Nowy Dokument Tekstowy

[Event "?
"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Introduction"]
[Black "My Opening Philosophy"]
[FEN "rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1"]
[Result "*"]
{ I believe that opening preparation is more than just memorizing lines. Regardless
of how well-prepared you are, you will eventually encounter a new move. Winning a
game of chess solely through memorized openings is not possible. Therefore,
understanding the moves is equally important to making the right move. There are
several approaches to opening preparation. The first and most popular approach
involves having a concise and compact repertoire. While this is easy to memorize,
it has the drawback of limited information. If your games are publicly available,
you are likely to be caught off guard. Being surprised in an opening where you lack
sufficient knowledge can be challenging. The alternative approach, which is the
one we will adopt in this course, is to delve deeply and comprehend the underlying
logic behind each move. By doing so, you will gain a significantly better
understanding of the openings compared to your opponent (especially if you play
novelties) and reduce the chances of being caught unprepared. However, the downside
is that it requires additional time. Personally, I prefer the latter approach
for a long-term repertoire and the former when preparing against specific
opponents. }1. --
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Introduction"]
[Black "Introduction"]
[Result "*"]
{ Welcome to my course on 1.d4 as Black! I am IM Kushager Krishnater, a

professional chess coach and second. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege
of working with renowned players such as Vidit Gujarathi and Arjun Erigaisi. I have
also trained more than 10 GMs and IMs and served as the Chief Openings Coach for
the Singapore National Team. As the youngest recipient of the FIDE Trainer (FT)
title, I bring to you a comprehensive repertoire that is both dynamic and
innovative. In this course, we will explore lines that deviate from well-known
paths often resulting in draws. My aim is to present you with openings where your
opponents are prone to making mistakes and have limited chances of securing a draw.
I will not hold back any information and will unveil numerous novelties and fresh
ideas. While there may be instances when Stockfish disagrees with my
recommendations, as we delve deeper into the lines, we will discover why
Stockfish's initial evaluations are often incorrect. The moves I propose are a
combination of human logic and instinct, not simply blind adherence to Stockfish's
suggestions. Rest assured, by the end of our exploration, Stockfish will endorse
all of our choices. I have thoroughly examined sidelines such as Trompowsky, Jobava
London, and Veresov. However, our primary focus will be on four main lines in
response to our moves: the Catalan, London, QGD without early Nf3 , and QGD with
Nc3 - Nf3 . Let's briefly preview the directions we will pursue. }1. d4
1. d5
2. c4( 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4 { The London System, which was once regarded as a reliable
opening option, has now become popular among both ambitious and system players. The
primary drawback of the London System lies in the tendency of White players to aim
for a draw, resulting in positions lacking significant imbalances. To counter
the London System, I suggest employing one of the most aggressive
variations: }3...e6 4.e3 c5 5.Nbd2 Nc6 6.c3 cxd4 7.exd4 Nh5! { The lines here are
mostly unforced and full of strategic ideas. White players who choose the
London System often want to play a simple game where they can keep a slight edge
out of the opening and make simple moves. However, in this variation, White
must either sacrifice a pawn or give up the bishop pair, both of which can lead to
extremely rich and complex positions. This is not what most London players
want. } )
2. e6
3. Nf3{ White obviously develops a minor piece towards the centre. We don't need a
very big explanation for this move. }
3. Nf6
4. Nc3( 4.g3 { The Catalan has been one of my biggest headaches. It is one of the
most reputed and solid options for White. As Black, it is very difficult to find
ideas that are exciting, unknown, and objectively fine at the same time. However, I
like to believe that I managed to do a good job here, and I recommend the following
variation. }4...Be7 ( { ( }4...dxc4 { In the course, you will see another exciting
idea that I couldn't include in the course due to the greater degree of risk.
However, I am pretty sure your opponent wouldn't know the line I propose, so it can
be a great weapon if used correctly. }5.Bg2 Nbd7 6.O-O c6 7.a4 b6 8.Nfd2 Ba6 9.Bxc6
Rc8 10.Bb5 Bb7 11.Nc3 h5 12.e4 h4 13.Qe2± { is what GM Srinath, and GM Alonso Alvar
recommend in their respective courses on Catalan, but after }( { ( }13.g4 { Arjun
Erigaisi won as black here, in a miniature game against Boris Gelfand at the Tepe
Sigman 2023). } )13...hxg3 14.fxg3 Be7 15.e5 { and the brilliant idea }15...O-O !!
{ things are far from clear for someone without stockfish. }16.exf6 Nxf6 { We have
ideas of a kingside assualt with Qxd4 , and trapping the b5 -Bishop with a6 .
The position is quite wild, and may suit the ambitious players, who are willing to
take a certain degree of risk.) } )5.Bg2 O-O 6.O-O dxc4 7.Qc2 ( 7.Ne5 { Pretty much
the only response for Black has been Nc6 . It is one of those moves that doesn't
give Black any chances of winning. The main line continues with Bxc6 bxc6 , and
Nxc6 , which gives Black close to zero chances of winning. This looks
disheartening, but I managed to find a highly unknown variation that gives Black a
lot of fighting chances. }7...Nd5 { With the idea of pushing b5 and protecting
the c4 pawn. This seems like a great practical weapon, not giving White the
typical two-result position. }8.Nxc4 b5 { The position is complex with all the
pieces on board. Combined with the surprise effect, the lines give an excellent
chance to fight against Catalan players who are usually looking to play the same
kind of structures. } )7...b5 8.a4 b4 9.Nfd2 Nd5 10.Nxc4 c5 11.dxc5 Bxc5! { The key
idea. Arjun used this idea to beat Max Warmerdam in a miniature game at the Tata
Steel Challengers 2022. Black has more space due to the b4 pawn, along with the
active pieces on d5 & c5 . The lines are extremely fresh, giving us plenty of
opportunities to catch our opponent. } )
4. Nbd7{ The Manhattan Variation was never a mainstream option, but a fairly
popular one. However, people who choose it typically opt for a slow game. I managed
to find some new ideas here that make things sharp and give Black plenty of chances
to fight for a win. }
5. cxd5
5. exd5
6. Bg5
6. Bb4{ As in the 3.Nc3 line, we still go for the ... Bb4 idea. Our ideas here
are a mix of ... h6 - g5 - Ne4 stuff and ... c5 - Qa5 . What pushed me to write
the course is the novelty I found after: }
7. e3
7. c5
8. dxc5
8. Qa5
9. Rc1
9. Ne4
10. Qxd5
10. Nxc3
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
12. Kd1
12. O-O
13. Bc4
13. b5
14. cxb6
14. Nc5{ The position is so wild that it would be impossible for both sides to play
it without knowing the theory beforehand. I believe that these variations give us
an excellent chance to fight for a win as Black, without compromising on
objectivity, in variations such as the Grunfeld. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Repertoire Clashes"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'The Jobava London System' by Simon Williams"]
[Result "*"]
{ This section provides information on how our chess repertoire compares with those
offered in various Chessable courses. Importantly, this is not intended to
criticize any authors; rather, the aim is to evaluate how our repertoire stacks up
against those taught in other Chessable courses. Below is a list of courses and
their respective authors that we have reviewed: 'Calm & Collected: 1.d4' by FM
Marko Makaj 'Starting out with 1.d4' by GM Ben Finegold 'Keep it Simple
1.d4' by Christof Sielecki 'Catalan' by GM Alonso '1.d4' by GM Sam
Shankland 'The Principled Queen's Gambit' by FM Daniel Barrish 'Go for
the Throat' by FM Kamil Plichta 'The Solid 1.d4' by GM Adrien Demuth
'1.d4 for Ambitious Improvers' by Angelika Valkova 'Lifetime Repertoires:
Srinath's Catalan' 'Alex Banzea's London System' 'Lifetime Repertoires:
Liem's London System' 'Lifetime Repertoires: Sahaj and Srinath's London
System' 'The Jobava London System' by Simon Williams 'Lifetime
Repertoires: Jobava London' by Hans Niemann }1. d4
1. d5
2. Bf4{ The infamous London system. }
2. Nf6
3. Nc3{ The Jobava London. I cross-checked the course with Hans's and Williams's
course. }
3. e6
4. e3{ William recommends the less-threatening e3 where I recommend the following
line: }
4. Bb4
5. Bd3
5. c5
6. dxc5
6. Nbd7
7. Nge2
7. a6
8. Bg3
8. Nh5{ I had initially ended the position here with a =+ evaluation, but Williams
went one move deeper. }
9. e4
9. Nxg3
10. hxg3
10. Nxc5{ We have a very comfortable position. Williams doesn't cover this. More
than that, black's position is strategically better due to the better pawn
structure, and the pair of bishops. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'Lifetime Repertoires: Jobava London' by Hans Niemann"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. Nf6
3. Nc3{ The Jobava London. I cross-checked the course with Hans's and Williams's
course. }
3. e6
4. Nb5{ Hans's recommendation }
4. Bb4+
5. c3
5. Ba5
6. e3
6. a6
7. Na3( { Hans covers }7...O-O { here, but not my recommendation! } )
7. Nbd7{ More coverage inside the main course. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'Alex Banzea's London System'"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. Nf6
3. e3
3. e6
4. Nf3
4. c5
5. c3
5. Nc6
6. Nbd2
6. cxd4
7. exd4
7. Nh5{ We arrived at this position through different move sequences featured in
the three major London System courses by my friends GM Srinath Narayanan, GM Le
Quang Liem, and IM Alex Banzea. }
8. Be3
8. Bd6
9. Ne5{ Le Quang Liem and Banzea go for this move. }
9. g6
10. Nd3{ Liam now doesn't cover our response. }
10. Ng7{ While Banzea goes a move deeper! }
11. g3{ But still he doesn't cover my recommendation. }
11. b6{ More inside the main course. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'Lifetime Repertoires: Sahaj and Srinath's London
System'"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. Nf6
3. e3
3. e6
4. Nf3
4. c5
5. c3
5. Nc6
6. Nbd2
6. cxd4
7. exd4
7. Nh5{ We arrived at this position through different move sequences featured in
the three major London System courses by my friends GM Srinath Narayanan, GM Le
Quang Liem, and IM Alex Banzea. }
8. Be3
8. Bd6
9. Bd3{ Srinath & Sahaj's recommendation. We stay on track till move 14. }
9. Nf4
10. Bxf4
10. Bxf4
11. g3
11. Bd6
12. O-O
12. O-O
13. Re1
13. Bd7
14. Rc1{ They end their analysis here, while we keep going. }
14. Rc8{ And we still go a couple of moves deeper, explaining black's ideas in
the position. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'Calm & Collected: 1. d4' by FM Marko Makaj"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. Bg5{ This is the suggestion of FM Marko Makaj in his chessable course. We stay
on common grounds up to 4.Nf3. }
2. c5
3. e3
3. Nc6
4. Nf3{ And here, I recommend something else. }
4. cxd4
5. exd4
5. Bg4{ Which the author doesn't cover! More coverage inside the corresponding
variations! }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'Starting out with 1.d4' by GM Ben Finegold"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. c4
2. e6
3. Nc3
3. Nf6
4. Bg5{ This is the recommendation of Ben Finegold in his 1.d4 course. We remain
on common grounds till move 10. }
4. dxc4
5. e3
5. c5
6. Bxc4
6. cxd4
7. exd4
7. Nc6
8. Nf3
8. Be7
9. O-O
9. O-O
10. a3( { While Finegold covers the main line with }10...b6 { , he doesn't check
out my recommendation! } )
10. a6{ More inside the main course. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: '1.d4 for Ambitious Improvers' by Angelika Valkova"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. c4
2. e6
3. Nc3
3. Nf6
4. cxd5{ The recommendation of many top authors. }
4. exd5
5. Bg5
5. Bb4{ The Gukesh QGD! }
6. Qb3{ Angelika Volkova, in her course '1.d4 for ambitious players', suggests the
rare but quite interesting 6.Qb3. We stay on common grounds till move 13. Kc1 . }
6. c5
7. dxc5
7. Nc6
8. O-O-O
8. Qa5
9. Bxf6
9. gxf6
10. Nxd5
10. Qxc5+
11. Qc2
11. Qxc2+
12. Kxc2
12. Bf5+
13. Kc1{ She covers ... Rc8 here, but doesn't address my recommendation! }
13. Kf8{ More inside the main course! }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'The Solid 1.d4' by GM Adrien Demuth"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. c4
2. e6
3. Nc3
3. Nf6
4. exd5
5. Bg5
6. e3{ The main move in this position. }
6. h6{ GM Adrien Demuth doesn't cover this position in his course, 'The Solid 1.d4
for White'. }
7. Bh4{ A couple of authors go for this. }
7. g5
8. Bg3
8. Ne4
9. Qc2{ This is the recommendation of GM Falko Bindrich in his course, 'Bindrichs
1.d4'. We both recommend the next couple of moves. }
9. h5
10. f3
10. Nxg3
11. hxg3{ But here I deviate with a new move. }
11. Nc6{ Which Bindrich doesn't cover! }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'Go for the Throat' by FM Kamil Plichta"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. c4
2. e6
3. Nc3
3. Nf6
4. exd5
5. Bg5
6. e3{ The main move in this position. }
6. h6{ GM Adrien Demuth doesn't cover this position in his course, 'The Solid 1.d4
for White'. }
7. Bh4{ A couple of authors go for this. }
7. g5
8. Bg3
8. Ne4
9. Nge2
9. h5
10. h4{ Recommended by FM Kamil Plichta and FM Daniel Barrish in their courses.
They cover the main line with Nxg3 , but both don't cover the highly effective }
10. Bg4{ More coverage in the main course! }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'LTR: Alonso's Catalan' by GM Àlvar Alonso Rosell"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. c4
2. e6
3. Nf3
3. Nf6
4. g3{ The Catalan system. We stay on common grounds with all the courses till move
8... b4 . }
4. Be7
5. Bg2
5. O-O
6. O-O
6. dxc4
7. Qc2
7. b5
8. a4
8. b4{ The point of deviation. }
{ Alonso goes for the principled }9. Ne5{ we both recommend the principled line
till Move 18. A theoretical battle, I know :) }
9. Qxd4
10. Bxa8
10. Qxe5
11. Bf4
11. Qh5
12. Bf3
12. Ng4
13. Bxg4
13. Qxg4
14. Qxc4
14. e5
15. Qxc7
15. exf4
16. Qxe7
16. fxg3
17. Nd2
17. Nc6
18. Qe4{ Alonso only checks out the top engine line with gxf2 , which is indeed
pleasant for white, but I recommend a more practical approach! }
18. gxh2+
19. Kh1
19. Qd7{ More on this move inside the main course! }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'Keep it Simple 1.d4' by Christof Sielecki"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. c4
2. e6
3. Nf3
3. Nf6
8... b4 . }
4. Be7
5. Bg2
5. O-O
6. O-O
6. dxc4
7. Qc2
7. b5
8. a4
9. Nfd2{ Srinath & Sielecki's recommendation. }
9. Nd5
10. Nxc4
10. c5
11. dxc5
11. Bxc5
12. e4
12. Nb6{ This is where both the courses go different ways. }
13. Ncd2{ Sielecki goes for Ncd2 but doesn't cover the new main line! }
13. N8d7{ More inside the course! }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: 'Lifetime Repertoires: Srinath's Catalan' by GM Srinath
Narayanan"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. c4
2. e6
3. Nf3
3. Nf6
8... b4 . }
4. Be7
5. Bg2
5. O-O
6. O-O
6. dxc4
7. Qc2
7. b5
8. a4
9. Nfd2{ Srinath & Sielecki's recommendation. }
9. Nd5
10. Nxc4
10. c5
11. dxc5
11. Bxc5
12. e4
12. Nb6{ This is where both the courses go different ways. }
13. Rd1
13. N8d7
14. Nxb6
14. axb6
15. Nd2{ Srinath ends his course here, while I go several deeper in this
position! }
15. Ba6{ More detailed analysis here. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Repertoire Clashes: '1.d4 series' by GM Sam Shankland"]
[Result "*"]
1. d5
2. c4
2. e6
3. Nf3
3. Nf6
4. Nc3{ Only Sam Shankland goes for this }
4. Nbd7
5. cxd5
5. exd5
6. Bf4
6. Bb4
7. e3
7. Ne4
8. Qc2
8. g5
9. Be5
9. Nxe5
10. Nxe5{ Shankland ends his course with a += evaluation, but after... }
10. c6{ We are just getting started! }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Quickstarter Guide"]
[Black "The Manhattan #1"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4{ Let us start understanding moves from the first move itself. Why did White
play 1.d4 ? Does it bring a strategic change in the position? Asking yourself such
questions would help you learn not just opening lines efficiently but will also
help you develop your overall understanding of the game. With 1.d4 , White gains
more space, controls the center, and opens the c1 - h6 diagonal for the bishop. }
1. d5( { Black does the same with }1...d5 { . We gain more space, control the
centre and open up the diagonal for the }c8 { bishop. We can reach the Manhattan
move order with }1...Nf6 { too, but starting with }1...d5 { gives us more
flexibility against the sidelines like the Trompowsky and extra options
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
2. c4{ White gains more space, putting pressure on Black's centre and prepares Nc3
at some point. Playing Nc3 directly, transposing into a Jobava London or the
Trompowsky, is inferior since Black's centre is very stable in those lines. }
2. e6{ With e6 , we reinforce our control in the centre and open up the diagonal
of the f8 -bishop. The drawback is that our c8 -bishop is restricted now. The
problem of the c8 -bishop is consistent in all Queen's Gambit Declined variations.
To solve that issue, we can try to either force white to capture on d5 , enabling
us to recapture with the e-pawn and opening up the diagonal. The other option
for us is to play ... dxc4 - b6 - Bb7 , bringing the bishop to an active diagonal.
Lastly, we can ignore that problem and focus on other pieces as well as breaking
open the centre with c7 - c5 . }
3. Nf3
3. Nf6{ Black does the same, developing a minor piece towards the centre! }
4. Nc3( { The main line along with }4.g3 { , the Catalan variation. With }4.Nc3 { ,
white develops a piece and puts some additional pressure on the d5 -pawn. This
is a huge crossroad from a theoretical perspective, with black having multiple good
choices with }4...Bb4 { , the Ragozin variation, and }4...Be7 { , the QGD. Black
also has }4...dxc4 { , the Vienna, }4...c6 { , the Semi-Slav, }4...a6 { , }4...h6 {
and }4...c5 { the Semi-Tarrasch. } )
4. Nbd7{ The starting point of our repertoire: At first, the knight on d7 may
appear to be poorly placed. After all, the knight is much better positioned on c6
after ... c7 - c5 . White hasn't played anything that forces us to bring the knight
to d7 so early. So why are we doing it now? There are two reasons for this.
The first reason is to obtain a better version of ... Bb4 lines. The dark-squared
bishop is more active on b4 than on e7 since it can attack more squares. Why
don't we play ... Bb4 directly then? Because among the various options, white has
the possibility of playing Qa4 +, inducing ... Nc6 . The knight would be misplaced
on c6 , eliminating the option of undermining the center with ... c7 - c5 . White
usually enjoys a comfortable position due to the extra space. With ... Nbd7 , Qa4
is not a check, and we can safely play ... Bxc3 , disrupting White's pawn structure
or play ... c5 . Furthermore, by playing ... Nbd7 , we reinforce the threat
of ... dxc4 since we have the additional option of playing ... Nb6 here. Although
playing ... dxc4 earlier conceded the center, it will be worth it if we can win
the bishop pair. }( 4...Bb4 5.Qa4+!? Nc6 { the knight is slightly misplaced. Black
doesn't have the option of ...c7 - c5 anymore. } )
5. Bg5{ The most ambitious move strategically. White develops the bishop to the
most active square and simultaneously puts pressure on the d5 -pawn. }
5. Bb4{ Our point is that just like the bishop on g5 , the bishop on b4 is on
the most active square. We are putting pressure on the c3 -knight while also
defending the d5 -pawn. Our main plans involve undermining the center with ... c5
or playing moves like ... h6 , Bh4 , ... g5 , Bg3 , ... Ne4 to exert pressure on
the c3 -knight. }
6. e3{ White opens up the diagonal for the f1 -bishop and defends the c4 -pawn. }
( 6.cxd5 exd5 7.e3 c5 { transposes. } )
6. c5{ The point of this variation. Unlike the other QGD lines, we are looking to
undermine White's centre immediately. }
7. cxd5{ White's main reply. White tries to create an isolated pawn on d5 . In
return, we get more active pieces. }
7. exd5{ The only move to win back the material. }
8. dxc5{ The most ambitious move strategically. White is attacking our pawns
immediately. }( 8.Bd3 { preparing O-O , is the main line, which transposes to
chapter 2. } )
8. Qa5{ The most ambitious move from our end as well. We develop a new piece and
threaten ... Bxc3 . An important point to note is that Black can castle on the next
move itself, while White's king is still stuck in the center, under direct pressure
from the bishop on b4 and the queen on a5 . }
9. Rc1{ Defending the c3 -knight. }
9. Ne4{ Renewing the threat of capturing on c3 . White's position already looks
slightly dangerous with the king in the centre. }
10. Qxd5{ Practically the only move. White captures a second pawn and hopes to
contain black's initiative. }( 10.Qd4 O-O∓ { and black is already much better. We
can recapture the pawn on c5 with the d7 knight, activating all of our pieces
in the process. } )
10. Nxc3{ We capture the knight with our knight to keep the option of ... Bxc3 +
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
12. Kd1{ The only move. White brings the king to d1 and not to e2 to keep the
f1 - a6 diagonal open. }( 12.Nd2? { is extremely passive. After }12...O-O∓ { black
will easily recapture the pawn and with the white king is centre, white's position
looks bleak. } )
12. O-O{ Finishing up the development. We are preparing to either play ... Nf6 or
take on c5 somehow. }
13. Bc4{ The best and the most ambitious try. White prepares Be7 , after which
defending our f7 -pawn becomes difficult. This is the reason why the ... Qa5
variation is out of fashion. Our following move prompted me to build this course! }
13. b5{ An extremely strong novelty. Trust me, this will be one of the craziest
lines you'll ever see. To understand this move, we need to go really deep. White is
a couple of pawns up, but the king is misplaced for the moment. With Bc4 , white
prepares Ke2 , after which the king will be much safer. Therefore, black needs to
act with a sense of urgency to stop this plan. Additionally, white is preparing
Be7 , attacking the f8 -rook, which cannot be moved since the f7 -pawn is under
attack. Black can look to improve its position with ... Nf6 or ... Nxc5 , trying
to include all the pieces in the game. }( { A) }13...Nxc5 { looks tempting too,
but after }14.Be7 { we cannot play b6 as in the main line since the a8 rook is
hanging. }14...b6 15.Bxf8 { and the difference is that our a8 rook is hanging
here. Check out 16.Bxf8 in the main line to understand the difference. } )( { B)
}13...Nf6 { runs into }14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Ke2 { white's king is much safer. We can win
a pawn back, but not more. } )
14. Bb3{ White tries to keep the pressure on f7 -pawn alive. }
14. Nf6( { This is possible now. The difference is that we have the a6 -square
accessible for the c8 -bishop. You'll understand the point after checking the
variation with }16.Qxa8 { . } )
15. Bxf6{ Hoping that black takes with the c3 bishop, easing the pressure around
white's king. }( 15.Qxa8 Rd8+ 16.Ke2 b4 { is similar to the line with 15.Bxf6
gxf6 . The same tactical motif works in this variation too. } )
15. gxf6{ We want to keep our pieces on the most active square. }
16. Qxa8{ This should be the first thing to consider. However, white's king is too
weak, and we can exploit this wonderfully! }
16. Rd8+
17. Ke2( 17.Kc2 { runs into }17...Bf5+ { , losing the a8 queen. } )
17. b4{ The brilliant point I was talking about earlier. The a6 -square is
accessible for the bishop now. We are preparing ... Ba6 , with the dual threat of
checkmate and winning the queen. }
18. Bc4{ But here comes the cold shower! }
18. Qxa2+{ And white is mated. }
19. Bxa2
19. Ba6+
20. Bc4
20. Bxc4#{ One of the most fascinating lines I have ever looked at. Black wins
under 20 moves, via a checkmate in a completely unexplored variation. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
3. Nf3
the c3 -knight. }
6. c5
7. cxd5
7. exd5
8. Bd3{ The point of deviation from the 1st chapter. White includes the last
undeveloped minor piece into the game, and prepares O-O . }
8. Qa5{ We are building up the pressure on the c3 -knight, as we did in the 8.dc5
line. Activity is the key to this variation. Our entire strategic concept is that
we accept a slightly poor pawn structure in return for active pieces. }
9. Qc2{ Defending the c3 knight and bringing the queen to the ideal square. This
is the main line of the system. The sidelines are covered in the following
chapters. }
9. c4{ Gains space and stops white to create an isolated passed pawn with dxc5 . }
10. Bf5{ Keeping the bishop active and controlling the important e4 square. }
10. O-O{ Finishing development. }
11. O-O{ White does the same. From a strategic viewpoint, white has more active
pieces due to a lead in development, whereas black has more space due to the pawn
on c4 . Our strategic goal should be to develop our pieces as quickly as possible
whereas white will look to exploit their lead in development. }
11. Re8{ Stopping the potential e4 breaks and bringing a new piece into the game.
}
12. Nd2{ The main line. White controls the e4 square square with the knight. This
works now because white has completed development. }
12. g6{ Creating an escape square and gaining a tempo. }
13. Bh3{ This is another way to play. White keeps the bishop pair on the board. }
13. Kg7{ Defending the f6 -knight. Black is preparing to play ... h6 or ... Nb6 .
}
14. Bh4{ White gets the bishop out of ... h6 / Ne4 ideas. }
14. Nb6{ Typical. We try to eliminate the bishop on c8 . }
15. Nb3{ White tries to exploit the poor position of our queen on a5 . }
15. cxb3{ We can't afford to lose time with ... Qa6 . }
16. axb3{ Our queen on a5 doesn't have any squares. }
16. Bxc3{ If we have to give up the queen, we should do it by grabbing as much
material as possible. }
17. Rxa5( 17.bxc3 { would have run into }17...Qb5 { , where our queen escapes. } )
17. Bxa5{ We have couple of minor pieces & a rook for the queen & pawn. So far, so
good. }
18. Qc5{ This looks like the most tempting option. Our bishop on a5 is loose. }
18. Bxh3{ Eliminating our inactive piece for an active one. }
19. gxh3
19. g5{ The key point. The bishop on h4 is loose. }
20. Bg3
20. Bd2{ With ... Ne4 coming next, we are better. }( { Note that }21.Be5 { is met
by }21...Re6 { , followed by ...Rc6 . } )
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
6. c5
7. cxd5
7. exd5
chapters. }
}
}
14. Rae1{ White brings all the pieces into the game and looks to open the position
with e4 . }
14. Ne4{ Stopping the e4 break. This is essential because we are
underdeveloped. }
15. Ndxe4( { The right exchange. }15.Ncxe4 dxe4 { loses material. } )
15. dxe4{ We have gained more space and our knight is ready to occupy the d5 -
square. White is looking to break open the position with f3 . }
16. Bf4{ Keeping the option of Be5 + open. }
16. Nf6{ We keep the e4 pawn protected and we are better prepared for Be5 . }
17. Bxc8
17. Raxc8( { All of our pieces are developed. White needs to hurry or we are ready
to take over with }18.-- 18...Bxc3 19.bxc3 Nd5 { . } )
18. f3{ Opening up the position makes sense. }
18. exf3
19. Rxf3{ White has activated their rook and is ready to move the f4 -bishop to an
active square. }
19. Bxc3{ Eliminating the defender of e4 -square. }
20. bxc3
20. Ne4{ We have a very strong grip on e4 . Our knight is ideally placed too. If
white remains slow, we will be much better placed strategically. }
21. Be5+{ Cutting off the rook's support to the e4 -knight. }
21. Rxe5{ Forced. We give up the exchange for activity. }
22. dxe5
22. Qxc3{ Creating a passed c-pawn. }
23. Qxc3
23. Nxc3{ We have won a pawn for the exchange and keep an extremely valuable passed
pawn on c4 . }
24. a3{ Defending the a-pawn. }
24. b5{ Even though we have just a-pawn, our pawn majority on the queenside is
extremely strong. We are going to create two passed pawns. White has a doubled pawn
on e-file. White can just sit and wait for us to push pawns. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
6. c5
7. cxd5
7. exd5
chapters. }
}
}
with e4 . }
underdeveloped. }
17. Bxc8
18. Be5
18. Rxe5{ Correctly giving up the exchange to keep the valuable e4 -pawn. }
19. dxe5
19. Qxe5{ Our activity and space gives us enough compensation for the exchange. We
are preparing to activate our rook with ... Rd8 - d3 . }
20. a3{ This doesn't help. We can continue to keep the pressure. }
20. Ba5{ This is a useful move for us. We can always kick white's rook on d4 with
Bb6 . }
21. Rd1{ Stopping Rd8 . }
21. h5( { With good attacking chances. White can't improve their pieces
easily. }22.Rd4 { is always met by }22...Bb6 { . } )
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
6. c5
7. cxd5
7. exd5
chapters. }
}
}
with e4 . }
underdeveloped. }
17. Bxc8
18. Be5
19. dxe5
20. Rd1{ Preventing ... Rd8 . }
20. Ba5{ Stopping Rd4 and Qd2 . }
21. Qd2{ Looking to trade queens with Qd4 or Qd6 . }
21. Rd8{ The point. White can't trade queens. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
6. c5
7. cxd5
7. exd5
chapters. }
}
}
with e4 . }
underdeveloped. }
17. Bxc8
18. Be5
19. dxe5
20. Rd1{ Preventing ... Rd8 . }
20. Ba5{ Stopping Rd4 and Qd2 . }
21. a4{ Preventing b5 . }
21. h5{ As usual. We have enough activity and space as compensation for the
exchange sacrifice. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
3. Nf3
the c3 -knight. }
7. Bd3{ White develops another piece without releasing the tension in the centre. }
( 7.Be2 { will transpose to the 8.Bd3 line after }7...cxd4 8.exd4 dxc4 9.Bxc4
{ transposes to 8.Bd3 in the course. } )
7. cxd4{ The perfect moment for us to release the central tension. Unlike the
previous lines, white will be the one with isolated pawns here. }
8. exd4
8. dxc4{ Creating an isolated pawn. }
9. Bxc4
9. h6{ In this Manhattan system, we basically play h6 almost all the time when
white's bishop is on g5 . }
10. Bh4{ Keeping the knight under pin. }
11. O-O{ White does the same. }
11. Qa5{ Getting out of the pin and putting pressure on c3 . Again, this is pretty
standard in our lines. }
12. Rc1{ Bringing a fresh piece to the open file. }
12. Bxc3{ Looking to ruin white's pawn structure. }
13. Rxc3
13. b5{ Gaining a tempo while preparing ... Bb7 . Black is completely fine. We will
follow up with ... b4 & ... Bb7 . }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "The Catalan #1"]
[Result "*"]
{ New variations, new beginnings. The Catalan Variation, my personal nemesis. For a
very long time, I didn't know what to do against the Catalan. This was mainly
because getting an imbalanced position is extremely rare in the Catalan. White
usually achieves a position with two possible outcomes, making it very difficult to
play for a win. That's why I'm particularly proud of the work I did here. I believe
I discovered several fresh directions, resulting in unexplored structures and
imbalances. More importantly, I managed to find ways where white can't simply
memorize their way to a draw, providing us with ample chances to fight for a win.
As for the structure of these chapters, they are designed in a way where we start
with the core variations and keep adding layers of sidelines in the subsequent
chapters. Let's get started! }1. d4{ Let us start understanding moves from the
first move itself. Why did White play 1.d4 ? Does it bring a strategic change in
the position? Asking yourself such questions would help you learn not just opening
lines efficiently but will also help you develop your overall understanding of the
game. With 1.d4 , White gains more space, controls the center, and opens the c1 -
h6 diagonal for the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
3. Nf3
4. g3{ The starting point of Catalan. White's claim is that the Bishop on g2 is
stronger than it is on d3 . White wants to exert additional pressure on d5 .
The drawback is that c4 pawn is weaker in these positions. We have plenty of
extra opportunities to capture on c4 . }
4. Be7( 5.Nc3 { is white's main alternative in this position. However,
after }5...Nbd7 { we transpose to chapter 10. } )
5. Bg2{ White continues with their plan of placing the bishop on the h1 - a8
diagonal. }
5. O-O{ We finish our kingside development. }
6. O-O{ This is the main line. White finishes their kingside development too. }
6. dxc4( { The main move in this position along with }6...c6 { . We go for the
counter attacking strategy of attacking white's central pawns. } )
7. Qc2{ The main move by far. White looks to recapture on c4 , keeping a small
advantage due to more space. }
7. b5{ The first deviation from the main lines. We play ambitiously and not let
white take up the c4 pawn so easily. }( 7...a6 { is the main line. It's very
solid, but doesn't give too many winning chances to black. White keeps a tiny space
advantage. } )
8. a4{ Challenging the pawns on b5 & c4 . }
8. b4{ The most ambitious. We gain space and stop Nc3 ideas. }
9. Nfd2{ Principled. White activates the g2 -bishop and look to capture the pawn
on c4 with the knight. }
9. Nd5{ We stop Bxa8 and improve the position of our knight. }
10. Nxc4{ The point of Nfd2 . White gets the knight on the outpost. }
10. c5{ Looking to undermine white's centre. }
11. dxc5{ The main move. White accepts the challenge and wants to play against the
d5 -knight. }
11. Bxc5{ This natural move is somehow not the main move. Black players preferred
Ba6 here, after Magnus defeated Ding in a spectacular fashion. This move came into
the limelight after Arjun defeated Max Warmerdam in a miniature game at the Tata
Steel Challengers. Black simply recaptures the pawn and asks white to exploit
our loose pieces. It's important to note that even though both d5 knight and c5
bishop are exposed to tactics, they are very actively placed in the centre. We
place our bets on white not being able to exploit the loose position of our pieces,
after which we'll take over the initiative due to better positioning of our pieces.
Our typical idea is to bring the Bishop to a6 , b8 -knight to d7 / c6 , and one
of the rooks to c8 . }
12. Rd1{ The concept of exploiting the pinned knight with e4 is also very
logical. This time, we can't go for our usual ... Ba6 , so we must opt for a
different move. }
12. Nd7{ Instead. The knight intercepts the pin on the d-file. We are now preparing
to play ... Bb7 / Ba6 , based on white's response. }
13. Bxd5{ This is an instructive error. White cannot afford to give up the only
defender on the kingside. }
13. exd5
14. Rxd5{ Of course, without this continuation, Bxd5 would have made no sense. }
14. Bb7{ Surprisingly, white's king is busted. }
15. Rd1
15. Qc8{ There's no good way to keep the material balance. We are preparing ... Qc6
, putting an insane amount of pressure on the kingside. With 3 pieces attacking the
king and no piece to defend, it shouldn't be hard to know what went wrong for
white. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
3. Nf3
4. g3
5. Bg2
5. O-O
6. O-O
6. dxc4
7. Ne5{ The starting point of the chapter. White wants to recapture with the
knight, and not let us play ... b7 - b5 , unlike the Qc2 variations. }( { The
main line goes with }7....Nc6 { , after which white has couple of decent tries with
}8.Nxc6 { & }8.Bxc6 { , where white keeps a comfortable position with chances to
push. } )
7. Nd5{ Here comes our surprise. Our idea is simple : We want to keep pieces on the
board and fight for a win. With Nd5 , we are threatening to play b5 next,
supporting the c4 pawn. Out of the 5500-odd games played here, only 59 continued
with Nd5 . More importantly, it's been played just 4 times in GM practice, which
gives us an indication of how big of a surprise this is. }
8. Nxc4{ Winning the pawn back. }
8. b5{ Our point. We gain space on the queenside and make way for our bishop,
preparing ... Bb7 . Unlike the traditional main line with 7...Nc6 , we do get
fighting chances here. }
9. Ne5{ The most natural move. White centralises the knight again. }
9. Bb7{ We bring our bishop into the game. Our plan is to play ... c5 next,
looking to undermine white's centre and the space advantage. White has a few ways
to stop this from happening. }
10. Qb3{ Stopping us from playing c5 by keeping an eye on the b5 -pawn. }
10. a6{ We have defended the b5 -pawn and are ready to play ... c5 next. }
11. a4{ An ambitious way of stopping us from playing c5 . Nevertheless, this has
some concrete tactical problems. }
11. Nd7{ Exploiting the fact that white has some tactical issues with the e2 -
pawn. }
12. axb5{ The principled response after 11.a4 }
12. Nxe5{ We spoil white's pawn structure. }
13. dxe5
13. axb5
14. Rxa8{ Forced. }
14. Qxa8{ We have significantly better pieces. White is forced to play the next
move now. }
15. Qxb5{ Claiming that the extra pawn compensates for the undeveloped pieces. }
15. Ba6{ We are threatening to pin back the pawn on e2 . White can try keeping the
extra pawn on the board. }
16. Bxd5
16. exd5
17. Qd7
17. Qd8{ Offering the trade of queens to bring our f8 -rook into the game and
eliminating white's only active piece. }
18. Qxd8
18. Rxd8{ We have very strong compensation for the pawn. White should defend the
e2 -pawn. }
19. Re1
19. d4{ But white's position is already fragile. Developing pieces is a huge
challenge for white. }
20. Nd2
20. Bb4{ With huge pressure on the board. We are probably going to play ... d3
next, and after exd3 Rxd3 , white is already close to lost. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
4. g3
5. Bg2
5. O-O
6. O-O
6. dxc4
7. Qa4{ With the intention of recapturing on c4 without letting us to play b5 .
A clever idea against our repertoire, but we are ready to unleash one of the
biggest surprises in Catalan :) }
7. Qd5{ Off the 1900 odd games here, 28 games have had this on the board. In the
Live Chess Database on chessbase, this is the 6th move in terms of number of games
being played. And to top all of that, Computer shows a += for white
initially :) This makes it really difficult for our opponent to prepare against
this. However, the move is extremely logical. With Qd5 , we exploit the fact
that white's Queen on a4 is misplaced. We defend the c4 -pawn and ready to play
b5 next, reinforcing the defence on the c4 pawn. It's been played in a handful
of GM games, but never got the attention this move deserves. Unlike the main
line with a6 , the position is quite dynamic and white has plenty of chances to go
wrong here, }
8. Nc3{ The most logical move against Qd5 . White brings a new piece into the game
with a tempo. }
8. Qc6{ Our typical response against Nc3 . We keep the c4 pawn guarded and keep
an eye on the a4 Queen. }
9. Qc2{ White's most logical response. White wants to keep the Queens on the board.
We need to be careful of Ne5 , attacking both c4 & c6 . }
9. Qa6{ Our logical response. We get the Queen away from discovery attacks and keep
the c4 pawn guarded. }
10. e4{ The most played and strategically ambitious response. White gains space in
the centre and threatens e5 . }( 10.Bg5 ( { ( }10...h6 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 { transposes).
} )10...Nc6 { might be a better response against this move order. We want to
play ...Rd8 next, putting pressure on the d4 -pawn. } )
10. Nc6{ We continue our development and put pressure on the d4 pawn. The knight
is ideally placed here since we put pressure on d4 , as well as keep ... Nb4 - Nd3
or ... Na5 options with us. }
11. a3{ Stopping all of our Nb4 ideas. This has been tried in a couple of games
by white and is the computer's top choice. White wants to play Bf4 - Rd1 next,
putting pressure on our c7 -pawn. }
11. h6{ A very strong novelty. The idea is not obvious at first, but is quite
impressive. We want to play Na5 , reinforcing the support of c4 , and threatening
Nb3 . However, white can respond with e5 Nd5 Bg5 , eliminating the only
defender of our kingside. White then keeps some pressure on the kingside and the
centre. With h6 , we stop all of Bg5 / Ng5 ideas and are ready to play Na5
next. }( 11...Na5 { is met by }12.e5 Nd5 13.Bg5± { . } )
12. e5{ The most ambitious strategic response. White gains more space. }
12. Nd5{ Centralising the knight. We are ready to consolidate on the queenside with
... b5 next. }
13. Qe4{ White's critical response. The queen on e4 attacks the d5 pawn, and
stops us from playing ... b5 . }
13. Bd8{ An extravagant idea. We usually don't want to play backward moves, but
this is an exception. With ... Bd8 , we want to play ... Nce7 next, strengthening
our grip on the d5 -square. White doesn't want to allow that. }
14. Nxd5{ A natural, yet incorrect move. }
14. exd5{ We give up the pawn but are able to get our pieces into the game. }
15. Qxd5
15. Ne7{ The critical point. Our knight attacks the much advanced Queen and
facilitates the development of our worst-placed piece, the c8 -Bishop. }
16. Qe4( 16.Qc5 { is met with }16...c6⩱ { with ideas of ...Be6 - Nd5 next. Black
maintains a very strong grip on the light squares. } )
16. Bf5{ Plan achieved, starting from ... Bd8 . We have developed our worst-placed
piece and keep a strong grip on light-squares. }
17. Qf4( 17.Qe2 { loses material after }17...Bd3 { . } )
17. Qe6{ Threatening ... Nd5 . We might then follow up with ... b5 - a5 , gaining
space on the queenside. Black is better due to the well-placed pieces and the
multiple light squared weaknesses in white's position. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
4. g3{ The starting point of Catalan. White's claim is that the Bishop on g2 is
stronger than it is on d3 . White wants to exert additional pressure on d5 .
The drawback is that c4 pawn is weaker in these positions. We have plenty of
extra opportunities to capture on c4 . }
5. Bg2{ White continues with their plan of placing the bishop on the h1 - a8
diagonal. }
5. O-O{ We finish our kingside development. }
6. O-O{ This is the main line. White finishes their kingside development too. }
6. dxc4( { The main move in this position along with }6...c6 { . We go for the
counter attacking strategy of attacking white's central pawns. } )
7. Qc2{ The main move by far. White looks to recapture on c4 , keeping a small
advantage due to more space. }
7. b5{ The first deviation from the main lines. We play ambitiously and not let
white take up the c4 pawn so easily. }( 7...a6 { is the main line. It's very
solid, but doesn't give too many winning chances to black. White keeps a tiny space
advantage. } )
8. a4{ Challenging the pawns on b5 & c4 . }
8. b4{ The most ambitious. We gain space and stop Nc3 ideas. }
9. Nfd2{ Principled. White activates the g2 -bishop and look to capture the pawn
on c4 with the knight. }
9. Nd5{ We stop Bxa8 and improve the position of our knight. }
10. Nxc4{ The point of Nfd2 . White gets the knight on the outpost. }
10. c5{ Looking to undermine white's centre. }
11. e4{ This is a less-played alternative. White challenges our knight
immediately }
11. Nb6
12. Nxb6{ Creating additional pressure over the c5 -pawn. }( 12.dxc5 12...Bxc5
{ transposes to the variations after 11. dxc5 . } )
12. axb6{ Making way for our a8 -rook and strengthening the defence of the c5
pawn. }( 12...Qxb6 { loses material after }13.dxc5 Bxc5 14.e5 Nc6 15.a5 Qb5 16.Be3!
+- )
13. dxc5{ Releases the tension prematurely. }
13. Bxc5{ In most of the cases, activity is more important the pawn structure. With
... Bxc5 , we want to keep all of our pieces active. }
14. e5{ White needs to stop all Nc6 ideas. }
14. Ra7{ We are ready to swing the rook into the action too. }
15. Nd2{ White decides to develop. }
15. Rc7{ Black's play is so much more easier. All we have to do is keep making
threats, either with Ba6 , or some discovery with the c5 -Bishop. An important
point to note is that the d3 / d4 squares are weak and we would love to put one
of our pieces there. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "The Gukesh QGD - Main Line #1"]
[Result "*"]
{ Welcome to the The Gukesh QGD, where we cover an entirely new system for white.
Earlier, we have covered systems where white goes for 3.Nf3. Now we are going to
look at the 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 move order. This move is preferred by
players who wish to go for the QGD with an extra option of going for the Nge2
line, instead of the usual Nf3 . We are not bothered though. Just like the
Manhattan, we opt for early ... Bb4 lines where we want to put pressure early,
namely on the c3 -square, with ... h6 - g5 - Ne4 or ... c5 - Qa5 . To be
completely honest, I don't what the name of this variation is. I decided to steal
the name from Arjun Erigaisi, who named it the 'Gukesh QGD', the first top player
to play it consistently for a long time. In the main course, we'll be covering the
absolute main lines first and slowly move our way backwards towards the rest of the
sidelines. }1. d4{ Let us start understanding moves from the first move itself. Why
did White play 1.d4 ? Does it bring a strategic change in the position? Asking
yourself such questions would help you learn not just opening lines efficiently but
will also help you develop your overall understanding of the game. With 1.d4 ,
White gains more space, controls the center, and opens the c1 - h6 diagonal for
the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
3. Nc3{ The starting point of the fresh system. With Nc3 , white exerts direct
pressure on d5 and develops a new piece. This seems to be more principled from a
strategic point of view than 3.Nf3 . However, the drawback of this move is that
white's knight is pinned after Bb4 , which wouldn't have been the case in many
variations, such as the Catalan. }
3. Nf6{ The right way to start. An early ...Bb4 allows white to play a3 , and
after ... Bxc3 bxc3 , we can transpose to some variations of the f3 -Nimzo,
which favours white. }
4. cxd5{ The modern way to continue. White players often start with 4.Bg5 too,
which we meet with dxc4 . With cxd5 , white eliminates our ideas with cxd5 and
is ready to Bg5 next. The downside is that this move opens up the diagonal for
our c8 -Bishop. }
4. exd5{ We recapture with the pawn, to maintain a pawn in the centre. Our c8 -
Bishop is back into the game. }
5. Bg5{ As we saw in the Manhattan chapters, the Bishop on g5 is the most
principled choice. The Bishop is well placed and exerts pressure over the f6
knight, indirectly attacking the d5 pawn. }
5. Bb4{ The starting point of this system. For a very long time, this move was
considered to be slightly dubious objectively, namely due to the 10.h4 line.
However, black players have found a new way with 10... Bg4 !, solving our
objectivity problems. I will shamelessly plug that this was not employed in top-
level games when I found it in September 2022, but since then have been employed by
a few GM's, including Fabiano, at the Tata Steel Masters 2023. From a strategic
view point, Bb4 is the most ambitious choice. The Bishop is most active on this
square and exerts immediate pressure on the a5 - e1 diagonal. The only drawback
is that the Bishop can under attack quite often. Still, I find these positions with
Bb4 quite rich and complex, with black getting much better chances to fight for a
win unlike the now-well known main lines. }
6. e3{ White's main response. White opens up the diagonal for the f1 -Bishop,
preparing to activate it with Bd3 . }
6. h6{ We start harrasing the g5 Bishop. White can pretty much play all the legal
Bishop moves except Bxh6 , along with Qa4 +. We start by looking at the main line
and white's most ambitious move }
7. Bh4{ maintaining the pin over the h4 - d8 diagonal. }
7. g5{ The sign of a real fight! Just like the Manhattan variations, we are not shy
of creating weaknesses on the kingside for gaining activity for our pieces. The
game starts to get sharper, with us banking on our activity, while white relies on
the static positional features. }
8. Bg3{ forced, as the Bishop was under attack. }
8. Ne4{ Our point. The knight on e4 attacks both the developed pieces, the c3
knight & the g3 Bishop. We are threatning Nxc3 , as well as h5 - h4 . White
needs to start with defending the c3 -knight, has a few options to do so. }
9. Nge2{ with the idea to defend the c3 -knight as well as recapture with the
knight after Nxg3 , keeping the kingside pawn structure intact. This is the second
most played move on the Lichess database, but the main line in Live chess database.
}
9. h5{ We continue with our plan of harassing white's pieces, and are planning to
trap the Bishop with h4 Be5 f6 . White has a couple ways to defend the bishop,
h3 & h4 . Let's start with the more direct and the main line, }
10. h4{ White stops our h4 ideas and claims that our pawns on the kingside are
weak. This has been the main worry for black players, but we now know that we don't
need to be afraid of this anymore. }
10. Bg4( { The new move which changes the dynamics of the position completely.
Unlike the variation with }10...Nxg3 11.Nxg3 gxh4 { , we are not losing the h5 -
pawn anymore. Further, we are putting pinning the e2 -knight, creating the threat
of spoiling white's kingside pawn structure with Nxg3 . } )
11. Qa4+{ This works well usually against Bb4 lines, but not this time. }
11. Nc6{ White is worse due to the threat of Bxe2 , followed by Nxc3 . The Queen
on a4 is misplaced. Note that playing f3 here is an inferior version of
11.f3. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
our c8 -Bishop. }
}
11. Qb3{ The strongest response, which also chosen by Rapport. White gets the Queen
out the pin, defends c3 , and attacks the b4 Bishop at the same time. }
11. Nxg3{ The strongest response. We eliminate the Bishop pair before white gets a
chance to get the Bishop out with Bh2 . Surprisingly, this has been tried OTB in a
few games, but never played on Lichess. }
12. Nxg3{ Pretty much forced for white. }
12. Nc6{ Our go to strategy. We develop the knight to c6 , next remove the Queen
based on white's response and castle on the Queenside. }
13. Nge2{ A novelty from white's end, but it is the top choice of engines. White
gets the knight out of attack, preparing Nf4 after gxh4 . }
13. Qd6{ As usual, we see that we prefer initiative/activity of our pieces over
material. With Qd6 , we are preparing castling queenside next, and claiming
superiority based on lead in development and the pair of Bishops. We choose the d6
-square specifically as this defends both the d5 -pawn, and the Bishop on b4 . }
14. hxg5{ White grabs the free pawn. }( 14.a3 Ba5 { should transpose to one of
the variations after }15.hxg5 { or }{ . } )( 14.O-O-O O-O-O 15.hxg5 { transposes
too. } )
14. O-O-O{ We finish our development and are ready to play ... Qe7 / Qg6 next,
looking to recapture the pawn on g5 , and claiming an advantage due to activity
and pair of bishops. }
15. a3{ Tempting us to take on c3 . }
15. Ba5{ We would obviously like to keep the active Bishop on the board,
maintaining the Bishop pair. White finds it hard to develop the f1 -Bishop. }
16. O-O-O{ White safeguards the king and prepares f3 - Nf4 . }
16. Kb8{ Vacating the c8 -square for our bishop, where it is conveniently placed
after white's f3 , as it does not get in the way of other pieces. }
17. f3{ Pretty much forced. White wants to somehow develop their pieces. }
17. Bc8{ The point of ... Kb8 . The Bishop on e6 would have been obstructing our
threats on the e-file, while the Bishop on f5 would have been vulnerable.
With ... Bc8 , we are preparing ... Rhe8 next, putting pressure on e3 . }
18. Nf4{ White's natural plan. White attacks both d5 and h5 , and opens up the
diagonal for the f1 -Bishop. }
18. Ne7{ We defend the d5 pawn and are preparing to open up the Queenside with
c5 next, at the cost of the other pawn too. This operation is strategically sound
since white has unconnected rooks, there's a weak on e3 , and we have the pair of
Bishops. }
19. Nxh5{ This is met by the counterattacking. }
19. c5( { After which we threaten }20.-- ...Qe6 21.Re1 cxd4 { , winning material.
It looks a bit unclear how, but we are going to win at least a pawn back. White's
pieces are stuck and have no good squares. The f1 -bishop cannot move to d3 due
to c4 . } )
20. Be2
20. Nf5{ With a decisive advantage for us. Of course, white had other alternatives
apart from 20.Be2, but your guideline to find moves remain the same : attack
opponent's weaknesses, that is the g5 & e3 pawns, and improve your pieces. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
our c8 -Bishop. }
}
13. Bb5{ One of the most ambitious moves from white's perspective, which was also
chosen by Rapport. White gets the bishop out, and threatens Bxc6 / Qxb4 . This
moves also stops our plans of ... Qd6 . The drawback, however is that we are able
to stop the threat of Bxc6 , the bishop seems to be misplaced on b5 . }
13. Bxc3+{ One of the rare times where we part ways with our bishop without white
playing a3 , as the pressure on b4 & d5 was becoming unbearable. }
14. bxc3{ Not the soundest approach. Usually, you shouldn't weaken the pawn
structure willingly. White's claim is that the queen on b3 remains actively
placed. However, we are unbothered and play the natural response. }
14. gxh4{ Winning a pawn. White is forced to play the next move now. }
15. Ne2{ Threatning Nf4 . We don't want to trade the light-squared bishops yet, as
we are yet to finish castling. }
15. Qg5{ We keep the d5 -pawn guarded and prepare ... O-O-O . Once we castle long,
The rook on d8 comes into action and defends the d5 pawn too. }
16. Nf4{ White's strongest. White improves the knight, and attacks our pawn on
d5 . The knight can also jump to d3 next, from where it aims at the e5 & c5
square. }
16. O-O-O{ Our point. We are not afraid of Bxc6 , since the d7 -square is
shielded by our pawns on c6 and c7 from white's queenside attack. If given a
chance, we'll play ... Rh6 / Ne7 next. White has a few possibilities, all of them
aimed against our kingside. }
17. Rb1{ This is also quite logical. White brings the rook to the open b-file and
threatens discovery with the bishop next. }
17. Bf5{ Not the only way to counter Rb1 , but the most effective one. We could
have also played Ne7 instead. }
18. Rb2{ Consistent, but inaccurate. }
18. Ne7{ The better version. Our bishop is better on f5 , thus making the Ne7
idea more effective than 17... Ne7 }
19. Qa4{ Pretty much the only try. White still tries to create some threats on the
queenside. }
19. Kb8{ We are not afraid! }
20. Ba6
20. b6{ White has exhausted all the attacking prospects. There is no further way to
improve the position. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
our c8 -Bishop. }
}
square. }
17. Qa4
17. Rh6{ followed by a6 next. We are not afraid of Bxc6 , as it brings our rook
into the game with Rxc6 . }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
our c8 -Bishop. }
}
square. }
17. Bxc6{ The main attempt. White spoils our pawn structure on the queenside. }
17. bxc6{ As mentioned earlier, Our king is very safe on d7 , provided there are
no knight checks. White has two very natural options here. }
18. Nd3{ Rerouting the knight makes a lot of sense. }
18. Rde8{ Black is already winning. Not even putting pressure, just winning. Note
that we play ... Rde8 and not ... Rhe8 , since we want to keep the option of
playing ... Kd8 in the future. With ... Rde8 , we are threatening ... Rxe3 fxe3
... Qxe3 , and surprisingly, white has no defence. }
19. Kd2{ the move which puts the most resistance. }
19. Bf5{ An important move. We are preparing Bxd3 Kxd3 Qxg2 , with a decisive
attack against the exposed white king. White can try }
20. Nc5{ where Qg2 doesn't lead to a win, but }
20. Rxe3{ does. White loses significant material. }
21. fxe3{ Inserting Qb7 Kd8 didn't help white either. }
21. Qxg2+{ Followed by capturing the h1 rook, and bringing the Queen on h2 ,
from where it guards the c7 pawn. Black remains a healthy two pawn up. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
our c8 -Bishop. }
}
square. }
17. Bxc6{ The main attempt. White spoils our pawn structure on the queenside. }
17. bxc6{ As mentioned earlier, Our king is very safe on d7 , provided there are
no knight checks. White has two very natural options here. }
18. Qa4{ The strongest move objectively. White makes the threat of Qxc6 . }
18. Rhe8{ Bringing all pieces into the party. We are threatening ... Qxf4 next, so
white is forced to play the next move. }
19. O-O
19. Rd6{ with a very intimidating attack on the kingside. We are looking to play
against the g2 pawn, with the threat of h3 . Our king is quite safe on d7 . We
also have ideas like Bf3 / Rxf4 in the air. White survives with accurate play,
but I would be scared to death as white here. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
3. Nc3
3. Nf6
4. cxd5
4. exd5
5. Bg5
5. Bb4
6. e3{ We have covered the main lines with h6 Bh4 here, but are yet to cover
the 7th move alternatives. }
6. h6
7. Bxf6{ The starting point of this chapter. White takes on f6 , deflecting our
queen from the defense on the d5 -pawn, and prepares Qa4 +. }( 7.Qa4 Nc6 8.Bxf6 {
transposes too. } )
7. Qxf6
8. Qa4+{ The point. Note that other 8th-move alternatives are covered in the next
chapter. }
8. Nc6{ Even though white doesn't have a weakness on d4 , we still might get some
chances due to the undeveloped kingside pieces. From a strategic point of view, we
have a pair of bishops, but White has a target on d5 . We have a slight lead in
development but the knight on c6 is slightly misplaced. }
9. Nf3{ The most-played move by far. White develops the kingside knight. }
9. O-O{ We finish kingside development too. White has several choices here. }
10. Rc1{ This is the second most popular move. White wants to recapture on c3
with the rook, without spoiling the queenside pawn structure. }
10. Qg6{ The trickiest response in my opinion. We stop white from developing
comfortably with Be2 . }
11. Qd1{ The most played move. White brings the Queen back near the king, since it
has completed it's purpose on a4 . White wants to play a3 next, and meet Bxc3
with Rxc3 , which isn't possible on the 11th move due to Qb1 +! }
11. Ne7{ A rare, but logical move. We want to consolidate with c6 next, so white
is practically forced to play the next move. }
12. a3{ With the intention of meeting Bd6 with Nb5 . }
12. Ba5{ Our point. This rare move is what tempted me to go for the Qg6
variation. We want to play c6 next, and get the Bishop back into the game
with ... Bc7 , or play ... Nf5 - d6 . The strategic imbalance of the Bishop pair is
in our favor. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "The London #1"]
[Result "*"]
{ Welcome again, this time we'll look at the London System. The London System
has surged in popularity as players have struggled to find new ideas in the main
lines. Full disclosure: the London System is a respectable opening where white can
aim for meaningful play. However, there are two types of London System players
currently: A) Players who are ambitious and approach the London System with
good preparation. B) Players who prefer a fixed setup and want a
straightforward game. The first category of players isn't a concern, as they are
eager to fight. However, the second category of players, typically club-level
London players, who just want to execute a d4 - Bf4 - e3 - Bd3 - Nbd2 - c3
sequence in some order and play a game, are more concerning. The recommendation in
this chapter is specifically aimed at these players, pushing them into situations
where they need to be precise and navigate sharper positions. }1. d4{ Let us
start understanding moves from the first move itself. Why did White play 1.d4 ?
Does it bring a strategic change in the position? Asking yourself such questions
would help you learn not just opening lines efficiently but will also help you
develop your overall understanding of the game. With 1.d4 , White gains more
space, controls the center, and opens the c1 - h6 diagonal for the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
2. Bf4{ The starting point of this chapter. White develops a piece in the opening.
The drawback is that, unlike the 2.c4 lines, white's not looking to gain space in
the center. }
2. Nf6{ We develop our knight routinely. }
3. e3{ White opens up the diagonal for the f1 -bishop. White usually places it on
d3 , or in some rare cases, b5 , when black has played c5 & Nc6 . }
3. e6{ The best move order for our setup. Whatever white plays for the next couple
of moves, we would like to play c5 - Nc6 whenever possible. With e6 , we defend
the d5 -pawn and prepare c5 , with the defence of the f8 -bishop. The drawback
of this move is that the c8 -bishop is shut down. }
4. Nf3{ White develops the kingside knight. }
4. c5{ We gain space on the queenside, and prepare ... Nc6 , or ... Qb6 . }
5. Nbd2{ The modern main line. White waits before committing c3 and includes the
knight in the game, prioritizing development in the openin }
5. Nc6{ We bring out our knight to the most active square and increase pressure
over d4 . The drawback of ... Nc6 is that in some variations, white can pin our
knight with Bb5 . }
6. c3{ White reinforces the support of the d4 -pawn and maintains the option to
activate their queen onto the queenside in the future. This represents the main
tabiya of the London System, with at least five, if not more, reasonable options
for black. I now recommend one of the most strategically complex systems. }
6. cxd4{ We want the e-pawn to release the support of the f4 -bishop. }
7. exd4
7. Nh5{ This is one of the major main lines in the London System, but it does not
offer an easy path for White. They must either enter into complications or play a
strategically complex position, both of which are favorable outcomes for us in
terms of opening strategy. With ... Nh5 , we push the bishop away from the f4
diagonal, and our plan is to bring our f8 -bishop to d6 , where it will be
ideally placed. }
8. Be3{ The main move, and the point of study in this chapter. White retreats with
the Bishop to the safest square. }
8. Bd6{ We bring our bishop to the most active square. We have an exchange Caro
pawn structure on the board, but there are subtle differences in our favor. Our
bishop on d6 is ideally placed, which we cannot achieve in the exchange Caro. We
also maintain control of the e5 -square. The only drawback is that our knight on
h5 is vulnerable. }
9. Bb5{ Has been tried by Firouzja once. White develops the Bishop without allowing
Nf4 with a tempo. The drawback of this move is that the Bishop is misplaced on b5
. }
9. O-O{ we finish our kingside development and get out of the pin. }
10. O-O{ White safeguards the king too. }
10. Ne7{ We still look to win the Bishop pair with Nf5 . }
11. Bd3{ Threatening to create a doubled pawn on f5 after Nf5 }
11. Nf5{ but we are not bothered! }
12. Bxf5
12. exf5{ We are have a pair of Bishops & some space for the structural defect.
Both the Bishop on e3 and the knight on d2 are poorly placed. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
currently: A) Players who are ambitious and approach the London System with
good preparation. B) Players who prefer a fixed setup and want a
where they need to be precise and navigate sharper positions. }1. d4{ Let us
start understanding moves from the first move itself. Why did White play 1.d4 ?
Does it bring a strategic change in the position? Asking yourself such questions
would help you learn not just opening lines efficiently but will also help you
develop your overall understanding of the game. With 1.d4 , White gains more
space, controls the center, and opens the c1 - h6 diagonal for the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
2. Bf4{ The starting point of this chapter. White develops a piece in the opening.
The drawback is that, unlike the 2.c4 lines, white's not looking to gain space in
the center. }
2. Nf6{ We develop our knight routinely. }
3. e3{ White opens up the diagonal for the f1 -bishop. White usually places it on
d3 , or in some rare cases, b5 , when black has played c5 & Nc6 . }
3. e6{ The best move order for our setup. Whatever white plays for the next couple
of moves, we would like to play c5 - Nc6 whenever possible. With e6 , we defend
the d5 -pawn and prepare c5 , with the defence of the f8 -bishop. The drawback
of this move is that the c8 -bishop is shut down. }
4. Nf3{ White develops the kingside knight. }
4. c5{ We gain space on the queenside, and prepare ... Nc6 , or ... Qb6 . }
5. Nbd2{ The modern main line. White waits before committing c3 and includes the
knight in the game, prioritizing development in the openin }
5. Nc6{ We bring out our knight to the most active square and increase pressure
over d4 . The drawback of ... Nc6 is that in some variations, white can pin our
knight with Bb5 . }
6. c3{ White reinforces the support of the d4 -pawn and maintains the option to
activate their queen onto the queenside in the future. This represents the main
tabiya of the London System, with at least five, if not more, reasonable options
for black. I now recommend one of the most strategically complex systems. }
6. cxd4{ We want the e-pawn to release the support of the f4 -bishop. }
7. exd4
7. Nh5{ This is one of the major main lines in the London System, but it does not
offer an easy path for White. They must either enter into complications or play a
strategically complex position, both of which are favorable outcomes for us in
terms of opening strategy. With ... Nh5 , we push the bishop away from the f4
diagonal, and our plan is to bring our f8 -bishop to d6 , where it will be
ideally placed. }
8. Be3{ The main move, and the point of study in this chapter. White retreats with
the Bishop to the safest square. }
8. Bd6{ We bring our bishop to the most active square. We have an exchange Caro
pawn structure on the board, but there are subtle differences in our favor. Our
bishop on d6 is ideally placed, which we cannot achieve in the exchange Caro. We
also maintain control of the e5 -square. The only drawback is that our knight on
h5 is vulnerable. }
9. Ne5{ White improves the knight's position and attacks our vulnerable knight.
This is the most ambitious move strategically as well as the main move in the
position. }
9. g6{ We defend the h5 -knight, and threaten ... Nxe5 . }
10. g4{ The strongest and the most ambitious move. White gains space attacks the
h5 knight, and prevents Ng7 - f5 . The good thing though is that only ambitious
players would play this, giving us an indication that we are going to fight. }
10. Ng7{ We still bring the knight back to g7 , to keep the option of playing f6
later. We are also threatening ... Nxe5 . }
11. h4{ A surprising, yet a very strong move. White wants to play h5 next and
look to harass the g7 -knight. White's strategic justification is that they have a
lead in development, which compensates for the missing pawn. }( 11.f4 { is met
by }11...f6 { and the knight is forced to go back, after which g4 becomes an
unnecessary weakness. } )
11. Nxe5{ We accept the offer to grab the pawn. }
12. dxe5
12. Bxe5{ We have an extra pawn, but our pieces on e5 and g7 are poorly placed,
which represents White's compensation. However, White needs to exercise caution
because if we manage to consolidate and develop, we will maintain the advantage of
having an extra pawn. }
13. Nf3{ The best move. White improves the position of the knight, with a tempo. }(
13.h5 { is possible, but white should transpose to the main line after }13...gxh5 {
and meet }14.f4 ( { ( }14.gxh5 Nf5∓ { gives us a big advantage). } )( { ( }14.Nf3
Bc7 { transposes to the main line). } )14...Bc7∓ { followed by ...gxh5 - Bb6 ,
gives us a huge advantage. } )
13. Bc7{ This rare move, which has only been tried twice OTB is the best one in my
opinion. Although we give up the control of the d1 - h8 diagonal, we don't allow
white to gain a tempo with Bf6 g5 . With ... Bc7 , we are looking to
play ... e5 next, so white needs to be very concrete and play }
14. h5{ The strongest move. White wants us to open our kingside with gxh5 , after
which castling becomes a lot more riskier. }
14. gxh5{ We take the pawn, and hope that white recaptures. This weakens our
kingside considerably, but allowing h6 was a deal breaker. }
15. Bh6{ White played this in the only OTB game in this variations. White is
threatening the obvious Bxg7 . }
15. Rg8{ We defend our knight, and look to play ... Qf6 next. }
16. Rg1{ The strongest move. White prepares gxh5 . }
16. Ke7( { This brilliant novelty makes this line playable. We defend the g8-rook,
and want to meet }17.gxh5 { with }17...Nf5 { . } )
17. Qd3{ This is also quite logical too. }
17. Ne8{ Looking to meet Qh7 with ... Nf6 , where our kingside remains intact and
we can capture on g4 next, winning a couple of pawns. }
18. gxh5{ White's best bet, opening up the g-file and then looking to take on g8 /
h7 . }
18. Nf6{ We don't give up our defender on g8 , but introduce a new one first. We
are now looking to play ... Ne4 , activating the knight. }
19. Rxg8{ White stops our idea of eliminating the important dark-squared bishop
with ... Rxg5 (in case white opts for Bg5 ). }
19. Qxg8
20. Bg5
20. h6
21. Bh4
21. Qg4{ We will defend the f6 knight with ... Qf4 if required, and finish
development with ... Bd7 . }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
currently: A }{ Players who are ambitious and approach the London System with
good preparation. B }{ Players who prefer a fixed setup and want a
where they need to be precise and navigate sharper positions. }1. d4{ Let us start
understanding moves from the first move itself. Why did White play 1.d4 ? Does it
bring a strategic change in the position? Asking yourself such questions would help
you learn not just opening lines efficiently but will also help you develop your
overall understanding of the game. With 1.d4 , White gains more space, controls
the center, and opens the c1 - h6 diagonal for the bishop. }
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
2. Bf4
2. Nf6
3. e3
3. e6
4. Nf3
4. c5
5. Nbd2
5. Nc6
6. c3{ This move was covered in the previous chapter too. }
6. cxd4
7. cxd4( { White doesn't release the support of the f4-bishop, which was the case
in }7.exd4 { . However this weakens the a5 - e1 diagonal significantly. This move
is usually good when white can bring the knight to c3 , but with the misplaced
knight on d2 , it isn't great. } )
7. Be7{ We develop our bishop, control g5 and prepare ... Nh5 . Our other plan is
to play ... Qb6 , and attack the b2 pawn. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
2. Bf4
2. Nf6
3. e3
3. e6
4. Nf3
4. c5
5. c3
5. Nc6{ We'll be covering all of white's options apart from Nbd2 in the
corresponding theory chapter. }
6. Bd3{ The main sideline. White develops the Bishop to the most active square. }
6. Nh5{ We follow our typical strategy of trying to win the Bishop pair. }
7. Be5{ White wants us to take on e5 , but we simply attack the Bishop with }
7. f6{ We attack the Bishop in the typical fashion. }
8. Bg3
8. Qb6{ Attacking the weakness on b2 , and improving the Queen. }
9. Qc2
9. g6{ We want to take on g3 next, winning the Bishop pair, and play Bg7 - e5 ,
gaining space next. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
2. Bf4
2. Nf6
3. e3
3. e6{ We start with e6 to avoid all the dxc5 lines. }
4. Nf3
4. c5{ White doesn't have many choices, apart from transposing to the main lines
with Nbd2 & c3 . }
5. c4{ This was tried by Grandelius. }
5. cxd4{ We release the tension in the center and look to create an isolated
pawn. }
6. Nxd4
6. Nbd7{ Threatening ... e5 . }
7. Nb5
7. e5{ This is our point. We'll play ... Qa5 + check, followed by ... a6 . }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "The Pseudo-Trompowsky"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
2. Bg5{ The trompowsky. This variation is more effective against the 1... Nf6 move
order, since white has a direct threat of Bxf6 . With 2.Bg5, white's does not
exert any pressure. }
2. c5{ We gain space on the Queenside and challenge white's center. Another plan is
to play Qb6 , and attack the b2 pawn since it is not defended by the dark-
squared Bishop anymore. }
3. dxc5{ has been tried by Firouzja twice. White wins a pawn, but concedes the
center. The pawn on c5 is quite weak too. }
3. h6{ We harass the Bishop and force the Bishop to pick one lane : either the d8
- h4 diagonal or the h2 - b8 one. }
4. Bh4
4. g5{ We attack the Bishop and free up the g7 square for our Bishop. }
5. Bg3
5. Bg7{ Developing our Bishop to the most active square. }
6. c3{ Blocking the diagonal and preparing b4 . }
6. Na6{ We attack the c5 pawn and stop b4 . }
7. Qa4+{ The most practical try. White tries to retain the pawn on c5 . }
7. Bd7
8. Qa3{ White keeps the c5 pawn defended. However, the Queen is misplaced on
a3 . }
8. Qc8{ We want to recapture the pawn, after which we remain better due to space
and active pieces. }
9. b4{ White's best bet. White tries to hang on to the c5 -pawn. The drawback
though is that white is severely underdeveloped. }
9. Nc7{ We are looking to play ... a5 & ... axb4 next, since white cannot
recapture with c-pawn. Capturing with the queen means the c5 -pawn would be now
vulnerable. }
10. Qb2{ This has been the most played move. White gets out of the skewer on the a-
file. }
10. f5{ We look to trap the g3 -Bishop }
11. e3{ Stopping f4 }
11. e5{ We gain further space. Our plan is to finish development with ... Ne7
& ... O-O , followed by playing in the center with e4 / f4 , or Queenside with b6
, looking to then target the c3 -pawn. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "The Jobava"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
2. Bf4
2. Nf6
3. Nc3{ The Jobava London. It's been way too much in fashion recently, mainly by
players looking to get a playable game. We don't mind that, and in fact, appreciate
it! From a strategic point of view, the knight is misplaced on c3 , since white
has played c2 - c4 yet. However, white has some concrete ideas associated with
Nb5 & f3 - g4 . Still, we have several ways to play against the Jobava London. I
recommend one of the most logical ones. }
3. e6{ We play in the typical London style. Even though we shut down the c8 -
Bishop, we reduce the impact of Nb5 due to the possibility of Bb4 - Ba5 . }
4. Nb5{ The strongest move. White needs to be consistent with their strategy, or
else we prove that Nc3 was an objectively dubious move. }( 4.Nf3 c5 5.e3 a6
{ transposes to the previous chapter. } )
4. Bb4+{ We bring out our Bishop to meet c3 with ... Ba5 , defending the c7 -
pawn. }
5. c3
5. Ba5{ and defend the c7 -pawn. We want to play a6 next, and kick the knight to
a3 , where it's horribly placed. }
6. e3{ Has been tried by Arjun, Hans & Pragg. White makes a normal move,and
prepares Bd3 . }
6. a6{ We kick the knight away to an inferior square. }
7. Na3
7. Nbd7{ We want to keep the flexibility of playing c5 in the future. }
8. Nf3{ White develops a piece }
8. O-O{ We finish our development and look to play Qe7 , followed by c5 , gaining
space on the Queenside. }
9. Be2{ White develops their last minor piece. }
9. Qe7{ We develop our Queen, and keep our plans of playing c5 / Nh5 open. }
10. O-O
10. Nh5{ Sticking to our plan of winning the Bishop pair. }( 11...c5 { is met
by }11.c4 { the position is still quite fine, but I prefer the text. } )
11. Bg5
11. f6{ And follow up with the typical plan of ... Bh4 - g5 - Bg3 - f5 , gaining
maximum space. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "1) Manhattan - Main Line with 8.dxc5"]
[Black "8.dxc5 Qa5 9.Nd2"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
9. Nd2{ Not the most popular or testing move, but a logical one. White prevents ...
Ne4 and diminishes the impact of ... Bxc3 . They are preparing to potentially come
to b3 in the future. The drawback is that White makes a backward move with the
same piece in the opening. }
9. Bxc3{ This looks the most logical. We ruin white's pawn structure. }
10. bxc3
10. O-O{ Followed by ... Qxc5 - b6 - Bb7 - Rac8 . Black is completely fine due to
the weakness of the c3 -pawn. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "8.dxc5 Qa5 9.Bxf6"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
9. Bxf6{ This has been played by a few players but is completely harmless. White
gives up the bishop pair without a fight. }
9. Nxf6{ The c8 -bishop is back in the game! }
10. Rc1{ Protecting the c3 -knight. }
10. Bxc3+{ Forcing White to ruin their pawn structure. }
11. bxc3{ Ruining the pawn structure again. }( 11.Rxc3 { runs into }11...Ne4
{ losing an exchange. } )
11. Qxc5{ With an extremely comfortable game, we can continue by playing ... O-O ,
developing the bishop to g4 or f5 , and bringing a rook to c8 , putting
pressure on c3 . }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "8.dxc5 Qa5 9.Rc1 #1"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
slightly dangerous with the king in the centre. }( 9...Bxc3+ { this is an inferior
version. White keeps the bishop pair. }10.bxc3 Qxc5 11.Bd3⩲ { unlike the Bxf6
variation, we cannot develop the bishop on c8 easily. The d7 -knight is tied
down to the f6 -knight. White can push c4 at some point after O-O and
eliminate their weakness. } )
can recapture the pawn on c5 with the d7 -knight, activating all of our pieces
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
13. Be2{ This is just very slow. Black can easily take over. }
13. Nxc5
14. Be7{ The only move to justify the plan somehow. }
14. Bd7{ The key point. White's king is in danger. }
15. Bxc5
15. Ba4+
16. Rc2
16. Rfd8{ Winning the queen and the game! }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
13. Be2{ This is just very slow. Black can easily take over. }
13. Nxc5
14. Be7{ The only move to justify the plan somehow. }
14. Bd7{ The key point. White's king is in danger. }
15. Bxf8
15. Ba4+
16. Rc2
16. Rd8
17. Bd6
17. Qb6{ Again, wins loads of material and the game. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
16. Rd8+
17. Ke2( 17.Kc2 { runs into }17...Bf5+ { , losing the a8 queen. } )
17. b4{ The brilliant point I was talking about earlier. The a6 -square is
accessible for the bishop now. We are preparing ... Ba6 , with the dual threat of
checkmate and winning the queen. }
18. Bc4{ But here comes the cold shower! }
18. Qxa2+{ And white is mated. }
19. Bxa2
19. Ba6+
20. Bc4
20. Bxc4{ One of the most fascinating lines I have ever looked at. Black wins under
20 moves, via a checkmate in a completely unexplored variation. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
threaten ... Bxc3 . An important point to note is that black can castle on the next
in the process. } )
10. Nxc3{ We capture the knight with our knight to keep the option of ... Bxc3 + is
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
16. Rd8+
17. Bd5{ White intercepts the pin, but after the natural our natural response, we
are ready. }
17. Be6{ Black wins back material. White is forced to give up the queen. }
18. Qxd8+
18. Qxd8
19. Rxc3
19. Qxd5+{ From a practical standpoint, black appears to be significantly better.
White's king is extremely exposed, and the rooks are not connected. Black is
dominating the light squares and has both the bishop and queen to exploit this.
Although the computer maintains equilibrium with Nd4 , in a practical game, if
there's a side that can win, it would likely be black. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
16. Ke2{ The strongest move objectively. White gets out of the pin. }
16. Ba6( { Renewing the threat of }17.-- ...b4+ 18.Bc4 Qxa2! )
17. Nd4{ Making an escape square for the king. }
17. Rad8{ Bringing another piece into the game. }
18. Qf5{ Keeping the c5 -pawn defended and attacking f6 simultaneously. }
18. b4+
19. Kf3
19. Bc8{ The bishop has served its purpose on a6 and it's time to bring it back
to the game again. }
20. Qxf6
20. Qxc5{ With an objectively balanced position on board. White is a pawn up, but
the king on f3 can be in trouble in no time. I prefer black since it's always
easier to attack than to defend. Coupled with the fact that we are just a pawn
down, I imagine a hard road for white from now on. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
14. Bd3{ Releases the pressure on f7 but closes down the d-file and attacks h7 .
}( { Do note that }13.Bd3 { didn't work due to }13...Nxc5 { . } )
14. b4
15. Qxa8
15. Nxc5( { White is losing the thread here. d3 is hanging, ...Qa4 is a
possibility and the king is still stuck on d1 . A sample line could be }16.Qd5 Be6
( { ( }16...Bb7 { wins too, but is more complicated to remember). } )17.Qd6 Rc8
{ including the last piece into the game. }18.Bc2 Na4 { preparing ...Nb2+ . Even
though we are a whole piece down, the position of white's king is so bad that white
doesn't have any moves to defend the position. } )
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
14. b4
15. Be7{ Defending c5 and attacking f8 simultaneously. }
15. Nb6{ Forcing the queen to move away from a centralised square. }
16. Qd6{ Attacking the f8 -rook. }
16. Na4{ Initiating a forced line. }
17. Bxf8
17. Nb2+
18. Ke2
18. Nxd3
19. Kxd3( 19.Qxd3 { runs into }19...Ba6 { , losing the queen. } )
19. Ba6+
20. Ke4
20. Rd8{ Kicking away the queen from the active square. }
21. Qc6
21. Rxf8{ With a theme we have already observed. White's king is in a really tough
spot, but white does have an extra exchange. No matter how many 0.00 the computer
throws here, I would take black every single time. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
14. b4
16. Qc6
16. Ba6
17. Bxa6
17. Qxa6{ With threats like ... Qd3 + & ... Rad8 + in the air, white is busted. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
14. b4
16. Qe4{ With the obvious threat of Qxh7 # }
16. f5{ Stopping the mating threat and keeping the attack going. }
17. Qf4
17. Ba6{ Black gets all the pieces into the attack. }
18. Bxa6
18. Qxa6{ Everything's wrong with white's position. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
14. b4
17. Qf4
17. Ba6{ Black gets all the pieces into the attack. }
18. Qd6
18. Rf7
19. cxb6
19. axb6{ Preparing ... Rxe7 & ... Bxd3 . }( 20.Bxa6 { runs into }20...Qxa6 { ,
renewing the threat of ...Rxe7 and ...Qd3+ . White is a whole piece up but due
to the vulnerable king and loose pieces on d3 and e7 , black is dominating. } )
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
14. b4
17. Qc6
17. Ba6{ As usual, black brings the last piece into the game. }
18. Bxa6
18. Qxa6{ The attack seems extremely dangerous. ... Qd3 + is in the air, a2 is
weak and a rook's about to come onto d8 . }
19. Rxc3{ A desperate measure in difficult times. White had no other way to stop
the threat of ... Qd3 +. }
19. bxc3
20. Qe6+
20. Kh8
21. Bxf8
21. Rd8+{ Speed > material. This position is all about who attacks whom first. }
( 21...Rxf8 { is an inaccuracy as after }22.Ne5 Rd8+ 23.Ke1+- { White has the
threat of Nf7+ , winning the game. } )
22. Bd6{ Blocking the check. }
22. Qd3+
23. Kc1{ And it seems that white has escaped checks and is a healthy piece up. }
23. Nd5{ Black is again creating some threats. The f3 knight cannot move due
to ... Qd2 +. Rd1 runs into ... Qe2 . White is forced to repeat the position. }
24. Be5( 24.Rd1 Qe2-+ )
24. Qe2
25. Bxg7+
25. Kxg7( { With a perpetual in hand after }26.Qe5 { . A difficult line for both
sides, where both players need to find some extremely good moves to survive.
However, you have the advantage of knowing the theory. Go out there and crush them!
} )
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
14. Qxa8{ This is an instructive blunder. White takes the queen away from the
centre, towards the corner and allows black to build up their initiative. }
14. bxc4{ Recapturing the important light-squared bishop. White's king has no piece
to defend against the upcoming onslaught on the light squares. }
15. Qe4{ Trying to bring the queen back into the game. }
15. Nxc5{ Winning the pawn with a tempo as well as opening up files and diagonals
for the rook and c8 -bishop. All with a single move. }
16. Qc2{ Attacking the bishop and hoping for black to retreat. }
16. Na4{ Nope! we want to include all the pieces into the attack. Our threat is
either to play ... Bf5 , winning a tempo or to play ... Bb2 - Nc3 +. }
17. Ke2{ White decides to be prophylactic against the ... Bb2 threat. }
17. Bf5{ Bringing a fresh piece into the game. }
18. e4
18. Re8{ White cannot hope to survive with such an exposed king. Mind you, we are
just an exchange down. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
14. cxb6{ The most natural and tempting. White wins a third pawn, and asks us to
prove our compensation. }
14. Nc5( { The fascinating point behind ...b5 . We are willingly giving up a pawn,
just so that after }15.Be7 axb6 { , the c5 -knight and the a8 -rook are both
protected. } )
15. Qxa8{ Grabbing the rook is very risky, as usual. }
15. Qa4+{ Looking to win back the c4 -bishop. }
16. Rc2( 16.Ke2 { runs into }16...Qxc4+ { , followed by a quick mate with
Qd3 . } )
16. Bb7{ Including all the pieces into the attack. The c4 -bishop is ours anyways.
}
17. Qxa7{ Pretty much the only move to keep the material balance. }
17. Qxc4{ Winning back the bishop. We are putting a lot of pressure here. }
18. Qa3{ The only move to stay in the game. White exploits the pin on c-file. }
18. Qd5+{ Getting away from the pin and keeping the d3 -square accessible for our
knight. }( 18...Qd3+ 19.Kc1 { and we lose material. } )
19. Nd2
19. Qxg2{ White survives, but it's clear who is bossing around here. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
protected. } )
Qd3 . } )
}
19. Kc1
19. Bb4{ Exploiting the tactical motif of knight fork. White needs to either give
up the queen or take away the queen away towards the corner of the board. }
20. Qa7
20. Nd3+
21. Kb1
21. Ra8{ We'll win the queen, and then the game. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
protected. } )
Qd3 . } )
}
19. Kc1
19. Bb4{ Exploiting the tactical motif of knight fork. White needs to either give
up the queen or take away the queen away towards the corner of the board. }
20. Qxb4
20. Nd3+
21. Kb1
21. Nxb4{ With a decisive advantage. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
protected. } )
15. Be7{ The only challenging move. White attacks the c5 -knight and the f8 -rook
simultaneously. }
15. axb6{ Defending the a8 -rook and the c5 -knight. We are ready to launch our
bazooka, the c8 -bishop, into the game! We are just a pawn down now. }
16. Bxf8{ Loses important time. }
16. Be6{ Attacking the misplaced queen. }
17. Qc6
17. Bxc4{ As we have seen already, the light-squared bishop is far more important
than a rook. This time, we also have the option to play ... Rd8 +. White is busted.
}
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
protected. } )
simultaneously. }
16. Bxc5{ Eliminating the attacker of the e4 -square, so that white can meet ...
Be6 with Qe4 . }
16. bxc5
17. Ke2{ White tries to get the king towards safety. Fortunately, for us we can
recapture some lost material. }
17. Be6{ As usual, we include all pieces. }
18. Qd3{ Getting the queen away from the attack. }
18. Bxc4{ Eliminating the defender of the a2 -pawn. }
19. Qxc4
19. Qxa2+
20. Qxa2
20. Rxa2+{ And we are putting some pressure now. }
21. Kf1
21. Bb4{ I think black keeps some chances to press in this endgame. We have a
passed pawn, a bishop and an active rook. White's h1 -rook is still undeveloped.
We can try to play ... Rc8 - c4 next, or somehow bring the rook to the second
rank. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
protected. } )
simultaneously. }
16. Rxc3{ Eliminating one of the most active pieces. }
16. Be6( { Pretty standard by now. }16...Qxc3 { is a blunder due to }17.Bxf8
{ where we cannot play }17...Be6 { due to }18.Qxa8+- )
17. Qe5{ Runs into a pin on e-file. }
17. Rfe8{ Winning back the material. }
18. Bxe6
18. Rxe7{ Black wins back the material, and still keeps attacking prospects. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
protected. } )
simultaneously. }
17. Qd4{ Getting away from the attack, and defending the c3 -rook simultaneously.
White is a piece and a pawn up. In return, many of white's pieces are loose, and
the king is still stuck in the centre with all of black's pieces developed. }
17. Rfe8{ We attack the bishop and ask white to commit the bishop to either the h4
- d8 diagonal or the a3 - f8 diagonal. }
18. Bxc5{ Doesn't help either. }
18. bxc5
19. Qd2{ Keeping the c3 -rook defended. }
19. Red8
20. Bd3
20. c4{ Winning the material back. Black is better placed due to the weak white
king. }
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
protected. } )
simultaneously. }
18. Bh4{ The most ambitious move is to get the bishop away from the attack and
maintain control over the d8 -square. }
18. Bxc4{ Eliminating the important light-squared bishop. }( 18...h6
{ preparing ...g5 is a very respectable alternative too. } )
19. Rxc4
19. Qb5{ Preparing to include the a8 -rook into the game. The position is messy,
but black's play is much easier. White really needs to defend hard to stay in the
game. }( 19...Qxa2 { is a very decent alternative too. } )
*
[Event "?"]
[Site "?"]
[Date "????.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
like }1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Bf4!? )
the c3 -knight. }
chapter 2. } )
in the process. } )
alive. }
11. bxc3
11. Bxc3+
looks bleak. } )
protected. } )
simultaneously. }
18. Bh4{ The most ambitious move is to get the bishop away from the attack and
maintain control over the d8 -square. }
18. Bxc4{ Eliminating the important light-squared bishop. }( 18...h6
{ preparing ...g5 is a very respectable alternative too. } )
19. Qxc4{ Defends the a2 -pawn. }
19. Re4{ We include another piece into the game. }
20. Qd5
20. Rb4{ Bringing all of the pieces to the party! Our activity ensures enough
compensation for the lost piece. }
21. Rc1{ Stopping ... Rb1 +. }
21. Rb2{ We cut-off the king on d1 . White can't bring their king to safety
easily. Our plan is plain & simple: keep harassing the white king. If required, we
can even play ... h6 to get away from back-rank threats. }
*

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[Event "?

{ Welcome to my course on 1.d4 as Black! I am IM Kushager Krishnater, a

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