5
1 l:l:f5 22.Wb2 l:l:af8 23 .Wc3 l:l:g5 24.ifl Wxe6
a b c d e f g h
25 .Wc? l:l:f7-+ was a typical example of
acquiring and consolidating material gains in
White immediately has another decision to J. Hansen - Elgaard, Ringsted 1 992.
make. I am unconvinced by C l l ) 13Jkl?!,
but the pawn sacrifice Cl2) 1 3.e5!? may be 1 8 ... d5 1 9.gfcl
dangerous. 1 9.l:l:dl l:l:c8+ is clearly better for Black.
Cl 1) 13,gc l ? !
White changes his aggressive attitude at

the last moment by simply defending the
c3-knight, which proves to be a rather
inadequate follow-up.
1 3 ...h6!
1 3 . . . if6!? 1 4.tli f3!N ( 1 4.tlie6?! proved
better for Black after 1 4 . . . ixe6 1 5.dxe6 ixc3
1 6.l:l:xc3 fXe4+ in Penillas Mendez - Llaneza
Chapter 8 - 1 1 th Move Alternatives 1 03
1 9 ...ygd6N:+ position static, without wild imbalances in the

White does not have enough compensation pawn structure.
for the sacrificed pawn and should eventually The alternative 1 3 . . . h6!?N 1 4.cxd6!?
An alternative and perhaps even more

succumb to Black's central superiority. ( 1 4.llif3?! dxe5 1 5 .Vff b 3 [ 1 5 .d6? cxd6 1 6.cxd6
tli c6+] 1 5 . . . Wh? 1 6.l:l:ad l tli g8! 1 7 .ic4
convincing method of dealing with the e4 l 8.tlid4 f3 l 9.g3 lli f6 should be better
situation is 1 9 . . . tli c6!? 20.'1Wc5 d4 2 1 .ic4 We? for Black one way or another) l 4 . . . hxg5
22.l:l:h3 Vffxc5 23.bxc5 as in Axer - Laschek, ( 1 4 . . . cxd6!? 1 5 .tli e6 ixe6 1 6.dxe6 ixe5
corr. 1 990, and here most accurate is: 1 7.l:l:c l l:l:c8 l 8 .Vff b 3= is okay for White)
1 5 .dxe? Vffxe7 l 6.Vff b 3 Vff xe5 17 .l:l:ac l a6
l 8.d6t Wh7 1 9.dxc? g4!ft leads to interesting
play. My feeling is that White's material deficit
is compensated sufficiently by the activity of
his pieces, but Black is by no means worse.
14Jk rn
1 4 .Vff b 3 a5!?+
8 � �?%�.i.�
-� -¥----% /<t-·
v.� � �
� '�j •J". fj
c
_____
C12) 1 3.e5!? s ��

�%1-r8%J8- - - -��-
?%-•�- �• �f"'m/,1��
----" -----� -----;
4� m � � �-- - - % %
A strange and original idea; White sacrifices a
�
!�- -
3
!a��.-• !�:=-
-----
pawn to keep Black's pieces entangled. ,

2 �
8 1
7 a b c d e f g h
6 14 ....if6N
5 1 4 . . . Wh8!? 1 5 .tlib5!N ( 1 5 .Vff d 2 a5 !? 1 6.cxd6
Vff xd6! [ 1 6 . . . cxd6 l 7.tli b5t] l 7.bxa5 c6!+
4 was slightly better for Black in Bunzmann -
3 Degraeve, Bethune 2002) l 5 . . . tlig8!ft leads to
complicated play.
2
1 1 5 .tll f3 a6 1 6J�el g5 17 . .ic4 g4 18.tll d4
a b c d e f g h
ci>h8ft
The position is quite unclear as Black has
1 3 ...he5 the e5-square for his pieces, and possibilities
In this way the bishop is kept active, but such as .. . 8. These factors compensate for the
White has achieved his aim of keeping the weakness of the e6-square.
1 04 B ayonet 1 0.c5
C2) 12.i.c4 a) l 5 .lll d5? is weak: l 5 . . . lll fxd5 1 6 ..bd5 c6
posmon first reached in Tisdall -

1 7.cxd6! The best chance, albeit not enough.
M Gurevich, Akyreiri 1 988. In that game

A 1 7 . . . lll x d5 1 8.e7 lll xe7 1 9.dxe? Wxe7 20.Wg4
This was Karlsson - Olsson, Linkoping 200 1 .
Black played l 2 . . . fxe4?!, got a slightly worse Black should play:
position, and eventually lost.
a b c d e f g h
1 2 ... h6! b) Inserting l 5.cxd6?! cxd6 before 1 6.g3? loses

With this simple move Black resolves the instantly to 1 6 . . . E!:c8!-+ .
uncertainty in the centre.
c) 1 5 .g3 The first choice of the engines.
13.tll f3!? 1 5 . . . d5! 1 6 . .ib3
The best practical choice.
After 1 3 .lll e6 .ixe6 1 4.dxe6 fxe4 it turns out

that Black's chances are the superior ones.
a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . c6!! Thanks to this piece sacrifice Black

solidifies his central position and obtains
attacking chances. 1 7.gxf4 exf� Black went
a b c d e f g h on to win in Horst - Mueller, corr. 2007.
The following sample lines provide some We have arrived at a position where Black's
evidence of what may happen: compensation for the sacrificed material is
probably more than enough, in view of his
powerful pawn phalanx and menacing pieces. cxd6 2 1 .li:)fd2 :B:f7 22.Wb3 ifs 23.:B:fe l if5
The absence of the light-squared bishop from 24.a4= was approximately even in Kahn -
the kingside means that the white king is in Grahl, corr. 1 99 1 .
peril.
1 5 . . . Wh4 1 6.:B:e l lt:) d4 1 7.g3 lt:) h3t 1 8 .Wg2
li:) f4t 1 9.Wh l Wh5 20.Wxh5 lt:)xh5 2 L.id3
1 3 ... fxe4
if5 22.cxd6 cxd6 23 . .ib2 li:) f6 24.hd4 exd4
Not a forced move, but I like Black's chances
25.f4 li:)xe4 26.li:)xe4 g5= led to balanced play
in the resulting positions.
and an eventual draw in Jakobetz - Tiemann,
Both 13 . . . g5 !?N and 13 . . . Wh8!?N come
corr. 2002.
strongly into consideration.
16.tll b 3!?
1 4.tll d2 !
16 . .ib2 b5!?t is what we are aiming for.
The only move to keep White in the game.
1 6 ... tll h3t! 17.@hl
After 14.li:)xe4? ig4+ Black has tremendous
1 7.gxh3 ?? lt:) f3t 1 8. '.t> h l Wh4-+
threats.
1 4 ... tll fS 15.tll cxe4!

l 5.li:)dxe4? li:) h4t is a well-known attacking
motif that White must avert. The following
diagrammed position arose in Basin - Riskin,
Minsk 1 98 5 . Black's best continuation now
appears to be:
D) l l .i.c4
A respectable continuation, albeit rather

uncommon in tournament practice. White's
idea is to take the sting out of . . . li:) f4 invasions
and progress slowly but surely with his
Alternatively, 1 5 . . . Wh?!? 1 6.li:)f3! a5! 1 7.ia3 queenside play.
axb4 1 8 ..ixb4 dxc5 1 9 . .ixc5 li:) d6 20 ..ixd6
8 1 3 ... tll f5
The critical posmon for 1 1 . . . fxe4. Black
7 has good squares for his knights at d4 and
6 f4, although in some cases it is better not to
j ump to f4 immediately, but rather improve
5 his position before deciding whether to place
it on f4 or on f6. White's main options are:
D I ) I4J�e I , D2) I4.f3N and D3) I4J�b l !?.
3
2 White should of course avoid 1 4.g4?! li:) d4,
1
with the idea 1 5 .gxh5? li:)f3t 1 6.'tt> g2 ig4-+ .
a b c d e f g h 14.g3 shows White's hand too early. After
I believe this move is sufficient for equality,

I l . .. fxe4 14 . . . li:) d4 1 5 .£3 if5 1 6 .ie3 li:) f6! 1 ?.li:)xf6t
Wxf6 1 8 .li:) e4 We? 1 9.ixd4 ixe4 20.ie3
even if it looks a bit dull. Indeed, surrendering if5 = Black reaches comfortable equality.
the e4-square is not a King's Indian player's
dream, but under the specific circumstances it 1 4 .ie3 li:) f4 1 5 .g3! ( 1 5 .:B:c l ?! li:)h4! 1 6.ixf4
seems to work. exf4+ is a typically good position for Black,
who will get excellent attacking chances once
1 l . . . li:) f6 1 2.:B:e l ! 'tt>h8 1 3 .a4Ni/= is one of the his bishop arrives on e5.) 1 5 . . . li:)xe3 1 6.fxe3
other options available to Black, when White li:) h3t 1 7.Wg2 :B:xfl 1 8 ..ixfl li:)g5= Black has
may have a slight edge. no problems at all.
I2.tll g5 h6 I3.tll gx:e4! D I ) I4.geI

White should be consistent with his plan of
conquering the e4-square. White will find it more difficult than usual
to consolidate his centre with f2-f3, and this
Black is at least equal after 1 3 .li:) e6 ixe6 facilitates Black's task:
1 4.dxe6 li:) f6 1 5 .cxd6 cxd6 1 6.li:)d5 li:) exd5
1 7 ..ixd5 We? 1 8 . .ie3 :B:fe8=.
I think Black should avoid 1 4 . . . llJ d4 02) 14.f3N

l 5.llJb5!? l0xb5 l 6.ixb5;!;.
1s .Ae3
1 5 .g3 ? llJh3t 1 6.Wg2 l0 d4t
1 5 ... llJ d4
Now this move looks good enough.
a b c d e f g h
This seemingly logical move is untested,
overprotecting the light squares in anticipation
of . . . llJ f4. Therefore we should jump in to d4
instead:
a b c d e f g h
1 4 ... llJ d4 1 5 .llJ e2!?
This looks like the most critical reply,
I 6JkIN challenging the d4-knight. I will give one
1 6.f3 l0xg2!? 1 7.Wxg2 l0xf3 1 8.:B:fl N main variation, showing how the position may
( 1 8.i>hl llJxe l 1 9 .Wxe l if5 20.Wg3 a5 unfold.
was played in the computer game Hiarcs -
Stockfish, 20 1 2, with Black eventually winning) Instead, 1 5 .a4 a6 1 6.ie3 if5 1 7 .'\Wd2 Wh7=
1 8 . . . ih3t 1 9.Wh l ixfl 20 . .ixfl Wh4 2 1 .We2 is equal.
:B:ad8= allows Black to reach a complicated
position with mutual chances, revealing a slight
weakness with White's 1 4th move.
1 6.l0b5 llJ f5 1 7.:B:cl a6 l 8.l0bc3 llJ d4

transposes to the main line below.
1 6 ... a6 17.a4 ci>h7!? 1 8.a5

l 8.b5?! axb5 l 9.axb5 dxc5! with the idea
20. llJxc5 ? '\Wh4, and Black's attack is dangerous.
1 8 ....ifS 1 9.f3 ygd7 20.ci>hl gae8 2 1 .ygd2

g5=
Black has a fully equal game and may use,
according to circumstance, the . . . g4 advance as
a lever to prise open the kingside.
21 .i.b2 dxc5 22.lll xc5 gxel t 23.gxel hd3 14 ... lll d4N
24.lll e6 Again the only game reference in my
Black is fully equal in the queen ending database was played between computers. The
arising after: 24.Wxd3 lll x d5 25. lll e6 We7 immediate 1 4 . . . Wh7 was 'Deep Shredder' -
26.We4 lll c3 27.Wxb7 d3 28.Wxa8 d2 29.ixc3 'Stockfish', 20 1 1 .
dxe l =Wft 30.ixe l Wxe6 3 1 .'\We4 Wxa2 32.h4
Wa l = 1 5.i.e3 a6!?
��p� ��lfj.A!m·····
Rather premature is 1 5 ... lt:\ f4 1 6.f3!, when
s ,i m � the d4-knight will be exchanged under
favourable circumstances for White. For
:5 �j�•� �!-.T
,� -- � I·
example: 1 6 . . . a6 ( 1 6 . . .if5 1 7. lll b 5! lll x b5
1 8 .ixb5 '.t>h7 1 9.ic4 ixe4 20.fXe4 Wg5
� �
2 1 .Wd2 Wg4 22.wh a) 1 7.b5 axb5 1 8 .lll xb5±
4 �%''�,,,,�� ,if��- �
3
• 16.f3
�
� �
�K\t*f;�- ·
. � � t!; It is White's turn to make a useful move.
�
Instead, 1 6.b5 axb5 1 7.lll x b5 if5 1 8 .f3
�
o �.�t§��m..
2 'Wc@ o {,,; , , ,
i
, ,, , � '" " " % . ,
ixe4 1 9. fXe4 E!:xfl t 20.Wxfl Wh7 2 1 .cxd6
cxd6 22.Wd3 Wd7= is approximately equal, as
m
a b c d e f g h
� � Black's pieces are very active.
24 ...ti'xd5 25.lll xc7!

25.lll xg7 Wxg7 26.Wxd3 Wf7=
25 ...ti'f5 26.lll xaS lll d5i

Black has fantastic compensation for the
exchange, ensuring him of at least equality.
D3) 14.gbrn
A strong prophylactic move, helping White's

queenside operations.
17.ti'd2
1 7.b5 axb5 1 8 .lll x b5 transposes to 1 6.b5 in
the notes above; 1 7.lll e2 ixe4 1 8.fXe4 Wh4
1 9.Wd3 E!:ae8 is equal.
17 ... ci>h7! 1 8.ci>h l ! 23 .ixe4!!;!; White keeps nagging pressure.

A necessary prelude before retreating the 23 . . . li:)xb5 is answered by 24.Wf d3! li:) a3
bishop to the d3-square, where it is better 25 .:B:b3! (25 .ixg6t 'tt>h8 26.:B:b3 e4! 27.fxe4
placed. :B:xfl t 28.Wfxfl li:) f6ft) 25 . . . '\M!f7 26.:B:xa3 and
Black still has to struggle to reach a draw.
After 1 8 .id3 li:) f4! 1 9.ixf4 exf4 20.'\M!xf4
(20.cxd6 cxd6 2 1 .Wfxf4 ixe4 22.Wfxe4 1 9 ..id3!?
lt:)f5 23.Wfe l '\M!b6t 24.'tt> h l '\M!d4 25 .ixf5 1 9.cxb6 cxb6 20.id3 (20.b5 now leads
gxf5 26.li:) e2 Wfxd5= is excellent for Black) nowhere after 20 . . . axb5 2 I .li:)xb5 ixe4
20 . . . dxc5 2 1 .bxc5 ie6 22.Wf cl (22.Wfg3 li:)f5) 22.fxe4 :B:xfl t 23.ixfl '\M!h4ft as the black
22 . . . hd5 23.li:)xd5 Wfxd5= the position is queen is tremendously active on h4.)
completely equal. 20 ... b5 2 1 .a4 bxa4 22.li:)xa4 ic8! 23.li:)b2 ib7
24.li:)c4 li:)f4 25.li:)exd6 ixd5 26.ie4 ixe4
27.li:)xe4 Wf e7 28.li:)c5 :B:ad8 29.Wf a2 Wff7+t
Black is hardly worse. Again, the activity of his
pieces plays a major role in outweighing his
structural weaknesses.
a b c d e f g h
The most prominent of them was 1 8 . . . Wfd7,
but after the splendid sequence l 9.id3 b5 1 9 ...ygd7=
( 1 9 . . . li:) f4 20.ixf4 exf4 2 1 .Wfxf4;!;) 20.cxb6! The position is equal.
cxb6 2 1 .b5 axb5 22.li:)xb5 ixe4
A more forcing way of achieving equality
is: 1 9 . . . li:) f4!? 20.ixf4 exf4 2 1 .cxd6 cxd6
22.Wfxf4 ixe4 23.Wf xe4 Wfg5 24.f4! '\M!h5
25.Wf el (25.g4 Wfxg4 26.:B:gl '\M!f5=) 25 . . . :B:aeS
26.Wfd2 (26.'\Mff2 lt:)f5 27.li:)e4 id4 28.'\Mf £3
'\Mfxf3 29.:B:x£3 Wg7� may in fact be White's
best chance, although the opposite-coloured
bishops make the position drawish, in spite of
his extra pawn.)
Conclusion
In Chapter 8 we delved into the intricacies

of the obvious move 1 O.c5 which I have
chosen to meet with the double-edged
1 0 .. . f5!?. Again, the spirit is to keep the
position as dynamic as possible by maintaining
the h5-knight's flexibility, as it is not clear yet
whether it should j ump to f4 or return to f6 to
put the white centre under pressure.
a b c d e f g h There are a variety of options at White's
26 . . . lt:) f5 ! 27.E!:f3 (27.ixf5 Wxf5 28 .Ei:bc l E!:c8 disposal after 1 o . . . f5 ! ? and in the present
29.li:)e2 E!:c4=) 27 . . . li:) h4 28.Ei:h3 ixc3 29.Wxc3 chapter we examined no less than four of
Wg4+± Black has excellent compensation due them. To my mind l l .exf5 e4! can only lead
to the activity of his pieces, and a draw is the to trouble for White; while l l .Wb3 h6!? l 2.a4
expected result after best play by both sides. fxe4!? 1 3 .li:)xe4 li:) f4 1 4.ixf4 E!:xf4 1 5 .cxd6
cxd6 l 6.id3 b6!? 1 7.Ei:fe l ib7 l 8.li:)c3 E!:c8
l 9.ie4 i>h7! leads to a complicated position
where the chances are approximately balanced.
The reader is in fact advised to take a deeper
look in this particular line as it contains some
very delicate positional ideas and Black must
be quite accurate to maintain the equilibrium.
A third option is l l .li:)g5 when I consider
l l . . . li:) f4! to maintain at least equal chances,
but l l .ic4 is a quite respectable continuation,
requiring accurate handling from Black. After
a careful examination of the situation I came
to the conclusion that we should go for the
line l l . . . fxe4 1 2. li:)g5 h6 1 3.li:)gxe4! lt:) f5 when
the weakness of the e4-square. An important

Black's activity sufficiently compensates for
remark to be made here is that Black should

in principle delay . . . li:)h5-f4 in the ensuing
positions and first centralize his f5-knight
on d4, as the h5-knight might be required
to return to f6 and challenge the enemy's
stronghold over e4 in combination with . . . if5.
Overall, this i s a very interesting chapter
with several positional nuances that Black
players need to master inside out.
Bayonet 1 O.c5
a b c d e f g h
1 1.�d2
Variation Index
1 .d4 til f6 2.c4 g6 3 . tll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 s. tll f3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5
7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 til e? 9.b4 tll b5 1 0.cS fS!? 1 1 .tll d2
1 1 ... tll f4
A) 1 2.J.a3 1 12
B) 12 .J.c4!? 'it>b8!? 1 13
B l ) 1 3.a4 1 14
B2) 1 3.g3 1 14
C) 1 2.J.f3 1 15
D) 1 2.f3 tll xe2t 1 3.YMxe2 f4 14. tll c4 g5 1 17
D l ) 1 5 .a4 gf6! 1 6.J.a3 tll g6! 17.bS J.f8! 1 18
D l l) 1 8.c6!? 1 19
D 1 2) 1 8.b6!? 1 20
D2) 1 5 .J.a3 121
A) after 1 2 . .ia3 A) note to 1 2 . . . 'll xe2t!N C) after l 4.g3
a b c d e f g h
1 4 . . . dxc5!N
1 12 Bayonet 1 O.c5
1 .d4 c!ll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 the white pawn is not on f3 Black lacks a
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4 way to open lines against the enemy king.
tll h5 I O.cs f5!? l l .tll d2 1 3 . . . a5 14.bxa5 !?;!; also looks better for
A non-distant relative of the 1 0.li:)d2 line. White, for example: 1 4 . . . :B:xa5 1 5 .cxd6 cxd6
The knight is heading for c4, to put Black's 1 6.li:)c4 :B:a6 1 7.:!:'!:b2t
queenside under pressure. 13 . . . fxe4N 1 4.li:)dxe4 lt:)f5= is a solid and
perfectly sound method of playing.
l l ... tll f4 1 4.:B:b l
Now Black can vary his strategy according to 1 4.li:)c4 fxe4 1 5 .cxd6 cxd6 1 6.li:)xe4 ia6
what suits him best. In some positions he will 1 7.:!:'!:c2 li:)f5? is excellent for Black.
simply take on e2, followed by . . .f4 and the 1 4.c6 fxe4 l 5 . li:) dxe4 li:)f5? creates a double
usual pawn storm; in others he will delay the edged position as d5 can easily turn out to be
capture in favour of . . . g5 , gaining space and a weakness.
vacating g6 for the e7-knight. 1 4 . . . fxe4 1 5 .li:)dxe4 li:) f5 1 6.:B:e l li:) d4 1 7.ig5
Wi'd7 1 8 .Wi'd3 Wi'f7=
We will examine A) 12.i.a3, B) 12.i.c4!? and The chances are balanced.
C) 12.i.f3, before looking at the standard
D) 12.f3. A) 12.i.a3
1 2.cxd6 cxd6 1 3 .li:) c4 releases the tension
White immediately pinpoints the d6 weakness.
too quickly, giving Black an easy game. After
The idea is of course b4-b5 followed by li:) c4,
1 3 . . . fxe4! 1 4.li:)xe4 li:)f) 1 5 .ixf4 exf4 1 6.:B:cl
but Black has adequate resources.
:!:'!:e8 17 .if3 b6= I don't see any problems for
the second player.
8
1 2.:!:'!:e l
Preparing to drop the bishop to fl , so I think
7
a logical option is to take it. 6
1 2 . . . li:)xe2t 1 3 .:B:xe2 5
4
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
I consider this to be the most clear-cut

1 2 ... c!ll xe2t!N
method of playing.
a b c d e f g h
1 3 . . . b6!?N 1 2 . . . g5
13 ... g5 1 4.li:)c4 li:) g6 1 5 .cxd6 cxd6 1 6.:!:'!:c2;!; When White does not put his bishop on f3
is better for White as lt:) b5 invasions are this advance lacks purpose, but it may still
threatened. We can notice here that when be playable.
Chapter 9 - l l . ltJ d2 1 13
1 3.exf5!?N
After 1 3 .:B:cl Black should "resign" himself
to: 1 3 . . . l0xe2t!N ( 1 3 . . . :B:f6?! 1 4.exf5 llJ xf5
1 5 .cxd6 cxd6 1 6.l0de4 :B:h6 1 7.ig4 llJ d4
was Baron Rodriguez - Llanes, Zaragoza
1 995, which is easier to play for White after
either 1 8 .8! ?N;!; or 1 8.'tt> h l !?N.) 1 4.'\Wxe2
l0 g6! ( 1 4 .. .f4 1 5 .cxd6 cxd6 1 6.l0b5±
is unpleasant for Black) 1 5 .l0c4 b5!?
( 1 5 ... f4 and 15 ... llJ f4 also require
examination.) 1 6.l0e3 f4 l 7.l0f5 ixf5
1 8 .exf5 llJ h4+± This leads to a wild position
with mutual chances.
1 3 . . .ixf5 1 4 . llJ de4!
1 4 . cxd6 cxd6 1 5 .l0de4 :B:c8+
l 4 . . . dxc5 ! ? l 5 .ic4!
Here Black has a beautiful retort:
B) 12.i.c4!?
A typical computer idea, trying to preserve

the bishop, but I don't think this can pose any
serious problems for Black.
1 5 . . . b5!!
15 ... cxb4 1 6.ixb4 Wh8 1 7 .l0xg5;!;
l 6.ixb5 :B:b8=
Black has mobilized all his forces, obtaining
equal play.
1 3.ti'xe2 fxe4!
a b c d e f g h
The correct reply. Now 1 3 . . . f4?! doesn't
quite work as White is not obliged to play
an immediate f2-f3 . After 1 4.:B:ac l ! ( 1 4.8 1 2 'tt> h 8!?
•••
the only move. The reason I like it is because

g5 l 5.llJc4 fil600 transposes to variation 02) This feels right here, but of course it is not
14 . . . a6 ( 1 4 .. . 8 1 5 .llJxf3 ig4 1 6.cxd6 cxd6
l 7.l0b5 is better for White) l 5 .b5 axb5 it puts the d5-pawn under pressure. White can
l 6.cxd6 cxd6 1 7 .ib4;!; White has a slight edge choose Bl) 1 3.a4 or B2) 1 3.g3.
with the minimum of risk.
Bl) 13.a4
Black has a couple of responses here:
1 3 fxe4
•••
l 3 . . . li:) g8!?f! is also excellent.
a b c d e f g h
1 5 Wh4 1 6.f3 a5 17.bxa5?!
. ••
1 7. W h l !? can be answered by either

1 7 . . . We?f! or 1 7 . . . axb4!? 1 8 .g3 We? 1 9.gxf4
dxc5� which turns the board into a total mess.
17 dxc5 1 8.a6 bxa6 1 9.g3 lLixe2t 20.Wxe2

•••
Wh3 2 1 .a5?!
2 1 .Wd3=
8 .1 m .t.m
�wi��
� �ii
- - --- -Y.� -� & � -
15.li:)e2
7 • �-
The only move encountered in practice.
6 ·/,� , ,
� %� � -,��
""'
W,
0,
1 5 .g3 li:)h3t 1 6.'.t>hl a5 l 7.ia3 axb4 1 8 .ixb4

5 ��
o� w�•w
�•� �!-�
4 % %-�-tEm
dxc5 1 9.ixc5 li:) d6 20.We2 li:)g5= is rock solid o �•�••
� �� 8�'i18
�
3
for Black.
.... �
1 5 .'itih l ! ? lt:) d4 1 6.£3 if5 1 7.Ei:a2 ( 1 7.ie3
ixe4 1 8. fxe4 Wh4! 1 9.Wd2 [ 1 9.Wg l ?! Wg5+ 2 ��%��W,�1��
�Y//'d-''�
'0 , _,,% � 'RI /'b' "
M� �
,�
w�
%'""
or 1 9.g3 Wh3=] 1 9 . . . li:)h5! 20.if2 ih6!
1 ;�i§
�
a b c d e f g h
2 1 .Wb2 Wg4+± leads to a situation where
Black is clearly not worse in view of his
tremendous activity.) This should be about 2 1 . � d4 22.Wg2 Wf5 23J�a3 id7 24.�xc5
•.
equal after: 17 . . . ixe4!? 1 8 .fxe4 a5 1 9.li:)b5! ih5 25.hb5 axb5+

li:)xb5 20.ixb5 axb4 2 1 .c6! b6 22.Ei:af2 We? Black had the advantage and went on to win
23 .id2 li:)h5 24.E!:xf8t E!:xf8 25 .ixb4 E!:xfl t convincingly in Troger - Schoen, corr. 2003 .
26.Wxfl lt:) f6 27.Wf3 ih6 28.g3 'itig7 29.Wg2
icl 30.a5 bxa5 3 l .ixa5 h5 32.ie2 W d8= B2) 13.g3
White's advantage is only nominal, as the
black fortress cannot be broken. Trying to evict the knight looks like a natural
consequence of White's previous move.
Chapter 9 - l 1 . tll d2 115
1 3 llJ h5
••• 16 . . .ih3 1 7.:B:f3 Wd7 1 8 .llJ c4 llJg4 1 9.ig5
1 3 . . . llJ h3t 1 4.@g2 f4 1 5 .f3 h500 is l0 g8 20.Wa4 Wxa4 2 1 .l0xa4 l0 8f6 22.l0c3
another playable option which should not be dxc5! 23.bxc5 l0 d7 24.c6 bxc6 25.dxc6 :B:xf3
underestimated. 26.ixf3 l0 c5 27.l0 e3;!;
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14 .ie2
• 17.bxc5 llJ c6! 1 8.dxc6 ti'd4t 1 9.@g2 ti'xc3
1 4.exf5 l0xf5? is obviously more than 20J�bl bxcGf!
satisfactory for Black as the white pieces are Black has good chances in this complicated
not so well placed, the c4-bishop in particular. position.
1 4.:B:b l llJ f6 1 5 .:B:el is a typical computer C) 12 .if3

•
suggestion, underestimating the human reply:

1 5 .. . f4!? 1 6 .ie2 g5 1 7 . l0 c4 l0g6 1 8 .Wd3 A more thematic continuation, in the spirit of
:B:f7? Black intends simply . . . if8, defending Chapter 6.
d6, and preparing to continue his attack by
. . . h5.
1 4 llJ f6f!
•••
In my opinion Black has a fine game here.

For example:
1 5.f3 fxe4N
A new move, although it is not strictly
necessary.
1 5 . . . h5!? 1 6.l0c4 fxe4 1 7.fxe4 ih3 1 8.:B:f3
a b c d e f g h
b5! l 9.cxb6 axb6 20.ig5 l0 eg8 2 1 .Wd2 (to
prevent . . . ih6) 2 1 . . .WbS is another idea that
comes strongly into consideration. 1 2 g5
•••
The bishop on f3 invites the . . . g4 attack, so

1 6.fxe4 dxc5!? this advance is fully justified.
1 16 Bayonet 1 O.c5
13.exf5 It seems natural to challenge the knight and

1 3.cxd6 prevent . . . li:)h4 ideas.
White can insert this before taking on f5 ,
but its merits are dubious. The less weakening 1 4.ie4 is worth
1 3 . . . cxd6 14.exf5 li:)xf5 1 5 .ie4 mentioning: 1 4 . . . Wf6 1 5 .a4 li:) d4 1 6.£3
1 5 .li:)de4 li:) d4 1 6.ig4 ixg4 1 7.Wxg4 :B:c8t ( 1 6.li:)b5 :B:f7 should not worry Black)
1 6 . . . Wh6!? 1 7.g3 li:)h3t 1 8.'tt> h l a5 1 9.bxa5
dxc5 20.li:)c4 Wh5 2 1 .ia3 g4! 22.ixc5
s ..
7 ,.�.-
x � .t.� - - "�-� ,
••
" .....
65 w-��-.. ..%��-��.�
. 7.
\lUJ
4 "zr��
if� �� 8 f& . g
•�
3� w,,,,0•:r�
� -·'� � �rn
-- - • t::i t� 'lll
�� . :� �� '"""w·�
m.. .
b d f g h
� - ---� �� -� ,� �
r
a c e
1 5 . . . id?! 1 6 .ib2 :B:c8

a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . li:) d4!?t
1 7,lt:)b3 :B:c4!? 1 8.a3 li:)h4 1 9 . li:)d2 :B:d4 22 . . . :B:xf3! 23 .ixf3 gxf3 24.:B:a2 ig4 25.li:)e3
20.li:)e2? lt:) f5 26.Wb3 li:)xg3t 27.hxg3 li:)f2t A draw
20.Wh l N+ would have kept White in was the logical conclusion to a well-played
the game, although Black still maintains game in Cuno - Sperhake, corr. 2004.
pressure by either 20 . . . h5_. or 20 . . . WcS
2 1 .:B:cl if5 h .
2 0 . . . ia4! 2 1 .We l :B:xe4! 22.li:)xe4 li:) fXg2-+
Black had a winning advantage in Siegel -
Kupreichik, Bad Woerishofen 1 994.
My analysis has indicated that the piece

sacrifice 1 4 . . . li:) d4!? 1 5 .gxf4 ( 1 5 .ig4? ixg4
Chapter 9 - 1 l .ltJ d2 1 17
1 6.Wfxg4 ltJ de2t! l 7.li:)xe2 h5 !+) l 5 . . . exf4 1 6 ... tlixd5 17.tlice4!?

may not be as promising as it looks. A sample 1 7.li:)xd5 '\Mfxd5 1 8 .if3 '\M!f7 1 9.:B:b l ( 1 9 .li:) e4
line is: li:) d4 20.ig2 Wfg6+ and l 9.ie4 li:)d4+ are
both pleasant for Black) 1 9 . . . :B:bS 20.li:)b3
ie6 2 1 .ie4 ic4 22.:B:el :B:bd8 23.Wfc2 id5
24.ib2 b5= produces a dynamically balanced
position.
17 ... tli f6�

Black has acquired equality. The imbalanced
structure offers chances for both sides.
D) 12.6
Solidifying the centre in order to allow the

knight j ump to c4, without worrying about
the e4- and d5-points. Now, however, Black
can exchange his knight for the e2-bishop,
creating realistic attacking chances in view of
White's ensuing weakness on the light squares.
compensation.
15.bxc5 g4!
The point, deflecting the bishop from the
defence of d5.
1 6.hg4
After 1 6.ie4 li:) h3t 1 7.Wg2 ( 1 7.Wh l li:) d4
1 8 .Wfe l b5!t is unpleasant for White) l 7 . . . li:)g5
Black gets the enemy light-squared bishop and
is at least equal.
1 3.ti'xe2 f4 1 4.tlic4 g5
A fine attacking position for Black, as his
pawn phalanx points menacingly at the white
king. White's queenside counterplay is too
slow to be a serious distraction.
16 ... tll g6!

Alternatively, 16 . . . :B:g6 ( 1 6 . . . h5!? has also
been suggested, to prevent White's next move)
l 7.g4!? fxg3 1 8 .hxg3 ih3 l 9.:B:f2 g4 20.b500
was unclear in Rahman - Shantanu, Calcutta
1 994.
17.b5 .it'8!
I like this solid move, guarding d6.
17 . . . h5 1 8 .b6 cxb6 l 9.cxd6 ( 1 9.c6!?N g4

20.tlib5 looks quite interesting for White)
1 9 . . . g4 20.tlib5 gxf3 2 1 .gxf3 tli h4 22.i>h l
:B:g6 23.:B:gl ih3 24.:B:xg6 llixg6 25 .:B:gl
Wh7 26.tlic? :B:c8 27.a5 bxa5 28.tlixa5 Wd7
32.tlie6 Yi-Yi Bender - Canibal, corr. 2003,

29.tlixb? if6 30.ib4 Wa4 3 1 .ie l Wa3
1 5 . tli d l is rather passive. After l 5 ... h5 does not look so convincing. White may have
( 1 5 ... b5!?N is quite interesting too) 1 6.tlif2 improvements along the way.
tli g6 1 7.:B:b l :B:f7 1 8 .cxd6 cxd6 1 9.b5 if8
20.:B:b3 :B:g7 2 1 .h3 tlih8!? 22.b6 a6 23 .id2
tlif7 24.:B:c l tli h6 25 .:B:c2 g4 Black had a
strong attack in Letelier Manner - Hernandez,
Havana 1 97 1 .
Dl) 1 5.a4
This seems a natural continuation, but as I

have already mentioned, it seems rather slow.
1 5 .. JU6! 1 6..ia3
Black has a choice, but in my view the
a b c d e f g h
traditional manoeuvre is best:
We have reached another split, with White

choosing either the untested D l l) 1 8.c6!?N
or 0 1 2) 1 8.b6!?.
1 8 .a5?! dxc5! l 9.b6?! axb6 20.axb6 cxb6

2 1 .:B:fd l id?!+
1 8.Wf2?! tlih4! ? 1 9 .b6 axb6 20.cxd6 cxd6

2 1 .tlixb6 :B:b8 22.tlib5 :B:g6 23.llia? g4!
24.tliaxc8 gxf3 25.g3 :B:xc8 26.tlixc8 Wxc8+
was the continuation in Kliewe - Ratzmann,
Chapter 9 - l l .itJd2 1 19
corr. 1 99 1 , but it is likely White can improve 21 .fxg4 c!ll h4 22.@hl

somewhere along the way, so I would 22.g3? E!:g6! is bad for White.
recommend 1 8 . . . g4!N+ instead.
The same applies to 22.h3 E!:g6, when . . . h5 is
D l l) 1 8.c6!?N coming.
8
An interesting move, trying to suffocate Black
on the queenside. I recommend the following
J �j;, , JWA-; �
6 % - - %m .lrm ��- ��
way of playing for us:
1 t� t� • B i
5 m 8·m ·lr-- - - Y-�

1 8 ... b6
4 " "•�•2rm"� !
1 8 . . . h5 1 9.a5 looks better for White.
1 9.a5! bxa5 20 ..ib2

m �
3 ��;�----- :� �
a
'
�� !�-0
2 � �il� 8 �
Here Black must play accurately:
1 ��,, --- �� '•�

a b c d e f g h
22 .. J�g6 23J�xa5 .ixg4 24.Wfl .ie7!
25.gxa7
After 25.l0d2 Wc8! 26.E!:gl (26.Ei:a3 l0xg2!
27.Wxg2 ih3 28.Wf2 ig2t 29.Wxg2 E!:xg2
30.Wxg2 Wg4t 3 1 .i>h l @f7 32.Ei:gl Wh5=
leads to a strange state of equality where no one
seems able to make any progress) 26 . . . a6! Black
gets rid of his major weakness, equalizing.
Black seems to be walking on the edge of a

25 ... gxa7 26.Wxa7
precipice, but the next move proves this to be

an illusion:
20 . . . h5?! is answered strongly by 2 1 .Wf2!
(Nataf gives only 2 1 .Ei:xa5?! g4 22.Ei:fal ?!
llJh4+) 2 1 . . .llJh4 (2 1 . . .g4 22.fxg4 hxg4
23 .Ei:xa5±) 22.i>h l E!:f7 23.Ei:xa5 g4 24.l0 e2!±.
20 ... llJ h4?! allows: 2 1 .g4! (2 1 .g3? g4! 22.gxh4

E!:g6 23.i>h l Wxh4 24.fxg4 ixg4 25 .Wf2
Wh5 26.l0d2 ie7 27.llJf3 Wf7 gives Black a
tremendous attack.) 2 1 . . .h5 22.h3±
After 20 ... g4! the result is a complicated

struggle, rich in tactical possibilities.
26 ...YlYc8!! 30.YlYbSt
A stunning reply, introducing the idea of 30.l0xf3 is answered by 30 . . . l0xf3 3 1 .l0e2
. . . ih3. Wg4 32.l0g3 Wxe4! .
27J:Ul 30 ....it'S 3 1 .YlYe8

After 27.Wf2 l0xg2! White saves himself by Trying to stop . . . :gg2, but Black has a way of
a miracle. The only way is: achieving it:
768 ��r.1
� i��-0 �"�
�_Jj� ��
: �,�� ----1' � ��
. 8 �·�- • .I �
�
�'/�,��'�
f"
32 ��-��:- � ,, , ,,%�
� ·<"'
�
�· �
-·�·0
1 � � �� :-�
a b c d e f g h
28 .b6!! (28.Wxg2 ih5-+) 28 . . . cxb6 29.Wxg2

Wa6 (29 . . . ih5 ? 30.llJxb6+-) 30.llJd2 ih5
3 1 .Wh3 (3 1 .Wf2?? ih4-+) 3 1 . . .ig4= With a
picturesque draw as the logical conclusion.
27....ih3!! A draw by perpetual arises after 32.exf5 :gg2

33.llJxf3 :gxf2 34.We6t 'iii h s 3 5 .Wf6t Wg8
36.We6t=.
32 ..hxg6 33.exf'5 YlYh4! 34J�fl YlYb4! 35 ..ial

.ih6 36.tll xf3 gxf5f!
White's nominal material advantage is
hardly of any significance, as Black's activity
and powerful duo of passers must not be
underestimated. The game is dynamically
balanced.
0 1 2) 1 8.b6!?
This breakthrough is the culmination of

White's strategy.
28.gxh3 YlYxh3 29.tll d2 f3!

29 . . . :gg2 30.llJf3;!;
Chapter 9 - l 1 . tll d2 121
D2) 1 5 .ia3
With the intention of initiating pressure

against d6 as quickly as possible.
7
6
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
20.gfbl
20.Wff2 l:l:a6 2 1 .l:l:ab l g4!+ gives Black 1 5 ... gf6!
dangerous attacking chances. A typical rook manoeuvre, supporting the
pawn base and preparing to harmoniously
20.l:l:ab l N l:l:a6 2 1 .Wh l was probably best, arrange the minor pieces, for both defence and
when 2 1 . . . li:) h4 22.Wf2 l:l:h6! 23.li:)b5 l:l:xa4 attack.
24.li:)xb6 g4! 25.fXg4 l:l:xe4 26.li:)xc8 Wxc8
1 6.b5
27.ixd6 ixd6 28.li:)xd6 l:l:xd6 29.Wxh4 Wd7=
The pointless 1 6.li:)b5?! id? l ?.li:)c3?!
leads forcefully to an equal position.
(l ?.li:)a5 was the only meaningful continu
8
ation, yet Black is fine after l 7 . . . a6 l 8 . li:) c3
7
Wc8 1 9.li:)c4 g4! 20.l:l:ac l gxf3?) 1 7 . . . h5
1 8 .h3? ( 1 8.b5 dxc5 1 9.ixc5 l:l:g6+) 1 8 . . . g4-+
6
saw Black launch a strong attack in Plomp -
5
Arakhamia Grant, Liechtenstein 1 994.
4
1 6.l:l:ac l N is untried. 16 ... li:) g6! 1 7 . W h l (In
3
case of l ?.li:)a5, intending to follow up with
2
li:)b5 invading c7, there comes the strong
reply l 7 . . . g4!! l 8.fXg4 li:) h4!? , and Black is
1
planning to coordinate his pieces for an attack
by . . . l:l:g6, when he shouldn't stand worse.) The
a b c d e f g h
typical attacking gesture l ? . . . li:) h4 threatening
. . . g4, gives equal chances. For example:
20 ... ga6! 2 1 .gb3?! h5!t
Black had a powerful kingside attack in Buhr a) l 8.g3 should be equal after: l 8 . . . fXg3
- Nataf, Germany 200 1 , which he eventually ( 1 8 . . . li:)g6!? l 9.g4 id7=) l 9.hxg3 li:)xf3
converted into a win. 20.l:l:xf3 ig4 2 1 .l:l:cfl
1 8.b6!?
Trying to prise open the queenside.
For some strange reason some engines like

1 8 .c6?!, but after 1 8 . . . b6 Black is the only one
who has chances.
1 8 .cxd6 cxd6 1 9 .Ei:ab l b6 is at least okay for

Black.
18 ... axb6 1 9.cxb6 cxb6 20.gabl

20.lll b5 g4! i s also excellent for Black.
c) 1 8 .'1Wf2 Trying to prevent ... g4. There

should follow 1 8 . . . E!:h6! with a satisfactory
position for Black. The d6-point is sufficiently
protected and both . . . g4 and . . .'\Wd8-e8-h5 can
be useful in the attack.
1 6 ... lll g6 17J�fc1N a b c d e f g h

1 7.Ei:ac l N ifs 1 8 .b6 axb6 1 9.cxb6 c5 20 ... g4!
20.dxc6 (20.lll b 5 id7 2 1 . lll c7 E!:a4 22.Wc2 A terrific move; Black ignores White's threats
h5+±) 20 . . . bxc6 yields an unclear position. in order to create his own. This position arose
in Commons - Gligoric, Lone Pine 1 975, and
17...iJS now White should have continued:
An important moment.
2 1 .fxg4N
2 1 .Wf2? gxf3 22.gxf3 lll h4 23.@h l E!:g6
24.E!:g l ih3-+ led quickly to White's demise
in the above-mentioned game.
2 1 . .. f3
2 1 . . .lt:\h4!? could be even stronger.
22.gxf3 h5!
Black obtains a strong attack, but the
position certainly requires further analysis. A
few sample lines follow:
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 9 - l l .ltJ d2 1 23
23.gxh5 Conclusion
23.g5 looks better for Black after: 23 . . . li:) f4
24.Wf d2 (24.Wf e3 l:l:g6+ with the idea 25 .h4? I think that Chapter 9 has convincingly dealt
l:l:xg5t 26.hxg5 Wfxg5t 27.i>f2 '\M!h4t!-+) with some double-edged positions of the
24 . . ,li:)h3t 25. i>g2 l:l:f4--+ Bayonet Attack, arising after 9.b4 li:)h5 1 0.c5
5!? 1 1 .li:)d2. With his very last move White
23 ltJ f4 24.�c2!
•••
shows that he is going for the throat, planning
24.Wf e l l:l:f7 25.l:l:c2 l:l:c7!! (25 . . . l:l:g7t to put the knight on c4 and follow up with
26.Wh l ih3 27.ic l ! ig2t 28.l:l:xg2 li:)xg2 a massive queenside pawn push. However, in
29.'\Mffl ) 26.li:)e2 Wf g5 t 27.li:)g3 b5 28.l:l:xb5 the sharp lines arising after 1 1 . . . li:) f4 Black
.id7t is much better for Black. enjoys at least equal chances, as my analysis has
already indicated.
White has several possibilities after 1 1 . . . li:) f4
and l 2 . .ia3 is clearly not the most critical of
them. The bishop is a bit clumsy on a3 and
the advance of the a-pawn is stopped, making
Black's task easier. I consider 1 2 . . . li:)xe2t!N
1 3 .Wfxe2 fxe4! 1 4 . li:) dxe4 li:)f)f! to yield at
least equality, as White is weak on the light
squares and Black gets powerful central play.
1 2 .ic4!? undoubtedly makes more sense
but, on the other hand, the bishop occupies
a square that was destined for the knight. By
a b c d e f g h
playing 12 . . . i>hS!? Black puts the white centre
under pressure and he should be fine after
24 �e8! 25.@hl
••• 1 3 .g3 li:)h5 1 4 . .ie2 li:) f6+!, as the weakening
25.li:)e2 li:) h3t 26.Wh l b5 27.li:)b6 l:l:xa3 of the light squares around the enemy king
28.li:)xc8 l:l:axf3 29.li:)g3 l:l:xg3 30.hxg3 Wfxh5 provides him with good counterplay.
wins for Black. 1 2 .if3 is logical, but invites 1 2 . . . g5 , after
which Black cannot be any worse. A possible
25 ...�xh5 26.ggl t @hs 27.gg3 i.h3 continuation is 1 3.exf5 li:)xf) 1 4.g3 dxc5!
28.tlie2 1 5 .bxc5 g4! 1 6.hg4 li:)xd5 with free play for us
28 .l:l:bg l l:l:c8! 29.li:)xb6 l:l:xc3 30.Wfxc3 li:) e2 as the enemy's central skeleton has disappeared.
3 1 .l:l:gSt Wh7 32.l:l:8g5 Wfxg5 33.Wf c7t Wfg7 Thus 1 2.f3 was left as White's main option
34.l:l:xg7t hg7+ and it is indeed the most difficult to meet. In
the race resulting after 12 . . . li:)xe2t 1 3.Wfxe2 f4
28 gc8=
••• 1 4 . li:) c4 g5 Black often has to sacrifice a pawn
28 . . . b5!? 29.li:)xf4 (29.l:l:xb5 ig2t 30.l:l:xg2 or two to get quickly at the white king, but
li:)xg2 3 1 .li:)g3 Wfxf3 32.Wfxg2 Wfd l t+) my analysis revealed that it is often Black who
29 . . . exf4 30.l:l:xh3 Wf xh3 3 1 ..ib2 bxc4 is calling the shots in a more or less balanced
32 ..ixf6t '.t>g800 should be approximately even game. The reader is advised to carefully study
too. the concluding lines of the chapter as I have
managed to improve on old games and discover
very important nuances for both sides.
Bayonet 1 O.cS
a b c d e f g h
1 1.�el
Variation Index
1 .d4 til f6 2.c4 g6 3 . tll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 s. tll f3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5
7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 til e? 9.b4 tll b5 1 0.cS fS!? 1 1 .gel
1 1 ...fxe4!
A) 1 2 . tilgS!? 125
B) 1 2. tll xe4 tll f4 1 3.J.xf4 gxf4 1 27
B l ) 14.'i;Vc2 128
B2) 14.tilfd2 dxc5! 1 5.J.c4 tll xd5 1 6. tll b3 c6 17.tll bxcS 128
B2 1 ) 1 7 ... @b8 1 29
B22) 1 7 ... b6!? 1 30
A) note to 1 3 .ic4 B) note to l 3 . .ixf4 B2 1 ) after 1 9 .�b3!
a b c d e f g h
19 . . . li:l f6!!N
Chapter 1 0 - 1 U l:el 1 25
l .d4 c!ll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 13 ..ic4

0-0 6..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4 Most critical, eyeing the e6-square.
tli h5 1 0.c5 f5!? 1 1 .gel
A move that has been adopted once by 1 3 .tligxe4 llif5+± allows Black fine counterplay
Kramnik, but it is not as critical as 1 O.E!:e 1 . as the centralizing . . . tlif5-d4 will create
Th e main idea is to provide the light-squared unpleasant pressure.
bishop with a retreat square on fl , adding
strength to tli d2 and Wb3 ideas. The rather simplistic 1 3 .ixf4 exf4 l 4.tligxe4
a5 1 5 .bxa5 E!:xa5 1 6 .Wb3 lli f5 l 7.Wb4 E!:a8
1 8 .E!:ad 1 happened in Kosiorek - Antoniewski,
Polanica Zdroj 1 998, and here I found an
improvement for Black:
a b c d e f g h
b d f g h
1 1 . .. fxe4! a c e
Black strives to utilize his control over f4
by immediately planting his knight there. 1 8 . . . ie5 !N With a choice for White:
White can respond with either A) 12.tll g5!? or
B) 12.tll xe4. a) Weak is 1 9.ig4?! f3! ( 1 9 . . . dxc5 20.tlixc5
id6 2 l .ixf5 ixf5 22.W c4 ixc5 23.Wxc5 E!:f7 =
A) 12.tll g5!? tll f4 is only equal) 20.ixf5 (20.ixf3 tli h4--+ with
the idea 2 1 .ie2?? tlixg2! 22. Wxg2 Wh4-+)
20 . . . gxf5 2 1 . tli d2 fxg2t when Black's bishop
pair offers him the slightly better chances.
b) 1 9.ifl ! Wh4+± leads to an unclear position,

with mutual chances.
1 3 ... tll f5
This looks like the most natural response.
1 3 . . . tli d3?! 1 4 .ixd3 exd3 1 5 .Wxd3 h6

1 6 .tlige4 Wh?;!; was slightly better for White
a b c d e f g h
in M. Johansson - Canibal, corr. 2004.
13 . . . h6!? seems quite playable too.

1 8.g3!?
1 8 .cxd6 cxd6 l 9.g3 is answered strongly by
1 9 . . . :B:c8! 20.:!:'!:c l (20.ib3 lll d4? or 20.id5
lll d4 2 1 .:!:'!:b l :!:'!:c7? intending . . . :B:f8-f5)
20 ... ih6 2 1 .:!:'!:c3 ig7 22.:!:'!:d3 :B:xc4 23.lll xd6
lll xd6 24.e? Wb8 25.exfB=Wft ixf8 26.a3 We?
27.'\Wxf3 Wg8= with a state of approximate
equality.
1 8 ... dxc5
With . . .f3 thrown in this move acquires
more substance.
1 9.tll xc5 i.xal 20.Wi'xal t Wfd4 2 1 .Wi'cl �Ue8

22J�dl Wfg7m
White does have sufficient compensation for
the exchange, but that is all. A likely follow-up
is:
23.h4
23.lll xb? :B:ab8 24.lll a 5 :B:xb4 25.lll c6 :B:b6
26.ib3 '\Wf6=
1 6 ... exf4 17.tll xe4 6!

17 . . . dxc5 1 8 .tll xc5 ixa l 1 9.Wxa l t Wd4
20.Wc l Wig? 2 1 .lll d? :B:fe8 22.lll e 5 lll d6
23 .ib3�
Chapter 1 0 - 1 1 .E:e 1 1 27
B) 12.�xe4 � f4 1 5 .tlifd2 'tt> h 8!?

1 5 ... :B:f7N is given by Huzman, when he
The natural response, angling to eliminate one considers Black to have a slight advantage
16 . . . tli f5 l 7.ig4 MB My feeling is that the

of the enemy bishops. after: l 6.tlic4 ( 1 6.tlig5 :B:f8 l 7.ig4 lli f5 =)
8
position is approximately balanced.
7
1 6.g3 :B:f8 1 7.tlic4 lli f5 1 8.a4!?N
6
l 8 .ig4?! allowed Black a clear advantage in
Nielsen - Brustman, Koszalin 1 997, after
5
l 8 . . . b5! l 9.tlia5 tli d4 20.tlic6 llixc6 2 1 .dxc6
4
d5+ due to her large central superiority.
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
1 3.Lf4
I think this move, played by Kramnik, is the
logical consequence of White's play.
a b c d e f g h
1 3 .ic4?! is met by 13 ... ig4! 1 4.tlieg5 lli xg2!
1 5 .'tt> xg2 llif5!N (more active than 1 5 . . . tli c8, 1 8 . . . h5!?+±
as played in Blair - Eansworth, corr. 200 1 ) Intending ... ih6. Black's pieces are optimally
1 6.Wf d3 e4 l 7.E:xe4 ixf3t l 8.tlixf3 ixa l placed and he may put the open c-file to good
l 9.tlig5 '\Mff6+ With the better game for use later on. An important alternative, of equal
Black. value, is 1 8 . . . if6= planning to put the bishop
on e7, and then follow up with . . . b6, in an
1 3.cxd6 attempt to pressurize d5.
Releasing the tension, and giving Black's
queenside pieces breathing space. Finally, 1 3 .Wfb3 llixe2t 1 4.:B:xe2 ig4 1 5 .:B:e3
1 3 . . . cxd6 1 4.ixf4 :B:xf4 llif5 1 6.:B:d3 b6!? l 7.cxb6 axb6 1 8 .ib2 :B:e8
l 9.a4 ixf3 20.:B:xf3 tlid4 2 1 .ixd4 exd4
22.tlid2 :B:e5 23.:B:d3 Wfe8 24.tli f3 fil5 25 .h3
'\Mff7 26.Wf c2 :B:xd5 27.Wfc6 :B:f8 28 .:B:c l '\Mff5
29.:B:cd l Wf f7= was agreed drawn at this point
in Grifoll Miro - Penades Ordaz, corr. 2008.
13 .. J�xf4
White's two moves here are Bl) 14.ygc2 and
B2) 14.�fd2.
a b c d e f g h
Bl) 1 4.ygc2 gd2 32.gaal gc4 33.tlie4 �d4 34.f3 gxa4

35.@fl .if8 36.gxa4 gxa4
Correspondence players have experimented Black was a pawn up in Berti - Enricci, corr.
with this attempt to maintain the knight on e4 20 1 0, but White's better structure and piece
without sacrificing a pawn. activity meant that he didn't have real winning
chances and a draw was soon agreed.
B2) 14.tlifd2
The immediate retreat of the knight to d2 is

designed to prevent a development of events
as described above, but now Black can win a
pawn.
a b c d e f g h
1 4 ....if5!
In the event of 14 ... a5 ?! 1 5 .b5! .if5 1 6 .llJfd2
.ixe4 l 7.l0xe4 llJf5 l 8.g3 llJ d4 l 9 .'1Wd3
:B:IB 20.cxd6 cxd6 2 l . .ig4!;!;, as played in
Achermann - Solf, corr. 2009, Black is slightly
worse. After 2 1 . . .Wh8 22.Wh l h5 23 .ih3
:B:f3 24.:B:e3 :B:IB 25 .'\Wc4 g5 White missed his
27.dxe6 d5 28 .'\Wc5 b6 29.'\Wa3 .if6 30.:B:dl t

chance to play the active: 26 . .ie6!N l0xe6
With the better chances in view of his safer

king and superior minor piece.
1 5.tlifd2 .ixe4 1 6.tlixe4 tlif5 17.ygd3 tli d4 1 5..ic4

1 8.cxd6 After l 5 .g3 :B:f8 l 6 . .ic4 i>h8 l 7.bxc5 l0xd5
2 1 . i> h 1 '\Ml e 7! is now okay for Black as 22.:B:ac 1

1 8 .g3 fil8 1 9.ig4 i>h8 20.cxd6 cxd6 1 8 .'\Wb3 llJ f6 1 9.:B:ad l l0xe4 20.llJxe4 '\We?
White does have some compensation but can
'\Wf7! 23 . .ie6 (23 .'\Wc4? b5!+ i s a major point) hardly dream of being better. In fact, it is Black
23 . . . llJxe6 24.dxe6 '\Wxe6 25.:B:cd l '\Wxa2 who has a few chances for an advantage, for
26.'\Wxd6 '\Wf7= merely gives White enough example: 2 1 .8 :B:b8 22.c6 a5! 23.cxb? .ixb7
compensation to draw. 24.'\We3 a4 25.:B:bl .ic6+
1 8 ... cxd6 1 9.a3 .ih6! 20.h3 �k8 2 1 .ga2 gc7 1 5 ... tlixd5
22.ig4 @hs 23.gb2 b5 24.ga2 yge7 25.a4 Checking the databases I was surprised to
ygf7 26 . .ie6! tlixe6 27.dxe6 ygxe6 28.ygxd6 see that even 1 5 . . . b5!? is viable. After 1 6 . .ixb5
ygxd6 29.tlixd6 gxb4 30.tlixb5 gd7 31.tlic3 cxb4 l 7.'\Wb3 Wh8 l 8 .'\Wxb4 :B:b8 l 9 .'\Wc5
Chapter 1 0 - 1 1 .El e l 1 29
li:)xd5 20.ic4 ie6 2 1 .Wxa7 MB 22.Elab l ib4 White must strike while the iron is hot.
23.li:)g5 (23.a3 Ela8 24.Wb7 Elb8 25.Wa7=
is an immediate draw) 23 . . .igS 24.ixd5! The alternative 1 8 .Wd2 allows Black a free
(24.Elxe5? li:) b6+) 24 ... ixd5 25.E!:xe5 E!:b7! game after 1 8 . . . if5 ! ( 1 8 . . . b6 l 9.b5!+±) l 9.g3
26.We3 ixd2 27.Ei:eSt E!:f8 28 .Wd4t Wg8 ixe4! 20.li:)xe4 (20.gxf4? i.8!) 20 . . . E!:fS+ as he
29.E!:xf8t Wxf8 30.li:) e6t @e7 3 1 .Ei:xb7 ixe6 has maintained his extra pawn without major
32.Wc5t @d7= Black went on to win a long concessions.
struggle in Gataullin - Tarrio Ocana, corr.
2009, although the position is of course equal 1 8 ....tg4!?
at this point. A dynamic developing move, exploiting the
fact that 1 9.8? is bad in view of l 9 . . . Wb6!.
16.�b3
White has obtained some positional pressure 1 8 ... E!:fS was played i n Kramnik - Gelfand,
in return for the pawn, but this is hardly Novgorod 1 996. Kramnik suggests 1 9.Wb3! ?
sufficient for an advantage. a s a try for a n advantage, but it seems he
missed l 9 . . . li:) f4!= preventing the exchange of
1 6.bxc5N is Huzman's recommendation, but light-squared bishops via e6. Instead, l 9 . . . li:)b6
it looks much less threatening than 1 6.li:)b3. 20.bxc6 bxc6 2 1 .ie6!� is the line he gave,
White needs to have the undermining b4-b5 which indeed seems to give White a lasting
option at hand to annoy Black. initiative on the light squares.
19.ygb3!
7
6
3
a b c d e f g h
2
1
a b c d e f g h
1 6 ... c6 17.� bxc5
A critical moment. Black must decide
between B2 1 ) 17 ... @hs or B22) 17 ... b6!?. 1 9 ... � f6!!N
A strong move found by the ever-improving
B2 1 ) 1 7... @hs engines.
A sensible move which should be sufficient if My old notes indicated that White is better in
Black is only interested in a draw. the following variations:
19 . . . We7 20.8 M5 2 1 .ixd5!N
1 8.b5! 2 1 .li:)d3 ixe4 22.fxe4 li:) f6 23.li:)xf4 exf4�
in Lalic - 011, Szeged 1 997. After 22 . . . cxd5

2 1 .bxc6 bxc6 22.ixd5 was agreed drawn
23.Wxd5 :B:d8 24.Wb3 .ic8!= intending

. . . :B:ff8 and . . . :B:d4, Black's two bishops
seem to outweigh the weakness of his static
e-pawn.
2 1 . . .cxd5 22.Wxd5 .ixe4
22 . . . :B:d8 23.Wxb? Wxb7 24.li:)xb? :B:b8
25.li:)bd6 ixe4 26.li:)xe4 :B:xb5 is supposed
to be equal but to me it seems slightly better
for White after 27.:B:ab a .
a b c d e f g h
23.li:)xe4 :B:d8 24.Wb3;!;
At least my notes were correct in this respect.
1 8.b5!?
20.li:)g5 Wf d4! 2 I .li:)f7t <!ig8 22.li:)xe5t li:) d5 1 8.li:)d3 :B:IB is at least slightly better for
23.bxc6 bxc6 24.li:) cd3 Black.
Now Black must find a series of only moves:
l 8 .Wa4 We? l 9 . .ixd5t cxd5 20.Wb3 is given
by Kramnik who considers White to have a
clear plus. Yet this assessment looks incorrect,
in view of 20 . . . Wd8! 2 1 .:B:ad l . Black can now
choose between:
a) 2 1 . . .'tt> h 8!? 22.:B:xd5 Wg8!
�, � �1.
�6 "," ""� ��-� ··"�
a b c d e f g h
5 �� : �.:t ef�f%� �•
��
�.d' l'f,,,,�
;
4 �,d'n
....
w�·'u��
lti�•��
32 �. ��·0 �9}.i-�
. ..
.
��41�
.. ..
24 Le5! 25.tll xe5 Wfxf2t 26.<!ihl ge8! �. '

.
,.8 B�� B,.

•.•
27.gfl
27.h3 Wh4=
1
.
g � ;
. ..
a b c d e f g h
27 Wfd4 28.tll xg4 gxg4=
•••
As a conclusion, it can be said that l 7 . . . 'tt> h 8 23.g3! (23.li:)d3? fails to 23 . . . :B:xe4! 24.:B:xe4
equalizes. .ie6 25.li:)xe5 g5!-+ and it transpires that
Black is winning.) 23 . . . :B:f5 (23 . . . bxc5 24.gxf4
B22) 17 b6!?
••• .ie6 25.:B:ed l =) 24.li:)d? .ib7 25.:B:dd l = The
position is j ust equal.
Kramnik rejects this in his analyses, but it may
well be the best move. b) 2 1 . . .:B:f7! 22.:B:xd5 We? 23.li:)d6 bxc5
24.li:)xf7 Wxf7 25 .:B:dSt if8 26.bxc5 ie6
Chapter 1 0 - 1 1 .E: e l 131
27.Wf d l :B:xd8 28 .Wfxd8 id?+ when only Conclusion

Black can win.
In Chapter 1 0 we examined the posmons
1 8 ... bxc5 1 9.bxc6 .ie6 20.ygb3 arising after 9.b4 lll h5 1 O.c5 f5!? 1 1 .:B:el fxe4!.
This is the best try and it seems to lead to a 1 1 .:B:el is actually not such a dangerous
draw with correct play. move for Black, and by playing l l . . . fxe4! he
underlines that d5 could be a potential target.
This is in fact what happens in the chapter's
main line, after 1 2.lll xe4 lt:\ f4 1 3 .ixf4 E:xf4
1 4 . lt:\ fd2 dxc5! 1 5 .ic4 lll x d5 1 6 .lll b3 c6
l 7.lll bxc5. Black has won the cl-pawn and the
knight's strong position in the centre means he
has little reason to worry, although admittedly,
the activity of White's pieces compensates for
his slight material inferiority.
White has also tried 1 4 .Wfc2 in his effort
to avoid playing a pawn down, but then the
simple 1 4 . . . if5! 1 5 .lll fd2 ixe4 1 6 .lll xe4
a b c d e f g h
ll\f5 l 7.Wfd3 lt:\ d4 gives us an easy game with
nothing to worry about. 1 8 .cxd6 is designed
20 ... gbS! to shield the pressure against the d5-pawn, but
Most accurate. 20 . . . E:xe4!? is also possible. then l 8 . . . cxd6 l 9.a3 ih6! 20.h3 :B:c8 leads to
After 2 1 .:B:xe4 '\M!d6 22.E:d l E:b8! 23 .E:xd5! a position where Black's control of the c-file
(23 .Wfa4 E:b4) 23 ... ixd5 24.hd5t Wh8 and the strong d4-knight make the position at
25.Wf d3 E:b6! 26.f4! (26.g3 :B:xc6=) 26 ... E:bS least equal for him, while being an easy one
(26 . . . E:xc6 27.fxe5 '\Mids 28.e6 :B:c7;!;) 27.ic4 to play.
Wfxc6 28.fxe5;!; White has a slight advantage, Consequently, there are no problems in
but Black should draw. this chapter for Black, although the drawing
tendency seems to be quite high.
2 1 ..ixd5! .ixd5!
2 1 . . .E:xb3 22.ixe6t 'tt> h 8 23 .ixb3;!;
22.c7 .ixb3 23.cxdS=ygt gxd8 24.axb3 .it"S

25.g3 gf7
White is temporarily a pawn down but his
better structure and superior minor piece
ensure the draw.
26.ge3 gd4 27.ga5 c4 28.bxc4 gxc4

29.gxe5 .ib4
A draw was agreed here in Grifoll Miro -
Punzon Moraleda, corr. 2008. It seems to me
that the last word on this variation has been
said.
Bayonet 1 O.g3
a b c d e f g h
Introduction
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tl:if3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5
7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7 9.b4 tl:i h5 1 0.g3!?
1 0 . . . £5
A) 1 1 .ti:id2 ti:if6 1 33
Al) 1 2.f3 1 33
A2) 1 2 .c5! 135
B) 1 1 . tl:ig5 ti:i f6 135
B l ) 1 2.exf5 1 36
B2) 1 2.J.f3 1 37
B2 1 ) 1 2 ... c6 1 37
B2 1 l) 1 3.J.a3 1 37
B2 1 2) 1 3.exf5!? 1 38
B2 1 3) 1 3.gb l ! ? 1 39
B2 14) 1 3.J.g2 1 40
B22) 1 2 ... gbs 142
B22 1 ) 1 3.b5 143
B222) 1 3.J.g2 1 43
A2) after 1 3.exf5

B223) 1 3.Y;Yd3 1 45
A 1 ) after l 5 .gxf4 822 1 ) after 1 3. b 5
1 5 . .. exf4!?N 1 3 . . . lll x fS!N 1 3 . . . fxe4! ?N

Chapter 1 1 - Introduction 1 33
l .d4 tli f6 2.c4 g6 3.tlic3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tlif3 An old continuation which shouldn't pose
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tli c6 8.d5 tli e7 9.b4 critical problems to Black, although it is
tli h5 10.g3!? not entirely devoid of venom. White wants
This move, averting the invasion of the to resort to the usual queenside enterprise
black knight on f4 at the cost of weakening involving c4-c5 , lll c4 and ia3, followed by an
the kingside, had, for several years, been eventual b4-b5, hitting d6.
considered to give White an edge. In recent
years, however, Black has found ways to upset l 1 . .. tli f6
this evaluation. Black, naturally, retreats his knight to
pressurize e4 and force a weakness on the dark
squares. Al) 1 2.f3 should not cause us any
concerns, but A2) 1 2.c5! can be dangerous.
Al) 1 2.f3
This allows the second player a free hand on

the kingside.
a b c d e f g h
10 ... f5
The logical continuation for Black is to open
lines on the kingside as quickly as possible,
especially now that there is a concrete weakness
in the enemy's castled position for him to
exploit. In doing so, however, he weakens the
a b c d e f g h
e6-square, providing White with an interesting
attacking possibility in lll f3-g5-e6. We will
first look at A) 1 1 .tli d2 before examining the 1 2 ... h5!?
abovementioned B) l 1 .tlig5. 1 2 . . .ih6
This should also be okay for Black, a sample
Before proceeding it should be stressed that line being:
1 1 .lll e l ?! lt:\ f6 1 2.f3 is obviously inferior, in 1 3 .lll b3 ixc l 1 4 .Ei:xc l fxe4!
view of: 1 2 . . .f4! 1 3 . g4 g5 1 4 .lll d 3 lll g6 1 5 .c5 The alternative 14 .. . f4 allows White some
h5+ Black is slightly better as White has used pressure after: 1 5 .gxf4!N exf4 1 6.c5 a6
two tempos to place his pawn on g4. He went ( 1 6 . . . lll d??! 1 7 .lll b5 lll e5 1 8 .cxd6 cxd6
on to win the game in Matulovic - Gligoric, l 9.i>g2! g5 20.lll c ?± is better for White)
Ljubljana 1 960. 1 7.Whl g5 1 8.Ei:gl h6 1 9.lll d4 lll g6 20.cxd6
cxd6 2 1 .b5t
A) 1 1 .tli d2 1 5 . fxe4 ih3 1 6.E!:f3
1 6 .E!:f2 '\Mid? 17 .Wf d3 E!:f7 1 8 .c5 E!:af8 l 9.lll a5
1 34 B ayonet 1 0. g3
b6 20.cxb6 cxb6 2 1 .li:)c4 h5+! shouldn't be 1 5 ... exf4!?N

too much of a problem for us either. I prefer this to 1 5 . . . gxf4 1 6.'tt> h l li:) g6
1 7.:!:'!:gl 'tt> h 7, which should be answered by:
1 8 .cxd6!N ( 1 8 .id2?! :!:'!:g8 1 9 .ie l ? h4!-+
gave Black a strong attack in Oblitas -
Gi. Hernandez, Matanzas 1 992, in view of the
intended . . . lt:) f6-h5-g3t.) 1 8 . . . cxd6 1 9.li:)b5
Forcing the knight to the passive e8-square.
a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . 'itig7 1 7.c5
17.g4 ixg4 1 8.:B:xf6 :B:xf6 19 .ixg4 :B:f4 is
similar to the next note.
1 7 . . . a6 1 8.'1Wd3
1 8 .g4!? ixg4 1 9.:B:xf6 :B:xf6 20.hg4 :B:f4
2 1 .°1We2 li:) g8 22.ie6 Wh4 23 .°IWe l Wg5t
24.Wg3 Wh6 gives rise to a tense situation
with lots of counterplay for Black.
1 8 . . . '1Wd7 1 9.li:)a5 ig4 20.:!:'!:ffl ixe2 2 1 .°1Wxe2
b6 22.li:)c4
22.cxb6 cxb6 23.li:)c4?! b5+
22 ... b5 23 .li:)a5 h5 24. li:) d l h4 25.li:)f2 :B:f7+!
1 6.i.b2 i.h3 17.:B:fl li:)g6 1 8.cxd6 cxd6
13.c5 19.tll b 5
On 1 3 .li:)b3 both 1 3 . . . fXe4 and 1 3 . . . c6!?
deserve analysis.
1 3 ... £4 14.li:)c4 g5 1 5.gxf4
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 1 1 - Introduction 135
A2) 12.c5! 13 ... �xfS!N

1 3 . . . ixf5 1 4.g4!;!;
It is only with this energetic advance that
White can count on some double-edged play, 13 . . . gxf5 14.tlic4 ixc l 1 5 .l:l:xc l tli g6 is
but with a careful response Black should reach playable for Black, yet 1 6.cxd6 cxd6 l 7.f4;!;
equality. could lead to a minimal plus for White.
8 i.-�•.i.�
,,, -�,_ , �%,,, .,,,d,••
. .. .. .
14.�b3 i.xcl 1 5J�xcl b6!=
7 ef�%� . .•.. --•

.... . ...% ,�� . ...
I think that this position is thoroughly equal,
·- ,
v,� ·0
6
%
as Black has decent control of the dark squares
with well-placed pieces.
5
4
�h ��
�
..
��'•8'�
%,,
�r••• li:i!
, . , ,,,, ,
..�� ,-��
�,,
B) 1 1 .�g5
3m m ?:'
..... • � %b
2 ��
o�-';- ;*m dib
�wK£""
��;� ..J:� .. _�fWM
The critical continuation, detecting the
1 � mv� � m .
.... -�
..... ?:' . . %%: . ..
weakness created by Black's last move. A
a f� complex struggle now arises .
a b c d e f g h
12 ...i.h6!
A suggestion of Grivas that is very principled,
as Black immediately forces White to exchange
on f5 .
1 2 . . . 'tt> h S!? i s a worthwhile proposal by Nataf
that also deserves further analysis.
13.exf5
1 3 .tlib3? ixc l 1 4.l:l:xc l fxe4+
1 3 .£3? dxc5 14.bxc5 ie3t+ a b c d e f g h
8
1 1 . .. �£6
7
Threatening to win a pawn by ... h6. We will
now consider Bl) 1 2.exf5 and B2) 12.i.f3.
6
5
A move like 1 2.c5 ? is definitely bad in view
of the simple 1 2 . . . h6 1 3 .tlie6 ixe6 14.dxe6
4
fxe4+ with a clear advantage for Black.
3
2
The most popular reply, 1 2.£3, is examined in
Chapters 1 2- 1 4.
1
a b c d e f g h
1 36 B ayonet 1 O.g3
Bl) 12.exf5 1 3 ... a5!

A strong move in this particular situation,
Designed to create an outpost on e4 for the seeking to freeze White's queenside play.
white knights, but in the present situation this
strategy does not pay the desired dividends. 1 4.b5
If White wants to fight for the advantage he 1 4 .ia3?! is both unnatural and weak. After
should support his pawn chain by f2-8 or i8. 1 4 . . . tlixe4 1 5 .tlixe4 axb4 1 6.ixb4 b6 1 7.a4
tli d4t Black had a clear advantage in Wiik -
1 2... tll xf5! Trana, corr. 1 992.
Black avails of an equally strong outpost on
d4. 1 4... tllxe4 15.tll xe4 tll d4
In Kuzmin - Taimanov, USSR 1 967, Black
13.tll ge4 had a symbolic advantage as he had stopped
1 3 . . . tli d4 1 4 .ig2 a5 1 5 .b5 ig4! 1 6.8 Ms

1 3 .i8 is answered convincingly by: White's queenside attack dead in its tracks.
1 6.6
1 6.ig5 was tried in the subsequent game
Suess - Schmid, corr. 1 990, and at this point I
think Black's best continuation is:
a b c d e f g h
1 7.tlie2N ( 1 7.f4? Vffe7 1 8 .ih3 ixh3 1 9.tlixh3

tli h5+ was an unjustified attempt at activity in
Hernaez Fernandez - Lumley, corr. 1 999, that
a b c d e f g h
led to a clear advantage for Black. 1 7.:B:f2 h6
1 9. fxe4 :B:xfl t 20.ixfl cxb6+) 1 7 . . . ih3

1 8.tlige4 ixe4 1 9.fxe4 tli d7= is also excellent 1 6 . . . Vff e SN 1 7.8 ( 1 7.b6 if5 1 8 .8 ixe4
1 s .:B:f2 Ms 1 9.Vff d2 Wd7=

for Black.) 1 7 . . . :B:e8!= The second player has
solved all of his problems.
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
1 6 ..ifS 17 .id3 Wd7 18 .ie3 gae8 19.gfl

•• • • 1 5 .dxe6 Wc8! ( 1 5 . . . fxe4 1 6.tlixe4 tli5 1 7 .ib2
ge7 20.gbl We? 1 8 .b5;!;) 1 6.:B:d l :!:'!:d8 l 7.b5 Wxe6= White
After 20.b6 both 20 ... c5= and 20 ... cxb6 has sufficient compensation for the pawn, but
2 1 .:!:'!:b l b5 22 . .ixd4 exd4 23.:B:xb5 .ih6+t give no more than that.
Black sufficient counter-chances.
1 3.b5 is logical. Then 1 3 . . . cxb5 l 4.cxb5 fxe4
20 b6=
76 7..�... 7.�r��.
•••
The aforementioned Taimanov game was s X � .i.a �·

-----".r---V.�-,� ,
. . . . :.-, .�
given up as a draw after a few more uneventful
moves.
s ��-� � �� .,r.� 'F'· '·'/,·1'�

-t r•-----'
B2) 12.i.6
4 �W"//. �� 7z.'0
2
3 ��.,�. . .�:�-j,_�
�
iW �� ·
n· · · � "
�· · � ��;��
1a ,. .. . r.m-
"· � if � : � ·
··
a b c d e f g h
1 5 .tlicxe4! ( 1 5 . tli gxe4 tli 5 1 6.ig2 tli d4

l 7.ia3 llixe4 l 8.tlixe4 llixb5 l 9 .Wb3 a6
20.ib2 :B:f7 2 1 .a4 tli d4 22.ixd4 exd4 was
at least equal for Black in Podzielny - Klein,
Groningen 2009.) l 5 . . . tlixe4 l 6.ixe4 h6
1 7 . tli e6 ixe6 1 8 .dxe6 d5 1 9.ia3 dxe4
a b c d e f g h 23.:!:'!:ae l N a6 24.bxa6 :B:axa6 25.a3 MB

20.Wxd8 :B:fxd8 2 1 .ixe? :B:e8 22.ib4 :B:xe6
This idea, introduced into high-level chess 26.:B:xe4 ixb4 27.:!:'!:xb4 :!:'!:xa3 28.:!:'!:xb? :!:'!:f3=
by Kramnik, was successful at first, but Black leads to complete equality.
has by now devised several satisfactory ways of
meeting White's impending pressure on the B2 1 1) 1 3 .ia3
•
long diagonal. We will examine two moves in

detail: B2 1 ) 12 c6 and B22) 12 gb8.
••• •••
This move should be answered as follows:
B2 1) 12 c6
•••
This has been the most popular way to block

(at least temporarily) the pressure against b 7, so
I decided it was wonh including some analysis
on it as well. White has a large selection of
options: B2 1 1) 1 3 .ia3, B2 1 2) 1 3.exf5!?,
•
B2 1 3) 13.gbl !? and B2 1 4) 13 .ig2. •
1 3 .Wb3 looks tempting, but Black has a

sufficient antidote in: 1 3 . . . h6 14.tlie6 he6
138 B ayonet 1 O.g3
13 cxd5 14.exd5 e4 1 5.i.e2!

••• 1 8.gxf4N
After 1 5 .ig2 h6 1 6.l0e6 ixe6 1 7.dxe6 1 8 .'\Wd2 f3 1 9 .id l Wc8! 20.l:l:e l Wxe6
d5 =/+ Black is at least equal. 2 1 .ixf3 Wxc4 22.id l ! ? (22.l0xe4? l0xe4
23.l:l:xe4 Wd5!+ even wins for Black) 22 . . . Wh?
23 .ib3 '1Wa6 24.ib2 d5+ is an extra pawn
for Black without any major worries. This
position arose in Martinez Martin - Gomez
Galan Arense, corr. 20 1 2, with a draw being
the eventual result.
18 ... tll h5 1 9.i.xh5 i.xc3 20Jkl i.g7

2 1 .i.g4 gxf4 22.gb l gc8 23.i.cl Wf8!?+!
Wild and complicated play lies ahead.
B2 12) 1 3.exf5!?
A rare move that deserves some attention.

I think Black stands well after the following
continuation:
s .1. m ..t� ••m

7 •t�- - - %,,. . . .,
;,
6 -----"mfm-----:m-,y,�
, Y,
s
� �� -zrm8- -m
�
4 .n.. !� , %
� "a'
, /, ."//, •
I don't believe that White can claim an
� ��-� �
3 • m - � ��
advantage here as Black has enough kingside
2 /;�---
counterplay to outweigh White's bishops. For
example:
� ��-�w;-
�� ,,, .,.,;- �- -Jj�-t!�
1 � Dir � � �
'0 �
a b c d e f g h
1 3 ... e4N
Konstantinov - Oltean, email 20 1 3 ,
continued with an immediate l 3 . . . gxf5 . The
bolded moves in the following lines represent
White's best tries for an advantage, though
equality is never far away.
14.i.g2 gx5 1 5.gb l ! cxd5 16.tL!xd5 !

1 6.cxd5 id?=
16 ... tll exd5 17.cxd5 '1We7 18.'1Wb3 i.d7

19.�Mrn 25 .. .i.e5 26.hg4 fxg4 27.i.xe5t dxe5

19 .ib2 lll h 5 20. lll e 6 ixe6 2 l .dxe6 l:l:ae8 28J�el ti'xe6 29.gxe4 ti'xb3 30.gxb3 h5
22.l:l:fd l Wxe6 23.l:l:xd6 Wxb3 24.axb3 l:l:d8= 3 1 .gbe3 gf5=
yields Black easy equality. The diminished material renders it impossible
for White to exploit his small positional edge.
B2 1 3) 13.gb l !?
An interesting possibility, which requires a

careful reply from Black:
1 3 ... cxd5!
Inferior is: 1 3 . . . h6?! 14. lll e 6 ixe6 1 5 .dxe6
fxe4 1 6.lll xe4 lll xe4 ( 1 6 . . . d5 1 7 .lll xf6t l:l:xf6
1 8 .b5;!; hardly relieves Black from his troubles
either.) l 7.ixe4 d5 1 8.ig2! Wd6 ( 1 8 . . . dxc4
l 9.b5±) l 9.b5!;!;
20 ... 'itihs 2 1 .i.c4!?

2 1 .h3 h6 22. lll e 6 ixe6 23.dxe6 d5=, or
2 1 .lll e6 ixe6 22.dxe6 d5 23 .ig5 Wxe6
24.l:l:bcl l:l:d8=
21 ... tll g4 22.tll e6 b5! 23.i.e2 he6 24.dxe6

a6 25.i.£4
25.a4 bxa4 26.Wxa4 e3!=
1 4 ... tll eS! 1 5 .ti'b3 tll c7! 1 6.c5 h6 17.tll e6

tll xe6 1 8.dxe6 d5!=
No matter how White recaptures on d5,
Black will pick up the e6-pawn with an equal
a b c d e f g h
game.
140 B ayonet 1 O.g3
B2 14) 13 ..ig2 1 6.a4

I have been unable to find anything better
This harmonizing move is considered to be the for White. The text move provides the
most dangerous for Black. c l -bishop with a square on a3 and reinforces
the b4-b5 idea. Alternatively:
1 6.exf5?! l0xf5+ already looks slightly better for

Black, who controls d4 and is ready to capture
the e6-pawn. l 7.b5? only makes things worse
in view of 1 7 . . . axb5 1 8 . cxb5 d5 1 9.a4 E!:e8
20 . .id2 E!:xe6 2 1 .a5 cxb5 22.l0xb5 E!:c6+ when
Black's centre and extra pawn counts for more
than White's bishops.
After 1 6.E!:b l ?! Black may carry out Grischuk's

plan from the game against Kramnik without
a b c d e f g h
fearing b4-b5 : 1 6 . . . fxe4! 1 7.a4 (It turns out
that 1 7.llJxe4?! l0xe4 1 8 ..ixe4 b5!+ gives
Black a wide pawn centre with much the better
1 3 ... h6
chances.) 17 . . . d5 1 8 .b5 axb5 1 9.cxd5
It seems logical to invite the knight to e6 as
768
White's last did not increase the pressure on
the long diagonal.
14.tlie6 .ixe6 1 5.dxe6 a6!

5
4
An important move, halting b4-b5 ideas
In Kramnik - Grischuk, Moscow 20 1 2,

before proceeding with central play.
Black opted for the natural 1 5 . . . llJxe4?!,

32
but after 1 6.l0xe4 fxe4 l 7.b5! E!:f6 18 ..ixe4
E!:xe6 1 9 .Wfa4 d5 20.Ei:d l '.t>h7 2 1 .cxd5 cxd5
22.Wfb3!± White had a clear advantage and a b c d e f g h
went on to win. 1 9 . . . l0 exd5 ! 20.l0xd5 Wfxd5 2 1 .axb5 Wfxe6

22.bxc6 bxc6+ Although White may draw
this, Black's two extra pawns will make him
sweat to gain the half point.
16 . .ib2 does not put any pressure on d6,

so Black has a free hand in the centre:
16 . . . fxe4 1 7.l0xe4 ( l 7.ixe4?! l0xe4 1 8 .l0xe4
llJf5 1 9.Wfg4 Wfe8 20.E!:ad l h5+ is actually
better for Black.) 1 7 . . . l0xe4 1 8 ..ixe4 d5
1 9.cxd5 cxd5 20 . .ig2 Wfd6 2 1 .Wfb3 Here both
2 1 . . .e4= and 2 1 . . .Wfxe6= are satisfactory for
the second player.
Chapter 1 1 - Introduction 141
1 6 .ia3 does not pose any major threats to us.

I recommend 16 . . . fxe4 1 7.b5! axb5 1 8 .'\Wxd6
lll f5 ! with equality, for example:
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h 1 6 ... tll xe4N

The alternative 1 6 . . . fxe4 1 7.ia3 e3!
1 9.'\Wb4 :B:e8 20.cxb5 tlid5! 2 1 .e?! '\Wa5
ixa l 2 1 .'\Wxa l :B:xfl H denies White serious
1 8 . fxe3 e4! 1 9.:B:a2 ( 1 9.tlixe4? tlixe4 20.ixe4
22.'\Wxa5 :B:xa5 23 .ib2 tlixc3 24.ixc3 :B:xb5
25 .ixe4 :B:xe7 26.id3 :B:b6 27.ia5 :B:b2
compensation) 1 9 . . . tli f5 20.ic l d5 2 1 .cxd5
28.ic3 :B:b6=
lll xd5! 22.tlixe4 lll fxe3 23.:B:xfSt '\Wxf8
24.he3 lll xe3 led to an immediate draw
1 6 .'\Wb3 looks threatening, but again, there is a
in Raijmaekers - Zemlyanov, corr. 20 1 2,
way out: 1 6 . . . fxe4 1 7.tlixe4
probably in view of 25 .'\Wb3 tli d5 26.b5 axb5
27.axb5 :B:xa2 28 .'\Wxa2 '\We8 29.ih3 '\Wb8!?=.
17.tll xe4 fxe4 18.i.e3

1 8 .:B:a2 is also feasible, yet after 1 8 . . . d5
( 1 8 . . . tlif5 l 9.ixe4 '\We? 20.:B:d2 '\Wxe6
2 1 .ixf5 '\Wxf5 22.:B:xd6;!; gives White a tiny
plus) 1 9.cxd5 cxd5 20.:B:d2 '\Wd6 2 I .ixe4
:B:fd8 22.ixd5 lll x d5 23.e? :B:d7 24.'\Wb3
'\Wxe7 25.:B:xd5 '\Wf7 26.:B:fd l b5 27.axb5 axb5
28 .ib2 :B:c8= there is obviously no question of
a b c d e f g h a White advantage.
1 7 . . . tlif5! 1 8 .ib2 lll xe4 1 9.ixe4 '\We? 20.a4
1 8 ... tll f5
'\Wxe6 2 1 .b5 axb5 22.axb5 :B:xa l 23.:B:xa l tli d4
Black's counterplay runs smoothly and I see
24.ixd4 exd4 25 .'\Wd3 Wh7 26.bxc6 bxc6
no way for White to get the slightest edge. A
27.hc6 :B:xf2!= A dead drawn position arises.
likely continuation is:
Finally, 1 6 .ie3 is rather out of the spirit of
1 9.i.xe4 ti'e7 20.ti'd3 ti'xe6 2 1 .b5 axb5
the position. Black gets the upper hand after:
22.axb5 gxal 23.gxal tll xe3 24.fxe3 ci>h7
1 6 . . . fxe4 1 7.tlixe4 lll f5 1 8.'\Wd3 '\We? 1 9.:B:ad l
25.bxc6 bxc6 26.ga6 ti'g4=
lll xe4 20.ixe4 '\Wxe6 2 1 .ixf5 gxf5 22.'\Wxd6
With an inevitable draw.
'\Wxc4+
142 B ayonet 1 O.g3
B22) 1 2 J�b8
76
••
8
8 ,,�?B.iJ · ·v,-, ..- ,�%-. , ,,,%� '

��-�
7 .. . % ,.,..%•. , ...--,Y.�
. . 5
6 � ..
� � .. �
.
...
, . , %Wef
A'
;
" ' " ,, .,,,
4 'f/ff
5 � �8Wi�
��£····�%'"'"' �� ·lr�'� , ;� �
3- �- �- - - �-�.i.�r
ID �o- -jW/J
W/. '0
b d f g h
2
a c e
.----��-� -- --
1 '""'. !i ��;��
1 6 . . . '1Wc8! 1 7.l0xf6t :B:xf6 l 8.b5 '1Wxe6 l 9.°1Wd3
� �if• !I � i>h? 20.ie4 llJf5 2 1 .:B:b3 llJ d4 22.:B:a3 c6
a b c d e f g h
23.bxc6 bxc6 24.:B:xa? :B:bf8+! Black has given
back the pawn to amass an army of troops on
This choice by Ding Liren looks quite the kingside, a fact which gives him substantial
interesting; Black defends b7 and is ready counterplay. I think White has nothing better
to play . . . h6 under the best possible than 25 .:B:a5 (to stop . . . d5), when 25 . . . llJ f3t
circumstances, as llJ d5xc7 will not be a fork 26.ixf3 :B:xf3 27.'1We4 :B:c3 28.'1Wxc6 :B:xc4=
in case of . . . °1Wd8-c8xe6. Our main discussion yields easy equality, if that is all Black is
will focus on B22 1 ) 13.b5, B222) 13.i.g2 interested in.
and B223) 13.YlVd3.
I analysed quite a few alternatives at this 1 3 .ie3 is logical, hitting the weakened a7-
point, concluding that Black reaches a pawn. I think that Black should continue as
satisfactory game against each of them: follows: 1 3 . . .f4
1 3 .c5?! is a rash choice, after which It 1s

already doubtful whether White can equalize.
Black should of course play 1 3 . . . h6 1 4.cxd6
( 1 4.l0e6?! ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 fxe4 1 6.l0xe4 l0xe4
1 7.ixe4 d5+ gives Black a dream position)
14 . . . '1Wxd6!? 1 5 .l0 e6 ixe6 1 6.dxe6 '1Wxe6+
when he clearly enjoys the better chances,
although White might hold.
b d f g h
1 3 .°1Wb3 is designed to add impetus to c4-
a c e
c5 , but is rather slow. Black replies 1 3 . . . fxe4
1 4.l0cxe4 l0 f5+! with a sound position that is 1 4.id2! ( 1 4.gxf4 exf4 1 5 .ixa7 l0e8! is at least
at least equal. equal for Black.) 14 . . . h6 1 5 .l0e6 .ixe6 1 6.dxe6
°1Wc8 1 7.l0d5 '1Wxe6 1 8 .llJxc? '1Wd7 1 9 .l0d5
1 3.:B:b 1 is a non-committal move that allows ( 1 9.l0b5 l0 c6 20.ic3 :B:bd8+!) l 9 . . . l0 exd5
Black to illustrate the strengths of having the 20.cxd5 :B:bc8+! followed by . . . h5.
rook on b8: 1 3 . . . h6 1 4.l0e6 he6 1 5 .dxe6
fxe4 1 6.l0xe4
B22 1 ) 1 3.b5
This has the aim of cramping Black on the �6 d�.�,,�

"� ·"- m'i�
��
' ��
long h l -aS diagonal, as well as fixing a7 as a
,, , }/,, , , , , ;,
s ��
"
potential target. It was played in Wang Hao -
�8- , , ,% m
';-, , , ;
, , , , , %, ' ,
� 8 -'i
4� �
Ding Liren, China 20 1 2 .
�� % ''� �
8 3 � • -��
7 8-� �7�-�.
2 %""� ��-, - - %�, ,
6 1 � �l}ifm g- - %�
5 a b c d e f g h
4
3
1 5 ygxf6 16.tll e4 yge7 17 .ig2 tll d4 1 8 .ig5
••• • •
2
yge8 1 9 .ie3 .if5 20.ygd3 a6 2 1 .a4 gas�
•
In the final position it is apparent that the
1
b4-b5 advance has helped Black to activate
his queen's rook, thus solving all his opening
a b c d e f g h
problems.
1 3 ... fxe4!?N B222) 13 .ig2 •
My proposed novelty.
In the aforementioned game there followed One of the first few choices of the engines, but
1 3 . . . h6 1 4 .lll e6 ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 Wes 1 6 .ia3!? it fails to make a difference:
( 1 6.lll d5 Wxe6 l 7.exf5 gxf5 1 S. lll xc7 Wf7
[ 1 S . . . Wxc4? 1 9.Wxd6±] 1 9 .ia3 e4� looks
okay for Black) and now Black should have
played 1 6 . . . Wxe6N l 7.c5 :B:fdS! 1 S .cxd6 cxd6=
when White has compensation for the pawn,
but no advantage.
14.lll cxe4 tll f5

Preparing to occupy d4. The chances seem
balanced here, a sample line being:
1 5 .tll xf6 t
transposes to our main line after 1 5 . lll x fO t.

1 5 .ig2 lll xe4 1 6.lll xe4 lll d4 1 7.ig5 Wes�
This position, as we are about to witness,

is hardly a serious threat to Black, who will
restore his coordination by placing his bishop
on f5 and queen on d7, while keeping the
undermining option . . . a6 at hand as a means 17.tll xf6 t
of opening up lines on the queenside.
1 7 .ie3 a6 1 8 .li:)xf6t :B:xf6 1 9.b5 Wxe6 will 27.hxg5 :B:be8 28 .:B:be l c5! Black is not at
transpose. all worse.
17 .. Jlxf6 1 8.b5 Wxe6

24 . . . li:) d4 25 .g5!?
25 .Wh3 :B:bf8!+± gives the second player
excellent counterplay.
� �
87 ef.1·1"•la�w. � �
. . �•
65 �,.. . r. . . r.. �.,.
� . . . . r.-. . . .v.,
.
r.
4 �� 8•:r�� " "'"�p

3 �� if� ��· 0 � ""'
��r�
2 [j � �� rx
a b
r-�� ·:�·�f. .
c d e f g h
25 . . . :B:ffS! 26.ixg6t Wh8 27.ie4 c6! 28.bxc6!?

28 . .ig2 d5 29.bxc6 bxc6 30.:B:xbS :B:xb8
3 l .cxd5 cxd5 32.Wg6 We8= is approximately
equal.
28 . . . bxc6 29.:B:xbS :B:xb8 30 . .ic3! d5 3 l .cxd5
1 9.Wd3 cxd5 32.ig2 Wb5! 33.Wh3 li:) e2t 34.Wh l
This allows Black to organize himself quickly lt:) f4! 3 5 .Wxh4t 'itigs 36.Wg4 Wd3! 37.ie l !
on the kingside. li:)xg2 38.'.t>xg2 :B:f�
1 9 . . . Wh?! 20.:B:b l lt:)f5 2 Lid5 Wd7 22.ie4 Black's activity fully outweighs his pawn
h5 deficit, equalizing the chances.
Let us now return to the more boring but

objectively better 19 . .ie3!:
1 9 a6 20.bxa6 bxa6
•••
a b c d e f g h
It seems to me that a wild struggle with

roughly equal chances is in prospect. For
example:
23 . .id2 h4! ? 24.g4!
After 24.ig5 :B:ff8 25.gxh4 ih6! 26.f4 ixg5
21 .Wfd3N 32.'\Wd5 '\Wb l t 33.@g2 '\Wxa2 34.ib4 Wle2

2 1 .Wla4 occurred in Stalmach - Pospisil, 35 .ixd6 e4 36.if4 a5 37.c5 a4= is also totally
corr. 20 1 2, with White winning a long equal.
game. However, I believe that the text move,
refraining from immediately targeting the
a6-pawn, makes even better use of the white
queen.
2 1 . .. <!ih7!
Black needs to get his knight to f5 as quickly
as possible to find counterplay.
22J�ab l gxb l 23.gxb l tll f5 24.i.d2 tll d4

25.gb7 W/g4!
Trying to make the most out of Black's
actively placed pieces.
B223) 13.Wfd3
White takes a step towards applying pressure

on the cl-file, while at the same time defending
the sensitive e4-point.
28.i.xf3 Wfxf3 29.gxc7 gf7 30.gxf7 Wfxf7=

The game is balanced, as the following
variations will confirm.
a b c d e f g h
3 1 .Wi'e4 W/f5 32.f3
32.Wlxf5 gxf5 33 .ib4 Ms 34.f3 h5 3 5 .h3 1 3 ... b5!?N
@g6 36.@f2 'iit f6 37.g4 'iii g 5 38.'iii g3 hxg4 A very interesting and dynamic equalizer.
39.hxg4 ie7= is hardly a position to worry In the game Najer - Bacrot, Hockenheim
Black. 20 1 3, Black reacted in weaker fashion with
1 3 . . . c6?!. After 1 4.b5! cxd5 1 5 .cxd5 h6 1 6.lll e6
146 Bayonet 1 0. g3
ixe6 1 7.dxe6 fXe4 1 8 .ixe4 llixe4 1 9.tlixe4

d5 20.ia3 dxe4 2 1 .Wfxd8 :B:fXd8 22.ixe7
:B:e8 23.id6 :B:bd8 24.:B:fd l ! :B:xe6 25 .ic5;!;
White had a tiny pull in the ending which he
eventually converted into a full point.
14J�dl !
1 4 . cxb5?! h 6 1 5 .tli e6 ixe6 1 6.dxe6
768
a b c d e f g h
5
4 1 8 ... fxe4 19.tll xe4 c!ll xe4 20.he4 d5 2 1 .Wfc5
23
Wfb6 22.Wfxb6 gxh6=
With an approximately equal ending that
Black should hold without difficulty.
a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . d5!!+ is one of the brilliant points

justifying Black's 1 3th.
1 4.tlixb5 h6 1 5 .tli e6 ixe6 1 6.dxe6 fXe4

1 7.ixe4 tlixe4 1 8 .Wfxe4 d5 l 9.Wfe2 c6 20.tlic3
e4+ allows Black to build a powerful centre,
obtaining slightly better chances.
1 4 ... h6!?
14 . . . fXe4 1 5 .tlicxe4 bxc4 1 6.Wfxc4 h6
1 7.tlie6 ixe6 1 8 .dxe6 tli fd5! l 9.:B:xd5 :B:xf3
20.ie3! llixd5 2 1 .Wfxd5 Wfe7 22.b5 :B:ff8 is
better for White after either 23.ixa?;!; or
23.:i:'!:c l;!;.
15.tll e6 bxc4 1 6.Wfxc4 i.xe6 17.dxe6 c6

1 8.a4
Both 1 8 .ie3 fXe4 1 9.tlixe4 lli fd5+± and
1 8 .:!:'!:b l fXe4 1 9 .tlixe4 d5 20.Wfc5 tlixe4
2 1 .ixe4 :!:'!:e8 22.Wfxa7 WfcB 23 .ig2 Wfxe6
24.'\M!c5 llif5 25.a4 if8+± lead to positions
where Black enjoys good counterplay.
Conclusion My view is that 1 2.exf5 li:)xf5! is not so

dangerous for Black, so the main focus of
In Chapter 1 1 we plunged into heavyweight the chapter was on the positions arising
the critical 1 O.g3!?. After the logical reply

theory by starting our examination of after 1 2.i.8. White's pressure down the
long diagonal can be met by either 12 . . . c6
1 0 .. .f5 White has a choice between 1 1 .li:) d2 or 1 2 . . . :B:bS and whilst I believe both moves
and 1 1 .li:)g5. It goes without saying that the are good enough to equalize, my sympathies
second option is much more annoying for us lie with 1 2 . . . :B:bS as I consider it to be more
as it means that we will have to part with our original and less laborious.
beautiful light-squared bishop to get rid of the More specifically, after 12 ... :B:bS 1 3.b5 fxe4!?
intruder. 14.li:)cxe4 li:)f5 I don't see any problems for the
StilL 1 1 .li:)d2 is not as bad as it seems second player, and the same applies to 1 3.ig2
because in the line 1 l .. .li:) f6 1 2.c5! White does h6 1 4 .li:)e6 ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 fxe4 1 6.li:)xe4 Wc8
if we become careless. I think the best retort

get some chances to mount queenside pressure 1 ?.li:)xf6t :B:xf6 1 8.b5 Wxe6, when White's
two bishops offer him good compensation
is 1 2 . . .ih6! 1 3.exf5 li:)xf5! 1 4.li:)b3 hc l but nothing more than that. I even analysed
1 5.:B:xcl b6!== with equal play, as the exchange Najer's move 1 3 .Wd3, concluding that the
of dark-squared bishops has freed our position original 1 3 . . . b5!? should eventually grant
and allowed us to control several important Black equality after 1 4.:B:d l ! h 6!? 1 5.li:)e6 bxc4
squares and more space. 1 6.Wxc4 ixe6 1 7.dxe6 c6 1 8.a4 fxe4 l 9.li:)xe4
Moving on with the more topical l 1 .li:)g5 li:)xe4 20.he4 d5 2 1 .Wc5 Wb6 22.Wxb6
lt:) f6 we got ourselves acquainted with the :B:xb6==.
interesting possibilities 1 2.exf5 and 1 2.i.8 , Summing up, 1 2.if3 is an interesting
the latter of which has become increasingly possibility that deserves closer study, but
popular over the past few years as a substitute it should be insufficient to give White an
of the older 1 2.8, which is examined in the advantage against accurate play.
subsequent chapters 1 2- 1 4.
Bayonet 1 O.g3
a b c d e f g h
13th Move Alternatives

Variation Index
1 .d4 tl) f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl)c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5 . tl) f3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5
7.0-0 tl) c6 s.d5 tl) e7 9.b4 tl) b5 10.g3!? f5 1 1 . tl)g5 tl) f6 12.f3
1 2 ... f4!?
A) 1 3.tl) e6?! 149
B) 1 3.YMb3 1 50
C) 1 3 .g4 1 52
D) 1 3.c5 dxc5! 1 53
D l ) 1 4.bxc5 1 53
D2) 1 4.J.c4!? 1 53
A) after 1 5 .hxg3 C) note to l 4 . h3 C) after 1 4.h3
15 . . .1/;\lcS!N 1 6 . . . lll c6!N 14 . . . hxg4N

Chapter 1 2 - 1 3th Move Alternatives 1 49
1 .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 1 3 ...i.xe6 14.dxe6

0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 tLle7 9.b4 This picture is characteristic of the whole
� h5 10.g3!? f5 1 1 .�g5 �f6 1 2.f3 1 O.g3!? variation. Black must try to get rid of
The critical move, supporting the pawn the e6-pawn as quickly as possible, because
chain and preparing to expand with c4-c5 . otherwise it may become a bone in his throat.
Black has to play with ultimate precision from
the diagrammed position in order to maintain 1 4 ...fxg3! 1 5.hxg3
equal chances.
s K •.iJ i/,% �i.%9

8 J � �-�t J •;• . . % '"//
1 �, • r�
. • ••
7 � -.� . , . .• .. . . .--�,y,m 6 ..
,. � · - �.
.... %- . ,%.
.. . .. .
8"-' ly,�
�
,
�
"
·
�fef' " ' "'4' " " �iF"
6 ,
,
%� . . % . .
5
%,
5 �. zr•1 m=
""' 4 V//.� 8- · 8%- ��
4 �� !BK�t B 3 � �- � ��m �� %i-r��
�
3 �- - - ��B r� 2 8.. '"""m

" " ' "% '"//,
... ,. . , ;��r��W�
2 r ' . _;_
� , r� ..
�:%--�� 1 �� v- .: �
C"�� -0
1 ----� ��:� ��
�
""
�v� .: � a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
1 5 ...ygc8!N
1 2 ... £4!? With this move Black initiates an operation
A committal choice, relaxing the pressure to exploit the looseness of White's kingside
on e4, but it has some concrete advantages: it pawn cover. The game Cole - Jensen,
cuts off the support to the g5-knight and at the Aarhus 1 993, continued 1 5 . . . tlih5 1 6.'itig2
same time prevents the development ofWhite's tli f4t l 7.gxf4 exf4, and although there were
queen and bishop on the g l -a7 diagonal. many twists and turns along the way, White
eventually took home the full point.
Now White must strive to get the most out of
tli g5-e6 and to this end a variety of preparatory 16.�d5 ygxe6! 17.tLlxc7 ygh3
moves have been tried. In his chapter we will The black queen has broken into the heart
analyse A) 13.�e6?!, B) 13.ygb3, C) 13.g4 of the enemy castled position. With his king
and D) 1 3.c5. starting to feel uncomfortable, White would
be happy to obtain a draw here.
1 3.b5 is examined in the next chapter, and the
critical 1 3 .\t>g2 is the subject of Chapter 1 4 . 1 8J�f2!
Not just an attempt to prevent perpetual
A) 13.� e6?! check, but in fact an essential defensive
resource.
This move cannot really scare Black, especially l 8.tlixa8? '\M!xg3t 1 9.\t>h l has been
as it compares unfavourably with the similar considered to lead to a draw by perpetual
line starting with 1 3 .b5 (see Chapter 1 3) . check, yet after l 9 . . . tlih5!! White already
seems to be without hope. For example:
19 ... YlYd7 20.tll xa8 tll xg3t

The position is essentially unclear, but from
the practical point of view Black should feel
more comfortable as his king is less exposed
and he is not even at a material disadvantage.
B) 13.YlYb3
This is a rarely tried possibility.
On 20.ie3 the reply 20 . . . ih6!!-+ clinches the

issue in Black's favour in elegant fashion.
After both 20.id3 :B:f4!! 2 1 .ixf4 exf4-+

and 20.Wf e l Wfh3t 2 1 .Wgl l0g3-+ White's
position is in ruins.
a b c d e f g h
Finally, 20.c5 d5! 2 1 .id3 Wfh3t 22.'.t>gl l0 g3
and White can resign.
1 3 ... @hs!
Let us now focus on the correct 1 8 .:B:f2. Black hurries to remove his king from the
perilous a2-g8 diagonal, while intending
1 8 ... tll xe4! 19J�h2! . . . l0 e8 to annoy the g5-knight.
Once again the only move.
1 9.fxe4? :B:xf2 20.Wxf2 :B:f8t 2 1 .'.t>e l Wfxg3t 1 3 . . . fxg3!? 1 4.hxg3
22.i>d2 l0 c6!+ looks unenviable for White as White's loose kingside pawn structure gives
the black pieces combine excellently together Black some counterplay, but I don't know
in attack. whether it is fully sufficient for equality. For
example:
1 4 . . . llJh5!?
Immediately focusing on the target.
The alternative 1 4 . . . a5, as played in Skulteti
- Kramer, corr. 1 99 5 , does not inspire much
confidence in view of 1 5 .c5!?Nt.
1 5 .i>h2!N
It is mostly this move that made me sceptical
about the strength of 1 3 . . . fxg3!?.
Alternatively, 1 5 .'.t>g2!? may also be slightly
better for White after 1 5 . . . llJ f4t!? 1 6.gxf4
exf4 1 7.l0xh7! '.t>xh7 1 8 .:!:'!:h l t Wg8 1 9.ib2
Chapter 1 2 - 1 3th Move Alternatives 151
g5 20.lll b 5 lll g6 2 1 ..ixg7 Wxg7 22.c5-;t,/=, 1 8 .l:l:d l lll c7 1 9.ia3 l:l:b8 20.Wa4 lll c8
although possession of the e5-square is a 2 l .Wxc6 fxg3 22.hxg3 lll xe6 looks scary for
strategic long-term factor in Black's favour. White, but the computer says 0.00.
1 5 . . . if6! 1 6.lll h 3!
1 6.lt:\e6?! ixe6 1 7.dxe6 lll c6-. creates an
unpleasant atmosphere for the white king in
view of the threatening possibilities . . . lt:\ d4
and . . . ih4.
1 6 . . . a5! 1 7.b5 a4! 1 8 .Wc2!
l 8 .lll xa4 lll x d5 !! l 9.cxd5 ih4 20.g4 lll g3�
1 8 . . . ixh3 1 9.Wxh3 lll c8 20 . .id2 lll b6;!;/=
Black maintains a solid position, but White
may have a slight edge in view of his two
bishops.
Let us now return to the best move 13 ... 'itih8!:
7
6
5
20.i.xd6 lll d4 2 1 .ti'a3 gf7 22.ti'c5!?
24.Wb3 lll e3 25.c5 l:l:f8 26.l:l:b l lll xfl 27.ixfl t

22.gxf4 exf4 23.'itih l! lll c8!? (23 . . . lll c2
gives White tremendous compensation for the

exchange) 24.ic5 l:l:d7= leads to approximate
1
equality.
a b c d e f g h 8
7
6
14.b5!N
Taking the c6-square away from the e7-
5
knight.
4
3
1 4.a4?! is rather pointless and after 1 4 . . . h6
1 5 .lll e6 .ixe6 1 6.dxe6 lll c6 l 7.c5 lll d4 1 8.Wa2
2
dxc5 l 9.bxc5 as played in Sklepinski - Szelag,
Poznan 20 1 3 , Black should definitely prefer
1
l 9 . . . lt:\h7!N-. with an attack, as his knight is
a b c d e f g h
coming to g5 to exploit White's light-square
weaknesses on f3 and h3 .
22 ti'b6 23.@g2 lll c8=
•••
14 lll e8! 1 5 .lll e6 ixe6 1 6.dxe6 c6! 17.bxc6

•••
Black seems to be doing just fine.
bxc6 18.i.a3!
1 52 B ayonet 1 0. g3
C) 1 3.g4
In view of variation A above, White attempts

to seal the kingside, preventing the loosening
of the pawn formation in front of his king.
a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . l0 c6!N 1 7.c5 Wh7 Black's position looks

more harmonious, as his pieces are focusing on
the white king and the e6-pawn is more of a
weakness than a strength.
1 4 ... hxg4N
A most concrete follow-up to 1 3 . . . h5!.
I prefer it to 14 ... c6 as played in Bertok -
Bogdanovic, Yugoslavia 1 962, although Black
did go on to win that game.
Also possible is 14 . . . llJ h7!?00, since getting
rid of the annoying g5-knight seems to
1 3 . . . llJeS is the most popular move in practice, yield interesting prospects of exploiting the
and it should be sufficient as well: 1 4.c5 dark-square weaknesses in front of the white
( 1 4.i.a3 i.f6 1 5 .llJ h3 as played in Dubois - monarch.
Dillmann, corr. 1 968, should be answered
On 1 5 . fXg4 the idea 1 5 . . . llJh? can still be

with an immediate 1 5 . . . h5!N 1 6. llJ f2 i.h4� 1 5.hxg4
with excellent counterplay for Black.)
1 5 . . . :B:xa5 1 6.cxd6 l0xd600 An unclear position

14 ... a5!?N 1 5 .bxa5 ( 1 5.cxd6?! Wfxd6+) applied. Now Black may decide to diverge
from the . . . llJ h7 idea:
arises, with the strong d6-knight compensating
for the hole on e6.
14.h3
1 4.gxh5 l0xh5 l 5 . l0 e6 i.xe6 1 6.dxe6, as
played in Miciak - Montag, corr. 1 996, looks
suspect for White, but requires some analysis.
Now, instead of the game continuation
1 6 . . . :B:e8, I prefer:
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 1 2 - 1 3th Move Alternatives 1 53
1 5 ... tll h5!? 16.gxh5 tll f5 ! l 9 . . . lll xe4!? 20.fxe4 d3! is also interesting as
This offers Black excellent attacking White's compensation looks rather insufficient
chances. after something like: 2 l . .ixd3 :B:xfl t 22. Wxfl
.ixa l 23.lll xc? (23.hh6 .ie5+ denies White
D) 1 3.c5 counterplay.) 23 . . . :B:fBt!? (23 . . . :B:d8 is also
possible.) 24.'tt> e 2 .id4+ Black's pieces have
This logical follow-up to White's previous play reached maximum activity.
is met in surprising fashion:
17 ... gxh2t 1 8.@xh2 grxds 19.gbl gabs
20.i.c4
a b c d e f g h
1 3 ... dxc5!
A splendid move! Improving on the older
l 3 . . . fxg3 . Black now plans to answer the
natural 1 4.bxc5 with 1 4 . . . h6!, breaking up
White's impressive pawn front and exploiting
the temporarily loose c3-knight in order to 22 ... tll h5 23.fS tll f4t 24.@h2 gd4!+!
force the transition to a favourable ending. Intending . . . lll e7; White has j ust enough
We will see exactly how this transpires with compensation for the material, but certainly
D l ) 14.bxc5, before looking at an alternative no more than that.
in D2) 14.i.c4!?.
D2) 14.i.c4!?
D l ) 14.bxc5 h6! 1 5 .tll e6
A logical continuation, leading to great
l 5 .d6?! hxg5 1 6 . .ic4t Wh7 1 7.dxe? Wxe7+ is complications.
simply bad for White.
14 ... cxb4! 1 5.d6t @hs 1 6.tll b5
15 ... i.xe6 1 6.dxe6 fxg3! 17.WfxdS! A tense situation has arisen. White has
In case of l 7.hxg3? Wd4t! (the point of apparently obtained a dangerous attack,
Black's play) l 8.Wxd4 exd4 l 9.lll b 5 Van but Black's next move reduces the attacking
Wely's suggestion of l 9 . . . lll h5!+ is clearly force and leads to a clarification of the
better for Black. position:
1 54 B ayonet 1 0. g3
8 1 9.Wxd6 ih3 20.:B:d l ! (20.WxdSt?! :B:xd8
7
2 1 .:!:'!:e l li:) c6+ is at least slightly better for
6
Black.) 20 . . . Wf8!� Black maintains dangerous
5
pressure. The main point is that 2 1 .li:)c? can be
met brilliantly:
4
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
1 6 ... h6!
Putting the question to the knight.
a b c d e f g h
17.tliflt
After 1 7.li:)xc?? hxg5 1 8 .li:)xa8 li:) c6 1 9 .li:) c? 2 1 . . .Wxf7!! (2 1 . . .:!:'!:c8 22.ie6!00) 22.li:)xa8
li:)d4t Black obtains a powerful attack. li:) c6 Black has a variety of attacking motifs
at his disposal, such as . . . f4xg3 followed by
17 ... gxfl 18.i.xfl cxd6 . . . li:) f6-h5 (-e4) , . . . MB or a timely . . . li:) d4. On
23.gxf4?! the reply 23 . . . li:)h5!--+ offers Black
excellent compensation.
19 ... i.h3 20.gfl!

This move guarantees White some
counterplay, rendering the situation unclear.
20.ib3 ?! Wh7 2 1 .:!:'!:f2 li:) c6+ allowed Nunn to

demonstrate a clear advantage in exemplary
fashion in the aforementioned game. 22.ib2
We? 23.:!:'!:cl li:) d4 24.gxf4 li:)h5! 2 5 . fxe5 ixe5
26.li:) f7 li:)xb3 27.li:)xe5 li:)xc l 28 .Wxc l :!:'!:c8!
29.:!:'!:c2 (29.We3 We6! 30.Wxa??? Wxe5 !-+)
29 . . . :B:xc2 30.Wxc2 Wg5t 3 1 .'.t>hl We3!
32.Wc?t lt:)g? 33.Wcl We2 34.Wg l g5!
3 5 .id4 li:) e6 36.Wg3 li:) f4-+ and Hansen had
to resign.
19.tll xd6
The natural move, played in the game
Cu. Hansen - Nunn, Wijk aan Zee 1 99 1 .
Chapter 1 2 - 1 3th Move Alternatives 155
Conclusion
In Chapter 1 2 we analysed White's lesser 1 3th

move options after 1 0 .g3!? f5 1 1 .l0g5 llJ f6
1 2.f3 f4!?.
White's 1 2th is designed to solidify e 4 but
actually has the disadvantage of loosening
the cover around the white king, a fact that
1 2 . . . f4! ? rushes to exploit. Normally White
plays his king to g2 or 1 3 .b5 after Black's last,
since the alternatives listed below (in the order
a b c d e f g h
they were presented in the chapter) hardly
offer him anything.
20 <!>h7N
•••
Jumping to e6 voluntarily by 1 3 .l0e6?!
20 . . . llJcS!? has been condemned because of should obviously be greeted with pleasure as
2 1 .ie6!, however things are not at all clear. l 3 . . . ixe6 l 4.dxe6 fxg3! l 5.hxg3 Wc8! l 6.llJd5
After 2 1 . . .l0xd6 22.ixh3 Wb6, as played in Wxe6! 1 7.l0xc7 °1Wh3 1 8.:B:f2! l0xe4! 1 9 .:B:h2!
Novotny - Zavrel, corr. 1 993, White should Wd7 20.l0xa8 l0xg3tgives Black a strong
have averted the possibility of a knight sacrifice initiative, so we may consider this option as
on e4 by playing 23.°IWe l !N, maintaining what the worst one at White's disposal.
appears to me to be a miniscule plus after the 1 3 .°1Wb3 i>h8! is also excellent for Black,
logical 23 . . . g5+!. my main line being 1 4.b5! l0 e8! 1 5 .llJe6
ixe6 1 6.dxe6 c6! l 7.bxc6 bxc6 1 8.ia3! l0 c7
20 ... Wb6!? requires further analysis. 1 9 .:B:ad l l0xe6 20.ixd6 llJ d4 2 1 .°1Wa3 :B:f7
with complicated play.
2 1 .i.b2ft Another line which should not cause us any
A tough struggle lies ahead where White real concern is 1 3 .g4 as then 1 3 . . . h5! 1 4.h3
is not without his chances. Black should hxg4 1 5 .hxg4 l0h5!? 1 6.gxh5 l0 f5 ! gives rise
probably opt for: to complications that appear promising for the
second player.
2 1 . ..fxg3 22.hxg3 tlic6 23.gh2 Y!fe7 24J�xh3 Consequently, the old 1 3 .c5 dxc5! had to
gds 25.i.b3 gxd6 be the chapter's main line, mostly because it
Black is not worse materially and has a safe shows the potential of Black's position in an
king. instructive manner. After 1 4.bxc5 h6! 1 5 .llJe6
ixe6 1 6.dxe6 fxg3! 1 7.'1Wxd8! gxh2t 1 8 .Wxh2
:B:fxd8 1 9.:B:b l :B:ab8 20.ic4 Wh7 the endgame
is unclear, but this is probably preferable
to 1 4 .ic4!? cxb4! 1 5 .d6t Wh8 1 6 .llJb5 h6!
1 7.llJf7t :B:xf7 1 8 .ixf7 cxd6 when Black is at
least equal in the ensuing complicated struggle.
Bayonet 1 O.g3
a b c d e f g h
13.b5
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tl:if3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7
9.b4 tl:i b5 1 0.g3!? f5 1 1 .tl:ig5 tl:J f6 12.f3 f4 1 3.b5!? h6! 14. tl:J e6 J.xe6
1 5.dxe6 fxg3 1 6.hxg3 YMc8 1 7.tl:i d5 YMxe6 1 8 . tl:ixc7 YMh3
1 9J �f2! gac8 20.gh2! YMxg3t 2 1 . gg2 YMh3! 22.YMxd6
22 gf7!•••
A) 23.YMe6!? 158
B) 23.c5 tl:if5! 24.exf5 gfxc7 159
B l ) 25.c6 1 60
B2) 25.J.e3!? 161
after 22 .1/;\lxd6 B l ) after 29.id2! B2) after 2 5 .ie3!?
29 . . . ifB!! 25 . . . @hS!
Chapter 1 3 - 1 3 .b5 1 57
1 .d4 lll f6 2.c4 g6 3.lll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.lll f3 It is not easy for the second player to find
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.b4 something concrete if White plays in such
lll h5 10.g3!? f5 1 1 .lll g5 lt:\£6 1 2.f3 f4 1 3.b5!? a way, all the more so as the typical l 5 . . . h6
An interesting idea. White takes away c6 1 6.lll e6 ixe6 1 7.dxe6 Wc8 fails to 1 8 .lll d5
from the e7-knight, making lll e6 a much more E!:e8N ( 1 8 . . . Wxe6? 1 9.g4!+- is a chief point,
appealing possibility. Black has two thematic although White went on to blunder and lose
replies: in the game Prakash - Sasikiran, New Dehli
K-.i.� _ _ _ _ v,w�
200 1 ) 1 9.c5! dxc5 20.ic4 and the e6-pawn is
s
wK fn ---- /,�111ti'��-� a
a bone in Black's throat.
7 %, , % - �-/,. . W,,� A
6 ,�
�- �-J: Let us now return to 1 3 . . . h6!. After the forced
- �
s · !m 8"• �
,,,,, ,,,,
sequence:
43 �.!•EW �
-� 14.lll e6 i.xe6 1 5.dxe6 fxg3 16.hxg3 Wf c8
m�m mii�Wf!1
17.lll d5 Wfxe6 18.lll xc7 Wfh3 1 9.�Ul!
We have reached the critical position for
2 ��/y, ,-0,;��:��- - �� 1 3.b5!?.
1 �-----
�m mv� � �
��-r}- - - -
a b c d e f g h
�
1 3 ... h6!
I prefer this direct and forcing continuation
which seems to lead to equality after some
complications.
Instead, 13 . . . fxg3!? is based on the sacrificial
motif . . . lt:\ f6-h5-f4!?, tactically exploiting
White's relatively loose kingside and the power
of the fianchettoed bishop. However, after the
accurate 1 4.hxg3 lll h5 1 5 .'IWe l !;!; the above
mentioned possibility is averted as White does
not invite the sacrifice by placing his king on
g2, and his space advantage and more flexible
kingside pawn mass are likely to be telling
factors in the continuation of the struggle. 19 ... lll xe4 has been the subject of a heated
discussion over the past decade, but in my
opinion White has real chances to obtain an
advantage after it.
1 9 . . . E!:ad8 has been tested in correspondence

chess and looks viable to me; however, I prefer
to place my rooks on open files if possible.
20.gh2!
a b c d e f g h
1 58 Bayonet 1 O.g3
White must get his rook away from f2, to A) 23.ti'e6!?

avoid . . . l0xe4 tricks, before he goes for the d6-
8
pawn.
6
Instead, 20.llJ d5? would be a grave error in
view of 20 . . . llJ fxd5 2 l .cxd5 '\M!xg3t 22.E!:g2
5
'\M!h3t and the initiative has passed over to
4
Black, who is not only temporarily a pawn up,
but can also use the plan of . . . g5 and . . . l0 g6 to
3
attack the white king.
20.'\Mfxd6 is at least a draw for Black, for 2

1
example: 20 . . . llJxe4 2 1 . fxe4 '\M!xg3t 22.Ei:g2
a b c d e f g h
'\M!el t 23.'iii h 2 '\M!h4t=
20 ...ti'xg3t 2 1 J�g2 ti'h3! 23 ...ti'h4

2 1 . . .'\M!h4? 22.l0e6 E!:f7 23.Ei:h2! '\M!g3t The only move.
24.'.t>hl l0h5? (24 . . . l0xe4 25.fxe4 E!:f2 26.E!:xf2
'\Mfxf2± should also lose in the long run but it 24.tll d5 ti'el t 25 ..ifl
is a better chance) 25 .ie3+- is justifiably 25.Wh2 llJ fxd5 26.cxd5 E!:c2
dismissed by Van Wely as clearly bad for Black. Black can probably also play: 26 . . . '\M!h4t!?
27.Wg l ! ? (The ending after 27.'\M!h3 '\M!xh3t
22.ti'xd6 28.Wxh3 g5! 29.ie3 l0g6= is not worse for
Having extinguished the possibility of Black as he can block the passed cl-pawn
. . . l0xe4, White can take the important easily, while he controls a lot of dark squares.)
d6-pawn, breaking into the heart of Black's 27 . . . '\M!e l t 28 .ifl ! E!:xc l 29.Ei:xc l '\M!e3t!=
position. However, this is only the beginning Transposing to the main line following
of the stoty. 25 .ifl .
22 .. J�f7!
Not only defending the e7-knight, but also
vacating f8 for the bishop, as well as preparing
to unleash . . . llJf5 according to circumstance,
freeing Black's pieces.
White now has A) 23.ti'e6!? or B) 23.c5 .
23.id2N is another move worth examining.

I suggest 23 . . . E!:xc7!? 24.'\M!xc7 l0 c6 25 .'\M!xf7t
Wxf7 26.bxc6 bxc6 27.Ei:b l '\M!c8+± when the a b c d e f g h
27.ifl allows an immediate draw by

ideas of . . . MB and . . . llJ f6-h5-f4 render the 27.ig5 !
position at least equal for Black.
27 . . . E!:xg2t 28.ixg2 l0 f5 ! 29.exf5 '\M!h4t=.
27 ... '\M!xa l 28.d6 llJ c6! 29.bxc6
Chapter 1 3 - 1 3. b S 1 59
29.d?!? E!:xe2! 30.bxc6 (30.Ei:xe2 li:)d8!!

3 1 .ixd8 Wd l +) 30 ... E!:xg2t 3 1 .Wxg2 °1Wb2t
32.@g3 °1We2! 33.d8=°1Wt @h7 34.Wxf7
We l t= leads to a spectacular draw by
perpetual.
29 . . . E!:xc6 30.id2 g5! 3 1 .ibS
3 1 .ic4 E!:xc4 32.°1Wxc4 '\Wd4=
3 1 . . .M6! 32.ixc6 bxc6 33.°1Wc4
33 .°IWeSt @g7 34.Wxc6 '\Wd4= is at least
equal for Black.
33 . . . 'itifB!=
a b c d e f g h
Intending ... Wd4; I don't see any problems
for Black.
23 tlifS!
•••
Now it is this move that comes to the rescue,

activating all the black pieces and forcing
matters.
23 . . . ifS ? 24.li:)e6+- led to Black's demise in

the aforementioned Van Wely - Golubev game
after the further moves 24 . . . li:)xe4 25 .Wxe5
li:) c3 26.ic4 Wh4 27.°1Wxc3 1 -0.
23 . . . li:)xe4!? doesn't work in view of 24.fxe4

°1Wc3 25 .ib2! Wxb2 26.E!:fl ! Wd4t 27.Wxd4
a b c d e f g h
E!:xfl t 28.@xfl exd4 29.ic4t Wh8 30.li:) e6±,
planning E!:g2-f2-f7.
25 tli fxd5 26.cxd5 �hcl 27.gxcl °1We3t!
•••
28.�Hl ygxcl 29.d6 i.£6 30.d7 tli d5! 24.exfS gfxc7

3 1 .°1Wxd5 i.d8! 32.£4 exf4 33.e5 @g7 34.e6
A draw was agreed at this point in Riedener
- Serazeev, corr. 20 1 3 , in view of:
34 J�f6! 35.e7 i.xe7 36.d8=yg i.xd8

••
37.ygxd8 ygc5=
With a balanced position.
B) 23.c5
An important position that first arose in the

game Van Wely - Golubev, Romania 2000.
The threat is obviously ic4, deciding the game
immediately.
A critical position which appears dynamically Bl) 25.c6

balanced. Both kings are to some extent
exposed and this fact gives rise to a wealth of This has been the choice of Loek van Wely, so
tactical ideas. We will explore Bl) 25.c6 and it deserves a mention.
B2) 25..ie3!?. In parts of this section I have
8
expanded on Vigorito's notes to Van Wely -
7
Bacrot in ChessPublishing.
25.fXg6 .�.f8! 26.'\Wd3 ixc5t 27.ie3 We6! 6
5
28 ..ixc5 l:l:xc5t gives Black a strong initiative,
4
as White has lost the bishop pair and is weak
on the dark squares.
3
2
25.l:l:xg6 Wxf5 26.l:l:g2 (26 . .id3 e4) 26 . . . 'itihS
27 . .ib2 l:l:xc5 hardly creates any problems for
1
Black either.
More tricky is the tactical shot: 25 .We6tN f g h

@hs 26.ixh6!? 25 ...Wxf5 26.i.c4t ci>h7 27..ie6 Wxf3
28..ixc8 �c8 29.i.d2!
29.cxb7?! Wxb7+ left Black with the better
chances in Van Wely - Bacrot, Belfort 20 1 2 .
a b c d e f g h
26 . . . Wxf5 27.Wxf5 gxf5 28.b6!? (28 .ie3

.if8! looks okay for Black. If 29.l:l:h2t then
29 . . . l:l:h7 30.l:l:xh7t [30.l:l:cl l:l:xh2 3 1 .@xh2
lll d5 32.if2 lt:\ f4 33.ifl l:l:c7?] 30 . . . 'itixh7
3 1 .l:l:cl .ih6!= exchanges the dark-squared
bishops, making the position easier to play as
Black.) 28 . . . axb6 29.cxb6 l:l:d7 30.l:l:cl l:l:xc l t
3 1 ..ixcl if8? Black is close to the draw and
by exercising a bit of caution he should have
no problems achieving it.
30.Wxe5 c!ll g4! 3 1 .Wd4
3 l .cxb7 l:l:cl t! 32.l:l:xc l lll x e5 33.b8=W ic5+
34.l:l:xc5 Wd l t 35 .@f2 Wf3t is a perpetual.
Chapter 1 3 - 1 3 . b 5 161
3 I . . ..ig7!! 32.Wd7 equality. It obeys the unwritten chess rule of

32.Wf4N llJe5! 33.:gfl Wd5 34.Wg3 Wc5 t flexibility, by bringing the king to a safer spot
3 5 .'tt> h l Wxb5 36.:ge l :gxc6 37.ixh6! ixh6 and giving Black the option of capturing on f5
3 8.Wxe5 Wxe5 39.:gxe5 if8= is balanced. with the g-pawn.
8 Instead, 25 . . . Wxf5?! is inferior in view of
7
26.:gfl !t and White already had some
initiative in Giri - Bacrot, Biel 20 1 2, as the
6 e2-bishop is about to become terribly mobile
5
by moving to c4 or d3. Bacrot made matters
worse by: 26 . . . ifS?! (26 . . . :gd??? 27.ic4t Wh7
28 . .ie6!+- obviously loses immediatdy, but
26 . . . 'tt> h S!N 27 . .id3 e4 28.fXe4 Wh3;!; would
have probably held.) After:
2
1
a b c d e f g h
32 ... tli e3! 33.he3 Wxe3t 34.'itihl Wf3
35.Wxc8 Wh5t=
The players agreed to a draw in Zmokly -
Efendiyev, corr. 20 1 0, in view of the perpetual
check.
b d f g h
B2) 25.ie3!?
a c e
Obviously the most annoying idea, developing 27 . .id3! e4 28.fXe4 Wxfl t 29 . .ixfl (29.'tt> xfl !?
while holding on to the c5-pawn. ixd6 30.cxd6 is even better) 29 ... ixd6
30.cxd6 Black eventually had to bow to the
power of White's strong central pawns and
bishops.
26.i.xh6!?
This flashy move can be annoying if you
haven't considered it, but otherwise it leads to
a fairly level position.
Much weaker are instead 26.fXg6? ? :gd7-+
and 26.:gxg6?? Wxf5-+, planning to trap the
queen by playing . . . :gd7 next.
26.:gfl
This would have allowed Black to display the
main point of 25 . . . Wh8! by recapturing on
f5 with the pawn:
26 . . . gxf5! 36.@e3 gc3 37.@d4 gxd3t 38.gxd3 �xd3

I cannot see any advantage for White. 39.@xd3 @f6 40.@d4 gd2t 4I .@e3 gb2
Y2-lh Eilmes - Terreaux, corr. 20 1 2 .

27.if2 42.a4 @es 43.gdl
This looks sensible, getting the bishop away
from . . . tli g4 attacks while threatening :B:h2.
Instead: Conclusion
a) 27.Wxe5? tli g4 28 .Wf4 llixe3 29.Wxe3
Wh4t can only be worse for White. Chapter 1 3 was wholly devoted to the
b) 27.c6 bxc6 28.b6 axb6 29.ixb6 :!:'!:b7 important variation 9.b4 tlih5 1 0 .g3! ? f5
30.ia6 :B:g8! 3 1 .ixb? Wxg2t 32. '.t>xg2 l 1 .tli g5 llif6 1 2.f3 f4 1 3 .b5!?, which leads to
if8t 33.Wh l ixd6 34.:B:c l ! (34.ixc6 :!:'!:c8+) an interesting struggle. It is all about 'only'
34 . . . tlid5 35.:B:xc6 tlixb6 36.:B:xd6 tli c4 moves here and in the end it peters out to a
37.:!:'!:xh6t '.t>g7= is equal. draw, leaving the author with the difficult task
27 . . . f4! 28.Wxe5 tli g4 29.Wxf4 llixf2 30.:!:'!:fxf2 of explaining why these moves were best.
:B:xc5 3 1 .:B:xg? Wxg7 32.:!:'!:g2t :B:g5 33.:B:xg5t As the book progressed it was becoming
hxg5 34.Wxg5t i>hs 3 5 .Wf6t 'itig8= increasingly difficult for me to explain to
With a draw as the logical conclusion. myself why I was making certain choices,
but there should of course be a rational
Now Giri's suggestion should lead to equality: explanation as to why the line l 3 . . . h6! 1 4.tlie6
ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 fXg3 1 6.hxg3 Wc8 1 7.tlid5
Wxe6 1 8 .tlixc? Wh3 l 9.:!:'!:f2! :!:'!:ac8 20.:!:'!:h2!
Wxg3t 2 1 .:!:'!:g2 Wh3! 22.Wxd6 :B:f7! is the only
one that guarantees Black equality. The only
problem is that, for the moment, this rational
explanation escapes my attention.
The only thing I can comment upon right
now is that 23 .We6!? should be answered by
the 'only' move 23 . . . Wh4 as the presence of
queens gives Black enough tactical counterplay
to draw; while 23.c5 lli f5 ! 24.exf5 :B:fXc7 is
definitely the starting point of analysis for
those wishing to enter this position and remain
unscathed until the very end.
I have to admit it sounds a bit depressing
that Black has such a narrow choice in this
chapter, but let's look at the bright side of it: if
he knows the moves then he does not have to
suffer as the game is a clear draw. So I suggest
30.gxg6 that readers do their memorizing homework
30.ixg?t Wxg7 3 l .e5 :!:'!:xe5 32.:!:'!:xg6t @f7 and we will move on to the next chapter.
33.:B:fl :B:e6= offers no advantage either.
30 .. .i.xh6 3 1 .gxh6t @g7 32.gh3 gg5t

33.@fl � g4t 34.@e2 � e5 35.@d2 gg2t
Bayonet 1 O.g3
13.lii g2
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 s . tl:i f3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7
9.b4 tl:i h5 1 0.g3!? f5 1 1 . tl:igS ti:i f6 1 2.f3 f4 13.'it>g2
1 3 c6!?
.••
A) 1 4.c5?! 1 64
B) 1 4.YMb3?! 1 65
C) 1 4.YMd3?! 1 67
D) 14.bS?! 1 68
E) 14.a4 1 69
F) 14.�b l !? tl:i e8! 1 5 .c5 h6 1 70
Fl) 1 6.tl:i e6!? 171
F2) 1 6.ti:i h3 1 72
B) note to 18.bS!? D) after 1 7 .dx e6 F2) after l 6.lll h3
a b c d e f g h
1 6 aS!N
...
l .d4 tllf6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 A) 14.c5?!

0-0 6..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4 tll h5
1 0.g3!? f5 1 1 .tll g5 tllf6 1 2.f3 f4 13.ci>g2
An idea of Van Wely's, which does not
appear to pose as serious a set of problems for
Black as was originally believed. By getting his
king off the g l -a7 diagonal, White prepares to
play c4-c5 under favourable conditions.
8 .i' �..t� J �- �
0 ��-�""�z-0,d""'V,�jp:; �
1 ""
6 �' " • w�
� "" ' ".•"""-� '' •
¥,�
5 � � E"W' N m�
�n!��i., �
4 ;
3 'W"
m
\
d "" , ,/, � ""' ��- �
,, 0
2 �� m , , , , ;� -
:�8 ef�
�� -�
�
"'" �� -0 ��
1 '� �if � g-
/
1 4 ... h6
.... 1 4 . . . cxd5!? 1 5 .exd5 lli f5 1 6.ic4
a b c d e f g h
1 6.tlige4?! a5! 1 7.cxd6 ( 1 7.bxa5 dxc5
1 8 .tlixc5 tli d4t) 1 7 . . . axb4 1 8 .tlib5?
1 3 ... c6!? ( 1 8.tlixf6t :B:xf6 1 9. tli e4 :B:f7+ was the lesser
With this move Black guards d5 and prepares evil for White) 1 8 . . . '\Mf d7! 1 9.gxf4 llixe4
to drop his knight back to e8. Upon completing 20.fxe4 exf4 2 1 .exf5 ixa l -+ was nothing
this manoeuvre Black would be threatening to less than an opening disaster for White in
take advantage of the unprotected state of the Malmstroem - Toumani, corr. 1 997.
g5-knight. A further point of 1 3 . . . c6! ? is that
it prepares to meet c4-c5 by . . . h6, as then tli e6
allows Black to build a strong centre by . . . ixe6
followed by . . . d5. White has some dubious
tries in A) 1 4.c5?!, B) 1 4.Wi'b3?!, C) 14.Wfd3?!
and D) 14.b5?!. More sensible are both
E) 14.a4 and F) 14.gb l !?.
Th e immediate 1 4.tlie6?! ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 is
typically answered by 15 . . . tlieS! 1 6.'\Wb3 tli c7
1 7.:!:'!:d l Wh8 1 8.c5 d5 1 9.exd5 cxd5 20.:!:'!:b l !
(20.tlixd5? tli exd5! 2 1 ..ic4 '\Mff6 22.ixd5
llixd5 23.:B:xd5 e4+ is j ust bad for White.)
20 ... fxg3 2 1 .hxg3 tlixe6 22.tlixd5 tli d4
23.tlixe7 '\M!xe7+1= With an excellent game for
the second player, who can place his queen on
f7 next move and perhaps follow up with the
undermining . . . b6.
Chapter 1 4 - 1 3 .iig2 165
1 7 . . . Wxa5 1 8 .tlice4 tlixe4 1 9 .tlixe4 b5! 20.ib3 1 5 ... hxg5 1 6.cxd6 ci>h7 17.dxe7 ti'xe7 1 8.b5
dxc5 2 1 .tlixc5 Wc3 22.tlie6 ixe6 23.dxe6 l 8.d6 Wd7! l 9.g4 tli e8+ leads to the loss of
Wxa l 24.e?t Wh8 25.exfB=Wlt l:l:xf8 26.'\Wd3� the far-advanced pawn.
The position is approximately balanced.
1 5 ..ic4N
Michelakis' suggestion. 1 5 .tli e6?! ixe6
1 6.dxe6 d5t
a b c d e f g h
looks better for Black in view of his splendid

central position. For example: l 7.exd5
1 9 ... bxc6 20.bxc6 ti'c5
( 1 7.gxf4 exf4 1 8.l:l:b l Wc8 1 9.exd5 lli fxd5
Michelakis considers the resulting position
20.tlixd5 llixd5 2 1 .ic4 Wxe6+) 17 . . . tli fxd5! ?
to be unclear, but it seems that Black is much
1 8 .tlixd5 ( 1 8.tlie4 lli f5+) 1 8 . . . tlixd5 ! 1 9 .ic4
better in view of his mounting attack on the
We?!+
kingside. In fact, the threat of . . . gxf3 t followed
l 5.cxd6 tli exd5!? ( l 5 . . .Wxd6 1 6 . tli e6 ixe6 by . . . ig4 is very hard to meet.
l 7.dxe6 Wxe6 l 8 .Wb3� should be
approximately level) l 6.exd5 hxg5 B) 1 4.ti'b3?!
Another idea of Van Wely's, first seen in his White's position does not look very inspiring.
game against Fedorov at the Batumi European For example:
Team Championship in 1 999. The queen
on b3 eyes e6 and enforces b4-b5 , but fails 1 8.b5!?
to maintain the pressure on d6, allowing the The first choice of the engines.
black queen freedom of movement.
l 8 .lll d 5?! was Van Wely's speculative sacrifice
14 ...h6 15.tlie6 in the aforementioned game against Fedorov,
l 5 .lll h 3 a5 1 6.bxa5 :B:xa5 l 7.lll f2 g5 l 8.c5?! but it is hard to believe that White has
cxd5 l 9.cxd6 '\M!xd6 20.lll b 5 (20.exd5 lll fxd5+ sufficient compensation for the piece. Fedorov
is also better for Black.) 20 . . . '\Mf d8 2 1 .ia3 ie6 continued with the logical 1 8 . . . cxd5 1 9.cxd5
g5! consolidating his pawn structure on the
kingside and keeping the enemy bishops well
barricaded. Then, Loek's 20.id2 (Fedorov
mentions 20.g4!? but after 20 . . . '\M!c7 2 1 .id2
:B:ac8 22.:B:ac l '\Mfb8+ Black has everything
under control and maintains at least a slight
edge) could have been met with:
a b c d e f g h
22.:B:fd l ? (22.:B:ac l !N '\M!d7 23.lll c7 if7

24.:B:fd l d4 25 .ic4 g4!+ is still better for
Black, but gives White better chances than the
game.) 22 . . . g4! 23.fxg4 '\M!d7! 24.:B:ab l lll xg4!
25.lll xg4 i.xg4 26.ixg4 '\M!xg4 27.ixe7 '\M!e2t
28. W h3 :B:xa2-+ Black soon won in Chmelik -
a b c d e f g h
Traut, corr. 2000.
20 . . . '\M!c7!?N+ Now after 2 1 .:B:ac l '\Mfb6 22.ie l
1 5 ...i.xe6 1 6.dxe6 ygc8 17J�dl gd8! :B:dc8 23 .if2 '\M!d8 Black has coordinated
his pieces, after which he would like to use
the . . . g4 advance as a lever to prise open the
kingside. Thus, 24.g4! suggests itself, when
Black should go for 24 . . . h5 25 .h3 lll g6 26.a4
lt:\ h4t 27.Wfl MB 28.a5 :B:c7 29.:B:xc7 '\M!xc7?
with at least equal chances.
1 8 .c5 ?! is another attempt to open up lines,

yet after l 8 . . . d5 l 9.exd5 lll fxd5! ( l 9 . . . cxd5!?
20.gxf4 was agreed drawn in Sanchez Rodenas
- Martin Sanchez, corr. 2008, but even here
Black seems to maintain a slight edge after
Chapter 1 4 - 1 3 .\t>g2 1 67
20 . . . Wfxe6N 2 l .fxe5 Wfxe5 22.ib2 li:)h5 19 ... tll xc6! 20.tll b5

23.i>h l Wh?+) 20.li:)e4 Wfxe6 (20 ... fxg3!?N 20.Wfxb??! li:) d4t is at least equal for Black in
2 1 .hxg3 Wfxe6 22.g4 g5+± is, of course, another view of his tremendous piece activity.
viable possibility) 2 1 .g4 as played in Van Wely
8 � �-� *
� ��
- Pruijssers, Netherlands 2006, Black should
....
7 �
6 "'_ ,�"'
play:
_
· �_�
�� . . %�-�- - - � , , ,
% % , y,
�
•i !�•u'f'tWJ�
:3 ulu i�.--
2 ·- -·'·�·
�- �-0 � ��,;- ---
1 � �� :� m
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
20 ... tll e8 2U�bl a6 22.tll c3 tll d4 23.ti'xb7
2 1 . . .b5!N 22.cxb6 axb6 23.b5 Wh7 24.ic4 tll xe2 24.tll xe2 ti'xc4 25J�d2 fxg3 26.hxg3
cxb5! 25 .Wfxb5 E!:a5 26.Wfb3 b5! 27.ixb5 h5 27 ..ia3 .ih6 28J�b4 ti'e6 29Jk2 a5
E!:b8 28 .id? Wfxg4t! 29.ixg4 E!:xb3 White 30J�bc4 .id2=
is struggling to prove compensation for the Black maintains a tiny pull, which White
pawn. should be able to neutralize in due course.
1 8 ...ti'xe6 C) 14.ti'd3?!
s K � .i.� � �· . ..
. ..
6 ..
1 � . %�lB,
. -. __v.�
... . % .; ,y,_
I.
� �� .. �
% ,,
%�,�-----:�
s • • 8 r� ��;
4
3
��8
'm
� '
� -�r•----·:m
lu't�
2 ·--- H ·'·��
- �- ��-% �� ·�
1 �m ,,,
m � ��
a b c d e f g h
A first step towards applying pressure on
the d-file, introduced in Michelakis - Egger,
Buenos Aires 1 992. Black has a choice:
1 4 ... tll e8!

168 B ayonet 1 O.g3
A logical reaction, typical for such positions. 1 5 ... cxdS!

After 1 4 . . . h6!? 1 5 .li:)e6N ( 1 5 .li:) h3 as played 1 5 . . . h6!? 1 6.cxd6! Wxd6 1 7 .li:)e6 ixe6
in Boehm - Sauermann, corr. 1 99 5 , looks 1 8 .dxe6;!; is better for White.
unclear after 1 5 . . . cxd5 1 6.cxd5 id7 1 7.id2
g5 1 8 .li:)f2 h5+±) 1 5 . . . ixe6 1 6.dxe6 Wc7
1 7.b5 E!:ad8 Black threatens to win the e-pawn
under better conditions than in similar lines,
in view of the rook versus queen opposition on
the d-file, so White's best is probably:
a b c d e f g h
1 8.ia3!? Wc8 1 9.ixd6! c5! 20.ixe7! E!:xd3

2 1 .ixd3 E!:e8 22.ixf6 ixf6 23 .li:)d5 E!:xe6= D) 14.b5?!
Despite Black's material advantage, the
blocked nature of the position deprives him of A logical attempt to open lines on the
winning chances. queenside, but Black can in fact prevent that
by:
Chapter 1 4 - 1 3 .c;!;>g2 1 69
his intended lll e 6. The game Finegold - E) 14.a4

Michelakis, Groningen 1 993, continued:
Intending the manoeuvre :!:'!:al -a2-d2, so Black
1 5 .ti'd3 has to react with precision:
1 5 .:B:f2 lll e S 1 6.i.fl h6 1 7. lll e 6 ixe6
1 S.dxe6 Wies+ is slightly better for Black
according to Michelakis.
1 5 .lll e6 can be answered by 1 5 ... ixe6 1 6.dxe6

lll eS 1 7.lll d5 lll c7 1 S .lll xc7 Wlxc7 1 9.:!:'!:b l
:B:adS 20.Wla4 lll cS+.
15 ... tli e8 1 6.tlie6

On 1 6.:B:d l !? the reply 1 6 . . . WhS!N,
threatening ... lll xd5, is sufficient for Black. For
example: 1 7.lll e6 i.xe6 1 S .dxe6 WlcS 1 9 .lll d 5
Wlxe6+ Once more the second player has
slightly the better of it.
l 6 ... i.xe6 17 .dxe6

Now Black should have opted for a simple
reply:
1 7.c5 d5 1 S .:!:'!:a2 lll c7 l 9.:!:'!:d2 d4 20.i.c4 g5

is unclear.
17 ... ti'c8! 1 8.c5 ti'xe6 1 9.a5!

19 .:!:'!:d2 :B:dS 20.cxd6 :B:xd6=
18.tlid5 ti'xe6 19.�Ml hs:i:

In addition to the extra pawn Black preserves
good coordination among his forces.
1 70 Bayonet 1 O.g3
l 9 . . . a6?! 20.cxd6 lli xd6 2 1 .:!'l:d2 :B:ad8 22.tlia4± 1 5.c5

The most natural choice, but alternatives
20J�d2! exist:
20.a6 b5 2 1 .cxb6 axb6 22.b5 cxb5 23.ixb5
tli c7? l 5.dxc6N bxc6 1 6.c5
Black should react in customary fashion:
20 .. J�dS 2 1 .a6! bxa6 22.cxd6 gxd6 23.tll a4! 16 . . . d5 1 7.b5!?
tll c8 24.tll c5 V!ff7 25.i.xa6 gxd2t 26.V!fxd2 1 7.exd5 cxd5 1 8 .Wfb3 tli c7 1 9 .:B:dl requires
tll b6 27.i.h7 V!fc7 28.gdl gf6! 29.V!ids examination, but I have a feeling that after
29.Wfe2 tli d6 30.ia6 tlib5 3 1 .ixb5 cxb5 1 9 . . . h6 20.tlige4 ie6 2 1 .tlid6 i>h7 22.Wf c2
32.Wfxb5 :B:d6 33.:B:xd6 Wfxd6=; 29.ia6 tli d6 d4 23.tlice4 tli cd5? Black shouldn't be
30.id3 g5? worse, as both his knights are focusing on
the weak e3-square.
29 ...V!ffl 30.gxf4 tll c7!ft
We have been following Fernandez -
Civitillo, corr. 20 1 2 , a model heavyweight
opening struggle well worth studying, which
was eventually drawn.
F) 14.gb rn
I t seems that White should postpone direct

action, waiting for Black to move his knight
to e8 first. The knight retreat will temporarily
a b c d e f g h
weaken the d5-square, which White in turn
will try to exploit. 1 7 . . . i>h8!
17 ... h6!? 1 8.bxc6! hxg5 1 9.exd5 '.t>h7!
20.ic4! llif6 2 1 .g4!;!; looks better for White.
1 8 .bxc6 d4 l 9.ic4 tli xc6 20.tlif7t :B:xf7
24. Wf2 Wfh2t 25. Wel Wf xg3t 26.:B:f2 '\Ml gl t

2 1 .ixf7 fxg3 22.hxg3 Wfd7 23.ixe8 Wfh3t
27.:B:fl Wf g3t=
Leading to a draw by perpetual check.
The alternative 1 5 .Wfb3!? is the usual

retaliation to . . . tli e8 ideas, as Black's control
over d5 has weakened significantly. A possible
continuation is: 1 5 . . . Wh8! ( 1 5 . . . h6!? 1 6.tlie6
ixe6 1 7.dxe6 tli c7 1 8 .:B:d l ! fxg3!? 1 9.hxg3
'.t>h7 20.c5! d5 2 1 .exd5 cxd5 22.tlixd5!;!; is
better for White, although Black will probably
hold after a laborious defence.) 1 6. tlih3!
id7N 1 7.id2 :B:c8 1 8.:B:bc l h5 1 9.tlif2
( 1 9.gxf4 ih6!=) 19 . . . i>h7? With a
Chapter 1 4 - 1 3 . @g2 171
complicated position, where I would rate the 2 1 .l:l:e l We??. also leads to a fully respectable
chances as equal. position, for example 22.id3 a6 23.l:l:h l Wc6!
24.ixh6 e4?. .
1 5 ...h6
Time is of the essence; White must now 2 1 . .. ygc7 22.i.d3 tll h 5!?
decide between jumping to e6 or beating a A fierce and complicated struggle will now
hasty retreat. commence:
Also possible is l 5 . . . cxd5, although White is a 23.tll xd5! tll xd5 24.i.xg6 tll xg3!
little better after: 1 6.exd5 tll f5 1 7 .tll e6 ixe6 24 . . . tll hf6 25 .ib2 We? 26.Wxe5 is better for
l 8.dxe6 '.t>h8 l 9.ic4 tll c7 20.tll b 5 tll x b5 White.
2 1 .ixb5 tll d4 22.id? l:l:f6 23.l:l:e l tll xe6
24.ixe6 l:l:xe6 25 .Wd5;!; This was Felkel - 25.@xg3 e4t 26.£4 tll c3 27.ygc4!
Nitsche, corr. 2008, although it did ultimately 27.Wc2 is easier to cope with in view of:
end in a draw. 27 . . . fil6! 28.ixe4 l:l:xe6 29.if3! (29.id3
Wh8-+) 29 . . . l:l:ae8 30.l:l:b3 tll e2t 3 1 .'.t>h3
We are almost in unchartered territory here. tll x f4t 32.ixf4 Wxf4 33.Wg2 Wf7 34.ig4
Fl) 1 6.tll e 6!?N is untested, while F2) 16.tll h3 l:l:e3t 35 .l:l:xe3 l:l:xe3t 36.l:l:f3 Wf4=
has only occurred once before.
Fl) 16.tll e6!?N Axe6 17.dxe6 d5

1 8.exd5 cxd5 1 9.ib5!?
1 9 .Wb3 tll c7 20.l:l:dl We8 2 1 .tll x d5 tll cxd5

22.l:l:xd5 lll x d5 23 .Wxd5 l:l:d8 24.Wxb? Wxe6
gives Black good counterplay.
29 ... a5! 30.bxa5

30.l:l:c2 axb4 3 1 .Wxb4 l:l:a4 32.Wb3 l:l:c4?.
30.a3 axb4 3 1 .axb4 l:l:a l f±.
30. .JfadS 3 1 J�d2 ygxc5 32.gxdS

32.Wc2 l:l:c8=
2 1 .yge2!?
32 gxdS 33.YlYc2 YlYe7!

••• Conclusion
It is important to get rid of the monstrous
e-pawn: 33 . . . :B:d3t?! fails to 34.Wg2 '\M!c6 Chapter 1 4 saw us end our survey of the
35.:B:e 1 ± interesting move 1 O.g3!? by focusing on
1 0 . . . f5 1 1 .tli g5 lli f6 1 2.£3 f4 1 3 .'tt> g2. I
34.Axe4 YlYxe6 3 5 .ifS YlYa6 36.ghl ge8
•
consider 1 3 . . . c6!? to be a good remedy against
After a titanic struggle there is still play it, but obviously the position remains quite
left in the position, although I think the complicated and White has no less than six
complications should eventually peter out to options to choose from.
a draw. I think that the best moves for White are
l 4.a4 and 1 4.:B:b 1 !? , as rash methods won't
F2) 16.tll h3 succeed with the black pawn already on c6.
For example, Van Wely's 1 4 .'\M!b3?! led to
insufficient compensation for him after
14 . . . h6 1 5 .tlie6 .ixe6 1 6.dxe6 '\M!c8 1 7.:B:d l
:B:d8! 1 8 .tlid5?! in a game against Fedorov, and
is clearly an experiment not worth repeating
from White's point of view.
1 4.a4 conceals the fine idea of :B:al -a2-d2,
so Black should react with precision. My
recommendation for him is to follow the line
14 . . . h6 1 5 .tli e6 .ixe6 1 6.dxe6 tli e8 1 7.:B:a2
'\M!c8! l 8 .c5 '\M!xe6 l 9.a5! 'tt> h 7! 20.:B:d2! :B:d8
2 l .a6! bxa6 22.cxd6 :B:xd6 23.tlia4! tli c8
a b c d e f g h
24.tli c5 '\Mffl 25 ..ixa6 :B:xd2t 26.'\Mfxd2 tli b6
27 . .ib? '\Mic? 28.:B:dl :B:f6! as played in the
1 6 aS!N
••• correspondence game Fernandez - Civitillo,
1 6 . . . cxd5 ?! l 7.tlixd5 dxc5 1 8.bxc5!N when the computers tend to overestimate
( 1 8.tlixe?t '\M!xe7 1 9.bxc5 .ie6 20 . .ia3 White's chances and the position is actually
tli f600 led to a complicated position with balanced.
approximately balanced chances in Finegold 1 4.:B:b 1 !? is another sly method of
- Kaminski, Groningen 1 99 1 .) 1 8 . . . tli c600 continuing, when Black should play 14 . . . tli eS!
l 9.gxf4 '\M!h4 20.tlif2 exf4 2 1 .'tt> h a With an in anticipation of the knight invasion on e6,
edge to White. rendering the position quite unclear. After
1 5 .c5 h6 1 6 . tli e6!?N .ixe6 1 7.dxe6 d5 1 8 .exd5
17.a3 ci>h7= cxd5 1 9 . .ib5!? fxg3 20.hxg3 tli f6! 2 1 .'\M!e2!?
The computers indicate that the posmon '\Mic? 22 ..id3 tlih5!? the game is very tactical
is equal, by showing "0.00". Obviously but probably remains within the equality rone,
more analysis is required here, but I would as the reader can witness by consulting my
recommend liquidating . . . axb4 followed by analysis .
. . . b6 as one solid way of playing for Black.
Bayonet 1 O.�el
a b c d e f g h
1 1th Move Alternatives

Variation Index
1 .d4 til f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 s.tll f3 0-0 6 . .ie2 e5
7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 til e? 9.b4 tll b5 lOJ�el!
1 0 ... fS
A) 1 1 .h3 til f6 1 2 . .id3 b6!? 1 74
Al) 1 3 . .ib2 1 75
A2) 1 3.a4 1 76
A3) 1 3.�b3 1 77
B) l l J�b l 1 77
C) 1 1 . tll d2 tll f6 1 80
Cl) 1 2.f3?! 181
C2) 1 2.c5! 1 82
A) after 1 2.id3 B) after 1 3 .igS C2) after 1 3.id3
a b c d e f g h
1 2 . h6!?N
.. 1 3 aS!N
...
1 74 B ayonet 1 0. El e l
I .d4 tll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 .ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 A) 1 1 .h3

0-0 6..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4
tll h5 I O.ge l ! This move covers the g4-square, preparing to
Th e most interesting continuation available drop the bishop to fl without fearing . . . fXe4
to the first player. Before continuing with his followed by . . . ig4. However, it looks rather
queenside play, White takes a respite to prepare too slow to cause Black any problems.
a retreat for his bishop on fl . In that way he
deprives his opponent of his most concrete 1 1 ... tll f6
idea, namely to get the bishop pair by . . . lt:\ f4, I think that this move is probably the most
and lures the game into channels where the principled here.
typical King's Indian player might feel slightly
uncomfortable. The alternative l l . . . fXe4 1 2.lll xe4 lt:\f4 1 3.ifl
a5 1 4.bxa5 :B:xa5 l 5.a4 b6 1 6 .id2 :!:'!:a8 l 7.a5;!;
8
was slightly better for White in Nekhaev -
7
Grigoryev, corr. 20 1 2.
6 12 . .id3
4
3
2
1
1 0 fS
•••
A logical move, as Black doesn't want to

decide immediately where to go with his
a b c d e f g h
knight. The alternative 1 0 . . . lt:\ f4 is less clear as
1 1 .ifl makes it hard for Black to attack on
the kingside and, in general, to form an active 1 2 ... h6!?N
plan. My suggestion, and I think a logical one.
White has lost time with h2-h3 , so Black
The current chapter will focus on: A) 1 1 .h3, should go for the storm.
B) 1 1 .gbl and C) 1 1 .tll d2
1 2 . . . a5 1 3 .bxa5 :B:xa5 1 4.a4;!; looks slightly
l l .c5 transposes to Chapter 1 0, where better for White, although the position
recommend l l . . .fXe4! - see page 1 2 5 . remains double-edged.
Th e main line o f l 1 .lll g5 i s the subject of White has several developing moves available:
Chapters 1 6-26. Al) 13 ..ib2, A2) 13.a4 and A3) 13.ti'b3
1 3 .ia3 ?! should be answered by: 1 3 .. .f4 1 4.c5

Chapter 1 5 - 1 1 th Move Alternatives 1 75
g5 1 5 .li:)d2 ( 1 5.:B:cl li:) g6 1 6.b5 :B:f7 1 7.cxd6 17.gc2 i.f8 1 8.cxd6 cxd6 1 9.gecl a6
cxd6 1 S .li:)d2 ifs 1 9 .Wb3?! li:) h4� already 1 9 . . . g4 20.hxg4 hg4 2 1 .ie2 a6 22.li:)d2
gives Black a strong attack.) 1 5 . . . li:) g6 1 6.ie2 li:) h4 23.ixg4 li:)xg4 24. li:) d l ;!;/=, is also
:B:f7 1 7.:!:'!:cl ifs With the easier play and good interesting, but White may have a slight pull
attacking chances for Black. after transferring his queen to h3.
Similarly after 1 3.:!:'!:b l ?! f4 1 4.c5 g5 1 5 .Wb3 20.tll b l

lt:) g6 l 6.ib2 :B:f7 1 7 .:B:bcl ifs� Black has 20.b5 g4 2 1 .hxg4 ixg4�
everything in order and gets ready for his
kingside endeavours. The computers favour
White here, but obviously the evaluation is
mistaken.
Al) 13.i.b2
A logical move, trying to get the rook to c 1

immediately. However, Black can continue
with his kingside operations.
13 ...£4 I 4.c5 g5 15.:!:'!:c l tll g6 I 6.Wb3
a b c d e f g h
1 6.cxd6 cxd6 1 7.li:)b5 li:)eS 1 S .a4 a6 1 9.li:)a3
h5� is not much of an improvement.
20 ...i.d7 2 1 .a4 b5 22.axb5 axb5
1 6.ie2 :!:'!:f7 1 7.li:)h2 Ms 1 S .cxd6 cxd6 1 9.li:)g4 Black seems to get good counterplay on the
li:) eS 20.li:)h2 lt:) f6 will most likely lead to a kingside in return for his weak b5-pawn. A
repetition. sample line is as follows:
23.gc7
23.:B:c6 g4 24.hxg4 li:)xg4 25 .hb5 li:) h4
26.li:) bd2 :!:'!:g7 27.ifl @h7 2S.b5 hc6
29.:B:xc6 li:)xf3t 30.li:)xf3 ie7� is unclear.
a b c d e f g h
1 6 .. JU7
1 6 . . . li:)eS l 7.ie2 h5?! 1 S .li:) h2 li:)f6 1 9.Wd l !
looks excellent for White.
a b c d e f g h
1 76 B ayonet I O.E:e l
23 ... g4 24.hxg4 tll xg4 25J�b7 tll h4

26.tll bd2 gg7 27..ifl tll xf3t 28.tll xf3 ie8
29.gxg7t ixg7 30.id3 Wi'b6=
With an approximately balanced game.
A2) 13.a4
This allows Black to break immediately:
a b c d e f g h
22 . . . We7!
Seemingly securing satisfactory compen
sation. For example:
23.ib2
23.Wc2 li:) h4 24.li:)xh4 gxh4 25.8 (25 .:B:d l
li:)h5 26.Wd3 Wg5 27.Wf3 Wg6t is better
for Black, the idea being . . . li:) h5-f6-h7-g5)
25 . . . li:) h5 26.:B:d l Wg5-t is terribly dangerous
for White as Black infiltrates. However, he
a b c d e f g h
might be able to hold by means of: 27.Wf2!
lt:) g3t 2B.Wel li:) h I 29.Wfl Wxg2 30.Wxg2
1 3 ... g5 :B:xg2 3 I .li:)xa7 li:) g3 32.:B:d2! The computers
Both the c3-knight and a l -rook are give an equal evaluation here.
unprotected. 23 . . . h5! 24.li:)xg5 li:) h4 25 .g3 :B:xg5 26.gxh4
:B:g7 27.icl li:) h7 2B .Wfxh5 lt:)f6 29.Wd l
14.ia3 li:) h7ft
This looks like the most natural follow-up,
but it is hardly the only one. Alternatively: 14 ... f4 15.c5 tll g6 1 6.a5
1 6.:B:c l :B:f7 1 7.ifl MB leads to the standard
Rather premature is 1 4.c5 fxe4! 1 5 .li:)xe4 li:)xe4 attacking chances for Black.
8
1 6.ixe4 if5 1 7.ixf5 :!'h:f5 I B .:B:b l WeB!ft,
when the weakness of the d5-pawn gives Black
7
sufficient counterplay.
1 4.a5!? f4 6
5
This will probably transpose to 1 4.ia3
4
unless White continues to push the a-pawn:
1 5 .c5 li:)g6 1 6.a6!?
3
The idea being to target Black's a7-pawn.
2
1 6 . . . b6 1 7 .cxd6 cxd6 l B.ib5 :B:f7 1 9 .ic6 :B:bB
1
20.lt:)b5 MB 2 1 .@fl :B:g7 22.:B:a3
White is preparing himself for ib7 at the
a b c d e f g h
right moment, however Black has:
1 6 .. JU'7 17 .a6
8 1.m.i.S ��-�
��-%"''' %% .'W,{"'''Y.� .0
6�
1 7.c6 ifs 1 8 .ic4 :B:g7?
1 , w� • � �
5 �-� �� ·lr-1· ;� - - -
17 ... b6 1 8Jkl if8 19.cxb6 cxb6 20.tll bl �-.,,,,;/,.,,.,,;�fl '�
4 " '� '� '8'� ��
� �%'' //, ��
3 mvm� mt2Jm �
2 8� ��8
. ,,,,, �',�, ,,,,;
�%, _ �
, J , . J��
�
1 � � �m k - �
-0
a b c d e f g h
14 ... tll d7! 1 5 .i.a3 gxa5=
Black is ready to occupy c5 with tempo,
exploiting the position of the queen on b3.
a b c d e f g h
The chances are balanced.
20 ... g4! 2 1 .hxg4 hg4 22.tll bd2 gg7!

23.ygb3
In case of 23 .ie2 the right reaction is again
23 . . . lll h7!?.
23 ... tll h7H

We have been following a line illustrating the
proper attacking procedure for Black. The idea
is to soften the blockade on f3 by attacking it
with all the minor pieces available.
A3) 13.ygb3
a b c d e f g h
Trying to slow down Black's plans with .. .f4
and . . . g5 . It is hard for White to undertake
anything on the queenside as the other moves Bearing in mind that lll f3-g5-e6 is one of
have revealed. the typical ideas in this line, it makes sense to
add strength to it by moving the rook to b l
1 3 ... a5! i n advance, thus avoiding potential tactics on
After 1 3 .. .f4 1 4.c5 g5?! 1 5 .lll xe5! the the long diagonal. White also hopes to exploit
position opens up, and this favours White. the rook's new position to open lines with b4-
b5 in the future, should Black resort to . . . c6.
14.bxa5 For those as yet uninitiated to the secrets of the
In case of 1 4 .ia3 fxe4 1 5 .lll xe4 lll h 5 1 o.:B:el line, . . . c6 would be the typical way to
1 6.lt:\fd2 lt:\ f4 1 7.ifl lt:\ f5? Black is at least surround and capture White's lone pawn that
equal. arises on e6 as a result of the knight intrusion
1 78 B ayonet 1 0.E:el
mentioned above, possibly by the customary

. . . li:) f6-e8-c7 manoeuvre, or, alternatively, by
. . . 'fie?, . . . :B:d8 and an eventual . . . 'fic7-c8xe6.
However, Black is on the move, and need not
comply with White's plans.
l 1 . .. tll f6!
As in the line with 1 1 .h3, the knight has
fulfilled its task on h5 and returns to put e4
under pressure. Other moves seem less to the
point: a b c d e f g h
1 5 .8! f4 1 6. li:)e6! ixe6 1 7.dxe6 li:) e8 1 8 .li:)d5

1 l . . . li:) f4 is a shot into empty space in the ih6 l 9.a4 li:) g? 20.c5! li:)xe6 2 1 .ic4 '.t>g7
present position, because the idea . . . fxe4 22.cxb6 cxb6 23.li:)xe? 'fixe7 24.ixe6 Wxe6
followed by . . . ig4 has been rendered toothless 25 .ia3 :B:fd8 26.:B:cl ig5 27.:B:c6 ie7 28 .'fic2;!;
as a result of the rook's placement on b 1 . After White clearly had a stable plus in Benlloch
1 2.ifl a5 1 3 .b5 b6 ( 1 3 . . . fxe4 1 4.li:)xe4 ig4 Guirau - Grigoryev, corr. 20 1 0 , which Black
l 5 .:B:b3!± displays one of the major points managed to nullify in the remainder of the
behind 1 1 .:B:b l ) 1 4.:B:b3! White was already game with inspired defence. However, it
better in Kislik - Mareckova, Tabor 20 1 2, as would be too much to offer this as a repertoire
he had shifted his focus successfully on the choice as Black has a better way of playing the
kingside, with the black knights in particular position.
being badly placed.
Back to l l . . . li:) f6!:
l l . . .a5 1 2.b5 b6 1 3 .id3
Producing a situation with an apparent 1 2.exf5
blockade on the queenside, but things are This has been twice the choice of Jaan
not as simple as they seem to be, as White Ehlvest, who is the only top player to have
still avails of the possibility li:) 8-g5-e6, included 1 1 .:B:b 1 in his repertoire.
which in combination with c4-c5 could
cause worries. 1 2 .id3
1 3 . . . lt:)f6 This can be answered here with:
The untried 1 3 . . . h6!?N 1 4.exf5 ( 1 4.li:)h4!? 1 2 . . . a5!
'fie8! 1 5 .exf5 gxf5 1 6.:B:b3 'fif7 1 7.g3!? 12 ... h6 1 3.Wc2!? is probably worth avoiding.
id700) 1 4 ... li:)xf5;!;/=, looks like a better 1 3 .b5
option to me. Lacking much substance.
14.li:)g5 :B:b8 1 3.bxa5 :B:xa5 1 4.a4 li:) d?= is also about
Black also managed to hold after 14 . . . fxe4 equal.
1 5 .ixe4?! li:)xe4 1 6 . li:) cxe4 lt:) f5 1 7.li:)8 1 3 .a3 axb4 1 4.axb4 fxe4 1 5 .li:)xe4 li:)xe4
id? l 8 .:B:b3 We? l 9.h3 :B:ae8 20.a4 li:) d4 1 6.ixe4 ig4 l 7.'fid3 ix8 1 8.ix8 lt:) f5
2 1 .li:)xd4 exd4 22.ig5 Wf7 23.1':!:8 if5 = in l 9.ie4 Wif6 20.:B:b2 :B: a l was balanced in
Kriksciunas - Bendig, corr. 2008, but I have Myakonikikh - Ilyasov, corr. 201 1 .
a feeling that White could have improved by
taking with the knight on e4 on move 1 5 .
1 3 . . . lll d?!N 1 4. lll a4 1 3 . . . h6!N

1 4.ia3 b6 l 5 .lll g 5 lll c5 1 6.ixc5 dxc5 With a good game.
l 7.ie2 ih6! 1 8 .h4 Wd6 looks quite Instead, 13 . . . e4?! 1 4.lll g 5! h6 1 5 .cxd6!
satisfactory for Black. ( l 5 . lll e6?! ixe6 1 6.dxe6 d5 l 7.lll b 5 lll c6
1 4 . . . fxe4 1 5 .ixe4 lt:\ f6 1 6.ic2 ig4 1 7.h3 1 8 .if4 E!:c8 1 9.Ei:b3 a6 20.lt:\d4 lll xd4
ixf3 1 8.Wxf3 b6 1 9.Wd l 2 1 .Wxd4 We? 22.c6 b5? is not at all clear)
l 9.We2 lll f5 20.ig5 Wd7= 1 5 . . . Wxd6 1 6.lll b 5 Wd8 1 7.lll x c?! Wxc7
1 9 . . . lt:\f5 20.lll c3 Wd7 2 1 .ig5 Wf7= 1 8 .d6 Wd8 1 9.dxe? Wxe7 20.ic4t Wh8
Black will play . . . E!:ae8 and deploy his knights 2 Llll h 3 'itih7 22.lll f4 E!:d8 23 .We2 lll g4
on d4 and d7(h5), when I can see no way for 24.ib3 id4 25.E!:fl a5 26.h3 lll e 5 was a
White to do anything constructive. demonstration of perfect opening play from
White in Ehlvest - Bercys, Philadelphia
20 1 1 , and here the Estonian GM could
have consolidated his advantage with the
accurate 27.bxa5 !N E!:xa5 28.Ei: d l E!:a6
29.ie3 ixe3 30.Wxe3t as the exchange
of dark-squared bishops makes the
position of the black monarch extremely
draughty.
1 4.ic4 '.t>h7 1 5 .Wc2 lll g6!? 1 6.E!:d l We?
Black can slowly organize an attack on the
g-file without any problems.
a b c d e f g h
1 3.i.g5
Ehlvest's choice.
12 ... tlixfS
The most solid option. 1 3 .id3 lll d4 1 4.lll g 5
I briefly considered this for White, but Black
Another possibility is: has an accurate reply:
1 2 . . . gxf5 1 3 .c5 1 4 . . . ih6!
Black should now definitely prefer: Leading to a pleasant position.
14 . . . h6 l 5 . lll ge4 lll h 5 is also possible, but
why weaken g6 if there is no reason?
1 80 B ayonet 1 O.:B:e l
1 5 .h4 1 3 ... h6!N

The brilliant point is 1 5 .li:) e6?! ixe6 1 6.ixh6 This simple move seems to lead to equality.
li:)g4! l 7.ixf8? ? ( 1 7.f3 li:)xh6 1 8.dxe6 li:)xe6+
is the lesser evil) 1 7 . . . '\M!h4!-+ and White is Instead, 1 3 . . . ih6 1 4.ixh6 li:)xh6 1 5 .Wfd2, as
suddenly lost. played in Ehlvest - Shomoev, Moscow 20 1 0,
1 5 . . . li:)h5! 1 6.li:)ce4 should also be okay for Black after the solid
1 6.ifl ig7= 1 5 . . . li:) f7N= controlling the important g5-
square.
14 ..ixf6 ygxf6 1 5 .tll e4 ygf'7 1 6.c5!?

Things are easy for Black after 1 6.h3 a5!
1 7.b5 b6 1 8 .:!:'!:b3 id7=.
1 6 ...a5 17.b5 dxc5!

17 ... b6 1 8 .cxb6 cxb6 1 9 .:!:'!:cl ib7 20.:!:'!:c6!
gives White the advantage.
a b c d e f g h
1 6 . . . ig7! 1 7 .ib2
1 7 .li:)xh??! Wxh7 1 8 .li:)g5t i>h8 1 9.hg6
lt:)f6 is hardly worse for Black.
1 7 . . . h6 1 8 .ixd4 exd4 1 9.li:)e6 ixe6 20.dxe6
li:) f4 2 1 .g3 li:)xd3 22.Wfxd3 Wfe7 23 .li:)d2
A safe option, but Black is not worse:
23 . . . '\Mff6 24.f4
24.:B:e2 :B:ae8 25 .:B:be l '\M!f5!+
24 . . . :B:ae8 25.li:)f3!
25 .'\M!e4 g5t
25 ... :B:xe6 26.:B:xe6 Wfxe6 27.li:)xd4 Wf g4?
20.bxc7! cxd3 2 1 .tll xd6 ygxc7 22.tll xc8

�c8 23.ygxd3 ygc2?
Black has enough counterplay to make a
draw.
C) 1 1 .tll d2
This move is acceptable, but certainly less

critical than the annoying 1 I .li:)g5. White
wishes to continue with his traditional
Chapter 1 5 - 1 1 th Move Alternatives 181
queenside operations, but the position o f the 17 . . . l0h8!! 1 8 .Wb3 llJf7 l 9.l0c4 l0e8 20.a5
rook on e 1 does not fit in very well with such Wf6 2 1 .b6 l0 g5� White had followed
an overall scheme. computer recommendations only to realize
that he was close to lost in Reed - Halliwell,
1 1 ... tll f6 corr. 20 1 2 .
C l ) 1 2.6?!
Unnecessarily passive from White's perspective.
12 ... c6!
Black is already at least equal.
13.dxc6?!
This frees the e7-knight, so it is positionally
suspect. However Black is also comfortable
after the following alternatives:
a b c d e f g h l 3 .a3 should be answered by l 3 . . . cxd5 14.exd5

Cl) 12.6?! is easily dismissed, but C2) 12.c5! a5! l 5.bxa5 Wxa5 1 6.llJb3 '\Wd8 1 7 . .ie3 b600,
is more to the point. planning . . . llJ f6-d7-c5 with a good game.
1 2 . .ib2 may appear too slow, but it is a natural 1 3 .l:l:b l N

developing move, so some respect should be A bit more refined, yet hardly satisfactory:
paid to it. I like the simple reply 1 2 . . . a5N 1 3 . . . cxd5 1 4.cxd5
1 3.a3 fxe4 1 4.l0cxe4 l05 1 5 .id3 l0xe4 1 4.exd5 should now be met with 1 4 . . . '.t>h8!
1 6.l0xe4 axb4 l 7.axb4 l:l:xa l 1 8 .Wxa l llJ d4= 1 5 .ifl ( 1 5 . llJ b3 f4?) 15 ... g5 !?, intending
when there is not really much going on, and to post the knight on g6 with excellent
the position is approximately equal. counterattacking chances.
1 4 . . . id7 1 5 .b5!
l 2.a4 does not threaten an immediate invasion 1 5 .llJc4 b5! 1 6.llJa5 Wb6t 1 7.Wh l l:l:ac8+ is
via the c-file, so Black has time to launch an better for Black.
attack. After 1 2 .. .f4!? 1 3 .c5 g5 1 4.ia3 g4
1 5 .b5 l0 g6 1 6.cxd6 cxd6 1 7.g3 ( 1 7.ifl g3 !)
a b c d e f g h
1 82 B ayonet 1 O.l:l:e 1
1 5 . . . fxe4! 1 6.l0dxe4 19 ... llJ f4! 20.ygxd6 ygg5 2 1 .ygd2 .if3!

1 6. fxe4?! '\M!b6t 1 7. Whl l:l:ac8t allows Black 22.llJ d5 .ixg2 0-1
a strong initiative as 1 8 .llJc4? l:l:xc4 1 9.ixc4
l0 g4+ is clearly bad for White. C2) 1 2.c5!
1 6 . . . llJf5?
Black has solved the problem with the e7- It is only with direct action that White can
knighr and stands well. cause a few problems.
13 ... llJxc6 1 4.b5 llJ d4:j:

It was clear that Black had slightly the better
of it in Simutowe - Smirin, Moscow 200 1 . In
the game White collapsed quickly:
4
a b c d e f g h
3
2
12 ....ih6!
1
1 2 . . . WhS!?, putting pressure on d5 and thus
practically forcing a weakening of the dark
a b c d e
squares with 1 3 .£3 l0 eg8 1 4 . l0 c4 l0h6!? is an
interesting alternative, hoping to use the g4-
15.llJb3 fxe4! 1 6.fxe4 llJxe2t 17.ygxe2 .ig4 square for attacking purposes. After l 5.a4 fxe4
l8.ygd3 llJh5 1 9 ..ia3? 1 6. fxe4 llJ fg4 1 7.ixh6 l0xh6 Black didn't have
1 9.ie3N llJ f4 20.'\Mf d2+ was imperative. any real problems in Smirin - Ye Jiangchuan,
Yerevan (ol) 1 996, but it is possible that White
can improve on his 1 5th move. In any case,
12 . . . ih6! is a more thematic and risk-free
continuation for Black.
13 ..id3
The alternative 1 3 .ic4 is too artificial as
it denies the white knight the c4-square:
13 . . . Wg? 1 4.l:l:b l ( 1 4.ib2 b6!? leads to an
unclear position.) 14 ... l0eg8!? 1 5 .a4 l0xe4!N
(Also acceptable is 1 5 ... ixd2!? 1 6.ixd2 l0xe4
1 7.l0xe4 fxe4 1 8 .ie3 '\M!h4 1 9.'\Mfd2 h6 as
in Kuhne - Eckermann, corr. 2002, but I'd
rather not give my dark-squared bishop for a
knight so easily.) 1 6.l0dxe4 fxe4 1 7.l0xe4 M5
1 8.id3 ixe4 1 9 .i.xe4 ixc l 20.:B:xc l :!'l:f7= possibilities of counterplay based on a timely
Black has no problems whatsoever and the . . . a5.
game should be approximately balanced. A possible continuation after 1 5 .ixe4! could
8
be:
76
1 5 . . . ixc l 1 6.:B:xc l llJf5 1 7.Wd2 l0d4 1 8 .l0e2!
l0xe2t 1 9.:B:xe2 M5 20.8 '\Wf6 2 1 .:B:c4;!;/=
The position is almost level, and was given
Wijk aan Ze.e 1 998. However, White might

5
up as a draw at this point in Gelfand - Shirov,
4
be able to press for a while due to the slight
weakness of a7.
3
2
14.bxa5 gxa5
We are at a critical juncture now, where
1
Black should have no problems at all.
a b c d e f g h
1 5 .llJ b3
1 5 .cxd6 cxd6 1 6.l0c4 ixc l 1 7.:B:xc l :B:c5
1 3 a5!N
•••
1 8 .l0 a4 :B:c7=
A logical suggestion of the engines. When
the exchange of dark-squared bishops is 1 5 . llJ c4 hc l 1 6 .:B:xc l :B:xc5 17.l0a4 fxe4
feasible White does not have much pressure 1 8 .llJxc5 exd3 19.llJxd3 llJ exd500
on the queenside.
1 5 .ixcl 16.tlixa5!
•••
Another possibility is: 1 6.:B:xcl :B:a8 1 7 .cxd6 cxd6=

1 3 . . . fxe4 1 4 . llJ dxe4 llJxe4
1 6 .ib2
•••
The point of the whole operation, leading to

a balanced game.
17.YlYb3! .ixal 1 8.gxal

This position is fine for Black, and there
are tactical possibilities arising from White's
somewhat deserted kingside. The following
lines illustrate such themes:
1 8 fxe4 1 9 .ixe4
••• •
Black has an easier ride after: l 9.l0xe4 l0xe4

1 5 .ixe4! 20.ixe4 llJf5 2 1 .l0xb7 Wh4 22.ixf5 :B:xf5
This recapture looks slightly odd, but 23.:B:fl :B:h5 ! 24.h3 :B:g5 25.cxd6! (25 .@h2
the alternative 1 5 .l0xe4 promises White We4 26.:B:gl '\Wf4t 27.@h l Wxf2 28.cxd6 cxd6
nothing: 1 5 . . . hc l 1 6.:B:xc l llJ f5 1 7.Wd2 29.l0xd6 ixh3!+) 25 . . . ixh3 26.d7 hg2!?
llJ d4 1 8 .Wg5 !? Wxg5 l 9.l0xg5 h6 20.l0e4 27.dB=Wlt 'itig7 28.We7t 'itig8=
if5= The endgame is about equal in view
of the strongly-placed black knight and the 19 tlixe4 20.tlixe4 tlif5 2 1 .tlixb7 YlVh4
•••
1 84 B ayonet 1 0.E:el
With all four of his pieces focusing on the Conclusion

white kingside, Black has at least enough
resources for a draw. In fact it is White who In Chapter 1 5 we started exammmg the
has to tread lightly. important move 1 0 .:B:e l ! which has long
the Bayonet Attack. After the logical 1 0 . . . 5

been White's most formidable weapon in
22.:gel!
22.f3 li:)d4+ White has tried many moves in his quest for
an advantage, and this chapter was devoted to
22 ... tli d4 23.ti'b2 .ih3!?� less well-trodden paths which, nevertheless,
A bolt from the blue, but White can still are not lacking in poison.
draw: The non-committal l l .h3 is clearly not
a refutation of our system but still we have
24.tlig3! to tread with care. I think that the proper
24.'1Wc3?! allows 24 . . . E:f4! 25 .'\Wxh3 Wxh3 reaction is l l . . . li:) f6 12 . .id3 h6!? when Black
26.gxh3 li:)f3t 27.'itifl li:)xe l 28.cxd6 cxd6 controls the important g5-square and is ready
29.li:) bxd6 li:) c2+. to launch his kingside attack by pushing his
f- and g-pawns. 1 3.Wb3 is then probably the
24 ... .ixg2! 25.@xg2 tlif3 26.:ghl tli g5! best move for White, intending to meet l 3 . . .f4
26 ... Wg4?! allows 27.h4!. with l 4.c5, but in that case we should change
course with 1 3 . . . a5! 14.bxa5 li:) d?! 1 5 . .ia3
27.h3 :B:xa5 =, obtaining a fully playable position.
The prudent course, leading to a draw. 1 1 .:B:b 1 is another move that merits attention,
getting the rook out of the potentially perilous
a l -h8 diagonal. I believe Black should again
play l l . . . li:) f6!, focusing on central pressure,
rather than indulging in pointless adventures
by j umping with the knight to f4. After 1 2.exf5
( 1 2 . .id3 a5! 1 3 .b5 li:)d?! should be fine for
Black, and is a line revealing why it is good to
bring the knight back to f6) li:)xf5 13 . .ig5 h6!
14 . .ixf6 Wxf6 1 5 .li:) e4 Wf7 Black has a very
good position and full equality is in sight.
The third move we looked at is l l .li:) d2,
which is of course acceptable, but I guess every
genuine King's Indian player would normally
breathe a sigh of relief when confronted with
this retreat. The move Black has to play is again
l l . .. li:) f6, and after 1 2.c5! .ih6! 1 3 . .id3 a5!
14. bxa5 :B:xa5 an interesting struggle ensues
where, in my opinion, the second player has
28 ...ti'h4 29.:gh l = excellent chances on the kingside. The verdict
Neither side has anything better than the is once more equality, but this time it is quite
repetition. 29.:!:'!:d3? succumbs to 29 . . . e4-+ . comfortable for us.
Bayonet 12.if3!!
a b c d e f g h
13.ib3
Variation Index
I .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.b4 �h5 IO.ge l ! f5 1 1 .�g5 �f6 12.if3!? c6 13.�b3 h6 14.�e6 ixe6 15.dxe6
1 5 ...�c8!
A) 1 6.cS?! 1 87
B) 1 6,gdl!? gd8 1 7.b5! �xe6 188
B l ) 18.ia3 1 89
B2) 1 8.bxc6 191
A) after l 7 . . . exf3 B 1) aft er 20.exf5 B2) after 2 1 .id 5t
4
3
a b c d e f a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
1 8 .ib2!?N 20 . . . �xf5 !N 2 1 . . .ltihB!N

1 86 B ayonet 1 2 .i.f.3
l .d4 tlif6 2.c4 g6 3.tlic3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tlif3 Aiming at exploiting a weakness on the a2-
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tli c6 8.d5 tli e7 9.b4 g8 diagonal, but it appears that White lacks
tli h5 I O.gel! f5 1 1 .tlig5 one tempo to achieve his goal.
Undoubtedly the most critical choice, and
one that has tortured Black players for quite 1 3.i.b2 is covered in Chapter 1 7, 1 3 .i.a3
some time. The position now bears a close in Chapter 1 8, 1 3.dxc6 in Chapter 1 9,
resemblance to the 1 O.g3!? line, the only 1 3.b5 in Chapter 20, and finally 1 3 .i.e3 in
difference being that White's kingside pawns Chapter 2 1 .
have been left intact, a detail that certainly
works in his favour. 1 3... h6 14.tlie6 i.xe6 1 5.dxe6
White now has two main threats: E!:d 1
followed by c4-c5 or simply b4-b5, softening
his opponent's control over the light
square complex. Fortunately for Black,
he can neutralize these plans by relatively
simple means and obtain at least equal
chances.
U � �% �· �
s K-� % �--"� '"/d""'v.� ·0 �
1 W�i U
�
• �
6 lm:t!)ll'�iy,-·
%,,,,%
a b c d e f g h 5 � � � 'El ··· ·
� �
4 �8U % 8 m �� ,, . . . %
3 -Vm 1��Y!%�
1 1 tli f6 12.i.f3!?
•/
-�,, �%� m�
•••
This is the most popular line nowadays
2 %�. ��-0 �%.,,.J��P�

thanks to the efforts of Kramnik, who used
1 ��
to play it regularly. The f.3-bishop will have
an active role on the long diagonal after its · �
a b c d e f g h
subsequent opening by means of li) g5-e6.
The alternative 1 3.f.3 is examined in Chapters 1 5 ...ti'c8!

22-26. The best and most logical move! If the pawn
on d6 is not en prise, why not attack the weak
1 2 ... c6 e6-pawn immediately? Now White can choose
Black is getting ready for . . . h6, by first A) 1 6.c5?! or B) 1 6.gdrn.
putting an obstacle in the path of White's f.3-
bishop. 1 6.b5 '1Wxe6 l 7.i.a3 is an acceptable
continuation for White, and is given by
White has tried several moves in this position, Vigorito as the main line in Attacking Chess -
and I consider the one examined in this chapter lhe King's Indian, but at the same time nothing
to be among the weakest. to be afraid o£ I recommend 17 . . . Wh? 1 8 .E!:ad l
E!:ad8 when Black should be absolutely fine, a
13.ti'b3 typical line being:
Chapter 1 6 - 1 3 .Wb3 1 87
17 exf3
•••
A complicated position arises where Black

should be looking for ways to tame White's
dangerous pawns. I think that he is okay, and
perhaps even has a few practical chances if
White goes astray in the complications:
18.i.h2!?N
This developing move is the best I could find
for White. Alternatively:
a b c d e f g h
l 9.bxc6 bxc6 20.Wa4 c5 2 1 .Wa6 fxe4 22.li:)xe4 1 8 .:B:xe5? li:) fd5! 1 9.dxe7 :B:e8-+ leaves White
li:)xe4 23 .ixe4 Wf7 24.8 lt:) f5 25.ic l li:)d4 without further resources.
(25 . . . h5!?N may be worth considering) 26.ie3
Wc7 27.:B:b l :B:b8 28 .Wa3 :B:xb l 29.:B:xb l :B:b8 1 8 .dxe7?! :B:e8+ recovers the piece, but
30.Wd3 :B:xb l t 3 1 .Wxb l Wf7 32.id2 li:) e2t deprives White's position of its dynamism.
33.Whl li:) f4 34.Wc2 li:)h5 3 5 . a4 li:) f6= The l 9.ib2?! (Relatively best was l 9.gx8 :B:xe7
players agreed to a draw in Mason - Lazan, 20.:B:xe5 li:)h5 2 1 .:!'l:e3 although, even in that
corr. 2006, as the bishop pair renders Black's case, 2 1 . . .Wffi!-+ puts White under heavy
extra pawn rather insignificant. pressure on the kingside.) l 9 . . . :B:xe7 20.:B:xe5
Wc7 2 1 .:!'l:ee l fxg2 22.h3 :B:f8-+ Black had a
A) 1 6.c5?! fxe4! 17.cxd6 strong attacking position and went on to win
in Pelletier - lnarkiev, Istanbul 2003 .
The only move. 1 7.li:)xe4? li:)xe4 1 8 .ixe4 d5-+
gives Black a won position. This was easily 1 8 c!ll ed5 1 9.gxe5!
•••
verified after the further moves 1 9.ic2 Wxe6 In case of l 9.d7?! li:)xd7 20.li:)xd5 cxd5+
20.ib2 :B:ae8 2 1 .8 g5 22.h3 li:) g6 23.ixg6 Black has nothing to fear.
Wxg6 24.:B:ad l h5 25 .:B:e2 :B:e6 26.:B:de l g4 and
White was fighting a hopeless cause in Bosetti
- Amico, corr. 2005.
1 88 Bayonet l 2.i6
20.ixc3!
20.d? V/Jc7 2 1 .ixc3
2 1 .e?t? lll cd5 22.exfB=V!Jt E!:xf8-+
Black now has a surprising retort:
a b c d e f g h
2 1 . . . lll g4!! 22.e?t 'tt> h 7

Black should emerge from the complications
with a slight advantage. For example: B) 1 6.l:�dl !?
23.Ei:ae l !
23 .V/Je6?! ixe5! (23 . . . lll xe5 ? 24.E!:d l !±)
24.exfB=V!J (24.V/Jxg4? ixc3 25.Ei:dl
E!:fe8!-+) 24 ... E!:xf8 25 .V!Je?t 'tt> g 8 26.ixe5
(26.V/Je6t Wg7-+) 26 . . . lll x e5 27.d8=V!J
V/Jxd8 28 .V/Jxe5 fXg2+
23 . . . ixe5 24.ixe5 lll x e5 25 .V/Je6! lll xd7
26.exfB=V!J E!:xf8 27.V!Je?t 'tt>h8 28 .Ei:d l V/Je5
29.V/Jxd? fXg2 30.V/Jd4 V/Jxd4 3 1 .Ei:xd4 Wg7
32. 'itixg2 E!:f7 33.Ei:d6+
20 ... tti ds
We have reached a position with what looks
like an advantage for Black, but it is quite
possible that White has sufficient resources to
draw.
2 1 .d7
2 1 .Ei:xd5?! cxd5 22.ixg? Wxg7 23.V/Jxd5
1 6 .. J�d8
V/Jc3! 24.E!:d l V/Jxb4 25.V/Je5t E!:f6 26.gxf3 V/Jf4
A slight concession, as Black would like
27.V/Jxf4 E!:xf4 28.d? 'tt> f6 29.d8=V!Jt E!:xd8
to keep this rook on the f-file, but it is not
30.E!:xd8 'tt> x e6+
possible to do without it.
The tactical nuance referred to above is

1 6 . . . V/Jxe6? 1 7.E!:xd6! and White regains his
Chapter 1 6 - 1 3 .\Wb3 1 89
pawn with a lasting positional advantage. 24.lll e4!N lll xe4 25.fXe4 V/Jc3 26.ib2 V/Jxb2
White went on to win comfortably in Hole - 27.:B:dl would have offered White chances
Bentsen, Gausdal 2006. for a miraculous save.
24 . . . :B:e8 25 .V/Jxb? V!Jd3! 26.:B:d l V/Jxf3 27.ie3
17.b5! V/Jg4t 28.Wfl V/Jc4t 29.lll e2 lll g4! 30.:B:cl
White must try to activate his bishops and lll x e3t 3 l .fXe3 V!J f7t 32. We 1 :B:xe7 33 .V/Jxc6
this is the best way to do it. V/Jxa2 34.V/Je4 :B:d7! 3 5 .:B:c6 V/Jd2t 36.Wfl
V!Jd l t 37.@f2 :B:f7t 38.lll f4 V!Jg4 39 .h3 V/Jf5
1 7.c5?! fXe4! 1 8 .cxd6 exf3 1 9.dxe? 0- 1
8 J �,-% '"//, �* �
Trying to maintain the impressive pawn
duo by l 9.b5 allows l 9 . . . lt:\ ed5 20.d? V/Jc7
7 -·- • �
and Black is ready to wrap up the pawns by
6 %� ,_8_;__,y,_
. . . V/Jd6, or . . . e4 followed by . . . V/Je5. White
. .
seems unable to do anything against this.
s � !� "Si �
...
1 9 . . . :B:xd l t 20.V/Jxd l
4
,.
20.lll xd l lll d5+
��%'!�'t�
� "//, ��
�
2
��m:;pwJll�Jtl
3 mvm -
.
��.t,-0 m�� -� /. , . ,
..
1 � �g- L�
a b c d e f g h
--
17 ti'xe6
•••
Black has won a pawn, but White's bishop

pair guarantees some compensation. The game
b d f g h
is sharp, and as the following lines demonstrate
a c e
both sides have to proceed with precision.
20 . . . V!Jxe6! 2 1 .V!JdSt @h7 22.gxf3 White can try Bl) 18.i.a3 or B2) 1 8.bxc6.
22.V/Jxa8 ?? seals White's demise after
22 . . . V/Jg4 23.Wfl V/Jxg2t 24.@e l V/Jgl t Bl) 18 .i.a3 @hs 1 9.bxc6 lll xc6!?
25.@d2 V/Jxf2t 26.Wd3 (26.Wdl lll e4!-+)
26 . . . e4t! 27.@c4 V/Jc2!-+ as there are too I like this active recapture, eyeing d4.
many threats to cope with.
Having said that, there is probably nothing
22 . . . V!JgS! 23.V!Jc?
wrong with l 9 . . . bxc6. For example: 20.:B:d2
As played in Kallio - Kotronias, Batumi
(20.:B:ab l fXe4 2 1 .lll xe4 lll f5=) 20 . . . :B:abS
2002. I should have played either 23 . . . e4!N+
2 1 .V/Ja4 fXe4 22.lll xe4 lt:\f5!?N (22 . . . d5
or 23 . . . :B:eS!N+, creating insurmountable
23.:B:ad l lll f5 24.lll xf6 V/Jxf6 25.cxd5 lll d4
difficulties for my opponent by ruling out
26.:B:xd4 exd4 27.dxc6 V/Jf7 was less clear
V/Jc7-d8 ideas for good.
in Krejbich - Butze, corr. 2002, although
In the game I chose an inaccurate
Black eventually drew.) 23.:B:ad l (23 .lll xf6
continuation, although still went on to win:
ixf6 24.ixc6 e4+±) 23 . . . lll xe4 24.ixe4
23 . . . V/Jc4? 24.id2?
lt:\ d4 25 .ixc6 lll xc6 26.V/Jxc6 :B:bc8= With
Returning the favour.
approximate equality.
1 90 Bayonet 1 2.if3
20.exfS 22.Wxf5! gxf5 23 .!xc6 bxc6 24.:gxd6 :gxd6

25 .ixd6 tlie8= with equality, is best play for
both sides.
8 J� �� 0� ..
1
��:r Z�•
� �
_. & ·w�
6 •• i• � .�
. .
·ml· A •
,. .. . . ,,�
��"'•F" "�r�1f� . . . �
.
5: ��. .3�, ��
.
.....
� �
2 r!., .. . . ,. �r�!�
1 ·
� -1� lm %;k[ .... . . ..
a b c d e f g h
22 . . . e4! 23.tlixe4 :gad8 24.c5 tlie5 25.tlig3

tlixf3t 26.gxf3 Wxf3 27.Wb3
27.Wxg6? tli g4+
27 . . . Wc6+
Instead, the plausible 20 . . . gxf5?! runs into With the better chances for Black, in view of
2 1 .id5! We? 22.tlib5t and White has good the undermining possibilities . . . b6 and . . . tlie8.
chances to squeeze something out of the 2 1 ... c!ll d4 22.ixd6
pressure against d6. Taking the all-important d6-pawn looks like
the most critical choice.
We have reached another important parting of
the ways: 22.ie4 We6 23 .ixg6 Wxc4 24.:gac l :gab8!00
Leading to an unclear position which could
2 1 .Wi'xb7 easily turn out in Black's favour.
It seems logical to capture a pawn with gain
of time, but Black will have enough counter
chances after this.
I also looked at:

2 1 .Wb l :gd7!
2 1 . . .e4?! 22.tlixe4! tlie5 23.tlixd6 tlixf3t
24.gxf3 Wxf3 !? 25 .Wxb7!! Wxb7 26.tlixb?±
is just an extra pawn for White.
Here, I couldn't find something even
resembling an advantage for White:
22.!xd6?! a b c d e f g h
Unacceptable for White is 22.:gxd6? :gxd6 25 .id3!

23.!xd6 e4! 24.ixe4 (24.Wxb? Wc8!!-+ This may well be the only move.
is a nice and important point) 24 . . . tlixe4 Alternativdy, 25 .Wf7? Wa6!-+ is clearly bad
25.tlixe4 :ge8-+ for White as his queen has no escape route.
Chapter 1 6 - 1 3 .'&b3 191
25 .Wxa7? also fails to 2 5 . . . l:l:a8 26.Wb6 tli d7! B2) 1 8.bxc6

27.Wb4 (27.Wxd6 i.f8+) 27 . . . Wa6! 28.tli b l
tli e2t 29.'tt> h l llixc l 30.l:l:xc l d5+ with a
position that is close to winning for Black.
25 . . . Wxd3 26.Wxg7t! 'tt> xg7 27.l:l:xd3 @f7
28.f4 We6 29.h3 l:l:bc8 30.fxe5 dxe5 3 1 .'tt> h2
llif5 32.l:l:xd8 l:l:xd8=
The chances are balanced and the result
should almost certainly be a draw in view of
the reduced material.
22.tlib5 is another option offered by the

engines, but after 22 . . . tlixb5 23.Wxb5
(23 .cxb5?! e4 24.ie2 l:l:ab8+) 23 . . . l:l:ab8
24.Wa5 e4 25.Wxf5 gxf5 26.ie2 d5 27.cxd5
llixd5 28.l:l:ac l tli c3 29.l:l:xd8t l:l:xd8t Black
has a slight pull with no risk involved in the
ensuing ending.
19.exf5 ygxf5 20.ygxb7
Time to resume our analysis of the main Inferior is 20.c5t? 'tt> h 7 2 1 .ixc6 bxc6
option 22.ixd6: 22.cxd6 e4 23 .ie3 tli g4--t .
20 ... � d4 2 1 .i.d5t
a b c d e f g h
2 1 . .. 'tt> h S!N
The king is better placed on h8.
After 2 1 . . .'tt> h7?! 22. tlie4!N (22.ie3 l:l:ab8

25 ... gxc4 26.hf6 i.xf6= 23.Wxa7 l:l:b2+± was balanced in Bacrot -
The position is balanced as White cannot Radjabov, Libya 2004) 22 . . . l:l:ab8!? 23.tlixf6t
consolidate his edge on the light squares. Wxf6 24.Wxa7 White maintains an advantage.
1 92 B ayonet 1 2 .if3
24 . . . llJ e2t! ? (24 . . . llJ c2 25 .ie3! llJxa l 26.l:l:xal With a posmon where the loose cover
Wf5 27.h3± is also better for White in view around the white king makes the queen a
of his powerful bishops and tremendous worthy opponent of the two rooks.
passed a-pawn.) 25.i>h l l0 c3! 26.ie3! llJxd l 27.l:l:b2
27.l:l:xd l Wf5 28.h3 Wc8 29.a4 l:l:d7 30.Wa5 27.l:l:d2 e4= leads to similar type of
l:l:e7 3 1 .We l l:l:b2 32.a5 e4 33 .Wgl;!;/± It is counterplay, as . . . Wg5 and . . . l0 g4 combine
very difficult for Black to cope simultaneously beautifully once Black plays the freeing . . . h5.
87
with his bad king and the passed a-pawn.
65
22.i.e3
The main point of having the king on h8 is
unveiled, as White now has to resort to this
modest development.
Instead, the thematic blockading move

22.l0e4?? would now be a dreadful mistake in
view of 22 . . . l:l:ab8-+ , winning a piece.
a b c d e f g h
27 . . . e4!
27 . . . WcS!? 28.l:l:c2 Wc5 29.l:l:e l h5! 30.llJe4
l0xe4 3 1 .ixe4 ih6 32.i>f2 ig5= is also
quite level.
28.l:l:b3
28.l:l:b5 Wc8! 29.l0xe4 l0xe4 30.ixe4 Wxc4
3 1 .id3 Wxa2+
28 . . . l0 g4 29.l0xe4 Wh5 30.h3 l0xe3 3 1 .l:l:el
l0xd5 32.l:l:b7!? Wh4! 33.g3! Wxh3 34.cxd5
whs 3 5 .l:l:bSt Wh7 36.l:l:b7=
With a draw.
23J�ab l
After 23 .Wxa7 llJxd5 24.llJxd5 l:l:xc4
25 .We7!? (25 . a4 llJ f3t! 26.gxf3 Wxf3� gives
Black at least a draw for his investment)
The most clear-cut way of equalizing is: 25 . . . l:l:fS 26.Wxd6, my suggestion is a lively
22 . . . llJ c2 23.l:l:ab l l0xe3 24.fxe3 l:l:ab8! sacrifice: 26 . . . llJf3t!? 27.gxf3 Wxf3 28.l:l:ac l
25 .Wxb8 l:l:g4t 29.i>fl l:l:g2 30.'.t>el '.t>h7! Threatening
a draw. For example, 3 1 . WI c5 (3 I .l:l:d3 l:l:xf2

25 .ie4!? We6 26.Wa6 (26.Wxb8 l:l:xb8 to take on f2, which seems to secure at least
27.l:l:xbSt Wh7 is similar to 25 .Wxb8)
26 . . . l0xe4 27.l:l:xb8 l:l:xb8 28.l0xe4 Wg4 32.ixf2 Wxf2t 33.Wd l e�) 3 1 . . .l:l:dS!
29.Wxd6 l:l:b2 30.l0g3 h5ft does not change 32.l:l:d3 Wf5! 33 .l:l:b3 e4 34.l:l:b5 l:l:gl t 3 5 .Wd2
the picture drastically as Black gets excellent (35.We2 l:l:xc l 36.ixc l Wf3t=) 3 5 . . . l:l:xc l
counterplay for the pawn. 36.Wxc l l:l:c8 37.l0c7 l:l:xc7 38 .Wxc7 Wxb5=
25 . . . l:l:xb8 26.l:l:xbSt i>h7 with a level ending.
Chapter 1 6 - 1 3 .'&b3 1 93
23 ... �xd5 24.�xd5 gxc4 25.ygxa7 back with 28.'tt> g l when, again, Black has a
As they say, the proof of the pudding lies in perpetual by 28 . . . Wfg4t but probably no more
the eating, but in a practical game I would be than that.
too reluctant to take such a pawn. Still, this
remains the critical continuation as otherwise 27.'\Mfb6 is another way to harass the dB-rook,
White is a pawn down. perhaps with the aim of retreating the queen to
b3 in order to prevent the . . . :B:c2 idea.
87 �� ,.,. v,� �
��@. �·�- �-�
�
6 �f%�� 0 � .·;. , '.�

�F"
5 BttJ • B
%._j
4
4s ��.,.
� ��/'
- .3�.� ��
3
�
32 �8 � ��l]!��r�
2
1
r� r��·�b d f g h
a b c d e f g h
a c e
27 . . . :B:g4t 28. 'itifl :B:c8 29.Wfb3 (29.Wfxd6

25 ... tli f3t!? :B:g2 30.li:)e7 :B:xf2t 3 1 .ixf2 Wfh l t=) 29 . . . :B:f8!
Again, this sacrifice seems to work. (29 . . . :B:g2 30 .ia7! Wfg4 3 1 .'tt> e l ! is less clear)
30 .ia7 (30.a4? :B:g2-+ ; or 30.Wel :B:g200)
26.gxf3 ygxf3 27.yge7 30 . . . Wfg2t 3 1 .'tt> e 2 :B:e4t 32.Wd2 :B:xf2t
After 27.Wfb7 Wfh3! 33 .ixf2 Wfxf2t 34.Wcl Wfc5t 35. 'tt> d 2 Wff2t=
The perpetual comes as a logical conclusion.
a b c d e f g h
28.f4 (28 .li:) e7?? :B:g4t 29.Whl e4-+ or 28.8?!

a b c d e f g h
'\M!xf3 29.if2 :B:g4t 30.ig3 :B:xg3t 3 1 .hxg3
Wfxg3t-+) 28 . . . Wfg4t 29.'tt> h l Wff3t it is
obvious that Black has at least a draw and may 27 ... gdc8 28.ygxd6 gg4t 29.@fl gg2!
even try for more. Black should avoid 29 . . . Wfh l t?! 30.We2
:B:c2t 3 1 ..id2 :B:xd2t 32.'tt> xd2 :B:d4t 33.We2
After 27.'tt> fl :B:c2 White is forced to go Wf e4t 34.li:)e3 :B:xd6 3 5 .:B:bSt 'tt> h7 36.:B:xd6± .
1 94 Bayonet 1 2 .if3
30J�bcl gfg 3 1 .@el @h7= Conclusion
In Chapter 1 6 we started exammmg the

important tabiya arising after 1 1 .tlig5 lli f6,
by acquainting ourselves with the intricacies
of 1 2.if3!?. This move has a solid positional
background as White wants to apply pressure
on the long diagonal, so Black must be incisive
and accurate to nullify any threats.
Our standard reaction is 1 2 . . . c6, to blunt
the force of the f3-bishop, which has been
met by White in a variety of ways. In the
present chapter we came to the conclusion
that 1 3 .'1Wb3 is not the most critical of them
as Black stands fine after 1 3 . . . h6 1 4.tlie6 ixe6
1 5 . dxe6 'IW c8! , trying to get rid of the annoying
pawn on e6 as quickly as possible.
Then, 1 6.c5?! even gives Black chances to
gain the advantage after 16 . . . fXe4! 1 7.cxd6
exf3 , so White should instead focus on
1 6.:B:d l ! ? :B:d8 1 7.b5! '1Wxe6, which gives rise to
a complicated battle. Typical lines are 1 8 .ia3
Wh8 1 9.bxc6 tlixc6!? 20.exf5 '\Wxf5 ! 2 1 .°1Wxb7
tli d4 22 . .ixd6 :B:ac8 , when Black's activity fully
compensates for the pawn, and 1 8 .bxc6 llixc6
1 9.exf5 °1Wxf5 20.°1Wxb7 tli d4 2 1 ..id5t Wh8!
22 ..ie3 tli c2= with a level game.
A rule of thumb is that Black should
recapture on c6 with the knight and on f5
with his queen in the lines j ust mentioned, in
order to maximize the activity of his pieces.
Remembering this should be enough to obtain
easy equality.
Bayonet 12.if3
13.lb2
Variation Index
1 .d4 tl) f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl)c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl)f3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl) c6 8.d5 tl) e7
9.b4 tl) hs 10.ge l ! f5 1 1 .tl)gS tl) f6 1 2.J.f3 c6 13.J.b2 h6 14. tl) e6 he6 1 5 .dxe6
1 5 fxe4
•••
A) 1 6.J.xe4 1 96
B) 1 6.tl)xe4! tl)xe4 1 7.gxe4! d5 1 8.cxdS cxd5
19.gxeS! J.xe5 20.J.xeS YMb6 2 1 .J.b2! gad8! 1 98
B l ) 22.a3 200
B2) 22.YMe l ! ? 20 1
B3) 22.YMd2 202
A) after 17 .ic2 B) note to 2 I .ib2! 82) after 23 . . . a 5 !
1 7 . e4!?N
.. 24.ic l ! ?N
1 96 B ayonet 1 2.if3
1 .d4 �f6 2.c4 pf> 3.� c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 This should also be okay for Black.
78 �•· �• •
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 �c6 8.d5 � e7 9.b4
� h5 I O.gel! f5 1 1 .�g5 �f6 1 2.i.f3 c6
� �•: .J•��w09;.
13.i.b2
��-J· · r.�1�. .��.·.� �;
: ��-"' �
'- ···�� -
This move was considered to be the main
/ /
� ..... ��
line for a while, but latest findings suggest that �
it is not especially dangerous for Black.
4 �· 8 Ulll �
B �.�
if
0 ��
32 �8 �·· ···"� � ��
� �
13 ...h6 14.� e6 i.xe6 1 5.dxe6 fxe4
��·"' �"
� �8�
'',<
Initiating an operation which Black hopes
will culminate in a proud pawn centre.
However things are not so simple. White can
1 � . . .v.� !B"· . ·"�r· ·
a b c d e f g h
recapture with A) 1 6.ixe4 or B) 16.�xe4!.
20.Wfh3 !?N
A) 1 6.ixe4 The rook lift 20.Ei:d3?! fails to j ustify White's
hopes after the correct: 20 . . . E!:ae8! 2 1 .Ei:h3 d5
Initially, this was the recapture that White 22.cxd5 cxd5 23.tlic5 e4 24.ixg? tlixg7!N+
pinned his hopes upon, but developments 20 . . . Ei:ad8 2 1 .b5 Wg8 22.bxc6 bxc6 23 .ia3!
revealed that the ensuing positions cannot be tli d4 24.icl lli f5
better for him. The idea is to lure the enemy In case of 2 4 . . . g5!? 25.Wf g4! llixe6 26.h4!�
central pawns forward with the obvious aim White is not worse.
of making them vulnerable or, in case of 24 . . . tlixe6 25 .ixh6 d500 is unclear as the
. . . tlixe4, to preserve the most agile minor piece cover around the black king has been
for positional as well as attacking purposes. weakened.
However, it seems that the plan is too artificial 25 .ia3=
to enjoy chances of success.
17.i.c2
The main suggestion of the engines, keeping
as much tension as possible in the position. By
refraining from taking on d5 White hopes he
will throw in b4-b5 at some point, challenging
the base of Black's pawn chain and aspiring to
open more lines.
1 7.id3?! has been played by Bareev, but it

seems overly risky as it loses time and fails to
put pressure on the black centre. After 1 7 . . . e4
1 8.ifl Wfb6! 1 9.Ei:b 1 tlih5! 20.c5 '\Mic?
a b c d e f g h
2 1 .b5!? (2 1 .g3 e3!-+ gives Black a strong
attack) 2 1 . . .'\M!f4 (2 1 . . . tli f4N+ is also perfectly
1 6 ... d5! feasible.) 22.Ei:e2 Wfg5 23 .ic l Wfg4 24.bxc6
The most principled reaction. bxc6 25 .Ei:b? Wfxe6 26.Wfb3 tli f6-+ Black
16 . . . tlixe4!? 1 7.tlixe4 tlif5 1 8.Wfg4 'tt> h7 had a winning position in Bareev - Radjabov,
1 9 .Ei:ad l Wfe7 Enghien-les-Bains 2003.
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 .ib2 1 97
17 .cxd5 cxd5 l 8 .ic2 when I cannot see an impressive follow-up for

The undermining possibility b4-b5 has been White.) 18 ... llJ fd5 1 9.bxc6 bxc6 20.llJe4 llJ b4
lost and there seems to be no question of a 2 1 .We2;!; White has unpleasant pressure.
White advantage. A logical continuation
now that the c-file has been opened is: ISJ�bl
1 8 . . . :!:'!:c8 1 8 . cxd5 leads to a balanced ending after:
l 8 . . . e4!? l 9.ib3 Wb6 shouldn't be bad l 8 . . . l0 fxd5!? l 9.l0xd5 cxd5 20 ..bg7 Wxg7
either. 2 1 .Wd4t :B:f6 22.ib3 Wb6 23.:B:ad l Wxd4
1 9 .ib3 24.:B:xd4 :B:f5!? 25 .:B:ed l (25.:B:cl @f6 26.:!:'!:c7
l 9.l0a4!? e4 20.llJc5! (20.ib3 b6+) :B:b8+) 25 . . . Wf6 26.ixd5 :B:xd5 27.:!:'!:xd5 llJxd5
20 . . . Wfc7 2 Lib3 Wf4! 22.:B:fl l0 g4 23.g3 28.:!:'!:xd5 @xe6=
(26.Wd4 l0 7c6+±) 26 . . . llJ f3 t 27.@g2 :B:xf8�

Wf5 24.ixg7 Wxg7 25.l0d7 l0e5! 26.llJxfS
1 8 ... dxc4!
gives Black powerful compensation for the Now it is the right time for this capture. I
exchange. couldn't find anything better for White than:
768
5
4
a b c d e f g h
l 9 . . . Wb6 20.Wd2
20.:!:'!:cl Wxe6 2 1 .:!:'!:c2 Wh7 22.:!:'!:d2 :B:cd8=
20 . . . Wxb4 2 1 .:!:'!:ad l Wh7 22. llJe4 Wxd2
23.l0xd2 :B:c6
23 . . . e4N 24.£3�
24.ixe5 :B:xe6
1 9 ...YlYxdl 20J�exdl!?
With a balanced ending that was agreed
Keeping the b2-bishop protected.
drawn at this point in Voll - Mrazik, corr.
2007.
Things are even simpler after: 20.:B:bxd l file8
24.bxc6 bxc6 25 .ic5 ifs 26.id4 :B:d6=

17 ... e4!?N 2 1 .ia3 llJ ed5 22.llJxe4 :B:xe6 23.llJxf6t :B:xf6
Unleashing the strength of the g7-bishop
looks logical here.
20 ... tll ed5!
l 7 . . . dxc4 is probably less exact. After l 8.b5!? 20 . . . e3 2 1 . fxe3 :B:fe8 22.bxc6 bxc6 23.e4!
( 1 8 .We2?! was played in Carstensen - l0 g4 24.:!:'!:d7 :B:ab8 2 5 . llJ d l a5 26.ia3 :B:xb l
Omarsson, Reykjavik 20 1 0, but it actually 27.ixb l if6 28 .ic2;!; gives White a nagging
looks dubious in view of the obvious l 8 . . . b5+ edge.
1 98 B ayonet l 2.if3
21 .bxc6 bxc6 22.tlixe4 tlixe4 23.ixe4 �Hb8! B) 16.tlixe4!

24.ia3!?
The rook ending arising after 24.ixg7 :B:xb 1 This natural move seems best.
25.:B:xb l Wxg7 26.:B:cl c3 27.ixd5 cxd5
28.:!:'!:xc3 :B:b8 is completely drawish.
a b c d e f g h
1 6 ... tlixe4 17.gxe4!
The critical response, planning an exchange
sacrifice in reply to . . . d5.
On 1 7.ixe4 there follows: 17 ... d5 1 8.cxd5

cxd5 l 9.ic2 ( 1 9.if3 e4 20.ixg7 Wxg7
29.g3 c2 30.ia3 .if8 3 1 .ic l g5 = is also equal 2 I .ig4 h5 22.ih3 Wh6!?N 23.Wd2t g5 24.g3
as the black king is ready to attack the e6- '.t>g6 25 .:!:'!:ac l :B:f6+ can only be better for Black
pawn. in view of the feeble soldier on e6.) 1 9 . . . Wb6
20.Wd2 e4+± With a satisfactory position for
29.h4 c2 30.if4 h5 3 1 .:!:'!:e2 id4 32.i>h2 Wg7 the second player. After the exchange of dark
33.ig5 if6 34.:B:xc2 :B:xe6 3 5 .ixf6t i>xf6 squared bishops, Black need not hurry to grab
36.:B:c5 We7 37.:!:'!:a5 '.t>d6 38.:!:'!:xa7 i>c5= is the e6-pawn (in view off2-f3 ), but may instead
another drawn rook ending as the white king concentrate on improving the position of his
is too far from Black's passed c-pawn. major pieces, by doubling rooks, for example,
on the open f-file.
29 ... c2 30J�c4 gxe6 3 1 .ic5 ge4! 32.gxc2
ga4 33.ie3 g5! 34.gxc6 gxa2 35.gc8t @f7 17 ...d5
36.gc7t @g6 37.gxa7 Certainly the critical choice, leading to a
37.ixa7 ie5 = double-edged fight.
37 ... gxa7 38.ixa7 g4 39.@e2 @f5= 1 8.cxd5 cxd5 19.gxe5!

The advantage of the extra pawn is symbolic Without this move White would obviously
and there are hardly any traps Black can fall be worse.
into.
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 .ib2 1 99
8 27.bxc5 E!:ac8= the result was an equal position
7
in Vilela - Vasquez, Cuba 1 996.
6 2 1 .'\Wd2?! would be another rather unfortunate
5
choice, in view of 2 l . . .E!:xf3! 22.gxf3 Wxe6
4
23.Ei: e l llJf5 24.ig3 Wf7 25.Ei:cl d4 26.E!:c7
Wd5 27.Ei:c5 We6 and Black has a slight pull.
3
2
Finally, 2 1 .Wd3 is best met by:
1
768
5
4
19 ...i.xe5 20.i.xe5 ygb6
This is one of the important tabiyas of the
Bayonet Variation, and an example of how
chess is played today. In the past, one would be
happy to know the moves up to this position;
32
nowadays this is where theory starts!
a b c d e f g h
2 1 . . .Ei:acS!?N (2 1 . . .Wxe6 22.Ei:el Wh7 23.h4�

allows White to better organize his forces)
with the idea 22.h4 E!:c4!ft when Black has
everything under control and is at least equal.
2 1 . .. �fadS!
This looks like the most principled reaction,
offering the d5-pawn sufficient protection
and preparing to advance it to d4 if the
circumstances demand it.
Instead, 2 1 . . .'tt> h 7?! looks more like a tempo

loss rather than a good prophylactic move,
as it is not clear that the king is better placed
on h7. After 22.We2! d4 23 .h4! E!:f6 24.E!:e l
Wxb4 25.a3 Wd6 26.h5--+ the shortcomings of
2 1 .id4?! takes away the important d4-square
Black's choice were already apparent in Shirov
from the white queen, allowing Black to grab
- Radjabov, Linares 2004, and White went on
the pawn on e6 immediately. After 2 1 . . .Wxe6
to win.
22.ic5 'tt> h 7 (22 . . . E!:fdS!?N+ looks even better,
planning to put the knight on f5 and the queen
2 1 . . .Wxb4 22.Ei:b l;!; is known to be better for
on f7.) 23.h4!? (23.We l E!:f6!+ is okay for Black
White.
as 24.ixe7? is met by 24 . . . E!:eS!-+) 23 . . . b6!
24.We l ! Wxe l t 25 .E!:xe l bxc5 26.E!:xe7t Wh8
200 B ayonet 1 2 .if3
The next branching point sees White choose

between Bl) 22.a3 , B2) 22.ti'el !? and
B3) 22.ti'd2.
Attempting to play in Shirov's style by

22.Wfe2 wouldn't quite work now because of
22 . . . Wfxb4!, when it is apparent that White
lack the Wfe5 idea in view of . . . d4. Perhaps
White still has enough compensation by
playing 23.l:l:d l at this point, but it is clear to
me that after 23 . . . d4 24.h4 l:l:f5 25 .l:l:d3 Wfc4
26.ia3 l:l:xf3! 27.Wfxf3 Wfxe6 28 .Wf xb? ltJ f5
Black i s i n n o danger at all, a s the threats to his
king have disappeared.
Bl) 22.a3
A common choice in correspondence chess,

but this move takes a3 away from the white
bishop. I recommend:
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h 29 ... 'itih8 30.ge3!? gxe3 ! 3 1 .fxe3 ti'd8!

32.exd4 gf6! 33.ti'xb7 ti'e8!=
22 ... �f5! The outcome should be an easy draw, and
22 ... Wfxe6 23 .Wfd4 lLi f5 24.WfhSt @f7 this is in fact what happened after:
25 .Wfh?t '.t>e8 26.Wfxb? is also possible but
Y2-'h Andriuschenko - Oikamo, corr. 20 1 2.

less clear. 34.ti'a8 ti'xa8 35.ixa8 �f3t 36.'itihl
26.h4 '\Ml d6!+ is at least equal for Black, as

23.ti'e2 �ffe 8 24.gel d4 25.ti'e5 'itih7 26.g4!? Admittedly, Black had to find three "only"
moves in a row between moves 30-32 to
the d-pawn starts to become a factor. achieve the draw, but I guess we can live with
Even worse, for the same reason, is 26.ig4?! that and move on to the next line.
'\Mfd6+.
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 i b2 . 20 1
B2) 22.Wfel!?
A harmonious move, guarding b4 and

preparing l:l:dl and We5 . However, it seems that
Black should be able to defend successfully:
a b c d e f g h
24 . . . l:l:df8! In that case, White seems to have

nothing better than 25.if3 l:l:xf3 26.gxf3 li:) f5
27.We4 l:l:e8 28.l:l:el Wxb4 29.l:l:e2 a6!?+± with
an unclear position where Black's chances are
in no way inferior.
a b c d e f g h
23 a5!
87 -'�·� ��, , ,V,-��-

•••
22 d4!
•••
22 . . . l:l:d6 23.l:l:dl l:l:xe6 24.Wc3 l:l:ef6 25.l:l:el � , _ , ,V,�

6 �.,\ii, ,% �-- ��-� -ir�
�
@f7! 26.h3 l:l:e6 27.l:l:d l was agreed drawn
?%� ' " "
5
, , , %�� -� ��
in Biedermann - Tiemann, corr. 20 1 2, but I
. ..%� �,., ,%� m

would find this position extremely difficult to
4
defend in over-the-board play.
� ��
�
w�
� '•�� -,�;Dz�
.
23.idl !?
Preparing to transfer the bishop to b3 makes
� � ,
sense.
1 � � � �
�
a b c d e f g h
' '
i ?,
/
Instead, 23.l:l: d l is answered strongly by: ; ;
23 . . . h5! 24.a3N (24.We4 Wxb4 25 .ixd4

lt:)f5 26.a3! Wxa3 27.g4! hxg4 28.Wxg4 l:l:xd4 24 .icl !?N
•
29.l:l:xd4 li:)xd4 30.Wxg6t '.t>h8=) 24 . . . l:l:f6 24.a3 l:l:f5

25 .ie2 Wxe6 26.ixd4 l:l:f7!= With a balanced The immediate 24 ... axb4 25.axb4 l:l:f5!+±
position, as it seems impossible for White to also looks okay for Black.
avoid an exchange of his rook, after which his 25 .ib3 Wh7 26.Wd2 axb4 27.axb4 Wd6
slight initiative should dissipate. 28.icl
28.l:l:d l li:) c6 29.ic l l:l:h5 30.h3 Wxb4
23 .ig4 l:l:f4 24.h3 (24.ih3 ? d3!+ with the 3 l .Wxb4 li:)xb4 32.e7 l:l:c8 33.g4 l:l:e5 34.if4
idea 25 .We5 ?? Wxf2t-+) is an awkward way to l:l:xe7 3 5 .id6 li:) c6 36.ixe7 li:)xe7 37.l:l:xd4
defend the e6-pawn, as shown by: l:l:c7= occurred in Micic - Colucci, corr.
2007.
202 Bayonet 1 2 .if3
a b c d e f g h
28 . . . E!:h5 29.h3 E!:c8! 30.id l E!:h4 3 1 .ig4 llJ f5

32.Wf4 Wxf4 33.ixf4 h5 34.g3 E!:xg4 3 5 . hxg4
hxg4
The point was split in Fenes - Miciak, corr.
20 1 0.
24 J�f6!?
••
23.gel
24 . . .Wxb4 25 .id2!? is another option to Bringing more forces into the fight.
explore.
23 .Wd4
The consequences of this alternative are
rather unclear after:
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
25.ixh6 gxe6 26.ib3 llJ d5 27.Wf dl Wfxb4m
An unclear position has arisen, which is 23 . . . llJ f5 24.Whst @f7 25 .Wh?t We8
worthy of further investigation. 26.Wxb? E!:f7 27.Wb5t @f8 28 .Wd3 llJ h4N
29.ie2 d4! ?
B3) 22.Wfd2 29 . . . We4 30.ifl Wxd3 3 1 .i.xd3 l0 f5 i s also
possible, but White may have a small edge
We will take this logical move as our main line. after 32.Ei:c l ;!; .
30.Ei:c l
30.a3 Wf6! 3 1 .Ei:fl Wc6+±; 30.a4 @g8 3 1 .b5
Wh7 32.a5 Ei:df8 33.f3 E!:e8 34.ifl llJf5+±
Chapter 1 7 - 1 3 .i.b2 203
30 . . . @g8! Conclusion
30 . . . Wxa2?? 3 l .Wd2!+-
3 l .a4 In Chapter 1 7 we dealt exhaustively with the
l 1 .lLi g5 lLi f6 1 2.if3 c6) . After 1 3 . . . h6 1 4.lLie6

3 l .g3 Wxa2! 32.l:l:c2 lLi f5+ important possibility 1 3 .ib2 (after 1 0.l:l:e l ! f5
3 1 . . .@h7 32.l:l:c2 Wf6 33.i.fl lLi f5 34.g3
34.b5? lLi e3!! 3 5 . fxe3 l:l:df8!-+ ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 fxe4 l 6. lLixe4! lLixe4 1 7 .l:l:xe4!
34 . . . l:l:e8+± d5 l 8.cxd5 cxd5 l 9.l:l:xe5! ixe5 20.ixe5
Chances remain for both sides. the point of White's play has been revealed
as the two bishops offer him dangerous
23 Wf fl 24.Wfxh6 d4
•••
compensation. Black has to tread carefully
White has a pawn and some pressure for the to contain the pressure against his weakened
exchange, but Black should be able to nullify king.
it in due course. I think that my recommendation of
20 . . . Wb6 2 1 .ib2! l:l:ad8! coped successfully
25.Wfd2 with the task, adhering to the important rule
25.l:l:xe7 Wxe7 26.Wxg6t Wg7 27.We6t= led of centralization. It is imperative for Black to
to an immediate draw in Forsloef - Pugh, corr. use the advance . . . d4 as a means of counterplay
20 1 2. in some positions, or as a tool for blocking the
mounting pressure on the long diagonal. For
25 .h4!? lLi f5 26.Wg5 Wf6! 27.i.xb7 Wxg5 example, in the long line 22.a3 lLi f5! 23 .We2
28.hxg5 is fine for Black after either l:l:fe8 24.l:l:e l d4 25 .We5 Wh7 26.g4!? lLi h4
28 . . . l:l:fe8N= or 28 . . . d3!? as played in Diele - 27.ih l l:l:d6! 28.Wf6 l:l:exe6 29.Wf7t Wh8
Buhmann, email 20 1 0 . 30.l:l:e3!? l:l:xe3 ! 3 l .fxe3 Wd8 ! 32.exd4 l:l:f6 !
33.Wxb7 We8!= the presence of the pawn on
d4 was an important factor in slowing down
White's offensive and this fact allowed Black
to generate his counterplay in time to achieve
the draw.
White can be more direct than 22.a3 with
either 22.We l ! ? or 22.Wd2, but even in those
cases the advance of the d-pawn is instrumental
in halting White's activity and securing equal
chances. The reader will easily notice that by
consulting the relevant analysis.
To conclude, I believe that Shirov's line,
a b c d e f g h
although interesting, does not offer the first
player any real hope for an advantage.
25 lLif5 26.a3 gfe8 27.i.e4 b5! 28.f3 Wff6
•••
29.gcl ge6 30.Wf d3 Wi'g5 3 1 .gel @h7

32.i.cl Wff6 33.Wfd2 gd7 34.W/f4 d3 35.@fl
gd4 36.i.d2 gc4f!
Black stood well in Almiron - Pospisil, corr.
20 1 2.
Bayonet 12.if3
a b c d e f g h
13.la3
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.b4 � h5 1 0,gel! f5 1 1 . � gS � f6 12 . .if3 c6 1 3 ..ia3
1 3 ... cxdS
A) 14.exdS!? 205
B) 14.cxdS 206
A) after l 4.exd5!? A) note to 1 5 . . . h6 B) after 17 .. .:!kB ! ?
7
6
5
1 4 . . . e4! 2 1 . . .�h4! 1 8 .�b3N

Chapter 1 8 - 1 3 .ia3 205
1 .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 ig7 4.e4 d6 5.�f3 14 ... e4! 1 5 .ie2 h6
0-0 6.ie2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 � e7 9.b4 �h5 l 5 . . . e3!? l 6.fXe3 h6 is also interesting, for
I O.gel! f5 1 1 .�g5 �f6 12.if3 c6 1 3.ia3 example: l 7.li:)e6 ixe6 l 8.dxe6 li:) e4 l 9.li:)xe4
This somewhat artificial move is designed fXe4 20.:B:b l lt:) f5 2 1 .Wd5
to force a transition to an ending that may
also arise in the 1 3 .b5 Variation, dealt with in
Chapter 20. It appears, however, that Black
can do better.
a b c d e f g h
2 1 . . .Wh4! 22.g3 li:)xg3 23.e?t :B:f7 24.Wxd6
(27.c5 :B:c6 28 .Wg4 h5! 29.Wxh5 :B:h6� gives

li:)xe2t 25.:B:xe2 Wxe7 26.Wxg6 :B:c8 27.:B:g2
Black strong compensation for the pawns.)

27 ... :B:xc4 28 .ib2 :B:c6 29.Wg4 We6 30.Wg3
Wd6 3 1 .ie5 Wd3! 32.:B:e l
768 �n� ��
i� · - -.,.1 i
��i•
�
rr.� . . '.�
�
�
L.7.
s R • �� •
��·0 �� .....
.:
4 �� ·��'i��
,J·--·7.�rr. ��r''
A) 14.exd5!?
'f.t'f�
This move can be dangerous, and should not
32 �8� •"ii' rr.� 7.� �,�
�. ��
�
be underestimated.
�� -� ��-rJ. ...
.. ..
1 r7. • � � �
a b c d e f g h
32 . . . :B:c2! 33.:B:xc2 Wxc2 34.'tt> h l Wf2 3 5 .Wxf2

:B:xf2 36.:B:gl :B:f7 37.:B:g4 'tt> f8 38 .id6t
(38 .ixg?t :B:xg7 39.:B:xe4 @f7 40.h4 'tt> f6
4 l . 'tt> h2 b5 is balanced, because the white king
is cut off.) 38 . . . 'tt> e 8 39.:B:xe4t 'tt> d 7 40.:B:f4
(40.if4 Wc6= is not a big improvement)
40 . . . :B:xf4 4 1 .ixf4 b5 42.e4 h5 43.'tt> g2 'tt> e 6
44.@f3 ic3 45 .ie3 ixb4 46.ha? ic3
47.if2 The players agreed a draw in Hrubaru
- Daanen, corr. 20 1 0, as White's extra pawn is
meaningless.
206 Bayonet 1 2 .i.f.3
16.tll e6 i.xe6 17.dxe6 d5 1 8.cxd5 22 ... tll xe2t 23J�xe2 gfeS 24.b5 @f7
1 8 .b5? d4 1 9.i.xe? Wfxe7 20.Wfxd4 :B:fd8 25.gd7 b6 26.f3 exf3 27.gxf3 a6 28.bxa6
2 1 .Wfe3 Wfxe6t is, of course, better for Black. gxa6 29.i.b4 gaas 30.a3 h5 3 I .ci>g2 i.f6
32.h3 gac8=
A draw was agreed in Muttoni - Rodes, corr.
2009, as there is no progress to be made for
White, in spite of the apparently impressive
pawn on e7.
B) 14.cxd5 h6 1 5 .tll e6 i.xe6

I 6.dxe6 fxe4
a b c d e f g h
1 8 ... tll fxd5 19.tll xd5 ygxd5 20.ygxd5 tll xd5
21 J�adl
2 1 .i.c4N leads to a draw after 2 1 . . .i.xa l
22.i.xd5 (22.e7 :B:f7 23.i.xd5 i.f6 transposes)
22 . . .i.£6 23.e?t (23.b5?! fild8 24.i.xb? :B:ab8
25 .i.c6 :B:d3 26.i.c5 i.d4 27.i.xd4 :B:xd4 28.e7
a b c d e f g h
Wf7 29.e8=Wft :B:xe8 30.i.xe8t i>xe8+) 23 . . . :B:f7
24.b5! (24.:B:c l i.xe7 25 .:!:'!:c? :B:d8 26.i.b3 @f8
27.:B:xb? a6+) 24 . . . Wg? 25 .i.xf7 i>xf7 26.:B:cl 17.i.xe4!?
a6 27.b6 i.d4 28.:!:'!:c? i.xb6 29.:B:xb? i.d4 A forcing sequence of moves has led us to
30.'.t>fl :!:'!:e8 3 1 .:!:'!:d? i.f6 32.:!:'!:a? i.xe7= this critical recapture, keeping the b4-b5 idea
at hand.
2 1 . .. tll c3 22.e7
25 .:B:xd l i.f6+
22.i.c4?! b5! 23 .i.b3 li:)xd l 24.e?t :B:f7 1 7.li:)xe4
Now Black's task is relatively easier:
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 1 8 - 1 3 .ia3 207
1 7 . . . d5! 1 8.lll xf6t

On 1 8 .lll c5, the reply 18 . . . e4! ( 1 8 ... b6
1 9 .lll d ?!? is more complicated) l 9.i.e2
( 1 9.ig4?! is unlikely to cause Black any
discomfort due to 1 9 .. .'IW d6!+, while
1 9 . . . lll xg4 20.'\Wxg4 ixa l 2 1 .:!:'!:xa l '\Wc7!+ is
also possible) 1 9 . . . b6 20.lll b3 '\Wd6 2 1 .lll d4
lll h7!-+ ensures Black of a strong initiative in
view of the menacing possibilities . . . :B:xf2 or
. . . lll h 7-g5xe6.
768 ��'-��
.. .
�it�
. ;<� �� '8l�51'i •
�-- :ml' �
a b c d e f g h
� �� · · · '� · · . .
1 8.ygb3N
��.t��· ��
,, .
45 -
Trying to combine development with
•�_j•
· · " �.1. �
pressure on the d-file.
3
2 "8"8 ··" ..
�-�� r;�/�
1 8.lll d5
1 .
. ...
a
� ��
b c
l� �f
d e f g h
1 8 . . . hf6ft
With his central pawns solidly defended, the
second player can generate play against e6,
b4 and f2. For example:
l 9.ib2 '\Wd6
l 9 . . . e4! ? 20.i.xf6 :B:xf6 2 1 .i.g4 '\Wb6 22.'\Wd2
:B:af8 23.:!:'!:e2 :B:f4 24.ih300 with unclear play
is also possible. a b c d e f g h
20.i.g4 h5 2 1 .i.h3 '\Wxb4! ?00
1 8 . . . lll xe4! 1 9.:!:'!:xe4 b5!
A complicated position, where Black's
Fixing the adverse b-pawn on a dark square.
chances do not seem to be inferior.
Alternatively, l 9 . . . lll x d5 20.'\Wxd5 '\Wf6!?
17 ... �kS!? may also be possible.
This move is fully in accordance with the 20.i.b2
logic of the position and guarantees Black 20.:!:'!:cl ?! turns out to be quite uncomfortable
fully-fledged counterplay. for White after: 20 . . . :B:xc l 2 1 .i.xc l lll xd5
22.'\Wxd5 '\Wa8!+
Instead, 1 7 . . . d5 1 8.b5! lll xe4 1 9.lll xe4 dxe4 20 . . . '\WeS!t
20.'\Wxd8 :B:fxd8 2 1 .i.xe? :!:'!:e8 22.ic5 :B:xe6 Giving Black excellent prospects, as the
leads to the endgame mentioned at the start of threat of . . . lll x d5 followed by . . . '\Wc6 is hard
the chapter. Although Black may experience a to meet.
few technical difficulties he should be able to 2 1 .f3 @h7
attain equality with correct defence. 2 1 . . .lll x d5 22.'\Wxd5 '\Wc6 23.'\Wb3 @h7 is
also possible. 20 . . . Wd6!? 2 1 .:B:xc8 :B:xc8 22.ib2 e4 23.a3

22.:B:e2 lli f5 Wf4+±
Leading to a more pleasant game for the Black maintains contain pressure, although
second player. the position is double-edged.
1 8 .:B:c l
The only move tried previously, but it is also
harmless.
1 8 . . . d5!
18 ... Wb6 l 9.Wd2;!; was a bit better for White
in Korkus - Mrocze�, corr. 20 1 1 .
7 .,
8
. ...
� .1 � �% . . . . .��-�
.,�·
65 . �.'8·'·- ---- ·· �.
.,
,, , , ,,
.
��-f- �
-
�� - � , ,,,
a b c d e f g h
4
1. �
23 �i;'{�"""�
!?a
�. �.
>,., . ,,;� ��
��1%_�1 --- -%�.?'-�--- -
1 8 ... d5! 19Jfadl
� � ��
1 9.tlixd5!? lli fXd5 20.:B:ad l ! ?
1 O n 20.b5 ?! the reply 2 0 . . . tli c3 ! should
b d f g h
a c e
be sufficient to give Black good play. For
example:
1 9.ib l N a) 2 1 .ixb? :B:c7 (2 1 . . .:B:b8!?) 22.ic6 Wd2!
l 9.b5? doesn't work now in view of: 23 .ic5 (23 .ib4?? :B:xc6! 24.bxc6 :B:xf2-+)
1 9 . . . :B:xc3 20.:B:xc3 llixe4+ 23 . . . tli e2t 24.'tt> h l tli d4+ leaves Black
1 9.tlixd5! ? tli ficd5 20.:B:xc8 Wxc8 2 1 .ixd5 clearly better.
:B:d8 22.Wb3 :B:xd5 23.b5 Wxe6 24.ixe? b) 2 1 .ixg6! ? :B:f4! 22.if7t 'tt> h 8 23.ic l !?
'tt> h 7 25 .h4 e4 26 .ic5 We5 27.ixa? :B:xb5= (23 .:B:ac l ?! Wd2!) 23 . . . :B:d4+ and White
was balanced in Bailey - Lindsalu, corr. does not have enough compensation for the
2005. sacrificed piece.
1 9 . . . Wb6!
White has to be very careful with his
decision:
20.tlia4!
Relatively best.
Out of the question is 20.:B:xe5? tlig4-+ .
20.b5? allows the powerful shot 20 . . . tli g4!
2 1 .ixe? (2 1 .Wxg4??W!xf2t 22.'tt> h l :B:xc3!-+)
2 1 . . .:B:xf2!! (2 1 . . .tlixf2 22.Wd2 tlih3t=)
22.Wh l :B:xg2! 23.:B:e2 (23.Wxg2? Wf2t
24.'itih3 Wxh2t 25.'itixg4 :B:f8!!-+) 23 . . . llif2t
24.'tt> xg2 tlixd l 25.tlixd5 Wxe6 26.:B:xd l a b c d e f g h
if8!+ with the better game for Black. 20 . . . :B:c3! 2 1 .Wlb2 :B:xa3!
Chapter 1 8 - 1 3 .ia3 209
2 1 . . .Wb6 22.:B:xd5 :B:xa3 23.:B:d7 Wxe6 2 1 .tll d5

24.:B:xe7 :B:xa2! 25 .Wb l Wxe7 26.Wxa2t 2 1 .ixb7!? :B:c7 22.if3 dxc3 23 .ixc3 e4
Wh7 27.b5! '\Wc500 24.ie5 :B:c8 25.ixf6 ixf6 26.he4 :B:c3ft is
22.Wxa3 double-edged.
22.ixd5? :B:a6-+
22 . . . Wb6 23.:B:d2 2 1 . .. tll exd5 22.ixd5 tll xd5 23.ygxd5 yge7
23 .'1Wg3?! Wxb4+ is fine for Black. The computer says it is approximately equal,
23 . . . lll f6 24.if3 e4 25 .ixe4 lll g4= but I'd rather take Black in a practical game.
Intending . . . id4, with a balanced game.
s � .i S �·
Conclusion
7� ,�,
� , , /,,,
, , , , v. � In Chapter 1 8 we examined the artificial but
6 /, , , /,� � ,8_;__,y,_ interesting 1 3.ia3, seeking to apply pressure
s4 •••f¥' m· · ·
on the sensitive a3-f8 diagonal. After the usual
reply 1 3 . . . cxd5 White can recapture in two
��-��- �-��
1�� mJ.. m �
ways, but Black's position remains sound and
3 �wm -- -
solid in either case.
With 1 4.exd5!? White tries to enliven the
2 '�8Y.��, , ,��r--ef"�"""%=-8r{""-� game by creating a dangerous pawn mass on

-
� � .: �� m
the queenside, but after the accurate l 4 . . . e4!
1 1 5 .ie2 h6 1 6.lll e 6 ixe6 1 7.dxe6 d5 1 8 .cxd5
a b c d e f g h
lll fxd5 l 9.lll x d5 Wxd5 20.'1Wxd5 lll x d5 the
pressure is defused and Black should reach an
1 9 ... d4! easy draw.
A very strong . . . anti-positional move! Alternatively, after l 4.cxd5 h6 l 5. lll e 6 he6
Black would like to play l 9 . . . '1Wb6?!, but l 6.dxe6 fxe4 1 7 .ixe4!? White is ready to utilize
unfortunately after 20. lt:\xd5 ll\ fxd5 2 l .ixd5 the b4-b5 push to apply strong pressure against
it simply doesn't work. 2 1 . . .:B:xf2 (2 1 . . .Wxf2t d6, but the incisive and natural l 7 . . . :B:c8!? puts
22.Wh l :B:cd8 23.:B:g l ! ± looks good for White. obstacles in the realization of this plan, as can
2 1 . . .e4! ? is met by 22.b5! :B:xf2 23 .ixe7! :B:f3t be seen after either l 8 .lll d 5 lll x e4! l 9.:B:xe4 b5!
24.'.t>h l :B:xb3 25 .ixb3t with the e-pawn or l 8 .'1Wb3 d5! 1 9.:B:ad 1 d4! - in both cases
looking particularly dangerous for Black.) with good play for the second player.
22.Wh l lll x d5 There will now follow: 23.e7!± White's best may well be to play l 9.lll xd5!?
Black is in great difficulty. lll fxd5 20.:B:ad l !?, which should normally
secure a draw for him as the reader can witness
20.ib2 in the relevant analysis section.
20. lll a4?! lll xe4 2 1 .:B:xe4 '1Wd5! is at least So we may conclude that Black maintains
slightly better for Black. easy equality in this chapter, and even has
chances to play for a win if White does not
20 ...yge8!? choose the radical solutions offered to him at
The game is unclear as Black's positional the early stage of the game.
disadvantages are counterbalanced by the
disharmony in the placement of White's minor
pieces.
Bayonet 12 .if3 .
a b c d e f g h
13.dxc6
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl:if3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl:i c6
8.d5 tl:i e7 9.b4 tl:i h5 lOJ�e l ! f5 1 1 . tl:i gS ti:i f6 12.J.f3 c6
1 3.dxc6 bxc6 1 4.exfS gxf'5 1 5 .b5 h6 16.tl:ih3
1 6 ... dS
A) 17.bxc6!?N 21 1
B) 1 7.J.a3 212
B) after l 7.ia3 B) note to 20.ie2! B) after 25 .if7
1 7 . . . e4 25 . . . d3!
Chapter 1 9 - 1 3 . dxc6 21 1
1 .d4 c!ll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 White has an interesting possibility in the
0-0 Ue2 e5 7.0-0 c!ll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4 tll h5 untested A) 17.bxc6!?N, while he also has the
l OJ�el! f5 1 1 .tll g5 tll f6 12.i.f3 c6 1 3.dxc6 thematic B) 17 .i.a3.
This move abandons the idea of a knight
invasion to e6 in order to initiate play on the Instead, l 7.cxd5 cxd5 1 8 .l:l:xe5? would be a
long diagonal. The struggle takes a tactical blunder on account of 1 8 . . . tli e4+
character now and knowledge could prove an
essential factor. A) 17.bxc6!?N e4 18.i.a3 d4
Black has continued with his central-pawn

march. We have reached another important
position, where I believe the second player can
hold his own.
19.c7
l 9.tlif4!? l:l:f7 20.tlib5 llixc6 2 1 .tlid6 l:l:c7
22.ie2 l:l:b8! 23.l:l:b l l:l:xb l 24.Wxb l d3
25.tlixd3 exd3 26.ixd3 tli d4 27.c5 tli e4!
28.ixe4 fxe4 29.Wxe4 id? 30.Wd5 t 'tt> h 7
3 1 . tli e8 Wxe8 32.l:l:xe8 ixe8= is dynamically
balanced.
8 i. �..i.(' i �·
1 �.r� � .,, �-
�l�- - --%�•
. . %� . . . %� . .
� r� .. Y-�,�
m�
6
/, , , , , , . , . ,,"
5 �� ,, � ·· ·
�0 � %'!"/�.- - %�!� ��
1 6.tll h3 d5
4
The central tussle is in full swing now, with
3 �· �ID. m.,tmtt:J
Black having a massive centre and White
fighting to undermine it with all his might. �
2 �8r �
1
.
li��'
.
z
. ,
�. . .
� � ---- : �
� �if� �
� c - - ·
Z- --- - �� -;;/
a b c d e f g h
19 ...ti'xc7 20.tll b5 ti'xc4 21 .i.xe7 ti'xb5
22i.xf'8 <!>xf'8 23.ti'xd4
23.tlif4 allows Black to keep his important
d-pawn by 23 . . . Wb4 24.l:l:cl Wd6 25.g3
(25 . tli g6t @gs 26.l:l:c6 Wd8ft) 25 . . . l:l:bB+t,
when he seems to me to be at least equal at the
end of the day.
a b c d e f g h 23 ... tll d5 24.ti'dl exf3 25J�bl ti'c6 26.ti'xf3

212 B ayonet 1 2 .i.f3
26.:B:cl forces Black to find some only White is using everything he has to
moves, but at the end he stands wdl: 26 .. .'IWd?! pressurize d5, but in the end it is simply not
27.:B:c5 tli c3! 28.'\Wxf3 i.b7 29.'\Wx5 t '\Wxf5 enough for an advantage as Black's position is
30.:B:x5t Wg800 The weakness of the a2-pawn quite healthy.
renders the position unclear.
1 9 ... ges
s ,i - j_� •
Unpinning and defending e7 does the trick,
7 �- �� - � although Black still needs to play a few more
·- - ��;� ��
accurate moves.
6 -
� -1.!� '
; , , , ,<
5 8
,
4
�- �- �- �- 7
3 � �� 6
2 ,� W/, � %""],,,�
1 � �� , .. �=
5
� '//. ,��. , , . %
4
a b c d e f g h 3
2
26 ....td7 27.gbdl � f6=
The second player has fully consolidated his 1
a b c d e f g h
position, and I don't see any problems for him
in the ensuing ending.
20.i.e2!
B) 17.i.a3 The best try, according to the computers and
existing games.
A logical choice, as the e7-knight is an
important defender of d5. After 20.:B:c l ! ? Black should take the piece:
20 . . . exf3! 2 1 .:B:xe? :B:xe7 22.i.xe? '\Wxe7
23.tlicxd5 '\We5 24.tlixf6t (24.tlig6 '\We8)
24 . . . i.xf6 25.'\Wxf3 :B:b8 26.b6! axb6 27.tlid3!
'\Wd6 28 .:B:c6! '\Wd4 29.'\Wg3t Wf7 30.'\Wxb8
'\Wxd3 3 1 .h3 i.d7 32.:B:xb6 '\We2 33.'\Wg3
'\Wxa2= There is not much action left for either
side to undertake.
20.i.h5!? llixh5 2 l .'\Wxh5 d4!

2 l . . . i.xc3?? allows White to display the
deadly idea of 22.:B:e3!+-.
22.tli ce2
22.:B:ad 1 i.d7+
22 . . . d3 23. tlig3 :B:b8 24.:B:ab l i.d7 25.'\Wdl
'tt> h 7 26.tligh5
Chapter 1 9 - 1 3 . dxc6 213
Instead, 25.tlid5 .ib7 leads to smooth play for

Black, with no problems at all. White should
go for 26.�xd4 tlixd5 27.�xd5 .ixd5 28 . .ixd5
Wf a5 29.�c l �ad8 30 . .ib4.
a b c d e f g h
26 . . . tlig6!! 27.tlixg?
27.tlixg6 @xg6 28.tlixg? (28.�e3 id4
29.�g3t 'tt>h7 30 . .ib2 .ixb5+ is certainly not
b d f g h
worse for Black in view of the obvious . . . e3 a c e
idea.) 28 . . . 'tt>xg? 29JWd2 (29 . .ib2t Wg6!?)
29 ... 'tt> h ? 30.'\M!f4 �g8 3 l .g3 �g6= The Black can now bail out by 30 . . . Wfxb5 3 1 .ic6
position is balanced, as Black's dangerous Wf e5 32.ixe8 Wfxe8=.
pawn phalanx outweighs his weakness on
the dark squares.
27 . . . tlixf4! 28.tlixe8 ixe8 29 . .icl tli e2t
30.�xe2 ih5! 3 l .Wf d2 dxe2 32.Wfxh6t Wg8
33 . .id2 �b6 34.'\M!f4 �d6 3 5 .ie l �d l 36.�c l
if7=
Neither side seems able to make any progress.
20 ... d4!
Most obvious, and probably forced.
2 1 .ti'b3t
a b c d e f g h
2 1 .ic5 '\Mic? 22 . .ixe? '\M!xf4 23 . .ixf6 ixf6
24.tlid5 Wfd6 25.�cl id? is at least equal for
Black, as 26.llic? d3 27.tlixa8 �xa8 gives him 25 ... d3! 26.h3 i.d7 27.i.cS!?
a tremendous position. 27.ixe8 Wfxe8� gives Black excellent play
for the exchange.
27 ... �k8 28.i.xa7 �U-8 29.b6 ti'e7 30.b7

21. .. @h7 22J�adl tlig6!
An important move, exchanging the strong
f4-knight and clearing the atmosphere around gxf7 3 1 .bxc8=ti' i.xc8
the black king. White has won the exchange and has a
passed a-pawn as well, but Black's dangerous
23.tlixg6 @xg6 24.i.c4 @h7 25.i.fl central pawns are intact, providing strong
Going after an exchange, but Black's attacking chances.
tremendous pawn phalanx provides sufficient
compensation. 32.i.e3
214 Bayonet 1 2 .i.f3
32.i.d4 li:)h5! 33.:B:xd3 i.e6 34.Wb6 exd3 43Jhd3! i.xel 44.gxd6 ygxd6 45.ygxe4t
35.:B:xe6 Wg5 36.ie3 li:) f4 37.ixf4 Wxf4 'itihS 46.ygxel gf6 47.f5 gxf5 48.yge3 gf6
38.li:) d l Wa4= 49.tll d4=
8 Conclusion
7
6
Continuing my examination of the critical
variation 1 0.:B:e l ! f5 I I .li:) g5 li:) f6 1 2.if3 c6,
5 I came across the tactical idea 13 .dxc6 bxc6
4
1 4.exf5 gxf5 1 5 .b5, which has mainly been
3
employed in correspondence chess. This is
one of the lines where White goes directly for
the throat and is important for Black to be
2 accurate and know the theory move by move.
1 After 1 5 . . . h6 1 6.li:)h3 d5 Black's centre looks
a b c d e f g h
impressive, but this is only half the truth as
White has ways to undermine it. l 7.bxc6!? is
32 ...i.e6 33.ygb5 c!ll e 8! 34.�kl tll d6 35.ygc6 of course the most natural reaction but I think
i.e5 36.ygc5 ygf6 37.tll d5 ygh4 Black holds his own after 1 7 . . . e4 1 8 .ia3 d4, if
37 . . . Wg?!?N is also playable. he is careful enough to sidestep several traps.
This is most easily done by simply following
38.tll c7 f4! 39.tll xe6 fxe3 40.ygxe3 yge7 the lines I give in the analysis section.
4 1 .£4 i.b2 The main move is 17 .ia3, piling up on the
4 1 . . .Wxe6 42.fxe5 li:) f5 = chief defender of the important d5-pawn,
namely the e7-knight. Then 17 . . . e4 1 8 .cxd5
42Jkdl i.c3 cxd5 1 9.li:)f4 :B:e8 brings us to the tabiya of
The players agreed a draw in Neubauer - this line, where White has several tries at his
Sanner, corr. 20 1 2, in view of the following disposal to increase the pressure, the most
variation: interesting being 20.ie2!. I think that 20 . . . d4!
2 1 .Wb3t '.t>h7 22.:B:ad l li:) g6! secures equality
8 for Black in that case, as the influential f4-
7
knight is traded off, but on the other hand
6
some more accuracy is needed as this comes
at the cost of an exchange: 23.li:)xg6 '.t>xg6
5 24.ic4 i>h7 25 .if7 d3! 26.h3 id? 27.ic5!?

:B:c8 28.ixa? :B:f8 29.b6 We? 30.b? :B:xf7
4 3 1 .bxc8=W ixc8 .
3
In spite of losing the exchange and a pawn,
Black has kept his pawn phalanx intact; this
2 keeps him within the equality zone as the
1 reader can verify by consulting the last part of
a b c d e f g h
the chapter.
Bayonet 12.i.f3
a b c d e f g h
13.bS
Variation Index
1 .d4 tl) f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl)c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl)f3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl) c6
8.d5 tl) e7 9.b4 tl) hs 1 0.gel! f5 1 1 . tl) gs tl) f6 12.i.f3 c6
1 3.b5 cxd5 1 4.cxd5 h6 1 5 . tl) e6 i.xe6 1 6.dxe6
1 6 ... fxe4
A) 17.i.xe4 216
B) 17.tl)xe4 tl)xe4 1 8.i.xe4 d5 1 9.i.a3! dxe4 20.ffxd8 gfxd8
2 1 .i.xe7 ge8 22.i.cS gxe6 23.i.e3!? a6! 217
B l ) 24.a4 218
B2) 24.b6 219
8 I) after 26 .axb5 82) note to 2 5 .Wfl ! ?N 82) after 2 5 . ©fl !?N
26 . . . l"la5 ! N 27 . . . l"lcS!N 25 . . . ig5 !

I .d4 tll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 Black has an easy game as White cannot
0-0 6.ie2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4 tll h5 maintain a central bind. Play might proceed
IO.ge l! f5 1 1 .tll g5 tll f6 12.if3 c6 1 3.b5 as follows:
Opting for a slight endgame advantage with
the minimum of risk. However, as we shall 20.if3
see, Black can enter that endgame without any Black is fine after 20.ie3 Wxb5 2 1 .ib3 d5
fear, as equality should not be too difficult to 22.ia4 '1Wa6 23 .id? Ei:c3 24.a4 e4 25 .E!:b l b6
achieve. 26.id2 E!:c5, as 27.ib4?! is answered strongly
by 27 . . . ic3! 28.ixc5 bxc5 29.E!:fl id4t.
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
1 3 ... cxd5 14.cxd5 h6 15.tll e6 he6 1 6.dxe6
fxe4 20 ... d5 2 I .ia3 gce8 22.ixe7 gxe7 23.ixd5
gxfl 24.@hl e4 25.gcl e3 26.ygd3 gd2
27.yge4 @h7 28.ib3 id4
Reaching a peculiar position where the
advanced e-pawns balance each other.
a b c d e f g h
The first split of the chapter sees White
choose between A) 17.he4 or B) 17.tll xe4.
A) I 7.ixe4 gc8 18.tll d5 tll fxd5

1 9.ixd5 ygb6
Chapter 20 - 1 3. b 5 217
A draw was agreed i n Balcazar Novoa - Having said that, there is nothing much
Kolehmainen, corr. 2006, in anticipation wrong with 2 1 . . .:!:'!:d5 22.:!:'!:ad l :B:xb5 23 .id8!
of the following short variation, creating a :!:'!:c8 24.:B:d6! :B:c6 25.:B:xc6 bxc6 26.Wfl Wf8
position of sterile equality: 27.e?t i>e8 28.:!:'!:cl if6 29.a4 :B:b4 30.:!:'!:xc6
ixe7 3 1 .ixe? Wxe7 as in Matheis - Drugda,
32 ... exfl 33JU1 �f6 34 . .ib3= corr. 2007, but I decided against it as the
ensuing rook ending can be slightly trickier to
B) 17.tlixe4
handle.
The critical recapture.
22 ..ic5
22.ib4 :B:xe6 23.:B:xe4 was drawn at this
7s K1_�
%,,,,% m
�W,-�,;
tj�� -P
,,y,� 'ml'
point in Teichmann - Brinkmann, corr. 20 1 0 .
�
%
Play could have continued: 23 . . . :!:'!:c8 24.:B:d l
6
�-- w
5 � !� '
if8! Exchanging Black's inferior bishop can
"W" JI
4 JI� JI� � ,JI JIJI
be very useful in this ending. 25.ixf8 Wxf8
26.h4 We? 27.g3 :B:c5 28.a4 h5 29.:!:'!:de l
Jl� Jlj � JI
i>f6 30.f4 @f5 3 1 .Wg2 b6= Black is so well
3
centralized that the pin on the e-file hardly
2 ·�'·Jl·Jl/j!�
�� :��£""%.,,,,
means anything.
1 /� 8
a b c d e f g h 7
,, · � I§{ � �
6
5
17 ... tlixe4
This natural recapture is, in fact, rather
4
forced.
3
Wrong is l 7 . . . d5?! l 8 .lll x f6t :B:xf6
( 1 8 . . . ixf6? 1 9.ixh6±) 1 9.ia3! :B:xe6 ( 1 9 . . . e4
i>h7 2 1 .:B:ad 1 t with a big positional advantage

20 . .ixe4!± is clearly better for White) 20.Wfb3
2
for White. 1
a b c d e f g h
1 8.i.xe4 d5 1.9 .ia3! •
White's strategy is based on this move, 22 ... gxe6

steering the game into an ending where he Thus, we have reached what appears to be
will have the slightly better pawn structure. a slightly advantageous position for White in
However, as we shall see, the material is so view of his better pawn structure. However,
reduced that his chances of success are hardly appearances are rather deceiving here, as Black
serious against a well-prepared defender. can draw comfortably.
1.9 dxe4 20.�xd8 gfxd8 2 1 ..ixe7 ge8

•••
23.i.e3!?
I prefer this move, getting rid of the enemy The only real try. 23.:!:'!:xe4?! is harmless as it
e-pawn and clearing the atmosphere as quickly allows Black to dominate both critical files:
as possible.
7
26 . . . ig5 27.ixg5 hxg5 28 .h3 :B:a5 29.:!:'!:c5;!;
allowed White to press for a while in Babula -
5
Kotronias, Czech Republic 20 1 2, although the
game was eventually drawn.
4
3
27.gcst
2
This is the move I was afraid of during
the game, but wrongly so, as it is completely
harmless.
a b c d e f g h Alternatively, 27.ixh6 g5! leaves things pretty

23 . . . a6! 24.b6 :!:'!:c8 25 .ie3 if6 26.:B:d l :B:d8 balanced.
27.:!:'!:b l E:c6 28.g4 h5 29.Wg2 @fl 30.@f3
@e6+ White was struggling to draw in Babula 27.:!:'!:c5 ie7 28 .:!:'!:d5 ! ? (28.:!:'!:c8t @fl 29.b6
- Degraeve, Istanbul (ol) 2000. ig5! 30.:i:'!:c?t :!:'!:e7 31 .ixg5 hxg5 32.g3 :B:b5=
is an easy draw) is best answered by 28 ... @fl
23 ... a6! 29.h3 @f6 (intending ... :B:d6) 30.:B:ed l h5!
An important resource, forcing White to 3 l .g4 hxg4 32.hxg4 :!:'!:a3= with a position
weaken his b-pawn or allow more exchanges. where it is impossible for either side to achieve
He can try Bl) 24.a4 or B2) 24.b6. any progress.
Bl) 24.a4 27 ... @f7 28.b6 ig5!

Always keep this resource in mind in such
Not long ago, Babula played this against me. positions.
24 .. ..if6! 25.gacl axb5 26.axb5
Here I found an improvement over my play
in that game:
a b c d e f g h
26 .. Jfa5!N
Depriving White of the slightest winning
chance.
Chapter 20 - 1 3 . b 5 219
B2) 24.b6 j.f6!? :B:xc6 29.:B:b5 id8 30.:B:xa5 (30.h4 was soon
drawn in Nickel - Romanov, corr. 2004.)
An interesting move, allowing Black to 30 . . .ixb6 3 1 .:B:xe5 :B:c4= With a balanced
threaten the dangerous b6-pawn by either position .
. . . id8 or . . . ig5 . After it, there already seems
to be no question of an advantage for White. 25.:B:ed l is a logical deployment of the king's
rook, capturing an important central file, but
Also possible, but less thematic from the the presence of the bishop on f6 allows Black
human point of view is: 24 . . . :B:d8 25 .:B:ac l to dispute it:
:B:ed6 ( 2 5 . . . Wf7 also led t o equality after 26.:B:c4
30.Wg3 :B:gl t 3 1 .i>h3 :B:dl 32.'.t>g3 Y2-Y2

:B:ed6 27.g4 :B:dl 28.:B:xd l :B:xd l t 29.Wg2 '.t>e6
Eljanov - Bacrot, Poikovsky 20 1 4.) 26.:B:c7

6�5 iT.�-.�1
i
�� '0
� � �
-- - - -- •. .,
��
• .I � �
�"
i �F�
��-0
;,, , ;.
'0
30.a4 if6 3 Lh3 id8 32.g3 'iti5 33.:B: l c5

1':!:8d7 27.Wfl Wf7 28 .:B:ecl We6 29.i>e2 h5 ,,,,.
4 �� ··"� ��
3 !-.��•. ��
:B:dl 34.g4t We6 35.:B:c2 hxg4 36.hxg4 :B:al
37.1':!:7c4 :B:b l 38.a5 :B:b5= A draw was agreed
in Volovici - Popelka, corr. 2007. 2 . ,�� !-�
---- � �.. ..r.�·r{
;
��
. ....
� :- �- �
a b c d e f g h
25 . . . :B:d8! 26.:B:acl (26.:B:dcl ig5!+) 26 . . . :B:xd l t

27.:B:xd l ig5! 28 .ixg5 hxg5 29.:B:d8t @ f7
30.:B:d7t :B:e7 3 1 .:B:d6 :B:e6= White has nothing
better than a draw by repetition.
25 .g3 has been tried several times too. Black

should be fine after: 25 . . . ig5 26.ixg5 hxg5
27.:B:xe4
a b c d e f g h
25.@fl !?N
After 25 .:B:ac l id8!+± the point of Black's
24th move becomes clear: the far-advanced
b-pawn requires some extra protection.
On 25.a4 Black should respond with 25 . . . a5!,

practically isolating White's queenside pawns.
Then: 26.:B:ab l (26.:B:ed l ig5 ! 27.ixg5 hxg5
28.:B:ab l :B:c8 denies White chances of an
advantage, while 26.:B:ecl id8 27.:B:ab l Wf7
is equal too.) 26 ... :B:c6 27.:B:ec l :B:ac8 28.:B:xc6
8 Conclusion
7 In Chapter 20 we examined the critical line

6 1 0.l:l:e l ! f5 l l .li:) g5 li:) f6 1 2.if3 c6 1 3 .b5.
5
White tries to soften Black on the long
diagonal by attacking the pawn on c6, and this
4 direct method requires a concrete and reliable
defence.
3 I think that the antidote to White's activity
2 is to be found in the ending arising after
1 1 3 . . . cxd5 1 4.cxd5 h6 1 5 .li:)e6 ixe6 1 6.dxe6
a b c d e f g h
fxe4 l 7.li:)xe4 li:)xe4 l 8.ixe4 d5 l 9 .ia3! dxe4
20. '\M!xd8 l:l:fxd8 2 1 .ixe? l:l:e8, as there is little
25 ...igS! 26.ixg5 hxg5 27.gxe4 gc8!= material remaining and Black's slight structural
Black intends . . . l:l:c5 and . . . Wf7, and the inferiority hardly counts. After 22.ic5 l:l:xe6
game will end in a draw no matter what White 23 .ie3 !? a6! Black frees himself from the
does. burden of defending the a7-pawn and can
look forward to an even game by activating his
queen's rook.
If 24.a4 there can follow 24 . . .if6! 25 .l:l:ac l
axb5 26.axb5 l:l:a5! with an equal game, as
analysis of my game against Babula suggested.
24.b6 if6!? is likewise insufficient to give
White any advantage as an exchange of bishops
via g5 is lurking.
There is not much to add here except that
Black should exercise a little bit of care to
achieve his draw, and this chapter is indeed
one of the driest in the whole book.
Bayonet 12 .ia •
a b c d e f g h
13.ie3!?
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl:if3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5
tl:i e7 9.b4 tl:i h5 lOJ�el! f5 1 1 .tl:igS ti:if6 1 2.i.f3 c6 1 3.i.e3!? h6! 14.tl:i e6 i.xe6
1 5.dxe6 fxe4 1 6.tl:ixe4 tl:ixe4 1 7.i.xe4 d5 1 8.cxd5
1 8 ... cxd5
A) 1 9.i.cS 222
B) 1 9.i.c2 b6 223
B l ) 20.i.a4?! 223
B2) 20.'i;Vg4 225
A) after l 9 .ic5 B 1 ) after 22 .l'!b 1 B2) note to 23 .l"1d 2! ?
1 9 . . . dxe4 24 . . . l"1h 5!N

I .d4 tll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3

0-0 6.ie2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4
tll h5 IO.gel! f5 1 1 .tll g5 tll f6 12 .if3 c6
13.ie3!?
Kramnik's original contribution to the
Bayonet line. White is not afraid of his bishop
being chased away from e3 by .. . f4, because the
pawn move will also weaken Black's position.
s -U. .i. lit,,,•if �

7 -·- • �·
6 , , , %� •• _ , � a b c d e f g h
s
�� " "//A'ef"""%"''-" �
� � 8 ref� • m
'
""" ' �
1 9 dxe4 20.ti'xdS gfxd8 2 1 .ixe7 ge8
��f� �8�- /, , ,;� '

•••
"
4 % ""�%"'//; ��'0 ��
22.ic5 b6 23.ie3
3 B��
� Here, Black should continue logically:
'"
2 �- �% � "" �..t
""'�%!-� �%!-�
�%' " 'J��JB
23 if8!? 24.b5 ci>g7
-if��
•••
White is again facing a decision.

1 �' � �' �
a b c d e f g h
25.icl
Regrouping, and a1mmg to direct the
1 3 h6!
•••
bishop's fire against e5 .
This is the standard way, but a few other
methods, such as 1 3 . . . Wh8, are available. Instead, 25 .:B:acl :B:ac8 26.:B:xc8 :B:xc8 27.:B:d l
However, we are not going to examine any of 'tt> f6 28 .:B:d7 ic5 = leads to plain equality.
them here as the text move is solid and reliable.
25.a4 :B:ac8 26.:B:ed l (26.a5 ic5 27.axb6
14.tll e6 ixe6 1 5.dxe6 fxe4 16.tll xe4 tll xe4 ixb6=) 26 . . . @f6 27.:B:d7 :B:e7 28.a5 'tt> xe6
17.ixe4 d5 1 8.cxd5 cxd5 29.:B:xe7t ixe7 30.axb6 axb6 3 l .ixb6 :B:b8
After a more or less forced sequence of moves 32.:B:a6 'tt> d 5! 33.g3 h5 34.ie3 :B:xb5 35.:B:xg6
Black has acquired an excellent central stance, ic5! hardly presents Black with any problems.
but now extreme care is required in order to
maintain it. 25 ic5 26.ib2 gxe6 27.gxe4 gf8!
•••
28.ge2=
A) 19.ic5 seems to have been adequately The players agreed to a draw in Satici -
dealt with in correspondence chess, while B) Civitillo, corr. 20 1 0. Black's activity outweighs
1 9.ic2 requires some more work on our part. the weakness of e5, as the following short
variation shows:
A) 1 9.ic5
This leads White to a worse version of the

endgame featured in line B of the previous
chapter, after another forced sequence:
Chapter 2 1 - 1 3 . ie 3 223
Bl) 20.ia4?!
White initiates a plan which can be summarized

as follows: firstly, this bishop will be placed
on d7 to defend the annoying wedge on e6,
and then the other bishop will be deployed
to g3 via f2, to put the enemy e-pawn under
pressure. However, it seems that this plan is
�
difficult to realize if Black reacts promptly.
�-%
8 .i � i ,, ,%� �-
_ _
,, �flift.l v,W�
.. � '8"� 'i"�
_• �•: W
��
1 • %
6 � ,.,,,
%
%� ��-� �� "" '

,,
s
� m .t. 11%% •
4 r�. _ ... _ _��
� � �
W,
% ��: �
.
W. ·� �� W!i'f, �wr
..
The bishop is heading towards b3 or a4. Black

has to react precisely, but I don't think he 3
should have any problems equalizing.
78 �.1 m �� •
,_�,,,, ,%�-,,,,,v,�
�
�
e drif
a b c d e f g h
% ,,,, %� �� ':.-, ,,,,;� ""'"�-� 20 ygd6 2 1 .id7
:4 ��
•••
��- r•�&ll
2 1 .Wfd2 'tt>h7 22.id? l0 g8!! 23.l:l:ac l llJ f6
24.l:l:c6 Wfe7 25.Wfc 2 l:l:ad8t i s dangerous for
'�,.�
��
White, as his poor bishop is caged in and he
%
, . %� �
. �. � �
seems on the verge of losing a pawn. However,
'0
23 8� rm _ ; , , ��
. .
.
there is a narrow escape:
�
� "--� �-��£ "" %�"" l�
1 .-. . . . . � - I§ �� '§?.
a b c d e f g h
1 9 ... b6
Awarded an exclamation mark by Kramnik,
this move is now absolutely necessary in order
to avert the invasion of the white bishop on c5.
Now Black is ready to round up and capture
the pawn on e6. We will analyse Bl) 20.ia4?! a b c d e f g h
and B2) 20.ygg4.
26.icS!! d4 27.id2 l0 g4 28.h3! llJ xf2 29.l:l:c?
'\M!h4 30.e? l:l:xc8 3 1 .exfB=llJt! l:l:xf8 32.l:l:xg?t!
'tt>xg7 33.Wfc?t Wg8 34.Wfxe5 l0xh3t
35.gxh3 Wf2t 36.i> h l Wxd2 37.Wd5 t '.t>h8

8
7
38.We5t= Brilliant stuff, but obviously it is
not an opening success for White if he has to
find several "only" moves in order to force a 6
draw.
2 1 . .. ti'xb4!
We have reached a crossroads:
3
22.gbl 2
A logical reaction, but still not enough for
1
a b c d e f g h
an edge.
22.£3 �f5! 23 .Wb3! 22 ...ti'h4! 23.f3 g51 24.ifl ti'f6

23.if2?! means to prevent . . . Wb4-h4-f6, Black has arranged the optimal formation
but after 23 ... e4! (23 ... �af8 24.�b l Wa3!? for his major pieces and is ready to attack.
also looks fine for Black) 24.�b l Wc3!t
the second player is better placed, as he will 25.ig3?!
follow up with . . . Wf6 and . . . �a8-f8 . 25 .�b4!N e4! (25 . . . �f8 26.ih4! g5 27.ig3
h5 28.h3 e4 29.fXe4 dxe4 30.�bxe4 Wc3
3 1 .Wb3 Wc5t 32.We3 Wxe3t 33.� l xe3;!;)
26.id4 Wh4 27.if2 Wf6= would have kept
the equilibrium.
a b c d e f g h
23 . . . Wh4! 24.�ad l e4! 25.fXe4 �h5 26.h3

�f8! 27.�e2 Wxe4 28 .ib5 Wh4 29.if2 �xf2!
30.�xf2 id4 3 1 .�xd4 Wxd4=
With a balanced game.
22.id2 gave Black good long-term chances a b c d e f g h
25 ... hS! 26.h3?! �H'S-+

after 22 . . . Wh4 23.g3 Wh3 24.�e2 a5! 25.�bl
�f3! 26.�xb6 �af8 in Balabanov - Grigoryev,
corr. 20 1 0. He went on to win after 27.Wb l Black, having built an ideal attacking
(27.ixa5 e4!t) 27 . . . Wh5 28 .�b8 �xb8 position, went on to win in Malakhatko -
29.WxbSt �f8 30.Wb5 e4 3 1 .ie l �f5-+ as the Jenni, Istanbul (ol) 2000.
d7-bishop was strikingly out of play.
Chapter 2 1 - l 3 .ie3 2 25
B2) 20.Wi'g4 23.gd2!?

White's logical plan is to arrange pressure
Attacking g6, in order to quickly bring the a l against the weak d-pawn and to this end
rook to d l . Coincidentally, the move defends several moves have been tried.
the e6-pawn.
23.l:l:e2 allows easy equality after:
b d f g h
a b c d e f g h
a c e
23 . . . h5! 24.Wh4 (24.Wh3 l:l:af8? as in lrwanto

- Pradeep, Kuala Lumpur 20 1 3, is fine for
20 e4
•••
Black as there is pressure on f2 and it is difficult
A necessary freeing move, unleashing the for White to provide his king with a flight
power of the g7-bishop. square.) 24 . . . M6 25.Wg3 .ie5 26.Wh4 .if6=
2 1 .gadl Wi'c7 22.i.b3 23 .Wh4
Clearly the most principled choice, keeping A suggested improvement, with the idea of
the bishop in an active position. tying the enemy queen to the defence of the
e7-knight.
The continuation 22.ia4 l:l:f5! 23 .id? l:l:af8 23 . . . l:l:af8
24.'1We2?! (24.b5= looks better) was seen in 23 . . . l:l:h5 ? 24.Wf4!± is bad for Black.
Shariyazdanov - Iskusnyh, Tula 1 999, and 24.h3
now Black should have chosen the aggressive: On 24.g3 there follows 24 ... h5! 25 .l:l:e2 !
24 . . . .ic3! 25.l:l:cl We5! 26.l:l:ed l d4 27.l:l:xc3 (25 ..ig5 ? Wc3! 26 . .ixe? id4!!-+ is winning
dxe3!N (improving on 27 . . . dxc3 in Rajesh - for Black) 25 . . . .if6 26.Wh3 .ig5!+ (26 . . .Wc6?!
Lahiri, India 2008) 28 .Wxe3 l:l:xf2t With the is riskier due to 27.l:l:c2 Wxe6 28.l:l:c7? ).
better chances.
22 gfS!
•••
A strong manoeuvre, combining defence

of the d-pawn with aggression on the f-file.
I guess that I was one of the first people to
analyse this position, together with Igor Nataf,
and I can recall how pleased he was with the
multi-functional rook on f5 .
a b c d e f g h
226 Bayonet l 2.if3
24 . . . �h5!N 25 .Wg4 �hf5!+± 25 .g3!?N requires analysis.

Intending a combination of ... h5 and ... Wc6. Perhaps the best move of all is Houdini's
Black has no problems whatsoever. 25 .We2!!;!;, suddenly threatening to take
on d5, as well as intending an annoying
An attempt to regroup the rooks by 23.�c l penetration at a6 with the queen. I think
Wd6 24.�ed l allowed Black to organize White has the better chances in that case.
himself with 24 . . . Wh7 25.g3 (25 .Wxe4 ie5!00) 25 . . . �d8!00
� �W"//. �� ,,
768 !��
An unclear position arises, with chances for
both sides.
� ��
7,.@,Ff�--� 'i 'I:,
� , , , ;<� �� , ,
,,,,,
�
: �,["'"�
��!ii�
32 -j,, · �-0 ��-�
l��
1 � Dr��- - - 7.� -� - -
;
, ,,, Y, ,,,, 7.
a b c d e f g h
25 . . . �ds 26.b5 h5 27.We2 h4 28.�d2 �f3

29.ig5 .if6 30 . .ixf6 �xf6+, when he even
a b c d e f g h
enjoyed a slight edge in Winkler - Civitillo,
corr. 20 1 0.
24.�h3N
Let us now switch our attention to 23.�d2!?: 24.We2?! .ic3! 25.�c2 We5! and Black is
better, with a tremendous score in his favour
23 ...h5! in the database.
It seems that now is the most appropriate
moment to put the question to the white 24.Wh4!? deserves consideration, but I think
queen. Black is at least not worse after 24 . . . if6
25 .Wh3 Wd6.
23 . . . Wc3?!
A risky pawn-grabbing operation that makes 24 ... gaf8m
me sceptical. An interesting position, similar to the one
24.�ed l Wxb4 25 .h3!?N arising after 23.�e2. Black's piece activity
Exchanging bishops by 25 .id4? is anti compensates for his weakness on d5 and he
positional, and after 25 . . . �c8 26.We2 ixd4 has excellent practical chances to wrest the
27.�xd4 Wc5+ Black was clearly in control initiative.
in Werle - David, Amsterdam 2000.
Chapter 2 1 - 1 3 . .ie 3 227
Conclusion and round up the e6-pawn while White tries

to inflict a breach in the enemy fortress by
In Chapter 2 1 we concluded our survey of the using guerrilla tactics.
1 0.:!:'!:e l! f5 1 1 .ltl g5 lll f6 1 2.j,f3 c6 variation
by examining 1 3 . .ie3!?. This developing move A move that seems annoying at first sight is
may appear a bit clumsy, but on the other 20 ..ia4?!, but anchoring the bishop on d7 is
hand it is not easy to prove that the bishop on actually not such a good idea for White. After
e3 is misplaced, as .. .f4 would lead to a serious 2<L.Wd6 2 1 .j,d7 Wxb4! 22.!!b l Wh4! the
weakening of our light squares. onus is on him to prove compensation as Black
I consider the more or less established line is very well coordinated and keeps his central
1 3 . . . h6! 1 4 .ltle6 ixe6 1 5.dxe6 fXe4 1 6.lll xe4 pawns intact.
lll xe4 1 7 _j,xe4 d5 18.cxd5 cxd5 to give Black On the other hand, the usual continuation
excellent equalizing chances, because I believe 20.�g4 e4 2 1 .!!ad l �c7 22.ib3 allows us
that his pawn centre can be maintained with to defend our centre wonderfully with the
impunity. Of course White can still opt for multi-purpose 22 ... :B:f5!, combining defence
a drawish ending by 1 9 .ic5 dxe4 20.Wxd8 and attack. I can't see any problems for Black
:B:fXd8 2 1 .ixe7 :B:e8 22.ic5 b6 23.j,e3 j,f8!? in that case either, and to be honest I would
24.b5 i>g7, but this is not his usual course o f prefer his position in practice, although the
action - as the draw is even more trivial here computer's evaluation is equality. The readers
for Black than it was in Chapter 20. Therefore should keep in mind that an exchange of dark
what usually happens is l 9 ..ic2 b6, with a squared bishops can easily tip the scales in
position where Black tries to fortify his centre Black's favour.
Bayonet 12.f3
a b c d e f g h
13.b5
Variation Index
1 . d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 s . tl:i f3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7
9.b4 ti:i h5 I O. ge l ! f5 1 1 . ti:i gS ti:i f6 12.f3 c6 13.bS
1 3 ... cxdS!N
A) 14.cxdS 229
B) 14.exdS!? 23 1
aft er 1 3. b S A ) aft er 20 .'it>h 1 B) after 1 6 .c S !
a b c d e f g h
13 . . . cxd S!N
Chapter 22 - 1 3. b 5 229
I .d4 tlif6 2.c4 g6 3.tlic3 ig7 4.e4 d6 5.tlif3 1 4.l0e6!

0-0 6..ie2 e5 7.0-0 tli c6 8.d5 tli e7 9.b4 The inexact l 4.exf5?! llJxf5! l 5 ..id3 (l 5 . llJ ge4
tli h5 IO.gel! f5 1 I .tlig5 tlif6 12.f3 .ih6!? is fine for Black, who manages to
In this line attention also focuses on e6. exchange his bad bishop) 1 5 . . . llJ d4 1 6 . .ie3
White usually obtains a passed pawn on that l0h5! l 7.l0ge4 llJ f4 1 8 . .ifl h5! l 9.a4 g5!
square, and the question is whether it is strong 20.Ei:a2 g4 2 1 .fxg4 ixg4 22.'IWb l h4! 23.h3
or weak. if5 24.E!:f2 E!:f7! 25.Wd l ih6 26.�hl WIB!
(26 ... Wd7!?) 27 . .id3 E!:d8 28.E!:efl Wg7
1 2 ... c6 29.ib l Wg6-t led to a superior position for
In comparison to the line with 1 O.g3, Black in Ye Jiangchuan - Wang Pin, Beijing
White's kingside is not as weak, but the rook 1 996.
on el is rather misplaced.
13.b5
With this move White tries (in anticipation
of . . . h6) to open lines on the queenside as
quickly as possible.
The alternative 1 3.Ei:b l is covered in the next
chapter, while White's main continuations
are 1 3 .'itih l (Chapter 24) and 1 3 .ie3
(Chapters 25-26) .
a b c d e f g h
1 4 . . . ixe6 1 5 .dxe6t
It will be difficult for Black to get rid of the
annoying wedge on e6.
1 5 .. .f4
l 5 . . . l0 e8 l 6.llJd5 l0 c7?! l 7.ig5 ± is clearly
bad for Black.
1 6 ..ifl ! l0 c8 l 7.g3;!;
White maintains his valuable asset.
1 3 . . . cxb5!?N 1 4.l0xb5!? h6 ( 1 4 . . . fxe4 1 5 .l0xe4
a b c d e f g h
llJf5 is a bit better for White according to the
engines, but is obviously a serious alternative)
1 3 ... cxd5!N l 5.llJe6 ixe6 1 6.dxe6 fxe4 l 7.Wxd600 is a
I consider this move best, and it is slightly position deserving analysis.
surprising that it has not been played before.
Let us take a brief look at the alternatives: Again, White decides between A) 14.cxd5 and
B) 14.exd5!?.
1 3 . . . c5?!
Trying to block White's queenside play, but A) 14.cxd5 h6 1 5 .tli e6 .ixe6
it is rather dubious on account of White's 1 6.dxe6 fxe4 17.fxe4
reply:
230 B ayonet 1 2 . f3
The position seems to crystallize in White's 22 ... :B:xfl t 23.ixfl d5 24.g4! looks better
favour, but Black has a neat tactical idea that for White.
refutes this optical illusion: 23.:B:xf2! We l t 24.:B:fl :B:xflt 25 .ixfl Wxfl t
26.Wg l Wxb5 27.ia3! lt:\ f5 28.Wd l !
Intending Wb3, when Black does not seem to
have sufficient compensation for the exchange.
1 8.ygb3
l 8 .ib2?? leads to an immediate loss after
1 8 . . . Wb6t 1 9 .'tt> h l :B:xc3! 20.ixc3 lll xe4-+, in
view of the double attack on c3 and f2.
1 8 .Wd3? is met by 1 8 . . . d5!t, creating several

tactical threats on the g l -a7 and a l -h8
diagonals.
a b c d e f g h 1 8 .Wd2? is even worse in view of 1 8 . . . Wb6t

17 ... �k8! 1 9.'tt> h l Wd4!+ and White is suddenly on the
This move appears natural, but only by verge of defeat.
delving deeper in the intricacies of the position
can one understand why it is stronger than the 1 8 ...yga5!
alternatives. Here lies the brilliant point. By exploiting
the awkwardly-placed e l -rook, Black manages
1 7 . . .'\Wb6t?! 1 8 .'tt> h l :B:ac8 1 9.'\Wb3 :B:xc3!? to lure the enemy bishop to d2, where it will
20.Wxc3 lll xe4 2 1 .We3 Wa5 !? be hanging in the upcoming complications.
2 1 . . . lll f2t 22.'tt> g l e4 23 .Wxb6 axb6 24.ie3
ixa l 25 .:B:xa l lt:\ d3;!; may be tenable, but is 1 9..id2 ygb6t 20.ci>hl
obviously at least slightly better for White.
22.:B:fl ! 8
Leading to a position where Black is
7
6
struggling to draw. For example:
5
4
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
b d f g h
20 .. J�xc3!
a c e
Now this sacrifice is much more effective.
22 . . . lll f2t!?
Chapter 22 - 1 3.b5 23 1
2 1 .ti'xc3 tlixe4 22.ti'e3 ti'd4!t 1 5 . . . llJf5 1 6 . .id3 b6 1 7.a4! a5 1 8 .bxa6

A splendid centralization, leading to at llJ d7 1 9.a7! :gxa7 20.llJb5 :gas 2 1 ..id2 llJ c5
least equal chances for Black. Thus, we may 22.l0xc5 bxc500 Black has a good position as
conclude that l 4.cxd5 poses no real problems White isn't getting anywhere with the a-pawn.
for the second player.
Finally, 1 5 .llJe6 .ixe6 1 6.dxe6 :ge8ft leaves the
B) 14.exd.5!? e6-pawn under pressure as . . . llJf5 is coming.
White does have some ideas, but I don't believe
This move, intending a timely jump to e6, that they are enough for an advantage. In fact
looks like the most annoying to me. However, the engines give 1 7 . .ia3 Wa5 1 8.Wb3 llJ f5
the tactics seem to work well for Black, keeping l 9.ib4 Wd8 20 . .id3 llJ d4 with a very slight
the position balanced. plus for Black.
1 5 ... tli f5 1 6.c5!

Giving rise to interesting complications.
1 6.l0e6 transposes to 1 5 .l0 e6 above, after

1 6 . . . .ixe6 l 7.dxe6 Wa5 1 8.Wb3 :gfe8.
a b c d e f g h
1 4... £4
I consider this reply as thematic and best.
It solves Black's usual problem in the Mar del
Plata, by activating the e 7-knight. However, the
tactical justification was a bit too complicated
even for my own taste, as the reader has the
opportunity to witness below.
1 5 ..ia3!?
The only move to cause any problems,
creating tension on the a3-f8 diagonal. 17.cxd6
I decided to promote this obvious capture to
Instead, premature is l 5 .c5?! dxc5 l 6 . .ic4 llJf5 be my main line.
1 7 .d6t Wh8 1 8 .llJf7t :gxf7 1 9.ixf7 l0xd6+
and it is obvious that Black has more than White should be extremely cautious, as both
enough for the exchange. 1 7.l0cxe4?? l0xe4 1 8 .l0xe4 .id4t 1 9.Wh l
Wh4-+ and 1 7 .fxe4? l0 g4!� indicate.
l 5.llJge4 is logical, but hardly critical. After
232 B ayonet 1 2 . f3
'\Ml xh3 24.gxh3 ixa 1 25.hxg4 :B:e5 26.:B:xa 1

A better continuation is the prophylactic 20 . . . :B:f5! 2 1 ..ixg4 li:)xg4 22.li:) e6 '\M!h4 23 .'\M!h3
1 7 .:!:'!:c l , although even here after: 1 7 . . . lt:) g4!
1 8 .li:) cxe4! ( 1 8 . fxg4?? .id4t 1 9 .'tt> h l li:) g3t! :B:xe4 27.:!:'!:cl :B:a4 28.:B:xc8t :B:xc8 29.d7 :B:a8
20.hxg3 '\M!xg5 2 1 .'\M!xd4 '\M!h6t 22.Wg l fxg3 30 . .ie7 :B:xa2 3 1 .d8='\Mft :B:xd8 32.li:)xd8
23.M"3 :B:xf3 24.gxf3 '\M!h2t 25.@fl g2t-+ :B:a5 33.d6 :B:xb5 34.li:)c6 :B:d5 3 5 . li:) e5 :B:xe5
is a stunning sacrificial line, giving it all for 36.d7 :B:d5 37.d8='\Mft :B:xd8 38 . .ixd8;!; White
mate.) 1 8 . . . id4t 1 9.'tt> h l li:)f2t 20.li:)xf2 ixf2 maintains some practical chances.
2 I .li:)e4
1 s.hf3 lt:) d71
Suddenly it is White who has hanging pieces
all over the place, but there is a way out:
8
7
6
5
a b c d e f g h
4
2 I . . .li:)g3t!! 22.li:)xg3 fxg3 23.:!:'!:c4 '\M!g5 24 . .ic l
'\M!h5 25 .h4 ixe l 26.'\M!xe l :B:e8ft Black seems
at least equal.
Finally, 17 .c6 a6!00 needs further elaboration, a b c d e f g h

but my feeling is Black has a wealth of tactical 19.li:)e6 Wi'b6t 20.'tt> h l hc3 2 1 .tll xfB Wi'a5!!
ideas that ensure him of at least equality. 22.tll xd7
22.:!:'!:e8 leads to a draw after 22 . . . li:)g7!!
17 exf3!
•••
23 .'\M!e2! li:)xe8 24.'\M!e6t 'tt> x f8 25 .'\M!e7t 'tt> g 8
This was a difficult move to find. 26.'\M!e6t=.
After 17 . . . li:) e3 1 8 .'\Mfb3 exf3 1 9 . .ixf3 li:) fg4
20. li:) ce4:
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 22 - 1 3.bS 2 33
22 ...bd7 23.Ac5 b6 24.i.£2 Axel = Conclusion
8 In Chapter 22 we started our examination of

7 the line 1 0.Ei:e l ! f5 1 1 .tligS lli f6 1 2.8, which
6
is the final topic of this book. White solidifies
e4 and prepares to bring the bishop out to
5 e3 under better circumstances, while keeping
4
open several other developing options.
After the widely accepted reply 1 2 . . . c6 the
3 first player has several ways to continue, but
the subject of this chapter was the 'rash' 1 3 .bS,
2 seeking to open lines as quickly as possible
1 on the queenside. However, my analysis
a b c d e f g h
proved that there is a certain dose of poison
in this move and that we cannot afford to
The position is approximately balanced no underestimate it. Releasing the central tension
matter how White recaptures on e 1 . by 13 . . . cxd5! is our best course, when White
can recapture his pawn in two ways.
l 4.cxd5 is the weaker option of the two. Black
has the incisive 1 4 . . . h6 1 5 .tli e6 i.xe6 1 6.dxe6
fxe4 1 7. fxe4 E!:c8! 1 8.°Wb3 Wa5 ! 1 9.i.d2 Wb6t
20.Wh l E!:xc3! which renders the position at
least equal for him. Therefore White should
recapture with the peculiar-looking l 4.exd5!?,
which gives rise to interesting tactical play.
A thematic continuation is 1 4 . . .f4 1 5 .i.a3!?
lli f5 1 6.c5! e4!, which the reader is invited
to study carefully as it is rich in thrust and
counter-thrust. At the end of the fireworks the
position is equal, with some play still left for
both sides.
Bayonet 12.f3
13.�bl
Variation Index
1 .d4 tl) f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl)c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl)f3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl) c6 8.d5 tl) e7
9.b4 tl) b5 lOJ:!el! f5 1 1 .tl)gS tl) f6 1 2.f3 c6 13.gbl b6! 1 4. tl) e6 i.xe6 1 5.dxe6
1 5 ... tl) es!
A) 16.�b3!? 236
B) 1 6.b5 tl) c7!? 1 7.bxc6 bxc6 18 .i.a3! c5 19.tl)bS tl)xe6 237
B l ) 20.exfS!? 237
B2) 20.�xd6 239
A) after 2 3 . liJ b S B) after 1 9 .liJbS D2) after 20.exf5

Chapter 23 - 1 3 .:B:b l 2 35
l.d4 tli f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 Ag7 4.e4 d6

5.tlif3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tli c6 8.d5 tli e7
9.b4 tlih5 lOJ�el! f5 l 1 .tll g5 tlif6 1 2.f3 c6
1 3.gbl
A waiting move, with only a small
tournament history. It has been the main
weapon of the correspondence player Glukhov,
who has used it with great success in his games,
achieving a perfect score with it.
a b c d e f g h
1 7.bxc6!! hxg5 1 8 .exd5 t Black finds himself

in a rather precarious situation, as the
natural 1 8 . . . e4?! is met simply with l 9.Wb3±
threatening both ixg5 and d5-d6t.
1 3 . . . fxe4!?
A more refined move.
14.l0 gxe4!
However, Black still has difficulties in
obtaining equaliry:
a b c d e f g h
I think this natural reaction is the best

1 3 ... h6!
choice.
Alternatively, l 3 . . . cxd5?! 1 4.exd5!± is better

for White. (Instead, the automatic 1 4 . cxd5 ?!
gives Black good play after 14 ... h6 l 5.llJe6
ixe6 1 6.dxe6 fxe4! 1 7. fxe4 Wb6t 1 8.Wh l
b d f g h
:B:ac8 1 9 .Wb3 :B:xc3! 20.Wxc3 l0xe4 2 1 .We3
a c e
d5 22.Wxb6 axb600 as his two passed pawns in
the centre fully compensate for the sacrificed 1 4 . . . l0xe4
exchange.) The move I mostly focused my attention
upon. Instead:
The immediate 13 ... llJ eS is designed to meet a) 14 . . . llJ f5!?N 1 5 .ig5 ( 1 5.c5!?) l 5 . . . llJxe4!
1 4.b5?! with 14 . . . c5!, fearlessly blocking 1 6. llJxe4 We8 1 7 .c5! h6! 1 8.ic l cxd5
White's queenside activity as Black is ready for 1 9.Wxd5t ie6 20.Wxb? d5 could well
l0 e6. However, after: 1 4 . dxc6! bxc6 1 5 .c5! d5 prove a good practical decision, but the onus
1 6.b5! h6 is on Black.
b) 14 . . . cxd5 1 5 .llJxf6t ixf6 1 6 .l0xd5 l0xd5
1 7 .Wxd5t Wg7 1 8 .id3! We? 1 9.ie4!;!;
allows White to build an annoying bind on
236 B ayonet 1 2 .f3
the light squares, although Black's position is

probably defendable.
1 5 . fxe4 cxd5 1 6.l0xd5 !?N
1 6.cxd5 i>h8!N l 7.ie3 (l 7.ig5 Wb6t
1 8 .i>h l l0 g8!) 17 ... llJg8! l 8 .1Wd2 id?+±
intending . . . Wh4 and . . . ih6, offers Black
good chances for equality.
1 6 . . . llJ c6 1 7.ie3 llJ d4 1 8 ..ig4!;!;
White obtains a slight advantage with the
minimum of risk.
1 4.tlie6 .ixe6 1 5.dxe6 tli e8!
8
7
-��- - -"� � , /,;-�'i!i'�Y,�·
� � � B,.
m ��f
,, , , , ,,,,,
6 1'j � - �. r�
� -- - -
54 -�-� - · -
��£·---"�-0 �� -�
3.·----"
if.
b ;<
� ., , � 8 �
� v�
- �
a b c d e f g h
2 8 � �� ·
m., m@<�� /�/�
� � �� (L-: /�
�
The knight is on its way to c7. Now we are
1 :w, § � � �
a b c d e f g h
at a crossroads, White has: A) 1 6.YlYb3!? or
B) 1 6.b5.
23 ... tli dS!N
A) 1 6.YlYb3!? A very important move, eyeing c3 and
permitting the rook to switch over to e7 after
A natural reaction when Black's control over a subsequent . . . E!:xb 7, when Black seems to be
the d5-square is decreasing, but in the present doing fine. Elsness - Arun Prasad, Gausdal
instance it does not offer any advantage. A 2008, continued 23 . . . E!:xb? immediately, when
logical line of play runs: White should have preferred 24.llJd6 followed
by .if4, with an initiative.
1 6 ... tli c7 17J�dl!
1 7 .ie3?! '.t>h7! is better for Black. 24 ..id2
24.c6?! is met by 24 . . . d3!t, to be followed
17 ... tlixe6! 1 8.c5 d5 1 9.exd5 by . . . Wb6t, and Black is at least slightly better.
24.id3 ?! is refuted by 24 . . . l0 c3 25.c6 We8!+.

Chapter 23 - 1 3 .:B:b l 237
24 J�xb7 25.tll d6
•• 17.bxc6 bxc6 18.i.a3!
25 .ic4 tli e3!00 is unclear. The only move to cause problems, provoking
. . . c5 at the cost of displacing the bishop.
25.:B:cl tli c3! 26.tlixc3 dxc3 27.ixc3 id4t! to
be followed by . . . ixc5, looks okay for Black. 1 8 c5 1 9.tll b5
•••
l 9.exf5!? is more cunning, aiming to

transpose by force to the ending which arises
in variation B 1 below after 20 . . . gxf5!?.
19 tll xe6N
•••
Improving on l 9 . . . tlic8?!. After 20.tlixc7

Wxc7 2 1 .Wd5 tli e7 22.Wb7 Wxb7 23.:B:xb7
:B:ae8 24.:!:'!:c7! :B:f6 25 .id3 :B:xe6 26.:B:b l ± a5?
27.:B:b6 a4 28 .ixc5+- White cruised to victory
in Glukhov - Costa, corr. 20 1 0 .
White can continue with either Bl) 20.exf5!?
a b c d e f g h
or B2) 20.YlYxd6.
25 :ge7!ft
•••
Bl) 20.exf5!?
Guaranteeing Black excellent counterplay.
It looks wise to open up the position for the
B) 1 6.b5 tll c7!? bishops before entering the endgame, but
16 . . . c5 appears positionally suspect in view of:

Black need not comply.
1 7.tlid5 tlic7 1 8.tlixc7 Wxc7 1 9.exf5N (Better

than l 9.ie3 f4= as in Schlosser - Polzin, Austria 8
2003.) 1 9. gxf5 20.Wh l !--+ White is threatening 7
to open lines on the kingside with g2-g4. There
may be some improvements along the way for
6
Black, but in any case 1 6 . . . tli c7!? is much more 5
principled, and should eventually equalize. 4
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
I invested a lot of time analysing the ending

20 gx5!?
•••
arising after this move, in case White manages

to force it by employing the 1 9.exf5!? move
order mentioned above.
a b c d e f g h
238 B ayonet 1 2. f3
Under the present conditions Black need 24 ... gb6! 25.tll b5 c!ll c6 26.i.d3!
not enter it, as 20 . . . llJxf5! looks even better, 26.l:l:d6 llJ b4 27.l:l:d7 l0xa2 28.l:l:xa7 l0 b4=
offering fair chances in a complicated position
8
by simply holding on to the precious d6-pawn.
7
The engines give 2 1 .'Wd5!?, but after 2 1 . . .We?
22.id3 l:l:ad8 23.l0xa7 Wxa7 24.Wxe6t '.t>h7?
6
Black has everything in order and I believe that
5
he is at least equal.
4
2 1 .Wxd6
2 1 .llJxd6? Wa5+, intending . . . l:l:ad8 or . . . a6,
is dismal for White. 3
2
2 1 . ..Wfxd6 22.tll xd6 gab8!
1
a b c d e f g h
We have reached the position White has been
aiming for. However, the chances should be
balanced as Black does have a plan to improve 26 ... e4! 27.fxe4 f4 28.@fl
the position of his rook by . . . l:l:b6, meaning 28.ie2 l0cd4 will transpose.
that White must act quickly. I couldn't find
any advantage for him in any of the following 28 ... tll cd4
continuations: We have reached another branching point,
where Black's compensation for the pawn looks
sufficient no matter how White continues.
a b c d e f g h
23.gxbS!
23.g4!? l:l:b6!= is equal.
29.i.e2
23.llJ b?!? l:l:fc8 24.l:l:ed l if8!?00 leads to A logical attempt to play for an advantage.
unclear play.
29.l:l:b l is answered by 29 . . . l:l:a6!?, illustrating
23 ... gxbS 24.gdl one of the points of keeping the pawn on a7
The top suggestion of the engines, but Black earlier on.
has a strategically well-founded reply:
Chapter 23 - 1 3 .E!:b l 239
29.ic l allows 29 . . . ie5� with a firm blockade. B2) 20.ti'xd6
The above fact unavoidably drew my attention Best according to Houdini, but still not
to 29.e5!?, but Black still manages to hold enough for a plus, as we will see.
relatively easily as the activity of the white
bishops is not that great:
8
- � � �� ;�
76 1�� ..�� ."� .�-�
. . . · "� · - - - -
·�-�-,��
�
s • lt:J �
�
4 ��
� �
� '8"1f"""•- "�
3 �;,� �'I'� - - "�
2 "8�. �. -�f!
1" � n � <it>� b d f g h
a b c d e f g h
.
a c e
29 . . . ixe5 30.E!:e l .if6 3 1 ..ic l @f7 32.li:)xd4 20 ...ti'xd6 2 1 .tll xd6 f4!
(32.ie4 li:)xb5 33.cxb5 ic3?) 32 . . . ixd4 Now the ending is even easier to play for
33.if5 li:) f8 ! 34.ixf4 (34 . .ie4 li:) g6 3 5 .id5t Black; given the chance, he raises a barrier to
'if;if6=) 34 ... li:)g6! 3 5 .ixg6t 'tt> xg6� The the activity of the white bishops.
strongly-placed black pieces should guarantee
the draw. 22.tll b7
E!:f7 25.li:)d5 ifs 26.E!:b2 E!:b8 27.E!:xb8 li:)xb8

22.ifl E!:f6! 23 .Ei:b2 (23.li:)b5 li:) c6 24.li:) c3
28.Ei:b l li:) c6=) 23 . . ..ifB 24.li:)b5 li:) c6 25.li:)c3

E!:f7 26.E!:eb l E!:d8 2?.li:)d5 li:) ed4 28.'if;if2 id6
29 . .ie2 'tt> g7 30 . .id l h5 3 1 ..ia4 li:)a5 32.Ei:cl
g5 33 .h3 'if;ig6 is unclear.
a b c d e f g h
29 ... tll c2! 30 . .tcl tll ed4! 3 1 .'tt> tl i.e5;;
Setting up a successful blockade on the dark
squares.
240 B ayonet 1 2 . f3
22" J�ffc8 23.gedl gab8 24.gd7 Conclusion

24.l:l:d6 l:l:c6! 25 .l:l:d7 tli c8!? may even be
worse for White. In Chapter 23 we dealt in some depth with
the positions arising after 1 0.l:l:e l ! f5 1 1 . tli g5
24 ... tli c6m tli f6 l 2.f3 c6 1 3.l:l:b 1 . 1 3.l:l:b 1 is a prophylactic
move, getting the rook out of the perilous
long diagonal and yielding prospects along the
b-file in case it opens up later on.
I have chosen to answer this particular
option with the radical 1 3 . . . h6! 14.tlie6 ixe6
l 5 . dxe6 tlie8!, when the knight is on its way to
c7 with the obvious intention of eliminating
the annoying e6-pawn. The knight's retreat
raises the question of what happens after a
move such as 1 6.'\Wb3!?, but I think I managed
to cope with this idea satisfactorily by 1 6 . . . tli c7
1 7 .l:l:d l ! llixe6! l 8 .c5 d5 l 9.exd5 tli d4!
a b c d e f g h
20.l:l:xd4 exd4 2 1 .dxc6t 'tt> h 7 22.cxb7 l:l:b8
23.tlib5 tlid5! - when I don't believe Black is
We have reached a position where Black's worse in the ensuing sharp position.
chances are by no means inferior thanks to the Thus, instead of 1 6.'\Wb3!? White has to
strength of his knights. play l 6.b5 to have any hopes of an advantage,
seeking to open lines. After 1 6 . . . tli c7! ? l 7.bxc6
bxc6 1 8 .ia3! c5 1 9 .tlib5 tlixe6, both 20.exf5!?
and 20.'\Wxd6 lead to interesting positions.
Black should be able to hold his own by
An important line demonstrating the truth

sticking to a typical dark-square strategy.
of the above statement is 20.exf5 !? gxf5!?

2 1 .'\Wxd6 '\Wxd6 22.tlixd6 l:l:ab8! 23 .l:l:xb8!
l:l:xb8 24.l:l:d l l:l:b6! 25.tlib5 tli c6 26.id3! e4!
27.fXe4 f4 when, by sacrificing a pawn, Black
manages to keep the enemy bishops to relative
passivity and increase the activity of his own
pieces, securing sufficient compensation.
Overall, Black maintains equal chances in
this chapter with some typically human ideas
which are of a quite positional nature.
Bayonet 12.f3
a b c d e f g h
13.�hl
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl:if3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7
9.b4 tl:i h5 1 0.�el! f5 1 1 .tl:igS tl:J f6 1 2.f3 c6 13.i>hl h6 1 4. tl:J e6 i.xe6 1 5 .dxe6
1 5 ... tl:J eS!
A) 1 6.i.e3 242
B) 16.'i;Vb3!? 243
B) note to 19 ... b6! B ) note t o 20 .cx b6! B) after 27 .id?
a b c d e f g h
20.ti:lxd5!?
242 B ayonet 1 2 . f3
I .d4 tll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 Ag7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 1 9.lll b 5! lll xe6 20.'\Wxd6 '\Wxd6 2 1 .lll xd6 f4!?
0-0 6.Ae2 e5 7.0-0 tll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4 tll h5 Black gets excellent counterplay, as in the
IO.ge l! f5 1 1 .tll g5 tll f6 12.f3 c6 13.ci>hl similar line with 1 3 .:B:b 1 .
This i s similar to 1 3.:B:b 1 from the previous
chapter, only perhaps a little bit worse. A) I6.i.e3
Black should continue with his plan of

attacking the e6-pawn.
a b c d e f g h
1 6 ... tll c7+t
The position is well balanced.
14.tll e6 i.xe6 1 5.dxe6 tll e8!
The knight is heading to c7 to attack the 17.Wi'b3 ci>h7
annoying e6-pawn. We will concentrate on: 1 7 . . . '\Wc8 ?! 1 8 .:B:ad l '\Wxe6 1 9.:B:xd6! '\Wxd6
A) 1 6.i.e3 and B) 16.Wfb3!?. 20.c5t '\We6 2 1 .ic4 lll cd5 22.exd5 cxd5
23.lll xd5± is one to avoid.
1 6.b5 does not pose any real problems for
Black either: 1 6 . . . lll c?! 1 7.bxc6 bxc6 1 8 .ia3!
c5
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 24 - 1 3 . ii h l 243
1 8.c5 d5 1 9.exd5 cxd5 20.gadl d4! 26.tll xd4! exd4 27.e7 tll xe7 28.Wxb4 Wc7
20 . . . WcS!?N 2 I .li:)xd5! (2 I .li:)b5?! li:)xb5 29.gbl gab8 30.Wb6 gfc8 3 1 .i.f7 tll c6
22.ixb5 Wxe6 23.f4 a6 24.ia4 e4 25 .E!:d2 32 ..tds:i:
E!:ac8!+ is much better for Black.) 2 I . . . li:)cxd5 Black had obtained a slight edge in Degraeve
22.E!:xd5 li:)xd5 23.Wxd5 E!:e8! 24.ib5! - J. Howell, Groningen 1 995.
(24.ic4?? E!:d8-+) 24 ... Wxe6 25 .Wxb7 E!:ab8
26.Wd7 Wxa2 27.c6 a6! 28.c7 (28 . .ifl ?! is B ) 1 6.Wb3!?
better for Black after 28 . . . We6!) 28 . . . axb5
29.cxbS='IW E!:xb8 30.Ei:cl We2 3 1 ..ig l e4 Apparently, the only move with any venom.
32.fxe4 f4 33 ..id4 E!:g8 34.h3 f3 3 5 . gxf3 The idea is quite obvious: initiating dangerous
Wxf3t 36.i>gl = pressure along the d-file.
2 1 .tll b 5 tll cd5

2 1 . ..a5N+± is also possible.
22.i.gl
17.c5
The most dangerous continuation. White
concedes a wide pawn centre to his opponent,
hoping to annihilate it by later sacrificing on
d5.
Instead, 1 7.ie3 transposes to variation A

above.
After 1 7.Ei:d l Black should fearlessly grab the

e6-pawn: 1 7 . . . li:)xe6!N 1 8 .c5 d5 1 9.exd5 li:) d4!
20.E!:xd4 exd4 2 1 .dxc6t '.t>h7 22.cxb7 E!:b8
23.if4 Now that the rook is hanging on a l ,
White dare not move his knight. 23 . . . dxc3
a b c d e f g h
244 B ayonet 1 2. f.3
24.l:l:d l We8 25 .ia6 (25 .ixb8?! Wxb8 26.l:l:d? The most testing continuation, creating
We5 27.ifl li:) c6-+ is dead lost for White.) pressure on e5 .
25 ... li:) c6+ or 25 ... W c6!?+ White does not have
sufficient compensation for his material loss. l 9.b5?! \t>h7!? ( l 9 . . . d4 20.l:l:d1 !00) 20.l:l:d l
li:)xe6 2 1 .li:)xd5 li:) d4 22.li:)xe? Wxe7 23.Wc4
Finally, l 7.ib2!? fxe4 1 8 . fxe4 li:)xe6 ( 1 8 . . . a5!? l:l:fc8 24.ia3 a6! 25.b6 l:l:c6+ looks worse for
1 9 .c5!) 1 9.c5 d5 20.li:)xd5! Wh7 2 1 .li:) b6 axb6 White.
22.Wxe6
1 9 ... b6!
This looks best, undermining White's
potentially dangerous queenside pawns.
1 9 . . . We8
I twice relied upon this move in the past, but
it is too complicated and rather dangerous.
An example is:
20.li:)xd5 ! ?
20.l:l:ad l ! ? l:l:d8 2 1 .a4!? a 6 (2 1 . . .d4?
22.li:) b5!±) 22.li:)xd5 !? l:l:xd5! (22 . . . li:) exd5
a b c d e f g h
23.ic4! Wxe6 24.ixe5!) 23.ic4� is also
22 . . . li:) gS! 23.l:l:ad l (23.cxb6 Wd2!?�) dangerous for Black, and quite possibly the
23 ... We8 24.Wc4 bxc5 25.bxc5 We? 26.a4 best option for the first player, although
li:) f6 27.ic3 h5! 28.a5 li:) g4 29.ixg4 hxg4 Black did go on to win in Van Wely -
30.l:l:d6 Wf7� was approximately balanced in Stellwagen, Netherlands 2005.
8 �E �.t. %"'•//, �:I-if

Tochacek - Gerhardt, corr. 2002.
17 ...dS 1 8.exd5 cxd5!

76 �� :� ,�_ ;_ •• .
.. .
r � ��
��if�-0 lZJ-
.
�% ·0 �� '.
Inferior is l 8 . . . li:) cxd5?! l 9 .li:)xd5 cxd5
��
•••••
�
.
4 ��L-� � �. '�
20.ib5t, intending id?.
'
'l
5
.
•
•.• •
.
. ..
�- - - - �
� ��
� · · - - · �u.!i!�
!l r � ��
a b c d e f g h
20 . . . li:) cxd5! 2 1 .l:l:ad l !

2 1 .ic4 li:) f6!?
2 1 . . .Wh?!? 22.ic4!? lt:) f6 23.ixe5 b5! 24.ifU
White was calling the shots in Van Wely
- Kotronias, Gothenburg 2005, although I
managed to win eventually. It is obvious to
me now that entering these crazy positions
is unnecessary, as l 9 . . . b6! breaks the force of
Chapter 24 - 1 3 .<ii h l 245
White's queenside play by taking the sting out reinforce d5 with a rook so White must act
of any sacrificial ideas. incisively.
20.cxb6!
This seems to be the best choice for White,
even if he cannot really hope to get an
advantage after it. White shields the b-file
before attacking the enemy centre.
After 20.:B:ad l ?! bxc5 2 1 .li:)xd5 (2 1 .bxc5?

:B:b8-+) 2 1 . . .li:)cxd5 22.ic4 :B:b8! Black is
at least equal. For example: 23.b5? (23.ia3!
cxb4 24.ib2 V/Jc7 25 .ixd5 :B:fd8 26.ic4
:B:xd l 27.:B:xd l V/Jc5+ looks like the lesser
a b c d e f g h
evil for White, but it's still unpleasant for
him.) 23 . . . V/Ja5! 24.ixd5 :B:xb5+ It is already
doubtful whether White can save himself. 22.tll xd5
This exchange sacrifice, breaking up the
20.c6?! is strongly answered by: 20 . . . cii h 7!! force of the enemy centre, is quite natural and
2 1 .:B:ad l (2 1 .b5 li:)xe6 22.ia3 li:)d4+) 2 1 . . .li:)xc6 logical.
22.li:)xd5 li:)xe6 23.li:)xb6 V/Jxb6 24.V/Jxe6
s z� � • if6+ the second player has fully consolidated

22.a4?! is too slow, and after 22 . . . :B:dS 23 .ia3
76 �-�.l\ur�� .... ��-�

; ��-i! his central position, obtaining a slight
%�1•1r•4 �
.
advantage.
45 ��•�..... .?.. • , .�� 22.li:) b5!? li:)xe6! 23.ic4! (23 .:B:xd5?! li:)xd5
3 � ""' "�� 24.V/Jxd5 :B:e8 25.li:)d6 :B:e7 26.ixe5 ixe5
2 �� !� ��
27.V/Jxe5 Wh7 28 .ic4 :B:d7+ is another
�
�
.;. .�� 1B � �
convincing line given by Mikhalevski in
ChessBase.) 23 . . . dxc4 24.V/Jxc4 V!JcB 25.li:)c7!
b d f g h
V/Jxc7 26.V/Jxe6t :B:f7 27.:B:d7 V/Jc6 28.:B:xe7
24 . . . V/Jxb4!N An improvement given by
a c e
V/Jxe6 29.:B:xe6 :B:xa2 30 .ixe5 ixe5 3 1 .1':!:6xe5
<ii g7 32.:B:e6 :B:f6 33.:B:e7t :B:f7= Mikhalevski
Mikhalevski. (The players agreed to a draw concludes that the position is completely
after 24 . . . fileS ?!= in Van Wely - Nijboer, drawn in his ChessBase notes, and one can
Hilversum 2006.) 25 .:B:b l :B:f6 26.V/Jc4 :B:b8+ hardly disagree with him.
Black has a safe extra pawn, although White
has some chances to hold due to the bishop 22 ... c!ll cxd5 23J�xd5 c!ll xd5 24.ygxd5 gd8
pair. 25.ygb3 <ii h7 26. .tb5! ygd6 27 ..td7
White has anchored his bishop on d7, to
20 ... axb6 2 U�adl ygb8! protect the precious e6-pawn and interfere
A strong move, completely killing White's with the communication of the black forces,
chances for an advantage. Black prepares to but it is obvious that it will not live for long.
246 Bayonet 1 2 . f3
. . , ,¥,� �
s K �� - •
� � .
Conclusion
��----·%.·�
• •
1� � il
;�•� om
. . �%_ ,•:t
• �""'
6
In Chapter 24 we examined in considerable
��r0 �� . . �
:::: �
5
� .
detail the line 1 0.ge l ! f5 l l .li:) g5 lt:)f6 1 2.£3
�
c6 1 3.Wh l . By moving his king to the corner
..%�
4 � - - ��
White avoids unpleasant surprises on the a7-
3 �v-
gl diagonal, but on the other hand he does not
��:� � �-t
�� ·0
improve the situation of his queenside pieces;
2 . .. �% ��-
� which is the reason I consider this idea inferior
��
�� • � !�
1
to 1 3 .:B:b l .
. ,, Y.
I n spite of that, Black still needs some
a b c d e f g h
precision to achieve equality and my suggestion
is 1 3 . . . h6 1 4. li:)e6 .ixe6 1 5 .dxe6 li:)e8!, in the
27 .. J�a7! 28J�dl V!fe7 29.a4 gaxd7 30.exd7 spirit of the previous chapter. After 16 . .ie3
At this point a draw was agreed in I..:Ami - li:) c? 1 7.'\Wb3 Wh7 1 8 .c5 d5 1 9.exd5 cxd5
Nijboer, Hilversum 2008. I will give a plausible 20.:B:ad l d4! I think that Black has an easy
line of play for completeness: game with slightly better chances. Therefore,
the main topic of our analysis has been the
30 ... gxd7 3 1 .gxd7 V!fxd7 32 ..icl move 1 6.'1Wb3!?, which is designed to put
32.h3 h5!= doesn't change the evaluation Black quickly under pressure along the cl-file.
drastically. After 1 6.'\Wb3!? Black should continue as
follows: 16 . . . li:) c?! l 7.c5 d5 1 8.exd5 cxd5!
32 ... hS 33 ..ie3 e4! 34.fxe4 fxe4 35 ..ixb6 1 9 . .ib2! b6!. By undermining White's
V!id3! 36.V!f e6 Vfib l t 37..igl V!f xb4= dangerous queenside pawn majority the
second player frees his position completely and
takes the sting out of potential sacrifices on the
sensitive d5-point. White's best continuation
is 20.cxb6! axb6 2 1 .:B:ad l but even that leaves
matters pretty balanced after 2 1 . . .'IWbS!,
which is the last important move Black needs
to remember. The sacrifice 22.li:)xd5, albeit
interesting, fails to achieve anything better
than a draw due to 22 . . . li:) cxd5 23.:B:xd5
li:)xd5 24.Wxd5 :B:d8 25 .Wb3 i>h7 26 . .ib5!
'IW d6 27 ..id? :B:a7!. The second player will give
back the exchange on d7, fully equalizing the
chances.
Bayonet 12.f3
a b c d e f g h
13.le3
Variation Index
I .d4 ti:i f6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:i c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 s.tl:if3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl:i c6 8.d5 tl:i e7
9.b4 tl:i h5 1 0.�el! f5 1 1 .tl:igS ti:i f6 1 2.f3 c6 1 3.i.e3
1 3 ... i.h6!
A) 1 4.i.d2 248
B) 1 4.h4!? 25 1
note to 13 . . .ih6! A) note to l 5 .'ll e6!N B) after l 9.'ll e4?
1 7 . . . Y?ieS!N 1 5 . . . ixh3!N
248 B ayonet 1 2 . f3
1 .d4 c!ll f6 2.c4 g6 3.tll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tll f3 1 7 . . . WfeS!N (In the game the inferior
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 c!ll c6 8.d5 tll e7 9.b4 tll h5 1 7 . . . Wf dS?! was played, allowing l 8 .ic4t
lOJ�el! f5 l 1 .tll g5 tll f6 1 2.f3 c6 13.i.e3 followed by l 9.tlie6.) Black has dangerous
The most common continuation, reinforcing attacking prospects on the kingside. On l 8.h4
White's queenside play, but it has a slight there comes l 8 . . . Wh8!-+, keeping open the
disadvantage as it allows a pin by . . . ih6. It option of . . . tlih5, but mainly threatening
has been played by Bacrot and Bareev among . . . ig7 and . . . h6.
others, a fact which speaks volumes about its
merits, but I think by now the right antidote A) 14.i.d2
to it has been found, neutralizing White's
initiative.
1 3 .. .i.h6!
By pinning the adverse knight, Black
hinders tli e6 and threatens . . . f4, posing serious
obstacles to White's quest for an advantage.
1 3 . . . h6 1 4.tlie6 ixe6 1 5.dxe6 Wh7!?00,

planning . . . tli f6-e8-c7, is another interesting
position deserving analysis. White then has
two main ideas. The first one consists of the
a b c d e f g h
traditional moves :B:b 1 and b4-b5 (and possibly
b5-b6!? when the knight arrives on c7) , while
the second is the less common but equally Trying to reverse the status quo on the c l -h6
important manoeuvre a2-a4 and :!:'!:al -a2-d2, diagonal by threatening tli e6. However, White
trying to put d6 under pressure. has lost time and Black can exploit this.
Back to our main line, when White has 14 ... £4!?

A) 14.i.d2 or B) 14.h4!?. I like this radical solution. l 4 . . . Wg7 has also
been played, with the idea of . . . tlih5. I do not
1 4.c5 i s a very risky move, tried in Bareev - see anything too wrong with that, but I prefer
Balcerak, Bundesliga 2000. 1 4 . . . f4 1 5 . cxd6 the text as I consider it simpler.
fXe3 1 6.dxe7 Wfxe7 l 7.d6
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 25 - 1 3 .ie3 249
15.ltJ e6!N
Of course the knight should j ump into the
black camp.
1 5. lll h 3 ?!
a b c d e f g h
17.ygb3
The main preference of the engines.
a b c d e f g h
Weaker is instead 1 7.b5?! Vfixe6 1 8 .�b l
1 5 . . . ixh3!N
( 1 8.bxc6 lll x c6!) 1 8 . . . c5+ and the only one
In Lobron - Barcenilla, Yerevan ( ol) 1 996,
with winning chances is Black.
1 6.gxh3 Vf1 d7!
the inferior 15 ... g5? was played.
1 7.c5 ! ? is probably best met by: l 7 . . . d5 1 8 .exd5
It is bad to exchange on d5 as it gives
cxd5! ( 1 8 . . . lll fxd5 l 9.ic4 ig7 20.lll e4 Vfixe6
White a free hand on the queenside. For
2 1 .b5t is better for White, who intends to
example, 1 6 . . . cxd5?! 1 7.cxd5 Vfid7 1 8 .'tt> g2
follow up with Vfia4 and �ab l , laying siege to
�fc8 1 9.�cl ig5 20.Vfib3! (20.Vfia4?
Black's queenside.) l 9.lll b 5 a6 20.lll d6 Vfixe6
is met by 20 ... Vfixa4 2 1 .lll xa4 lll x e4!+)
2 1 .lll x b7 lll f5? With a complicated position,
20 . . . ih4 2 1 .�ed 1 h5t and White is more
offering chances to both sides.
comfortable. 22.a4 lll h 7 23.ib5! Vfid8 24.a5
lll g5 25. lll e2 Black should probably hold,
17 ...ygxe6 1 8.gedl !
but it's not an easy task.
1 8.c5 d5 1 9.exd5 cxd5?
1 7.ifl
Black gains excellent attacking chances with
the rather simple follow-up:
17 . . . ig5 1 8 .Vfib3 Wh8 1 9 .�ec l ih4 20.a4 h5
2 1 .a5 g5+
1 5 ...ixe6 1 6.dxe6 ygc8
problems he has on the light squares. The

This looks okay for Black, in spite of a few
main reason is that White has lost time, and

the d2-bishop stands in the way of creating
any direct pressure on the cl-file. Let us look at
some lines:
a b c d e f g h
250 B ayonet 1 2 . f3
1 8 ... ci>hs 1 9 ..iel !? 25 . . . g3! 26.hxg3 fXg3 27.ixg3 ih6 Here the
In case of a direct l 9.c5 Black stands well by point is revealed, as Black can activate his
continuing: 1 9 . . . d5 20.ie l :B:ad8 2 1 .b5 Wc8 bishop with tempo. 28.:B:d3 :B:g8 (28 . . . lll h 5!? is
22.:B:ab l dxe4 23.lll xe4 lll xe4 24.fXe4 cxb5! also good) 29.ih2 if4 30.ixf4 exf4 3 1 .'Wb2
25.:B:xd8 :B:xd8 26.Wxb5 lll c6 27.Wxb7 lll d4= We5�
8
With a draw as the most probable outcome.
19 .. J�fdS 'l- �'l� / �� . ��h�-

i - -�- . . _%.j' ,0
,,,,
1W
.. .. .
% . . %�
Here we have reached a major branching
6 � i t�if� i �.
� . . . . . ;.-:�.. . . . .� ....
point:
- � ;% '""''
5 �
20 .ifl
•
4
��!� E'•��
��"8'�
A flexible, preparatory move, preparing a
doubling of rooks on the d-file while eyeing
3 -�� -0 ��r�
2 �� . . . . . ;�
the weak a7-spot.
.... 8 1�
f"� �
& ��
8 - -.f,�
.: � Y.��d{""
,,.
Once more, 20.c5 fails to achieve anything

1 . . � �
a b c d e f g h
against correct defence. I don't see any
problems after: 20 . . . Wxb3!? 2 1 .axb3 d5
22.exd5 cxd5 23.b5 lt:\ f5 (23 ... g5 24.id3!?) 20 g5
•••
24.c6! bxc6 25.bxc6 :B:ac8 26.:B:a6 :B:d6 27.ib5 Again, Black should not wait passively. The
lt:\ d4 28 .ia4 :B:e6 29.:B:xa7 lll xc6 30.ixc6 idea of counterattacking by . . . g4 at some point
:B:exc6 3 1 .lll x d5 lll x d5 32.:B:xd5 if8 33.'tt> fl will keep White sufficiently distracted from his
:B:b6 34.:B:xe5 :B:xb3= queenside endeavours.
Doubling rooks by 20.:B:d2 could be 2 1 J�d3!? gd7 22.gadl .ig7 23.Wa4 g4

slightly inaccurate as illustrated by the line: 24.b5 gxf3
20 . . . g5 2 1 .:B:ad l ig7 22.if2 (22.Wa4 :B:d7! Now Black has to play this modest move,
will most likely transpose, as I see nothing but his chances are still okay.
better for White than 23.if2) 22 . . . :B:d7!
23 .Wa4 (23 .Wa3 is also answered by 23 . . . g4�) 25 .ixf3 c5! 26.b6 lll c8!=
•
23 ... g4! 24.c5 d5 25 .Wb3 A likely continuation could be:
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 25 - 1 3 .ie3 25 1
27.i.xc5 dxc5 28J�xd7 tlixd7 29.ygxd7 ygxd7

30Jhd7 tlixb6 3 U�xb7 tlixc4 32.tlid5 tli d6
33J�d7 tli b5
Reaching a drawish ending.
B) 1 4.h4!?
The most critical choice, blunting the force

of the h6-bishop, but the weakening of the
kingside is rather significant and will give
Black counterplay on the g3- and g4-squares.
We will now follow one of my own games to
its conclusion.
20.i.xg3?!
Alternatively, 20.ic4 li:)xe4 2 1 .Ei:xe4 M5
22.Ei:el Wxg5 23.cxd6 id? 24.Ei:c l ? (24.°1We2N
or 24.°1Wd2 as in Schreiber - Heinz, email
2000, would have given White a few saving
chances) 24 . . . li:) g3-+ led to a winning position
for Black in Bosboom - Nijboer, Wijk aan Zee
1 997.
20 ... fxg3 21 .i.c4

Of no help is 2 1 .°IWc l if5! 22.li:)xd6 li:)f4!-+,
as Mikhalevski correctly points out in his
ChessBase notes to the game.
l 5 . cxd5! is covered in the next chapter.
1 5 ... £4 1 6.i.fl i.xg5 17.hxg5 tli h5 18.c5

8
tlif5 7
The glaring weakness of the g3-square gives
Black a strong attack.
6
5
19.tlie4? 4
Mikhalevski's suggestion of l 9 .ib5!N seems
to lead to a draw after: l 9 . . . a6! ( 1 9 . . . li:) fg3 ? 3
i s answered with 20.cxd6!±, with the idea 2
20 .. .'1Wxg5 ? 2 1 .d? Wh4 22.ic5 +-) 20.ia4
1
a b c d e f g h
li:) fg3 2 1 .cxd6 b5 22.ib3 Wxg5 23.d?! ixd7
24.d6t 'itig7 25 .E!:xe5 Wh4 26.id4 'itih6=
2 1 . .. i.fS! 22.�xd6 ygxg5-+ Conclusion

I had a winning attack in Kotanjian -
Kotronias, Thessaloniki 2007, which Chapter 25 has been an introduction to the
converted without any problems. very intricate world of 1 O.�e l ! f5 l l .'ll g5 'll f6
1 2.f3 c6 1 3.ie3 ih6!. White's 1 3th move is
23.�xfS probably the strongest in the position, and
23.�xe5 Wh4 24.'ll xf5 �f5 25.�xf5 gxf5 caused me quite a few headaches before I
26.d6t Wxc4-+is given by Mikhalevski. could find 1 3 . . . ih6!. To be honest, it caused
me some more even after I found it! However,
23 ...gxfS 24.d6t @g7 25.ge4 �f4 26.d7 I can now claim with certainty that Black gets
ygh4 27.gxf4 ygxf4 28.i.e6 an equal game with this rather unusual pin,
28.Wd3 Wh4 29.�el �h5 30.@fl Wh l t and I am glad that all the heavy work I did was
3 1 .@e2 Wxg2t 32.@dl Wb2-+ not in vain.
The most natural way of answering 13 . . .ih6!
is the underestimated l 4.id2 which has, in
my opinion, been undeservedly neglected.
I think I managed to provide the readers with
an efficient equalizer against it by adopting
the logical continuation 1 4 .. . f4!? 1 5 .'ll e6!
ixe6 1 6.dxe6 Wc8 1 7 .Wb3 Wxe6 1 8.�ed l !
Wh8 1 9.ie l ! ? �fd8, which seems to suit our
repertoire purposes. Black seems a bit tied
down defending d6, but a pawn is a pawn and
White's bishop pair does not strike me as too
strong in this particular situation.
In fact White has a stronger move than 1 4 .id2,

However, that is hardly the end of the story.
none other than the intriguing 1 4.h4! ?.

I have spent many precious hours of my life
analysing the position after 1 4.h4!? cxd5, but I
can assure my dear readers that they were not
spent on the recapture 1 5 .exd5?!. This move is
very dangerous for White with h2-h4 thrown
in, and turns Black's knights into monsters
after the obvious sequence 1 5 .. .f4 l 6.if2
hg5 1 7.hxg5 'll h 5 1 8.c5 'll f5 . Mikhalevski
has pointed out that White may still be able
to hold this position with accurate play, but
obviously it is much better for him to discard
it in favour of the correct l 5 . cxd5!. That move
will be examined in the concluding part of this
book.
Bayonet 12.f3
a b c d e f g h
1 5 .cxdS!
Variation Index
1 .d4 ti:if6 2.c4 g6 3.tl:ic3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.tl:if3 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 tl:ic6 8.d5 tl:i e7
9.b4 tl:ib5 lOJ:!el! f5 1 1 . tl:ig5 ti:i f6 1 2.f3 c6 1 3.J.e3 J.h6! 14.b4!? cxd5 1 5.cxd5!
1 5 ...J.d7!
A) 1 6.YMd2 f4 17.J.fl J.xg5 1 8.bxg5 tl:i b5 254
Al) 19.gecl a6!? 20.b5! tl:i c8! 2 1 .bxa6 bxa6 255
Al l) 22.YMb2 255
Al2) 22.gab l 256
A2) 1 9. gacl!? 257
B) 1 6.a4!?N 259
C) 1 6.YMb3 tl:i b5!? 1 7.J.h5 J.xb5 1 8 . tl:ixb5 J.xg5!
1 9.bxg5!? fxe4! 20.fxe4 tl:i f4 262
Cl) 2 1 .gfl!? 264
C2) 2 1 .gacl 265
D) 1 6.gcl!? a6! 266
D l ) 1 7.a4!? 266
D2) 1 7.b5! 268
A l 1 ) note to 2 5 .lll e2N A2) after 22. l"lc2 D) note to 1 6 . . . a6!
a b c d e f g h
1 7. . .bS!N
254 Bayonet 1 2 . f3
l .d4 tli f6 2.c4 g6 3.tlic3 Ag7 4.e4 d6 A) 1 6.�d2

5.tlif3 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 tli c6 8.d5 tli e7
9.b4 tli h5 lOJ�e l ! f5 1 1 .tlig5 tli f6 1 2.f3 c6 A popular move in praxis; the queen provides
13 .Ae3 i.h6! 14.h4!? cxd5 1 5.cxd5! the bishop with the necessary protection, but
Time to examine the more rational and loses access to the queenside.
popular continuation l 5 . cxd5!:
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h 1 6 ... �14
1 s ... Ad7! Logical. Black wants to take the knight on
A very strong move, after which Black's plan g5 and follow with . . . llJh5. Then he will move
can be summarized as follows: the e7-knight in order to capture the g5-pawn
1 ) He will follow up with . . . a6 to rule out and start an attack against the white king.
ib5 possibilities. White on the other hand, will try to open lines
2) Then, with . . . f4 followed by . . .ixg5 and on the queenside or penetrate via the c-file.
. . . llJ h 5 , he will create a weakness on g5 .
3) The e7-knight will retreat to c8 to defend 17.i.fl hg5 1 8.hxg5 tli h5
the queenside and allow the black queen to
join the attack by . . . �xg5 .
In this chapter will concentrate on A) 1 6.�d2,

B) 1 6.a4!?N, C) 1 6.�b3 and D) 16.�krn.
1 6.ib5?! is premature; after 16 ... ixb5

1 7.l0xb5 fxe4 1 8 .fxe4 ixg5 ! 1 9.hxg5
( 1 9.ixg5 ?? Wlb6t-+) 1 9 . . . l0xe4 20.Wlg4 a6!
2 1 .l0a3 l0c3 22.Wfe6t Wg7 23.llJc4 llJ f5
24.l0xe5 !? E!:c8! 2 5 . llJ f3 E!:e8 ( 2 5 . . . E!:c4!? could
be even stronger) 26.id4t Wf8 27.WlxeSt
a b c d e f g h
Wlxe8 28.E!:xeSt Wxe8+ Black has a better
ending.
We will examine both rook moves to c l :
Al) 1 9J�ecl and A2) 19J�acl !?.
Chapter 26 - 1 5 . cxd5 ! 255
Apart from moving a rook to the c-file, White An interesting choice now that White has
may also choose l 9.ib5, as was played against moved his rook away from e 1 . Black prevents
me by Ikonnikov. After the logical l 9 . . . ixb5 minor piece invasions on b5, at the cost of
20.li:)xb5 a6 2 1 .li:)c3 'tt> h 8! 22.Ei:ac l li:) g8! allowing his opponent to prise open the b-file
23 .li:)e2 I went for 23 ... h6!?00 which eventually by b4-b5 . However, as we shall see, there is a
led to a draw in Ikonnikov - Kotronias, reason behind his "madness" .
Gausdal 2008. However, rather better was:
20.b5!
White must open the game on the queenside
as soon as possible.
20 ... c!ll cS! 2 1 .bxa6 bxa6

We have another split. White can occupy
the b-file by either Al l) 22.ygb2 or Al2)
22J:fab l .
Al l) 22.ygb2
a b c d e f g h
The engines like this, intending to penetrate
23 . . . Ei:f7!N 24.E!:c2 Wfxg5 25 .E!:ec l Wld8+ I am to b7 with the queen, but it is here that White
not sure that White has enough for the pawn. will miss his king's rook from e l .
(25 . . . li:) gf6!? 26.Ei:c? E!:af8 also comes into
consideration, although I prefer the queen
retreat as it keeps the opportunity of a g-pawn
march available.)
Al) 19J�ecl
The preferred choice of the engines.
a b c d e f g h
22 ...ygxg5 23.ygb7 i.h3 24.i.fl tll e7
We come to an important branching point
with White having no advantage as the analysis
shows:
25.tll e2N
Trying to defend g3.
Instead, 25.E!:ab l
256 B ayonet 1 2. 6
26 ... tll g3!

Now White cannot capture with the knight
on g3 and follow up with .ie3 as the rook is
on c l .
27.ixg3
Therefore this moved is forced:
a b c d e f g h
25 . . . ig4!!N 26.fxg4 lll g3-+ gives Black at least

a draw.
25 .'\M!b4 allows the same stunning motif:

25 . . . ig4!! 26.'\M!xd6 fild8 27.Wfa3 (27 . .ih4!?
Wfxh4 28.Wfxe5 doesn't quite work with the
white rooks misplaced on the queenside. After
28 . . . lll cB 29.fxg4 lll g3 30.id3 [30.lll d l ??
would be a winning move with the rooks on
c l and e l , as the reader can notice by checking
the analysis of Wojtaszek - Nijboer below, but
here it just blunders into a mate in two by
30 . . . Wfh l t 3 1 .Wf2 Wfxfl #] 30 . . . lt:\d6+± Black
has at least enough counterplay to draw.)
27 . . . ixf3 28 .ic5 lll c8 29.l:l:c2 ig4+± The
position grants Black good attacking chances
as .. . f3 followed by . . . lt:\ f4 is coming.
This looks like the most logical; after all White
25 �fab8! 26.YlYxa6
••• didn't commit this rook to cl earlier in order
26.Wfa? l:l:b2-+ to be able to use it along the b-file.
2
��.::::��
1
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 26 - l 5 . cxd 5 ! 257
22 Wi'xg5 23J�b7 gf7

••• (26.lll b l !?) 26 . . . Wg5 27.Wa5!t White has
Combining defence and attack; this move nagging pressure.
threatens . . . ih3!.
25.Wfel! g5! 26.tll dl c!ll f6
24 .ifl
• 26 . . . ib5!?= was also possible.
24.l:l:cb l '\Wd8 (intending . . . lll g3) 25 .We l
27.'IJ.cc7
6� a ra�r 11� �
Thus far we have followed Van Wely -
Nijboer, Leeuwarden 200 1 . I think that Black
f� ��-f� equalizes easily here by:
5 ��-·zr•�••
4 �� ·lr• ��
3 � �� ·zr�
2 !� ', :.,�!-
1 �� ;,,. -:�-m-� �
.....
:� � �
a b c d e f g h
25 . . . Wg5! ?N (a better try than 25 . . . g5 as in

Xu Jun - Safin, Bled [ol] 2002) 26.ih4 Wh6
27.l:l:c? g5 28 .if2 lt:\ f6 looks at least equal for
Black. For example, 29.l:l:bb7 Wig?! 30.Wb l g4
3 1 . fxg4 h5! 32.g5 Wxg5 33 .We l Wig? 34.if3
Wh7 with a complicated position.
27 c!ll eSN 28.'IJ.cl .ih5!=
•••
Killing two birds with one shot: pushing back

one active rook and exchanging the other one.
A2) 1 9.'IJ.acl!?
A deep and cunning move, introduced in

Wojtaszek - Nijboer, Wijk aan Zee 20 1 1 .
24 Wfd8!
•••
Accurate, as Black needs to consolidate.

Also, . . . lll g3 will be more forceful when White
cannot take on g3 .
After 24 ... lll g3?! 25 .ixg3 Wxg3 26.lll e2

a b c d e f g h
1 9 tll c8!
••• 27.Wf e6t l:l:f7 28 .Wfh3 ig4 29.ih4! ixh3
Nijboer is one of the greatest connoisseurs 30.ixg5 id? 3 1 .d6 l0 c8 32.l:l:ed l ! ±
of the King's Indian nowadays and reacts with White's optimally-placed rooks give him the
precision. better ending.
l 9 . . . a6?!
20.ih5!?
Nijboer was probably well aware that this
Wojtaszek correctly tries to preserve the
wouldn't quite work with the e I -rook still in
more agile piece.
place.
After 20.l0b5 ixb5 2 1 .ixb5 l:l:f7 22.l:l:c2
20.b5!
Wfxg5 23 .l:l:ec l '\Mids 24.Wfe l llJ b6 Black would
Another advantage, besides the favourable
have won a pawn and kept all entrances sealed.
placement of his rooks, is that White didn't
The computer says it is equal, but Black's play
have to play a2-a4 to achieve this thrust,
is easier.
which means that the a4-square can be used
by his knight in some positions, threatening
20 J�f7
••
to penetrate to b6. The importance of this

A typical device in this type of position,
remark will come to the fore later on, during
guarding the c7-square.
the examination of 1 6.l:l:c l ! ? a6 l 7.a4 - see
page 266.
2 1 ..ixd7 gxd7 22.gc2
20 . . . llJ cS 2 1 .bxa6 bxa6 22.Wfb2! Wfxg5 23 .Wfb?
Preparing to double rooks. White has no
ih3 24.ifl l0 e7 25 .'\M!b4!!
other way to make progress.
25.llJe2!? if5!! (After 25 ... l:l:adS White can
8
recover his pawn by 26.Wfxa6t obtaining
the better chances as Black's kingside
7
llJxf5-+) 26 . . . ixe4! 27.Wfxe4 llJ f� This is
counterplay is rather slow.) 26.'\M!b4 (26.exf5
less clear, as the pending knight invasion to

6
g3 can cause trouble. 5
4
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
22 a6!N
•••
Wojtaszek - Nijboer, Wijk aan Zee 20 1 1 ,

continued: 22. . . l0 b6? An uncharacteristic
a b c d e f g h mistake from the Dutchman, playing on the
25 . . . ig4!? 26.'\M!xd6!! ixf3 side he shouldn't. 23.l:l:ec l l0 c4 24.Wf d3 l0 e3
26 . . . l:l:fdS does not work with the rook on 25 .ixe3 fxe3 26.Wfxe3 llJ f4 27.l0e2! It was
e l in view of 27.ih4 Wfxh4 28.Wfxe5±, for clear that the Polish GM was dominating
example: 28 . . . llJ cS 29.fxg4 l0 g3 30.llJ d l events as Black had spent too much time with
llJ d6 3 1 .llJf2+- the knight manoeuvre, giving back his extra
Chapter 26 - l 5 . cxd 5! 259
pawn i n the process. Here Friso made matters 25 lll g3 26.lll e2 lll xe2t 27.V!fxe2 h5 28Jk3
•••
worse by: 27 . . . lll xe2t?! (27 . . . Wxg5 28.lt:\xf4 28.b5 axb5 29.Wxb5 l:l:g7=
�i. -'!i)�
Wxf4 29.'\Wxf4 exf4 30.l:l:c7 l:l:ad8 3 1 .Wf2 Wf7
8
32.l:l:xd7t l:l:xd7 33 .l:l:c8 h5 34.We2!± was a
very difficult ending in any case as White is �� -� ��- �"
bringing his king to d4.) 28 .l:l:xe2 l:l:c7 29.l:l:ec2
l:l:xc2 30.l:l:xc2+- The way things evolved
: !� � �,��
-� � --- r� ��
�- %�J !�
5 fj �-�� -�£
in this game may look a bit disheartening,
but we shouldn't judge by the result, as the
improvement 22 . . . a6! seems to keep the 4 �� - - --%�R� 8 ��8% �
position balanced. 3 � �
2 �- "•'� '�
� � � � �
23J�ecl
23.b5 Wxg5 24.bxa6 bxa6 25.l:l:b l lll g3=
1 � r-- �� , , , , , Y, -0�
23 V!fxg5
••• a b c d e f g h
Black's position should be resilient enough, 28 g5 29.V!fc2 lll e7 30.i.b6 V!fe8=
•••
as the following lines demonstrate: The engines give a flat evaluation of 0.00 as
White's c-file domination is counterbalanced
24.a4 by his pawn deficit and the fact that he has
24.g4!? gives Black a target to attack as can no entry squares. Black's two next moves could
be seen in the long variation: 24 . . . lt:\ f6 25.lll a4 be . . . @f7 and . . . g4, although it is also unclear
l:l:d8 26.Wel Wh6 27.Wfl b5 28. lll c3 g5 29.a4 whether he can make further progress on the
Wg6!? 30.axb5 h5! 3 1 .bxa6 hxg4 32.fXg4 lll xg4 kingside.
33.b5 lll xf2 34.l:l:xf2 g4 3 5 .lll e2 l:l:f8 36.lll x f4
exf4 37.l:l:xf4 lll b6= B) 1 6.a4!?N
This flexible move has never been tried before,

but is certainly deserving of attention; in
anticipation of . . . a6 White hurries to open
lines on the queenside by b4-b5xa6.
8
7
5
4
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
1 6 ... tll hS! 17J�cl f4 18 .i.fl i.xg5 1 9.hxg5

I decided to promote this stereotyped idea White has reached the Wojtaszek set-up,
into a main line, because I believe Black has only with the pawn on a4 instead of the queen
the best chances to play for a win here. on d2. This conceals some hidden nuances.
Another idea is:

1 6 . . . a6! ? l 7.b5!
1 7.:B:c l ! ? is a move deserving mention here,
trying to profit from the advantageous fact
that the queen still has access to b3. White
aims for a good version of the sort of positions
featured under Van Wely - Nijboer and
Wojtaszek - Nijboer. It transposes directly
to variation D.
a b c d e f g h
1 9 ... tll cS!?
The Nijboer way of meeting White's play.
Also possible is 1 9 . . . a6 20.b5, when the best

move 20 . . . h6! should equalize. (Instead,
20 . . . li:) g3?! should fail, while 20 . . . li:) cS?!
2 1 .bxa6 bxa6 22.Wb3 Wxg5 23 .Wb7 ih3
a b c d e f g h
24.ifl li:) e7 does not work, as usual, in view
1 7 . . . Wa5 !? of the optimal formation of the white pieces.)
After 17 ... fXe4?! 1 8 . fXe4 axb5 1 9.ixb5!! For analysis of all these positions the reader is
( 1 9.axb5?! :B:xa l 20.Wxa l ig4!+±) 19 ... li:) g4 advised to consult the move order 1 6.:B:c l ! ? a6
20.ixd7 Wxd7 2 I .li:)b5 li:)xe3 22.:B:xe3± the 1 7.a4 f4 1 8 .if2 ixg5 1 9.hxg5 li:)h5 20.b5,
knight on e7 is very passive and Black does which directly transposes - see page 266.
not have sufficient counterplay.
1 8.Wb3 :B:fc8 1 9.:B:ac l axb5 20.ixb5 ixb5
8
2 I .li:)xb5 :B:xc l 22.:B:xc l fXe4 23.fXe4 li:)xe4
24.li:)xe4 Wxa4 25.li:)f6t Wh8 26.:B:b l ixe3t
7
27.Wxe3 Wxh4 28.li:)e4!
6
28.li:)c7 :B:c8=; 28 .Wf3 :B:f8 29.:B:fl li:) g8
5
30.We4 Wg5 3 I .li:)xg8 :B:xfl t 32.i>xfl Wcl t
33.'itif2 'itixg8=
4
28 . . . li:)xd5 29.We l Wxe l t 30.:B:xe l '.t>g7
3
3 1 . li:) bxd6 b6;t
Black should be able to hold the resulting
2
ending. The fact that White has two knights
should facilitate his task.
1
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 26 - l 5 . cxd5 ! 26 1
The difference from the Wojtaszek - Nijboer 32.tlid2 Wh2t 33.Wfl :B:xb4 34.:B:cSt @f7
game is that White has not placed his queen 35.:B: l e?;!;/± White has all the pressure.
on d2, and as we will see directly below this 25.tlid2 tli g3 26.tlifl !
can prove instrumental for the defence of his 26.:B:c7 :B:xc7 27.:B:xc7 b5 28.tlifl h5 29 .Wa l
kingside if Black is not precise. :B:d8 30.axb5 axb5 3 1 .Wa6± is also better for
White.
22 ...Wi'xg5! 26 . . . h5 27.:!:'!:c7 :B:ad8 28.'Wd3! h4 29.b5 h3
It is important that Black refrains from the 30.ixg3 fxg3 3 1 .bxa6 bxa6 32.gxh3±
prophylactic 22 . . . a6 here, but the j ustification White has the better game.
is rather too deep, in my opinion, even for a
World Champion. 23J�ec2!
The intrusion 23.tlib5 is not a concern for
22 . . . a6?! 23.:B:ec2 Wxg5 Black here, as after 23 . . . tlig3 24.:B:ec2 tlie7_.
White has time for the brilliant reply: he has dangerous play due to the threat of
. . . Wh4.
8 i. � ')) -
% -·�
7 -'•· ��-r� �� r
6
� � � - - - -Z�r� � '·
�<n�
s m m 8 !i� �m1�'i
-zr•,- - /,�
4 8 �-� %�
3 . . . zm �--zr- �
w-� �� ·
�rf�- ��
� !
� -�
if--
m - - ¥-�
2
24.tli b l !!
1 �
a b c d e f g h
Preparing to transfer the knight to fl to
defend his kingside by utilizing the vacant
d2-square. I couldn't find equality after this. 23 ... tll e7!?
For example: It is not clear Black should j ump to g3 now:
24 . . . tli e7 23 . . . tli g3 24.We l ! tlib6!? (24 . . . Wh4 25 .ixg3
In case of 24 . . . Wd8 the knight changes fxg3 26.tli e2t is unsurprisingly better for
course with 25.tlia3!! (25.tlid2?! b5! 26.axb5 White as Black lacks pieces to back his queen
axb5 27.tlib3 tlib6 28.tlia5 tli c4 29.tlixc4 in the attack.) 25.tlie2 tlixa4 26.tlixg3 fxg3
bxc4 30.We l tli g3 3 1 .ixg3 fxg3 32.Wxg3 27.ixg3i/= White has good pressure for the
Wb6t 33 .i>h2 Wxb4 34.:B:xc4 Wd2= is pawn.
a draw) denying Black an active plan.
25 . . . tli g3 (25 . . . lli e?? 26.tli c4±) 26.We l 24.tll e2 Wfh6! 25.�k7 gads 26 . .L.:a7!
White has time for this as . . . Wh4 is not Thus, White has won back his pawn and has
possible. 26 . . . tli b6 27.ixg3 fxg3 28.a5 the prospect of creating a dangerous passer on
The tactics do not seem sufficient to give the queenside. However, there are still kings on
Black full equality, for example: 28 . . . tlixd5 ! ? the board!
29.exd5 Wh4 30.tlic4 :B:f8 3 l .'We3! :B:f4
262 B ayonet 1 2 . f3
8
C) 1 6.'1Wb3
7 This is an interesting move, intending to

6
answer .. ,a6 with a direct b4-b5.
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
26 g5! 27 .tfl tll f6 28.ci>fl. g4 29.tll g l
••• •
c!ll g6 30.'1Wd3!?
30.a5 Wh l 3 l .:B:xd7 :B:xd7 32.b5 tll h 5
33 .:B:cSt Wg7 34.°1Wc2 gxf3 3 5 . gxf3 @h6!
36.We2 c!ll h4? is a variation illustrating Black's
counterattacking potential.
30 tll h5! 3 1 .'1Wd2

•••
3 l .fxg4 :B:xc7 32.:B:xc7 l0 g3t 33 .ixg3

fxg3 34.Wxg3 Wh l 3 5 .:B:c2 :B:f8t 36.:B:f2 :B:c8
37.°1We3 llJ f4� 17 .tb5
•
The critical move,

8 � �� - · �
7
� m-ra �- ,
�r�
After 1 7 .l0b5 ixg5 1 8,hxg5 ixb5! 1 9 .ixb5
f4 20.if2 @hs 2 1 .:B:ac l l0 g8 22.°1Wa4 :B:f7?
6
� - --r�,.,,
------Y- Black is at least equal and has the easier play.
5 � � /i '- -� �
4
��-� ��
8� � �� - - - - %�r�
1 7,:B:ac l fxe4!?
� 8 r� • �
17 ... f4 1 8 .if2 ixg5 l 9.hxg5 l0 c8 20.ib5
��
� -/i '�
��
��'(X�� ;� �
:B:f7 2 1 .ixd7 :B:xd7 22-°1Wa4!? seems a bit
3 �----% better for White.
2 m � 8� l 8,l0 cxe4
1 - -,--- -%•�m l 8 . fxe4 llJ f400 requires analysis, but I don't
a b c d e f g h
believe Black can be worse.
18 . . . llJ f5 l 9.if2 llJ d4 20 . .ixd4 exd400
3 1 . '\Wg7!?m
••
With a complicated position.
Things are incredibly messy in this line, but 2 1 .l0xd6
in my view Black should be fine as long as he Black has a strong reply here:
keeps a rook and his queen on the board, to
constantly harass the white king,
Chapter 26 - l 5 . cxd5! 263
19.hxg5!?
l 9.ixg5 Wd7 20.l0c3 fxe4 2 1 .fxe4 (after
2 1 .l0xe4 llJf5 22.:B:ac l h6 23 .id2 Wg7!+ I
prefer Black) 2 1 . . .Wg? (2 1 . . .:B:f7!?00) 22.Wa4!?
Wxa4 23.l0xa4 l0 g8! 24.:B:ac l :B:ac8? is
excellent for the second player as the problem
with the passive e7-knight has been solved.
a b c d e f g h
2 1 . . . d3! 22.l0xb7 Wb6t 23 .l0c5 dxe2 24.:B:xe2

Wd6 25.llJxd? ixg5 26.:B:e6 Wxd7 27.d6
ie3t!
27 . . . WhB? 28.:B:c7+-
28 .Wxe3
2s.wh2? if4t-+
28.Wh l l0g3t 29.Wh2 Wf7 30.:B:c7 llJ fl t
3 1 .Wh l l0g3t=
a b c d e f g h
28 ... :B:f6 29.:B:xf6 l0xf6=
Reaching a balanced ending.
19 ... fxe4!
l 9 .. . l0 f4 is not to my liking due to 20.l0xd6!
Wxd6 2 1 .ic5 Wd7 (2 1 . . .Wd8 22.g3±) 22.d6t
l0ed5 23.exd5! :B:fe8 24.ie3! Wxd6 25.:B:ad l
b6 26.ixf4 exf4 27. :B:e6± with an advantage
for White.
20.fxe4 tli f4
We have reached a critical position; White
has many options, but Black seems to be okay:
c d e f g h
17 ...i.xbSN
Both previous games to reach this position
continued with l 7 . . . hg5 , with White then
being the one to initiate an exchange of light
squared bishops by ixd7 a move or so later.
1 8.llJxbS i.xg5!
l 8 . . . fxe4 l 9.fxe4 llJ f4?! is flawed due to
a b c d e f g h
20.llJe6!±.
264 B ayonet 1 2 . f3
Now Cl) 2 UUrn is interesting, while I will

give a short variation to combat C2) 2 1 J�acl .
2 1 ..ixf4 :B:xf4 (2 1 . . .Wfb6t 22 ..ie3 Wfxb5

23.:!:'!:ac l Wfd?oo) 22.Wf e3 Wfd?+t is fine for Black.
2 1 .g3!? '\Mid?! 22.gxf4!? (22.tlixd6 Wf g4!-t)

22 ... exf4 23.id4 f3 24.if6 Wfg4t 25.Wf2
Wfg2t 26.We3 llif5t 27.'itid3 tli g3 28.tlixd6 f2
29.e5 fxe l =Wf 30.:B:xe l '\Mff200 is an incredible
mess. a b c d e f g h
25 .Wfxd5t! (25.:B:fd l ?! Wfb6t 26.i>h2 Wfxd6

2 1 .tlixd6 Wfxd6 22.g3! (22.ic5 ? Wfd8 23.d6t
27.:B:xd5 '\M!e6 28.:B:xe5 Wfxb3 29.axb3 :B:fe8!
tli ed5 24.ie3 :B:f7 25.exd5 Wfxg5+) 22 ... :B:f7
30.:B:xe8t :B:xe8 3 1 .:!:'!:xa? :B:xe4 32.:B:xb? :B:g4!=
23.gxf4 exf4 24.ic5 Wf e5 25 .'\M!f3 b6 26.if2
should be a draw) 25 ... '\M!xd5 26.exd5 :!:'!:ad8
tlic8!? 27.:B:ad l tli d6 28 .id4 Wfxg5t 29.Wf g200
27.:B:ae l ! (27.:B:xfBt? i>xf8 28.:!:'!:e l :B:xd6
leads to a wild position, but Black cannot be
29.:B:xe5 :B:a6! 30.:!:'!:e2 :B:d6 3 l .:!:'!:d2 '.t>e7 32. @f2
worse.
:B:b6! 33.a3 @d6 34.'.t>e3 We5!=) 27 ... :B:xd6
Cl) 2 1 J�fl.!? 28.:!:'!:xe5 leaves Black suffering.
The top choice of the engines. Now I like: 22.ci>h2 �d7!

This is the idea, threatening to penetrate
with the queen to g4.
a b c d e f g h
2 1 . tll e2t!
••
This move is originally dismissed by the

silicon entities but it is the best.
Instead, 2 1 . . .a6? 22.tlid4± is out of the

question. 24.:B:xf8t :B:xf8 25 .ixa? '\M!f4t 26.g3 Wfxg5
promises White a draw at most.
2 1 . . .Wfd??! 22.ixf4! Wfxb5 23 .ixe5! dxe5
24.d6t tlid5 24.id2 allows 24 . . . tli d4! 25 .Wfh3 Wf e2!
Chapter 26 - l 5 . cxd5! 265
26.l:l:xfSt l:l:xf8 27.ie3 (27.ic3 l:l:f3 28 .Wd? 29 .. J�fdS! 30J�b3 gxb3 31 .axb3 tll d3 32.b4!?
l:l:f2=) 27 . . . l:l:f3 28 .Wd? Wxe3 29.gxf3! 32.li:)b? l:l:b8 33.c6 li:) b4 34.li:)a5 l:l:b5 3 5 . c?
(29.WeSt? l:l:f8 30.Wxe? We2! [30 ... li:)f3t li:) c8 36.l:l:d l l:l:c5 37.li:)c6 li:)xc6 38.dxc6 l:l:xc6
3 1 .gxf3 Wf2t 32.i>h l Wxf3t 33.Wh2 Wf2t 39.l:l:dSt Wf7 40.l:l:xc8 '.t>e7=
34.i>h l =l 3 1 .Wd? Wh5t 32.Wh3 Wxg5+)
29 . . . We2t 30.'.t>g3 Wxf3t 3 1 .Wh2 Wf2t 32 ... tll xb4 33.gxa7 @t'8 34.ga3 tll exd5
32.Wh3 with a draw. 35.exd5 tll xd5 36.ga7 tll e7 37.g4 gb8=
Black holds his own, so 2 1 . . .li:) e2t! has
We will now switch our attention back to passed the test!
24 .ic5 :
C2) 2 1 .gacl a6! 22.tll c7!
Black has nothing to fear after 22.li:)xd6 Wxd6

23.ic5 Wd8! 24.d6t li:) ed5 25.exd5 Wxg5+!.
a b c d e f g h
26. ..bxc5 27.bxc5 tll f4t 28.@h2 gab8
29.gfb1 22...gcs 23.ih6
29.l:l:f2!? is potentially another try for White. In case of 23.li:)e6, the splendid 23 . . . l:l:xc l !
24.ixc l (24.l:l:xc l li:) e2t 2 5 . i>h2 li:)xc l
26.ixc l Wc8 27.li:)xfS i>xf8 28.id2 b5=)
24 ... li:)xe6 25.dxe6 i>h800 leads to an unclear,
probably balanced, position as the e6-pawn
is weak A likely continuation is: 26.b5 axb5
27.Wxb5 Wc8 28 .Wb3 li:) c6 29.Wd5 We?
30.Wh2 We? 3 1 .l:l:d l l:l:e8 32.Wxd6 Wxe6
33 .Wxe6 l:l:xe6=
23 ... ti'd7+±
Also possible is the startling 23 . . . WhS!? with
the point: 24.g3 li:) exd5 ! 25.exd5 Wxg5+!
Black has excellent counterplay in either case,
and so he should have no fear in this line.
D) 16.�krn 1 7 . . . b5!N Only then should he opt for .. .f4.

If White tries to avoid such a development
Slightly better than the flexible but slower by playing 1 8.li:)e6 then 1 8 . . . ixe3t 1 9.'\Wxe3
1 6.a4!?. It also seeks to improve on the ixe6 20.dxe6 f4 2 1 .Wlf2 li:)h5 22.id l :B:c8
prophylactic 1 6.'\Wd2, when the queen loses 23.ib3 Wh8 24.li:)e2 :B:xc l 25 .:B:xc l '\Wb8=
access to Black's queenside. produces a balanced position, in view of the
vulnerability of the white king.
Given the strength of Black's attack in all the

lines where he plays .. . f4 and subsequently
gains the g3-square for his knight, I briefly
considered 1 7.g4!? at this point. However,
after 1 7 . . . b5! (inferior is 1 7 . . . f4?! 1 8 .if2 ixg5
1 9.hxg5 li:) e8 20.Wg2! li:) c8 2 1 .:B:h l !±) 1 8.Wg2
'\Wb8!00 White is stuck defending g4 and Black
may strike with . . . a5 at some point. These two
factors render the position unclear.
D l ) 17.a4!?
Black must now attack the white position with

the utmost accuracy:
17 ... f4 18 ..ifl .ixg5 1 9.hxg5 tli h5 20.b5

White can play the preparatory Dl) 17.a4!?,
or dive straight in with 02) 17.b5!.
to reach the position arising after 1 6. WI d2

l 7.'\Wd2 looks interesting at first sight, trying
f4 1 7 .if2 ixg5 1 8.hxg5 li:)h5 1 9 .:B:ac l !?

a6?! 20.b5!, which, as we already know, is
favourable for White. However, here Black can
prevent the opening of the queenside by:
a b c d e f g h
20 ... h6!
A peculiar move that does the trick! It is
the least committal and most poisonous;
Black uses the white pawn on g5 to open the
h-file and attack the white king as quickly as
possible. Alternatively:
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 26 - 1 5 .cxd 5 ! 267
The obvious 20 . . . tli c8?! allows the usual 27.ixg3 fxg3 28.tlixfs Wfh2t 29.Wfl
penetration 2 1 .bxa6 bxa6 22.Wfb3! Wfxg5 Wfh l t 30.'tt> e 2 Wfxg2t 3 1 .W d l 'tt> x f8=
23.Wfb? ih3 24.ifl tli e7 when Black's attack was approximately equal in Gross - Ribes
looks more dangerous than it actually is. My Colom, corr. 2008 .
old analysis considered this position as good 24 . . . E!:b8
for Black, however I cannot see a decent 24 . . .Wfxg5 25 .Wfd?+- kills any attacking
follow-up for Black after the best defence: ideas and should duly win.
25 .'\M!b4!N For example, 25 . . . tlig3!? (25 . . . E!:ad8 25.llib l !!

26 . .ib6!±; or 25 . . . ig4 26.'\M!xd6 ixf3 27.Wf e6t 25.tlie2 Wfxg5 26.Wfd? '\M!h4 27.Wf e6t Wh8
E!:f7 28 .Wfh3 ig4 29 . .ih4 ixh3 30 ..ixg5 id? 28 .Wfh3 Wfxh3 29.gxh3 tli h5 30.Ei:c? lli f6
3 1 .d6 tli c8 32.Ei:ed l !±) 26.gxh3 E!:ab8 27.Wfa3 3 1 .E!:ec 1 ± was also better for White in Rakay
llixe4t 28 . .ig2 llixf2 29.Wxf2 lli f5 30.tlie4 - Nitsche, corr. 2006.
Wfe7 3 1 .Wg l ± and although Black does have a 25 . . . Wfxg5 26.tli d2+-
few practical chances after 3 1 . . .a5, the position Black is busted on the queenside without
should objectively be lost for him in the long having any attacking chances on the other
run. wing.
Let us continue by consulting "bad news first" Time to move on with the "good news",
before moving on to the good: namely 20 . . . h6!:
20 . . . tli g3?!
This logical move should fail too. 2 1 .gxh6
2 1 .Wfb3! White has nothing better.
The obvious objection, trying to penetrate
via b7. Ignoring the pawn by 2 1 . Wfb3 looks logical,
2 1 . . .a5 but after 2 1 . . .hxg5 22.bxa6 bxa6 23.Wfb4
Stopping the penetration of the queen, but E!:f6!ft Black defends everything and has a
only temporarily. dangerous attack, as he wants to move his king
22.b6! to f7 and follow up with . . . tli g3 and . . . '\Mfd8-
The critical move. Play is likely to continue h8.
as follows:
22 . . . tli cB 23 .ib5 ixb5 24.Wfxb5 !! 2 1 ..JU6!
24.tlixb5 Wfxg5 25.llic? E!:b8 26.tlie6 '\M!h4 Most incisive.
268 B ayonet 1 2. f.3
2 1 . . .l0g3 22.bxa6N bxa6 23.llJ b l i s another 26 ... tll g3 27.i.b6

position deserving attention when both At this point, a draw was agreed in Overton
23 . . . l:l:f7 and 23 . . . @f7!?, preparing to attack - Hiltunen, corr. 2009.
along the h-file, seem viable.
27...V!fe8 28.@fl gh2 29.gg1 g4�
22.a5 The engines' evaluation of 0.00 suggests it's
Here we see a disadvantage of having the equal, but it would be nice to have seen the
pawn standing on a4: White has to lose time game continue as there are an abundance of
by moving it again to create the threat of l0 c3- tactical and positional ideas.
a4-b6.
22.ih4?? is met strongly by: 02) 17.b5!
The most incisive of White's options.
8 1.m B ��-��
7 �
6
r
'�
m
�
� :r•
w.r· - - - ;�•" "
'w�
�
;.�J: - �
m
•• �-�
5
� 8m·
� zrm•--�f--·
4 � �
b d f g h 3 � �%'m
� "//, ��-zr� , �
0 ��--
m8m
�z�- - - : �cI- ��%
� ��
a c e
22 . . . g5 !! 23.ixg5 Wb6t 24.'tt> h 2 l:l:g6 25.ixe?

Wf2-+
2 8�'
DVD �
.....
1
a b c d e f g h
22 ... g5! 23.h7t @xh7 24.bxa6 bxa6 25.Vff h 3!
After 25.llJa4? l0g3 26.llJ b6 l:l:h6 27.ixg3
fxg3 28.Wd2 (28 .l0xa8 Wh8!-+) 28 . . . Wg6 17 ...i.xh5!
29.ic4 l:l:h2! Black has a tremendous attack. Freeing Black's position, but he will have to
provide an accurate tactical sequence to justify
25 ... gh6 26.V!ib7 this choice. The alternatives do not appear
26.Wb6 Wh8-. satisfactory:
After 1 7 . . . axb5 White should play 1 8. Wb3!

as the b-pawn will not run away. (But not
l 8 .ixb5 fxe4! l 9.fxe4 l0 g4!+ and Black
has solved all his problems.) Then 1 8 . . . fxe4
( l 8 . . . f4 l 9.if2 ixg5 20.hxg5 l0h5 2 l .ixb5±
is a standard advantage for White) l 9.fxe4±
leads to a static position without counterplay
for Black.
l 7 . . . fxe4?! is inexact as it gives White some

extra options in the following line: l 8.fxe4
a b c d e f g h
Chapter 26 - 1 5 . cxd 5 ! 269
ixb5 ( 1 8 . . . axb5 1 9 .Wb3!± transposes to e-pawn: 1 9 . . . fxe4 20.fxe4 ixg5 2 1 .ixg5

the previous note.) l 9 .l0xb5!? axb5 Here, in l0xe4+
8 , the bishop can utilize this square to unpin

contrast to positions where the pawn is on l 9.Wd3?! Wa5!? should be okay for Black,
for example 20.llJe6 ixe3t 2 1 .'Wxe3 f4
the g5-knight and offer protection to e4, and 22.Wb3 :B:fc8 and the knight is not doing
Black has lost the possibility of .. . f4 followed that much on e6.
by . . . ixg5 and . . . llJh5. l 9 . . . fxe4 20.fxe4 l0xe4! 2 1 .l0 xe4 ixe3t
22.:B:xe3 Wb6 23 .Wd3 llJf5 24.:B:ce l l0xe3
1 7 . . . f4 1 8 .if2 ixg5 1 9.hxg5 llJ h5 enters 25.:B:xe3 :B:xa2 26.'tt> h 2 :B:f4 27.h5 :B:h4t
positions similar to those arising in variation 28.:!:'!:h3 :B:xe4 29.Wxe4 Wxb5 30.hxg6 Wa4!
D l after 1 7.a4, but White has practically won 3 1 .gxh?t 'iit h 8 32.Wg6 Wf4t=
a tempo in the race by omitting that very
move. This should tip the scales in his favour, 18 ... axb5 19.l0xb5
as we already know, after the logical 20.Wb3±. 1 9 .Wb3 should be answered by 1 9 . . . fxe4
20.fxe4 l0 g4 and Black has no problems.
1 7 . . . llJh5!? 1 8 .Wb3! fxe4! ( 1 8 . . .f4 l 9.if2 ixg5
20.hxg5 ± transposes to the previous line.) 1 9 ... fxe4 20.fxe4
1 9. fxe4 ( 1 9.l0cxe4?! llJ f5?) 19 . . . llJ f4
8
76
5
4
3
2
b d f g h
a b c d e f g
a c e
20.ifl ! ixg5 2 1 .hxg5 :B:b8 might be playable, h

but the position is obviously no picnic for 20 ... llJxe4!
Black. A startling move, sacrificing two pieces
for a rook and a temporary initiative. It
1 8 ..ixb5! took months of work to verify that such
Preserving the more agile minor piece, but an extravagant operation is playable, and I
the alternative is also interesting. can even recall during my early analysis in
2005 , when computers were not so strong,
1 8 .l0xb5N axb5 being constantly depressed at the optimistic
Resulting in a different type of position. Th e evaluations given for White. Black at the
natural move is: moment seems able to draw, and I was happy
1 9.ixb5 to see that a subsequent correspondence game
Others as not so good: l 9.Wb3 ? protects verified my own evaluations. It is interesting to
the e3-bishop but. . . forgets to protect the remark at this point that such a careful analyst
270 B ayonet 1 2 . f3
as Mikhalevski considered 2 0 . . . li:)xe4 to be a 2 1 . .. .ixe3t 22Jhe3 Wi'b6 23.Wi'b3 tli f5

blunder in his ChessBase notes to the game 24.�kc3 tlixe3 25J�xe3 gxa2 26.tli bxd6
Brynell - Kotronias, which speaks volumes galt 27.ci>h2 Wi'd8
about the depth of the idea. The starting position of many sleepless
nights, but I was rewarded in the end as the
Bad is instead: 20 . . . :B:xa2? 2 1 .li:)c7 i.xg5 following analysis proves. Today Houdini rates
22.hxg5 li:)xe4 23 .Wb3 :B:al 24.li:)e6 :B:xc l this as only 0.40, but at the time the engines
25 .:B:xc l ± gave something like + 1 . 5 0 for White, making
me think that I should abandon the whole
2 0 . . . i.xg5! ? hands the initiative to White: line with 1 3 . . . i.h6!. However, I was persistent
2 1 .hxg5 li:)xe4 22.li:)c? lt:)f5 (22 . . . :B:c8 ?! enough to continue analysing, remembering
23.li:) e6± has led to a couple of White wins that if all the pawns disappeared from the
in correspondence chess. 22 . . . li:) g3!? 23.li:)xa8 board two knights cannot give checkmate, and
Wxa8 24.Wb3 b5!? could be tenable, but I this idea proved instrumental in saving the
prefer White.) 23.li:)xa8 (23 .li:) e6!?) 23 . . . Wxa8 position.
24.Wb3 b5 25 .:B:c2 li:)xe3 26.Wxe3 li:) c5 27.:B:d2
Wa4 28.:B:b l ! Wc4 29.:B:f2 :B:xf2 30.WxfU
White had a slight plus and subsequently won
in Timmerman - Umansky, corr. 2008.
2 1 .tlixe4!
White should accept the offer.
2 1 .Wg4? i.xg5 22.hxg5 :B:a4 23.We6t Wh8

24.i.d4 happened in Brynell - Kotronias,
Stockholm 2006, and at this point Mikhalevski
correctly points out that 24 . . . :B:xd4!N
(24 ... exd4? was only a bit better for Black in
the game, but I nevertheless managed to win)
25.li:)xd4 li:)xg5 26.Wg4 li:)xd5+ would have
given a big advantage to Black.
After 28.li:)g5 Wxd6 29.Wxb? e4t 30.:B:g3

:B:ffl 3 1 .Wxh?t Wf8 32.li:) e6t Wxe6 33.:B:f3t
exf3 34.dxe6 fxg2= the tactics peter out to an
elementary draw.
28.g3 allows 28 . . . :B:ffl !.
28 .Wxb7 Wxh4t 29.:B:h3 Wf4t 30.li:)g3 h5

3 1 .Wle?
This line caused me quite some concern at
first before I discovered some draws, the easiest
a b c d e f g h
one being:
Chapter 26 - l 5 . cxd5! 27 1
8
��
76 �� r,,1-- - -��- - -Y.��
� - � �·
�
29 J�hl t 30.'.t>g3 gxh3t!
••
30 . . . Wfs 3 I .Wf3±
5 .•"•>� ·" · � '�- - • • 3 I .gxh3 Wt'8
� � � � - - - "�
: � �� "SJ- - -��:
The move I had focused upon. I now see
that Houdini gives 3 1 . . .Wa5 !?N= but this was
2 �- � �� ,'l�- '�-�
beyond my calculating powers back then, and
� � �
w-- � � � ��
probably still is.
1
32.We3 b5!
a b c d e f g h This was my idea, intending . . . b4, and
3 1 . . .Ei:e l ! 32.llJeS planning to distract the d6-knight.
32.E!:h4 E!:h l t transposes to the line above.
32.We6t Wg7 33.We?t (33 .llJeSt i>h7
34.d6 E!:e2! 3 5 .Wd5 e4!=) 33 . . . Wg8 34.E!:h4
8
E!:hl t 35 .Wxh l Wxg3 7
32 . . . Wfl 33.Wxflt Wxf7 34.llJd6t '.t>e7 6
3 5 . llJ de4 fil4?
28 •• J:un
Black has to counterattack immediately, or
else he is gone.
29.h5!
2
a b c d e f g h
Questioning the safety of the black king.
29.Wxb??? E!:h l t 30.Wg3 Ei:a3t-+ actually

wins for Black. 33.hxg6!
The critical move.
29.llJxb? leads to an easy draw after 29 . . . Ei:h l t
30. Wg3 Wf8! 3 I .d6t Wg7 32.Wf3 Ei:a3 33.llJxb5 Wfl !
33 .Ei:xh l Wf4t 34.Wf2 E!:a2t= and a perpetual Black's counterattack is sufficient for a draw
is unavoidable. as the following variations illustrate:
34.hxg6
a) In case of 34. llJ bd6 there follows
34 . . . E!:e l = with the idea 3 5 .Wf3? (3 5 . llJ f6t!
Wxf6 36.Wxe l Wxd6=) 35 ... Wgl t 36.'.t>h4
E!:fl 37.Wg3 E!:f4t 38 .Wg5 Wcl !-+ and
White must lose his queen.
b) 34.l0 bc3 E!:e l = is also equal, for example:
3 5 .Wf2 Wd3t 36.i>h2 E!:xe4 (36 . . . Ei:c l !?
37.l0e2 E!:c2 38.l04g3 gxh5?) 37.l0xe4
Wxe4 38.d6 Wd5=
34 . . . Wxb5 3 5 . llJ f6t
3 5 . gxh?t i>h8=
a b c d e f g h
272 Bayonet 1 2. f3
3 5 . . . 'tt> h 8! 36.'\Wxe5 34.�xb5N

36.d6 E!:d l = or 36.li:)xh7 '\Wb2!=. 34.'\Wf2 '\Wxg6t 3 5 .'tt> h2 b4 36.li:)f5 'tt> h 8!
Black has sufficient play as well:
37.li:) e7N
This was the main line in my old notes.
a) I had also analysed: 37.d6 '\Wf7 38.li:) g5N
(38.d7 '\Wxd7 39.li:)fd6 E!:h l t!? 40.Wxh l
'\Wxh3t 4 1 .'tt> g l '\Wg4t 42.'tt> fl was given
up as a draw in Champion - Van Unen,
corr. 2009, since after 42 . . . '\Wf4 43.'tt> g2
'\Wxf2t White won't be able to block the
last remaining black pawn on the fourth
rank.) 38 . . . '\Wa7 (38 . . . '\Wa2=) 39.'\Wxa7 E!:xa7
40.li:)e3 b3 4 1 .li:)c4 'tt> g 8=
b) 37.li:)h4N '\Wg7 38.d6 b3 39.d7 Ei:a8
40.'\Wb2 '\Wxd7 4 1 .'\Wxb3 Ei:f8=
37 . . .'\Wg7 38.d6 b3
White now has nothing better than forcing
perpetual check.
39.li:)g6t '\Wxg6 40.'\Wf8t '\Wg8 4 1 .'\Wf6t '\Wg7
Another possibility is 33 .h6, when 33 ... b4+! 42.'\Wd8t=
guarantees equality, for example: 34.li:)c4 '\Wfl !
3 5 . li:) ed2 '\Wf5 36.d6 (36.li:)d6 '\Wf8 37.li:) 6c4 The knight raid 34.li:)g5 does not achieve
'\Wf5= or 36.'\Wxe5?? E!:gl t-+) 36 . . . E!:cl ! 37.d7 anything in view of: 34 . . . '\Wxg6 3 5 .'\Wxe5 h6!
'\Wxd7 38.li:)e4 '\Wf5! 39.'\Wxc l '\Wxe4= 36.'\We6t '\Wxe6 37.dxe6 (37.li:)xe6 b4 38.li:)c4
b3 39.'tt> f3 Ei:c l ! 40.d6 [40.li:)b2 Ei:c2 4 1 .d6
33 ...ti'g7! Ei:d2] 40 . . . E!:d l =) 37 . . . Wf8 38.li:)ge4 'tt> e7
Thanks to this brilliant move Black survives. 39.li:)xb5 Wxe6=
It looks simple now, but back then it wasn't.
Finally, 34.'tt> h 4 '\Wxg6 3 5 .'\Wg5 (35.li:)c8
Ei:a3!=) 35 . . . E!:fl ! 36.'\Wxe5 '\Wh6t 37.Wg4 '\Wg6t
38.li:)g5 b4= is completely drawish as well.
Returning to 34.li:)xb5, this is how my analysis

concluded:
34 ... ti'xg6t 35.@h2 ga2t 36.�fl ti'f7

37.@g3 ti'g6t!?
37 . . .'\Wxd5 38.li:)c3 '\Wd2=
38.�g4 h5 39.ti'e4! ti'g7! 40.ti'c4 gas

41 .d6t
4 1 .'\Wc6 E!:f8 42.'\We6t 'tt> h 8=
Chapter 26 - l 5 . cxd5 ! 273
Conclusion
The subject of Chapter 26 was one of the

most critical positions in the whole volume,
arising after 1 0.l:l:e l ! f5 l 1 .lll g5 lt:\ f6 1 2.f3 c6
1 3 .ie3 ih6! 1 4.h4!? cxd5 1 5.cxd5! id7!. As
I have said elsewhere in this work, it took me
many hours of analysis to establish that the
opposition of bishops on the c 1 -h6 diagonal
is not unfavourable for us, and in this chapter
I have been able to present the fruits of my
labour in some detail.
White has many interesting ideas after
l 5 . . . id7! that bear a close resemblance to
each other, but sometimes a very small detail is
able to change the whole evaluation. Thus, the
reader is advised to review the material in this
last part of the book carefully, to avoid mixing
things up.
46 Wf fl 47.Wi'e4t @h6 48.Wfe3t @h7=
•••
A topical line after 1 5 . . . id 7! is 1 6.'IW d2
f4 1 7 .if2 ixg5 1 8 .hxg5 lll h 5, when it is
important to remember that in case of 1 9 .l:l:ec l
8 Black can afford the opening up of his queenside
7 by l 9 . . . a6! ? 20.b5! lll c8! 2 l .bxa6 bxa6 - as
the absence of the rook from el gives him
6 just about enough tactical counterplay on the
5 other flank. However, the same strategy won't
4 pay off after the cunning 1 9.l:l:ac l !? , so Black
should instead choose 1 9 . . . lll cS! 20.ib5!? l:l:f7
3 2 1 .ixd7 l:l:xd7 22.l:l:c2 a6! 23 .l:l:ec l Wxg5 with
2 a position where White's control of the c-file
offers enough compensation for his missing
1
a b c d e f g h
pawn, but no more.
The line 1 6.a4!? is also intriguing, when
Black does best to ignore his opponent's
Chess is a draw. demonstration and continue with his play on
the kingside. I have suggested l 6 . . . lll h 5! 1 7 .l:l:c l
f4 l 8 .if2 ixg5 l 9.hxg5 lll c 8!? 20.ib5 l:l:f7
2 l .ixd7 l:l:xd7 22.l:l:e2! Wxg5 ! 23.l:l:ec2! lll e7!?
24.lll e 2 Wh6! 25 .l:l:c7 l:l:ad8 26.ixa7! g5! as the
best method for him to create counter-chances
in the given situation, but this position is so
double-edged that it is worth studying even at
such a late stage.
274 Bayonet 1 2 .f3
1 6.l!Nb3 is a good way to anticipate . . . a6 time and even allows him to hope for the
as the queen is perfectly placed to support full point.
b4-b5 , so Black should discard it in favour Things are much more difficult after the
of 1 6 . . . tli h5!? 1 7 . .ib5 .ixb5 1 8.tlixb5 hg5! incisive 1 7 .b5!, when I had to devise a whole
counterplay. The critical line runs 2 U 'Hl !? knights for a rook. After 17 ... .ixb5! 1 8 ..ixb5!
l 9.hxg5!? £Xe4! 20.£Xe4 lli f4, obtaining good system of defence based on the sacrifice of two
tlie2t! 22.�h2 l!Nd7! 23.tlixd6! l!Ng4! 24..ic5! ax b5 l 9.tlixb5 £Xe4 20.£Xe4 Black is saved by
the miraculous 20 . . . tli xe4! 2 1 .tlixe4! .ixe3t
22.�xe3 1!Nb6 23.l!Nb3 lli f5 24.�cc3 tlixe3
b6! 25 .Wh3! Wxh3t 26.Wxh3! bxc5 27.bxc5
tli f4 t 28.Wh2 �ab8 with an ending that looks
approximately balanced. 25.�xe3 �xa2 26.tli bxd6 �a l t 27.Wh2 l!Nd8
when the analysis goes deep into the ending
Finally, 1 6..!'k l !? a6! is a position that drained but the draw is certain.
my energy in trying to prove equality, but by Thus, Black stands excellently overall in this
now the aim has been achieved. last chapter, except for the fact that the draw
After 17.a4!? f4 1 8 ..if2 .ixg5 1 9.hxg5 lli h5 after 1 7.b5! is a bit laborious. But if it weren't,
20.b5, the brilliant 20 ... h6! gives Black enough I would be surprised ...White has to press
attacking chances by opening the h-file in sometimes, doesn't he?
Variation Index
Chapter 1 Chapter 3
1.d4 �£6 2.c4 g6 3 .�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�6 1 .d4 � £6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�6
0--0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 �e7 0--0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 � c6 8.d5 �e7 9.J.g5 �h5
A) 9.c5?! 13 A) 1 0. Vli d2?! 37

B) 9 . !D h4 !D e8 1 0.g3 f5 l l . exf5 !D xf5 13 B) 1 0 .g3! ? h6 l l .i.d2 .th3 1 2.E!:e l f5 1 3 . !D h4!
B l ) 1 2. !D f3?! 14 !D f6 1 4.exf5 gxf5 ! 37
B2) l 2. !D xf5 15 B l ) 1 5 . f4!?N 38
C) 9. 'iti h l !D e8! 16 B2) 1 5 .f3!? 39
Cl) 1 0 . !D e l 16 B3) 1 5 . V!i c l !? f4! 40
C2) 1 0 . a4 17 B 3 1 ) 1 6 . gxf4!? 40
D) 9. i.e3 !D g4 18 B32) 1 6 . Vli c2N 42
D l ) 1 0 . i.g5 18 C) 1 0. !D e l !D f4 l l . !D d3 !D xe2t 1 2 . Vlixe2 h6! 43
C2) 1 3 . i.d2 44
D2) 1 0 . i.d2 f5 19 C l ) 1 3 . i.e3 43
D2 1 ) l 1 . ID g5 19
E) 9. Vli c2 22
D22) l l .exf5 21 C2 1 ) 1 3 . . . f5 45
C22) 1 3 . . . g5!? 1 4 . g4!? !D g6 46
F) 9.l'l: b l !? 24 C22 1 ) 1 5 .f3 47
G) 9.E!:e l 25 C222) 1 5 .a4 48
C223) 1 5 .E!:ac l N 48
Chapter 2
1 .d4 � 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�6

Chapter 4
0--0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0--0 � c6 8.d5 � e7 9.a4 a5 1.d4 m 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.�6
10.�el � d7 0--06.J.e2 e5 7.0--0 �c6 8.d5 �e7 9.�d2 a5
IO.a3 J.d7
A) l l . i.e3 28
B) l l . !D d3 f5 30 A) l 1 .l'l:a2 51
B l ) 1 2.exf5 30 A l ) l l . . .c5!? 51
B2) l 2. i.d2 32 Al 1 ) 1 2. dxc6 52
A2) l l . . .a4! 53
B2 1 ) 1 2 . . . !D f6 32 A l 2) 1 2.b3 53
B22) 1 2 . . . fxe4N 33
B3) 1 2 . f3 34 B) 1 1 .l'l:b l a4! 1 2.b4 axb3 1 3 . !D xb3 b6 1 4.E!:al
55
B 1 ) l 4 . . . !D e8!? 55
B2) 1 4 . . . i.a4 58
27 6 Kotronias on the King's Indian - Mar del Plata II
Chapter 5 Chapter s
1 .d4 Clif6 2.c4 g6 3.Cll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'Llf3 1 .d4 Clif6 2.c4 g6 3.lilc3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.lilf3
IO.cs f'5
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 Cll c6 8.d5 Cll e7 9.Cll d2 a5 0-0 6.J.e2 eS 7.0--0 Cll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.b4 Cll hS
10.a3 J.d7! l 1 .b3 c6!
A) 1 2.ffa2 62 A) l l .exf5 95
B) 1 2.gb l 65 B) l l . Wi' b3 h6!? 97
B l ) 1 2 . . . Wi' b8 65 B l ) 1 2.exf5 98
B2) 1 2 . . . b5! 67 B2) 1 2.a4 J OO
B2 1 ) 1 3 .dxc6 67 C) l l . ltJ g5 ltJ f4! 102
B22) 1 3.b4! 69 C l ) 1 2 . i.xf4 exf4 102
C) 1 2 . Wi'c2 70 Cl l ) 1 3.gc l ?! 102
C2) 1 2. i.c4 104

D) 1 2. i.b2 i.h6! ? 71 C l 2) 1 3 .e5!? 103
D l ) 1 3.dxc6 73
D2) 1 3. i> h l 73 D) l l . i.c4 fxe4 1 2. ltJ g5 h6 1 3 . ltJ gxe4! ltJ f5 105
D l ) 1 4 .!'!:e l 106
Chapter 6 D2) 1 4.f3N 107
D3) 1 4.!'!:b l !? 108
1 .d4 Cll f6 2.c4 g6 3.Cll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.Cll f3
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 .0--0 Cll c6 8.d5 Cll e7 9.b4 Cll h5 Chapter 9
10.Cll d2
Cll f4 1 .d4 Cll f6 2.c4 g6 3.lilc3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 s.lilf3
0-0 6.J.e2 eS 7.0--0 Cll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.b4 Cll h S
A) l l . i.f3 77 IO.cs f5!? u . lll d2 'Llf4
A2) 1 1 . . .£5 78
A l ) l l . . . ltJ d3!? 77
A) l 2. i.a3 1 12
0 l l .a4 f5 1 2 . i.f3 g5 1 3.exf5 ltJ xf5 1 4 .g3!

B) l l . ltJ b3!? 79 B) 1 2 . i.c4 !? i> h8 !? 1 13
B l ) 1 3 . a4 1 14
ltJ h3t!? 1 5 . i> g2 Wi' d7! 81 B2) 1 3.g3 1 14
C l ) 1 6 . ltJ b3?! 83 C) 1 2. i.f3 1 15
C2) 1 6 . i.e4 ! ? 85 D) 1 2 . f3 ltJ xe2t 1 3 . Wi'xe2 f4 1 4. ltJ c4 g5 1 1 7
D l ) 1 5 .a4 gf6! 1 6 . .ta3 ltJ g6! 1 7 .b5 i. IB! 1 1 8
Chapter 7 D l l ) 1 8 .c6 ! ? 1 19
D l 2) 1 8.b6!? 120
1 .d4 Clif6 2.c4 g6 3.Cll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.Cll f3 D2) 1 5 . i.a3 121
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0--0 Cll c6 8.d5 Cll e7 9.b4 lilhS
10.'i!Yb3 h6!
A) l l .g3 88
B) 1 1 .!'!: e l ! ? N f5 1 2.exf5 .txf5! 1 3. ltJ d2 ltJ f4
1 4 . .tfl 89
B l ) 14 . . . i> h8!? 91
C) l l .a4 92
B2) 14 . . . i.d3! 91
Variation I ndex 277
Chapter 10 Chapter 12
1 .d4 'l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll f3 1 .d4 'l:l f6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll f3
0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0--0 'l:lc6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4 'll h 5 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0--0 'l:lc6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4 'll h 5
10.c5 f5!? 1 1 .E:el fxe4! 10.g3!? f5 1 1 .'ll g5 'l:lf6 12.a £4!?
A) 1 2 .lll g 5!? 125 A) 1 3 . lli e6?! 149

B) l 2.llixe4 fll f4 1 3 . .txf4 El:xf4 127 B) 1 3 .�b3 150
B l ) 1 4.�c2 128 C) 1 3 . g4 152
B2) 1 4 .fll fd2 dxc5! 1 5 . .tc4 lll x d5 1 6. fll b 3 c6 D) 1 3.c5 dxc5! 153
1 7. fll bxc5 128 D l ) 1 4 . bxc5 153
B 2 1 ) 1 7 . . . '.t1h8 129 D2) 1 4 . .tc4! ? 153
B22) 1 7 . . . b6!? 130
Chapter 13
Chapter 1 1
I.d4 'l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll f3
I.d4 'l:l f6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll f3 0--0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 'l:lc6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4
0--0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 'l:lc6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4 'll h 5 'll h5 10.g3!? f5 1 1.'ll g5 'l:lf6 12.a £4 13.h5!?
10.g3!? f5 h6! 14.'l:le6 i.xe6 1 5.dxe6 fxg3 16.hxg3 %Vc8
17.'ll d5 %Vxe6 18.'ll xc7 %Vh3 19J�f2! E:ac8
A) l l .fll d2 llif6 133 20.E:h2! %Vxg3t 2 1.E:g2 %Vh3! 22.%Vxd6 E:f7!
A2) 1 2.c5! 135

A l ) 1 2. f3 133
A) 23.�e6!? 158
B) l l .llig5 lli f6 135 B) 23.c5 lll f5 ! 24.exf5 El:fxc7 159
B 1 ) 1 2.exf5 136 B l ) 2 5 . c6 160
B2) 1 2 . .tf3 137 B2) 25 . .te3!? 161
B2 1 ) 1 2 . . . c6 137
B2 1 l ) 1 3 . .ta3 137 Chapter 14
B 2 1 2) 1 3.exf5 ! ? 138
B 2 1 3) 1 3.E':b l !? 139 1 .d4 'l:lf6 2 .c4 g6 3.'ll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll f3
B2 1 4) 1 3. .tg2 140 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 'l:lc6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4 'll h 5
B22) 1 2 . . . EJ:b8 142 10.g3!? f5 l l .'ll g5 'l:lf6 12.f3 £4 13.iig2 c6!?
B22 1 ) 1 3.b5 143
B222) l 3 . .tg2 143 A) 1 4.c5?! 164
B223) 1 3 .�d3 145 B) 1 4 .�b3?! 1 65
C) 1 4.�d3?! 167
E) 14.a4 169
D) 1 4.b5?! 168
F) 1 4 . E':b l ! ? llie8! 1 5 .c5 h6 170

F l ) 1 6 .llie6!? 171
F2) 1 6 .fll h 3 172
278 Kotronias on the King's Indian - Mar de! Plata II
l.d4 'l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll o I.d4 'l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll o
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0--0 'l:lc6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4 'll h5 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0--0 'l:lc6 8.d5 Cll e7 9.b4 'll h 5
1 0 .�el! f5 1 0.�el! f5 n .'ll g5 ct:lf6 12.J.o c6 13 .J.a3
cxd5
A) l l .h3 li:J f6 1 2.�d3 h6!? 174
A2) 1 3.a4 176

A l ) 1 3 .�b2 175 A) 1 4.exd 5!? 205
B) 1 4.cxd5 206
A3) 1 3 .Wlb3 1 77
B) l 1 . El: b l 177 Chapter 19
C) l l .li:J d 2 li:J f6 180
C l ) 1 2.f3?! 181 l .d4 'l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll B
C2) 1 2.c5! 182 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 Cll c6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4 'll h 5
bxc6 14.exf5 gxf5 15.b5 h6 16.'ll h3 d5

10.�el! f5 l 1 .'ll g5 'l:lf6 12.J.B c6 13.dxc6
Chapter 16
I .d4 'l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll o A) 1 7 . bxc6!?N 211

0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0--0 'll c6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4 'll h5 B) 1 7 .�a3 212
10. �el! f5 l l .'ll g5 'l:lf6 12.J.0!? c6 13.'&b3
h6 14.'l:le6 J.xe6 15.dxe6 '&c8! Chapter 20
A) 1 6.c5 ?! 187 l.d4 'l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.Cll B

B) 1 6 .El:d l ! ? El:d8 1 7 . b 5 ! Wlxe6 188 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 'l:lc6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4 'll h5
B l ) 1 8 .�a3 189 10.�el! f5 1 1 .'ll g5 'l:lf6 12.J.B c6 13.b5 cxd5
B2) 1 8.bxc6 191 14.cxd5 h6 15.'ll e6 J.xe6 16.dxe6 fxe4
Chapter 17 A) l 7.�xe4 216

B) 1 7.li:Jxe4 li:Jxe4 1 8.�xe4 d5 1 9 .�3! dxe4
I .d4 'l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll o 20.Wlxd8 El:fxd8 2 1 .�xe7 &8 22.�c5 El:xe6
0--0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 'll c6 8.d5 'l:le7 9.b4 'll h5 23.�e3!? a6! 217
10.�el! f5 1 1 .'ll g5 'll f6 12.J.B c6 13 .J.b2 h6 B l ) 24.a4 218
14.'l:le6 J.xe6 1 5.dxe6 fxe4 B2) 24.b6 219
A) l 6.�xe4 196 Chapter 21

B) 1 6.li:Jxe4! li:Jxe4 l 7.El:xe4! d5 1 8 . cxd5 cxd5
1 9.El:xe5! �xe5 20.�xe5 Wlb6 2 1 .�b2! El:ad8! l.d4 'l:l f6 2.c4 g6 3.'ll c3 j,g7 4.e4 d6 5.'ll o
198 0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0-0 'l:lc6 8.d5 'll e7 9.b4 'll h 5
B l ) 22.a3 200 1 0.�el! f5 n.'ll g5 'l:l f6 12.J.B c6 13.J.e3!?
B2) 22.Wle l !? 201 h6! 14.'l:le6 J.xe6 1 5.dxe6 fxe4 16.'l:lxe4 'll xe4
B3) 22.Wld2 202 17 .J.xe4 d5 18.cxd5 cxd5
B) 1 9.�c2 b6 223
A) 1 9.�c5 222
B l ) 20.�a4?! 223
B2) 20.Wlg4 225
Variat ion I ndex 279
I .d4 lllf6 2.c4 g6 3.lll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.lll 6 1 .d4 tll f6 2.c4 g6 3.lll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.lll 6
0--0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.b4 lll h5 0-0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.b4 lll h5
lOJ!el! f5 U .tll g5 tll f6 12.6 c6 13.b5 cxd5!N lOJ!el! f5 u.lll g5 tll f6 12.6 c6 13.i.e3 J.h6!
A) 1 4.cxd5 229 A) 14 ..id2 248

B) 1 4 . exd 5!? 231 B) 1 4 . h4! ? 251
I .d4 tllf6 2.c4 g6 3.lll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.lll 6 I .d4 tllf6 2 .c4 g6 3.lll c3 i.g7 4.e4 d6 5.lll 6
0--0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0-0 lll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.b4 lll h5 0--0 6.i.e2 e5 7.0--0 lll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.b4 lll h5
lOJ!el! f5 1 1.lll g5 tll f6 12.6 c6 13J�bl h6! lOJ!el! f5 1 1.lll g5 tll f6 12.6 c6 13.i.e3 J.h6!
14 .lll e6 J.xe6 15.dxe6 lll e8! 14.h4!? cxd5 15.cxd5! J.d7!
A) 1 6.�b3!? 236 A) 1 6.�d2 f4 l 7 ..if2 .ixg5 1 8.hxg5 lll h 5 254

B) 1 6.b5 lll c 7!? l 7.bxc6 bxc6 1 8 . .ia3! c5 A l ) 1 9.:Sec l a6!? 20.b5! t'Li c 8! 2 1 . bxa6 bxa6
1 9.lll b5 lll xe6 237 255
B l ) 20.exf5 ! ? 237 A l l ) 22.�b2 255
A2) 1 9.:Sac l ! ? 257

B2) 20.�xd6 239 A l 2) 22.:Sab l 256
Chapter 24
q 1 6 .�b3 lll h 5 ! ? 1 7 . .ib5 .ixb5 1 8.t'Lixb5
B) 1 6.a4!?N 259
1.d4 tll f6 2.c4 g6 3.lll c3 J.g7 4.e4 d6 5.lll 6 hg5! 1 9.hxg5!? fxe4! 20.fxe4 lll f4 262
0-0 6.J.e2 e5 7.0--0 lll c6 8.d5 lll e7 9.b4 lll h 5 C l ) 2 1 .:Sfl ! ? 264
10.gel! f5 u.lll g5 tll f6 12.6 c 6 13.@hl h 6 C2) 2 1 .:Sac l 265
14.lll e6 J.xe6 15.dxe6 tll e8! D) 1 6.:Sc l !? a6! 266
D l ) 1 7.a4!? 266
A) 16 . .ie3 242 D2) l 7.b5! 268
B) 16 .�b3!? 243
Kotro n i a s
on the Kotro n ias
King's I nd i a n o n the
VOLU M E O N E
King's I n d i a n
V O LU M E T H R E E
Fia n chetto
Syste m s
ca�1sen's 1
AM ES/C hl E
Kotron ias on the Ki ng's I nd i a n

V O LU M E T H R E E
Mar del Plata II

Va s s i l i o s Kot ro n i a s
The K i n g 's I n d i a n Defe n ce i s o n e of B l a c k's most dyn a m i c a n d a g g ressive
res pon ses to 1 .d4. A favou rite wea p o n of both F i s c h e r a n d Kaspa rov, it
re m a i n s a pop u l a r c h o i ce at a l l l eve l s of p l ay.
I n t h is, t h e t h i rd vol u m e of t h e Kotro n i a s on the King's I nd i a n series,

g ra n d m a ste r Va s s i l i o s Kotro n i a s p resents t h e seco n d pa rt of h i s
wor l d - c l a s s repertoi re a g a i n st t h e fa m o u s M a r d e l P l ata v a r i a ti o n ,
sta rti n g fro m t h e p o s i t i o n aft e r 1 . d 4 lL:i f6 2 .c4 g 6 3 . lLl c 3 .ig 7 4.e4 d 6
s . ltJf3 0 - 0 6 ..i e 2 es 7 .0-0 lLl c 6 8 . d s ltJ e7, with t h e foc u s o n 9 . b4, 9 . lLl d 2
a n d a l l ot h e r s e n s i b l e a l ternatives t o 9.ltJ e l . O n ce a g a i n , Kotro n i a s
p rovides a tu rbo-c h a rged repe rto i re fo r B l a c k, with a p l et h o ra o f novelties
and orig i n a l a n a lysis.
As wel l a s p rov i d i n g d eta i l ed a n a lysis, t h e a ut h o r a l so s h a res h i s

c o n s i d e ra b l e knowl e d g e o f typ i c a l m i d d l e g a m e t h e m es, both positi o n a l
a n d tactica l . A spec i a l s e l e c t i o n o f test posit i o n s i s p rovided, e na b l i n g
t h e rea d e r t o s h a r p e n h i s tacti c a l s ki l l s a n d i nc rease h i s m i d d l e g a m e
u n dersta n d i n g .
Countless novelties
· A repertoire to last a lifetime
•
• Written by a world-renowned opening expert
Vassilios Kotro n i a s beca m e G re e k C h a m p i o n for t h e te n t h t i m e i n

Dece m be r 2 0 1 4. H e i s fea red fo r h i s p rofo u n d o pe n i n g p re p a r a t i o n , a n d
i s o n e o f t h e wo r l d 's foremost experts on t h e K i n g's I n d i a n Defe n ce.
€24.99 $29.95
ISBN 978- 1 -907982-53-8
5 2995
l'-'I QUALITY CHESS

1 11
www.q u a l ityc h ess.co. u k 9 781 907 982538

Kotronias Vasillios - Kotronias On The King's Indian-3. Mar Del Plata-II, 2015-OCR, QualityChess, 282p PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Kotronias Vasillios - Kotronias On The King's Indian-3. Mar Del Plata-II, 2015-OCR, QualityChess, 282p PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Kotronias

Mar del Plata II

Tired of bad positions? Try the main lines!

Mar del Plata II

For my children, Adoria, Athanasia and Dimitrios

Kotronias on the King's Indian- Mar del Plata II

Paperback ISBN 978- 1 - 907982-53-8

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

Key to Symbols used & Bibliography

Variation Index 275

Khalifman: Opening/or Whit e According to Kramnik lb, Chess Stars 2006.

Markos: Beat the KID, Quality Chess 2008.

In all of the exercises it is Black to play.

Page 37, Chapter 3 Page 54, Chapter 4

Page 40, Chapter 3 Page 56, Chapter 4

Page 28, Chapter 2 Page 59, Chapter 4

Page 32, Chapter 2 Page 47, Chapter 3 Page 68, Chapter 5

Page 7 1 , Chapter 5 Page 83, Chapter 6 Page 92, Chapter 7

Page 79, Chapter 6 Page 84, Chapter 6

Page 8 1 , Chapter 6 Page 84, Chapter 6 Page 1 04, Chapter 8

Page 82, Chapter 6 Page 89, Chapter 7 Page 1 1 6, Chapter 9

Page 1 2 1 , Chapter 9 Page 1 44, Chapter 1 1 Page 1 70, Chapter 1 4

Page 1 22, Chapter 9 Page 1 80, Chapter 1 5

Page 1 23 , Chapter 9 Page 1 54, Chapter 1 2 Page 1 84, Chapter 1 5

Page 1 38, Chapter 1 1 Page 1 65 , Chapter 1 4 Page 1 88, Chapter 1 6

Page 1 90, Chapter 1 6 Page 224, Chapter 2 1 Page 232, Chapter 22

Page 203, Chapter 1 7 Page 225 , Chapter 2 1 Page 244, Chapter 24

Page 207, Chapter 1 8 Page 225, Chapter 2 1 Page 245 , Chapter 24

Page 230, Chapter 22 Page 268, Chapter 26

Various 9th Moves

A) note to I 0 .1/;\la4 ?! B I ) after 1 3.id3 E) after l l .g3

The direct I O .i.e3 b6 l 1 .a3N, intending b2-

1 0 . . . li:)e8 l I .i.e3 b6 1 2.b4 cxb4 1 3.Wxb4

A rather incomprehensible pawn sacrifice that

I O .li:)xe5 is hardly equalizing due to:

I will take this move, originally suggested by

fxe4 l 9 . .ixd5t Wh7 20 ..ixf8 ixfB 2 1 .fxe4

lll xe4 22.:B:f7t ig7 23.Wi'd3 Wb6t 24. lll e 3

This does not meet the requirements of the

12 ... tli f6 1 3.id3

1 3 ... tli d4!N 14.tlixd4 exd4 15.tlie4 tlixe4 14.g4!?

6 The same happens after: 1 4 .id3 e4!! 1 5 .lll xe4

5 l 7.fXe4 l:l:xfl t 1 8.'tt> xfl We7 l 9.Wd3 l:l:e8=

B2) 12.tlixfS .ixf5

1 2 . . . gxf5! ? 1 3.f4 e4 also looks okay for Black

17 ...ti'e8 1 8 ..if3 tli h7

1 9.ti'd2 ti'e5 20.h3 gae8i

C) 9.@hl Cl) 10.tll e l f5 1 1 .exf5 tll xf5 12.id3

Also possible is 1 2 . . . lt:)f6 1 3.li:)8 li:) d4

One of the points of White's idea is seen

9 . . . li:)h5 allows White to demonstrate another

1 3 ...ti'e7! 12 ... tll f6 13.tll d3 b6 14.id2 f4

1 4.ig5 'Wf7 1 5 .id2 h6 1 6. tlie4 lli f6=

14.tlig5 ih6! 1 5 .tlice4 b6 1 6.f4!? ( 1 6.g4?!

stood fine in Cvitan - Socko, Biel 2007. The

2Uha5 Wf d7 22.llJfl llJg6--+

A bit of a provocative move, but it is still 1 2.l:l:c l was played in Gniazdowski -

1 2.llJd2 is answered simply by 1 2 . . . llJ f6, again

An immediate l 2.id2 should probably

1 2 .Wfcl ! ?N is another engine recommendation.

GJP� �� 1�