The King's Indian Defense

MODERNIZED: THE KING'S INDIAN DEFENSE

Dejan Bojkov

ETROPOLITAN

ME TROPOLITAN CHESS PUBLISHING

First Published in the US by Metropolitan Chess Publishing 2014 Copyright© 2014 Dej an Bojkov First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the Publisher. ISBN- 13: 978-0-985628 1-0-9 ISBN- 10: 0985628103

Cover by Elena Rose Dadural Edited by Lawrence Stevens Printed in the US by Lone Star Press Metropolitan Chess Publishing is an imprint of Metropolitan Chess, Inc Metropolitan Chess, Inc., PO Box 25 1 12 , Los Angeles, CA 90025-0 1 12 email: info@metrochessla. com website: www.metrochessla.com

METROPOLITAN CHESS PUBLISHING Commissioning Editor: Ankit Gupta Editor-in-Chief: Lawrence Stevens Assistant Editor: Alej andro Ruiz , Jr.

Contents

Introduction

5

The Classical Variation

15

1a F lexibility in the Classical Variation

17

1 b The Gligoric System

67

1c The Exchange System

91

1d The Petrosian System

107

2

The Samisch Variation

121

3

The Four Pawns Attack

189

4

The Averbakh System

213

5

The Bagirov Line

237

6

The Fianchetto System

273

Solutions to the Exercises

307

Index of Variations

355

1

Symbols

Good move

!! ? ?? !? ?!

Excellent move Bad move Blunder Deserves attention Dubious

# D

Checkmate

oo

Unclear position

=

Equal position

;!;

Slight advantage for White

+ ±

Distinct advantage for White

+

Distinct advantage for Black

+-

White is winning

Forced; the only move

Slight advantage for Black

-+

Black is winning

t

with the initiative

�

with the attack insufficient compensation for the material

00

sufficient compensation for the material with counterplay with the idea... better is... Novelty Time pressure

Introduction

D

ear reader, you are holding in your hands a book on my beloved opening, the King's Indian Defense. I started playing this line in my youthful days after reading the famous book by David Bronstein about the Interzonal tournament in Zurich-Neuhausen 1953 . It was the time when the defense appeared in elite tournaments and never left.

I witnessed Garry Kasparov's glorious career and followed his final match against his great rival Anatoly Karpov when Kasparov did not fear to use the KID and even won the match. My passion for the King's Indian remains undiminished all these years . For some people it is a religion. Many of my friends have tried to convince me that this opening is positionally unsound. White is taking more space and controls the center better. I strongly disagree. The KID is founded on strong fundamentals; the center is temporarily given up but can later be attacked and destroyed, while Black's control of key squares can compensate for his lack of space. Have a look at the following example:

Skembris

·

Van Wely

Skei 1993

White indeed has more space, but his position is strategically lost. His gain of space has opened up some weaknesses in his camp, specifically the d4 square. At the same time, Introduction

5

the analogous square on d5 is well covered by the black pieces and is unreachable by the white knight.

18. Rhe1 f6 19. Rd6 Kf7 20.Nd2 Ke7 21. Rd3 Ne6 22.g3 h5 23. h4 Nd4 24. Nf1 b6 25. Ne3 Bb7 2 6.(3

14.a3 c5/

If26.Nd5+ then 26 . . . Kd6 , answering 27. Nxf6 with 27 . . . Rf8 2 8 . Nd5 Rxf2+.

This fixes the white pawns on the color of Black's own bishop, and pre­ pares a standard knight maneuver.

15. b5 Nc7 16. Be2 Of no relief is 16 .Nxe5 due to 16 . . . Re6 17. Ng4 f5 18.Ne3 f4 19.Nd5 Nxd5 20.cxd5 Rxe4++, while 16.Rdl Re6 17. Rd8+ only helps Black to proceed with his idea: 17 ... Kg7 18.Be2 Re7+.

16 . . . Re6 17. 0-0-0 ReB+

26. . . Rg8 2 7. Bd1 Kd6 28. Rd2 Raf8 29. a4 f5 30. exf5 gxf5 31.(4 Probably more stubborn is 3 l . g4 hxg4 3 2 . fxg4 f4 3 3 . Nf5+ Rxf5 34.gxf5 e4+.

31 . . . Rxg3 32. Nc2 Better was 32.fxe5+, which is an­ swered by 32 . . . Ke6 3 3 . Rf2 f4 34.Bxh5 f3 3 5 . Bg4+ Kxe5 3 6 . Nf5 + Kf4-+.

32 . . . Be4 33.fxe5+ Kxe5 34. Nxd4 cxd4 35. Bxh5 Rh8 36.Bf7 Rxh4 3 7. Kb2 Rhh3 38. c5 bxc5 39. a5 Ra3 40. a6 Ra4 41. Be8 c4 42. Rf2 Rb3+ 0-1

White can do nothing to face the establishment of the black knight on d4 . After this, Black can either prepare the f5 breakthrough, or he can even open the position on the queen's flank at the proper moment. Probably not familiar with this game from two months before, Polgar, with 17 ... Kg7 18.a4 a6 , rushed and threw away the edge. Now White uses the open a-file to release the pressure. 19.Kb2 Re7 20.Rd6 Ne8 2l.Rd5 axb5 22.axb5 b6 23.Ral Rxal 24.Kxal f6 25.Rd8 Bb7 26.Nd2 f5 27.exf5 gxf5 . The game was later drawn, Huebner­ Polgar, Biel Interzonal 1993 . 6

Introduction

I

n order to better understand the King's Indian Defense, one needs to appreciate the importance of Black's dark-squared bishop. This mighty piece on the long diagonal is the pride and the j oy of any KID player. The black squares are the territory of the second player, yet the bishop might in fact not even be needed for the second player to demonstrate this:

Qhl#.)

18 . . . Ng3+ 19.hxg3 20.Nfl Qh6+ 2 1 . Nh2 Kg7-+

Qxf8

Nau mkin - S mirin

Ischia 1995

And now if 2 2 . Bfl then 22 . . . Qxh2+ 2 3 . Kxh2 Rh8 mate.

1 7. . . Qxg5 18. Nfl If 18. Bfl then 18 . . . Kg7 !? intending . . . Rh8 .

18 . . . (5� With the attack. The outcome of Black's idea is very impressive, and the position of his pieces on the king's flank is quite frightening.

19. exf5 Here, Ilya Smirin introduced a fabulous novelty, based on his deep understanding of the position:

15 . . . Bf6l!N 16. Bxh6 Rejecting the offer would not save White from problems: 16 .a3 Bg5 17. Bf2? Bxd2 18.Qxd2 Nxb3+.

Not 19.Qcl 2 1 . Kg2 f4+.

Nf4

20.g3

Nh3+

19 . . . gxf5 20. a3 a41 Energetic play on both flanks ! If 20 . . . Nf4 then 2 1 . g3 .

21. b4 Or 2 1 .bxa4!? 21 . . . Nb3+

16 . . . Bg5/ The point behind Black's maneu­ ver. Without the black-squared bish­ op, White can do nothing to control his dark-squared perimeter.

1 7. Bxg5 The exchange is poison, as Black will mate on the dark squares: 17.Bxf8? Be3+ 18.Kh l (Also mating

is 18. Kfl Qh4 19.Ndl Ng3+ 20. hxg3 Introduction

7

Black is using one extra piece at least (the bishop! ) in the attack, makes his position resignable.

31. Qe2 If all the white pawns leave the black squares, White will have no control over them: 3 1 .b3 Rc8 3 2 . Kc2 Rxc4+! 33 .bxc4 Rb2+-+.

31 . . . Qa7 32. Rcl RaB 33. b3 Bf4 34. Kc2

Smirin's inspired play has given him the advantage, which he later converted into a full point on move 47. As we have seen, the positional pawn sacrifice is one of the strategi­ cal ideas to prove superiority on the dark squares. However, we also have another strong weapon in our arsenal, the attack with opposite-colored bishops:

34 . . . Re7 Kamsky - Kasparov

Manila (ol) 1992

Kasparov is not interested in trading his bishop for a rook!

35. Qd3 Qc5 36. R bl Re3 3 7. Qd4 Ra2+ 38. Kdl It's mate after 3 8 . Rb2 39.Qxb2 Be5 40.Qa2 Rc3+.

Rxb2+

38 . . . Rxf3 There were other wins as well, for example 38 . . . Re8!? 39.Rd3 Qb4 40.Qc3 Qxc3 4 1 . Rxc3 Rd2+ 42 . Kcl Rel mate.

39. Qxf4 Rxf4 40. Rxa2 41.Kc2 Qxh2+ 0-1

Qgl+

You will have noticed that the attack was conducted mainly on the squares of the color of the black bishop. Kamsky has an extra pawn, but it's no consolation. The open files and diagonals, and above all the fact that 8

Introduction

In the KID, players are not afraid to sacrifice material, even for strate­ gical purposes. You saw what Smirin did in his game against Naumkin. Here is an example of a successful blockade:

Kotov - Gligoric

Candidates Tournament 1953

Thanks to the pawn sacrifice, Black has managed to build a strong central position. Gligoric does not stop so soon, though.

16.Nf3 Qe7 1 7. Nxe5 18. 0-0-0 Nf6 19. h3 Bd7

Qxe5

Another plan is 19 ... a6 !? 20. Bd3

(20. a4!? Bd7 21.Rel Nh5 t) 20 . . . b5

Svetozar Gligoric was one of the leading forces behind the KID all his life. In this game he demonstrated a remarkable idea.

2 l .cxb5 axb5 2 2 . Bxb5 Ba6-. . Also 19 . . . b5!? 20.cxb5 a 6 2 l . a4 axb5 2 2 . Bxb5 Bd7 2 3 . Rhel Bxb5 24.Nxb5 Nh5t.

20. Bd3 a6 21. Nbl! (3!?

ll . . . e4! 12.fxe4 (4! 13. Bf2 Nd7! 14.Ngl Not 14.e5?! Nxe5 1 5 . Bxh7+ Kh8t 16.0-0-0 Qg5 17. Kbl Qxg2 1 8 . Ne4 Nf6 19.Rhgl Qf3 20. Nxf6 Rxf6 21.Nc3 Qh5 22 .Be4 Bg4+.

14 . . . Qg5 15. Bfl Ne5';.

Kotov was threatening to bring his knight into the action via d2 and f3, and Gligoric is not afraid of sacri­ ficing another pawn! Introduction

9

Also possible was 2 l . . . Rae8!? followed by: a) 22.Nd2 Ba4! 23.b3 (23. Qxa4 Nxe4!) 23 . . . Qal+ 24.Nbl Bd7 2 5 . Rdel b5=. b) 22.Rdel Nh5 2 3 . Nd2 Ng3 24.Nf3 Qh5 25.Rhgl b5+t. Another idea is 2 l . . .Be8!? 2 2 . Nd2 Ba4! 23 .b3 (if23. Qxa4 then 23 . . . Nxe4) 23 . . . Qal+ 24.Nbl Be8! 2 5 . Bel Nd7 26.e5!? Bxe5 27. Bxh7+ Kh8 28. Bd3 Rg8oo.

We are much obliged to the Yu­ goslavian GM for another powerful idea, the positional exchange sacri­ fice:

Avery

•

Gligoric

USA 1971

22.gxf3 Nh5 23. Nd2 Nf4

21 . . . Rf4!

The outcome of Black's strategy: his pieces on the freed f4 and e5 squares are dominating the position and the long diagonal is in complete control. White's pieces lack air because of their own pawns. Black has rich compensation for the pawns and went on the attack after

24. Bfl b5! The game was eventually drawn at move 41.

"I found this move easily over the board . The exchange sacrifice solves all Black's strategical problems. It introduces into the action the passive bishop on g7 and the knight, and Black even gets some material compensation for the exchange." Needless to say, this pattern is now commonly recognized by any chess player.

22. Bxf4 24. Rc2

exf4

23. Nd3

Qxg5+

Not 24. Nxf4? Bh6 .

24 . . . Rf8 25. Kdl a3! 26.Ncl Ba4 2 7. Nb3 Bb2 With the idea 2 8 . . . Bxb3 29. axb3 a2.

28. Rxb2 If 2 8 . Rc6 then 28 . . . Bxb3+! 29.axb3 Qe5 30.Rxa6 Bc3+.

28 . . . axb2 29. Qxb2 RbB! 30. Qd2 Nf6 31. Kcl Bxb3 32. axb3 Qe5 33. Kbl g5-+ 10

Introduction

e have seen the sacrifices of the pawn(s) and the exchange, but Black can also sacrifice:

W

I) A Piece Miroshnichenko - Bojkov

European Individual Chess Championship, Plovdiv 2008

34. Rc1 g4 35. Rc7 Nh71 36. Ka2 Ng5 37. Qe2 h41 38.fxg4 Rf8 39. Bf3 Qd4 40. Rc4 Qe3 0-1 The strategic ideas in the King's Indian Defense can be the subject of another complete book, so rich in ideas is the KID ! I will just mention the pawn chains. The situation of the pawns, especially in the positions with the closed center, obliges both sides to play on their flanks. For White this is usually the queen's flank where he has the better quality pawns, thanks to the wedge on d5, while Black attacks the king­ side. In these double-edged situations . the main question is "Who is faster?", and an experienced KID player is not afraid of sacrificing material.

It seems as if I need to retreat, after which White will most proba­ bly smash me on the queenside. But I know that King's Indian players do not retreat.

12 . . . Ncxe4! 13. Ndxe4 Nxe4 14. Nxe4 f5 15. Nc3 f4 1 6. Bd2 e4 1 7. 0- 0 e3 18. Be1 axb4 19. axb4 Rxa1 20. Qxa1

Introduction

11

Rg7-+) 23 . . . Nh5 24.Bf2 (24.Bh2 Be3+ 25.Rf2 D Qh4 26.Nd3 Ngf4 2 7. Qel Nxg2! 28.Kxg2 Rg7+-+) 24 . . . Ngf4 and now: 2 5 . Rc7? Ba4! 2 6 .Qxa4 Nxe2+ 27.Kh 2 Bf4+ 2 8 . Kh3 (28.g3 Qh4+

29.Kg2 Bxg3 30. Qe8+ R{B 31. Qe6+ KhB-+) 28 . .. Nhg3 ! 29. Rxf7 Kxf7 30.Nd3 Qc8+ 3 l . Kh4 (31.Kh2 Nxfl+ 32. Khl Nfg3+ 33. Bxg3 Nxg3+ 34.Kgl Ke7!-+) 3 l . . . Nxfl 32.g4 Nd2 3 3 . Nel

20. . . (8! 21.gxf8 Bh8 With lively doubled-edged play. The game ended in a draw, which satisfied both opponents.

2) ARook Piket

-

Kasparov

Tilburg 1989

h5!-+. 2 5 . Nd3 ! : a ) 25 . . . Nxg2 2 6 . Kxg2 Rg7+ 27.Kh 2 Ng3 ! 2 8 . Bxg3 Qg5 29. Rg1D Qh5+ 30.Kg2 Be3 3 l .Rhl Rxg3+ 32.Kxg3 Qg5+ 33 . Kh2 Qh4+ 34.Kg2 Qg5+ 3 5 . Kh2 Qh4+=. b) 2 5 ... Rg7 2 6 . Nxf4 Bxf4 27.g4 ! (27. Rc7? Ng3! 2B. Rxd7 Qh4

29.Rxg7+ Kxg7 30.Bxa7 Nxe2+! 31. Qxe2 Bh2+-+) 27 . . . Bxcl 2 8 . Qxcl Nf4 2 9.Qe3 h5!+.

21 . . . Nh5!

20 . . . g8! Time is more precious than the material!

21.Nxa8? Here are some beautifullines giv­ en by Kasparov's trainer: 2l .hxg3 fxg3 ! 2 2 . Bxg3 Bh6 ! 23.Nxa8 ! (23.Ne6 Bxe6 24.dxe6 12

Introduction

22. Kh1D 2 2 . Bxa7 Qh4 23 .h3 Bxh3 24.gxh3 Qxh3 2 5 . Rf2 gxf2+ 2 6 . Kxf2 Nh4 27. Bfl Qh2+ 2 8 . Ng2 Rg7-+.

22 . . . gxf2 28. Rxf2 Ng3+! 24. Kgl Qxa8 25. Bc4 a6!

3) A Queen! Kramnik - Kasparov

Munich Intel Express blitz '5 1994

Black took over the initiative, and his opponent could not adjust to the situation and lost quickly:

26. Qd3?! Other moves lose, too: 26.hxg3 fxg3 27.Rb2 Qd8 2 8 . Kfl Bh6 29.Ke2 Qg5 -+. And 2 6 . Nd3 Qa7 27.Nc5 Bb5 !

(27... dxc5 28.d6 cxb4 29. Qd5 NhB 30. Qxe5 Qe3 31.RdJ oo) 2 8 . Bxb5 axb5 29.hxg3 fxg3 30. Rfc2 dxc5 3 l .bxc5 Nf4-+.

26. . . Qa7 2 7. b5 If 27. Rcc2 then 27 . . . Be7 threaten­ ing 28 . . . Bh4 .

27. . . axb5 2B. Bxb5 Nhl! 0-1

12 . . . Nfxe4!! Kasparov had prepared this line especially for the blitz match with Kramnik.

13. Bxd8 15. Rcl ?!

Nxc3

14. Qel

Rfxd8

1 5 . Nb l ! is the only move to test Black's idea. It is not a big surprise that Kramnik did not orient himself well enough with less than five minutes on ·the clock. Nevertheless, even against best play Black has good compensation for the queen.

15. . . Nxa2 16.Ral Nb4 1 7. Bdl e4 18.Rbl ReB 19. Qe3 (5

Introduction

13

L

With all his pieces beautifully placed, Black is indisputably better, and went on to win!

20. h4 Rf8 21.g3 Rae8 22. Kg2 Nbd3 23. Rgl (4 24.gxf4 Rxf4 25. h5 g5 26. Rfl Rh4 27. Rhl Rf4 28. Rfl Ref8 29.(3 Rh4 30.fxe4 Nf4+ 31.Kgl Ncd3 32. e5 Nxe5 33. Rcl Rh3 34. Nf3 g4 35. Nxe5 Rxe3 36. Nxd7 Nh3+ 37. Kg2 Rxfl 38. Kxfl g3 39. Kg2 Nf4 + 0-1

14

Introduction

et's stop here to take a breath! Mr. Kasparov's play in this game was extreme, as usual, just like our defense. You will see more of these ideas in this book and will learn other things as well. The chapters feature the most important systems for White which you are most likely to face. Each chapter includes memory markers, important positions and ideas that were explained in the text, which will help you to memorize the key positions. My practice as a trainer has taught me that no book is complete without a set of exercises to help you confirm your knowledge.· Therefore, at the end of each chapter there are many puzzles, both tactical and strategical! Welcome to your remarkable jour­ ney in the King's Indian Defense!

Chapter 1 The Classical Variation

l.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5

T

he Classical Variation is by far the most popular reply to our beloved defense. White is doing everything right. He occupies the center, he develops his knights first, he develops the king's bishop next, and he is ready to castle; It's a truly classical approach, and it's no wonder that it is the main weapon that you might face when playing the KID.

Chapter 1: The Classical Variation

15

Chapter la Flexibility in the Classical Variation

l.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5 7.0-0 exd4 8.Nxd4 ReB 9.(3 c6

In the late nineteenth century, positions where one side abandons the center were considered to be dangerous and even lost for that side. The KID was an irregular (and wrong! ) opening, according to the Classical Chess School . hen came Aaron Nimzowitsch who, together with the other "hy­ per-modernists", gave new meaning and understanding to positions with the so-called small center. This pawn structure in the Classical arises after the moves:

T

l.d4 d6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3. c4 g6 4.Nc3 Bg7 5. e4 0-0 6.Be2 e5 7. 0-0 exd4 8.Nxd4 ReB 9.{3 c6 (see the above diagram). Black has released the tension in the center and given his opponent both the territory and the freedom to develop comfortably. White's advantages are obvious, and Black has a backward pawn on d6 which seems to be well controlled by the white pawn bind on c4 and e4. The

first player just needs to finish his development, bring the cl bishop to a good position (and there is plenty of choice on the c . l -h6 diagonal ! ), place the queen on d2, connect the rooks, bring them to the center, and his advantage will be beyond any doubt. For many years , this position was not considered to be worth playing as Black. After all, he does not really have a direct attack against the king, nor are there any obvious targets to hit. Enough talking, let's have a look at the new games which changed the attitude towards the line ! I start with two games by Viorel Bologan, the Moldavian player known for his uncompromising style.

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

17

The main line: ll.Bg5 1 Fier

-

Bologan

Aeroflot Open, Moscow 2011 l.d4 d6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 g6 4.Nc3 Bg 7 5. e4 0 - 0 6. Be2 e5 7. 0-0 exd4 8.Nxd4 ReB 9.f3 c6 l O. Khl Nbd7 11.Bg5

12 Qc7!? 13 .Qd2 and now: a) 13 . . . a6?! This is a bit slow, and one should be aware of a typical combination in White's arsenal: 14 . Nc3 b5 15 .cxb5 axb5 16. Racl (with the threat Nc3xb 5 ! ) 16 . . . Qb6 17. Nxc6! Qxc6 1 8 . Nxb5 Qb6 19. Nc7± . Watch out for this idea! b) Instead, Postny suggests the idea 13 . . . Nc5 ! 14 . Nxc5 (or 14.Nc3 a5 15.Radl Nfd7oo) 14 . . . dxc5 1 5 . Nb3 b600• White has a pawn majority on the kingside, but Black has counterplay on the dark squares, and the Knight is misplaced on b3. 12 Qa5 This is what Bologan chose against Beliavsky, and as we shall see, things are good for Black here as well. We look at two moves: a) 1 3 . Bd2 is the old move in the position, when Black is doing generally fine after both 13 . . . Qe5 and 13 . . . Qc7: .••

•••

The main line in this variation . White tries to permanently stop Black's main counterattacking re­ source d6-d5 while finishing his development . Still, there are other ideas for Black .

ll . . . Qb6 Black targets both the knight on d4 and the pawn on b2 , forcing White to retreat the knight to a worse position. It was because of this idea that Bologan decided to give the line a new try.

12.Nb3 Six months prior to this game Bologan suffered a defeat after the tricky 12.Na4. His opponent Alexander Beliavsky managed to extract some advantage from the opening. However, Black had ways of improving his play: 18

al) 13 . . . Qe5 14 .Bc3 Qe7 The knight on a4 and the bishop on c3 do not really seemed improved, to say the least. 15 .Qd2 Ne5 16.b3 d5! 17.cxd5 cxd5 18.Bb5 Bd7 19. Bxd7 Qxd7 20.exd5 Qxd5 and we see Black taking over the initiative in Bilobrk-Saric, Split 201 1 .

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

a2) 13 . . . Qc7 14 .Be1 a6 15.Rc1 c5! Another option for Black to begin active play is to advance this c-pawn and win the d4 square for the knight. 16 .Nc2 Ne5 17. Nc3 Bd7 18 .Qd2

(The seemingly dangerous 18.{4 Nc6 weakens the e4 pawn instead, and Black is fine after 19.Bf3 Nd4 20.Nxd4 cxd4 2l. Qxd4 Nxe4+Z.) 18 . . . Rad8 19.Bh4 Bc6 20. Rfd1 b5!? 21 .cxb5 axb5 22 .Bxb5 Bxb5 23.Nxb5 Qb6 24.Nca3 and here the active 24 . . . d5! would have given fantastic compensation to Black after 25.Bxf6 Qxf6 26.exd5 Qh4 with the threat Bg7-h6-f4! Instead, 24 . . . Rd7 was the game continuation in Ruzele-Siepelt, Berlin 1994. b) 1 3 . Bf4N

b2 1 1 )

18 . . . Bg4

19.Qd2

Rh5

(19. . . Nxe4 ? 20.Nxe4+-) 2 0 .e5±. b212) 18 ... Rxe4 19. Bxd7 Nxd7 20.Nxe4 dxe4 2 1 . Ne6 Nf6 2 2 . Nxg7 Kxg7 23 .Qb3 and Black didn't get sufficient compensation for the exchange in Beliavsky-Bologan, J S ibenik 2010. Even if he can survive this we do not play the KID to suffer for a draw. b22) Note that 14 . . . Qb4? is met by 1 5 . Nc2 ! and the b2 pawn is taboo: 15 . . . Qxb2?? 16 . Na4+-. b23) Instead, Black needed to play 14 ... Qb6 ! ? 15 .Qd2 Nfd7 16 .Be3 Nc5 17.Qc2 (or 1 7.Nc2 a5 lB.Rabl B{B) 17 . . . Ned7 18.Rad1 a5oo.

12 . . . a5 Black wins space on the queen's flank with tempos .

13. Qd2 We will look at 1 3 . Na4 Qb4 in the next game, Elj anov-Bologan, S ibenik 2010.

13 . . . a4 14. Be3 Qd8! The best square for the queen. From here it can be transferred to either the king's or queen's flank!

15. Nd4

This was the novelty that Beliavsky had prepared for the game. b1) Now one possibility is 13 ... Qc7 14 .Qd2 (Black will achieve

1 5 . Nc1?! is too slow, and Black can perform the desired central break after 15 . . . Ne5 16 . Rb1 Be6 17.b3 axb3 18.axb3 d5t, in Sharavdorj­ Shimanov, Moscow 2 0 1 1 .

15. . . Nc5

standard break after 14.Nc3 Nh5 15.Be3 {5+Z.) 14 . . . Nh5 1 5 . Be3 Nc5

a

16 .Nc3 a5 17.Nb3:t. b2) But 13 ... Ne5 is best in the above diagram. Now, after 14 . Nc3: b2 1) The central release which Bologan tried did not work: 14 . . . d5?! 15.cxd5 cxd5 16 . Bb5 Bd7 17. Bxe5 Rxe5 18.f4 and now: Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

19

Thanks to the beautiful pawn on a4 , the knight on c5 is really hand­ some. Please note that whenever this

knight occupies the c5 square, we usu­ ally start playing on the king's flank, discarding our plans for a central strike with d6-d5. Also possible are 15 . . . Nb6 and 15 . . . Qa5 !?.

16. Rfdl 16.Rabl!? is an alternative for White. Still, after 16 . . . Nfd7 17.b4 axb3 18.axb3 Be5 19.b4 Ne6 20.f4 Black can trade a pair of pieces: 20 . . . Bxd4!

(But not 20... Bg7 21.Nxe6 Rxe6 22.Bd4 Nf6 23.Bf3 ReB 24.RfdH, when White stabilizes the situation and enjoys his extra space, in Goganov-Shimanov, St. Petersburg 2011.) 2l.Bxd4 Nxd4

The central strike! 20.b4 Ne6? Fighting for the dark squares! 2l.Ra8? Nxd4 22.Bxd4 Bxd4 23 .Qxd4 Qh4! And now a small winning combination is inevitable: 24.Qd2 Ng3+ 25.Kgl Qxh2+! 26.Kxh2 Nfl+ 27.Kgl Nxd2+, with a good extra pawn in Smith­ Shimanov, Stockholm 2010. If 16.Nc2 then 16 . . . Nfd7 ! welcom­ ing 17.Qxd6? a3 ! .

1 6. . . Nfd7 1 7. Rabl With 17.Bfl White can try to defend the king's flank in advance. 17... Be5 A semi-provoking move, as Black would love to see the white pawn advance to f4 , leaving it.s colleague on e4 vulnerable.

22.Qxd4 Ra3. With fewer pieces on the board White's space advantage is not so obvious, and Black can gradu­ ally equalize: 23.Ral Rxal 24.Rxal Qf6 25 .Qe3 Qe7 26.Qd3 Nf6 27.Ra8 Bg4=, Bologan. 16.b4 is an aggressive try for the first player. Pay close attention to the following model game, as Black manages to achieve all the ideas that he wants: 16 . . . axb3 17.axb3 Rxal 18.Rxal Nh5 ! Opening the road for the queen! 19.Bdl f5! 20

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

We show two possibilities: 18.Qf2!? stops Qd8 -h4 and is probably White's best try. Still, the situation is full of life and possibil­ ities for both sides after 18 . . . Qe7 (18 . . Qa5!? with the threat a4-a3

b) 19. Bf2

.

makes sense as well, since the white queen has left the center.) 19.Rel Nf6 20.Radl Bd7 2 1 .h3 Nh5 2 2 . Nde2 and here is a strong blockading move 22 . . . g5 !

\

After Qe7-f6 and eventually a4a3 , Black seems in good control of the situation. Instead, the youngest GM in the world preferred 22 . . . b6 23.g4 Nf6? 24.Bxc5 ! bxc5 2 5 . f4 Bxc3 26.Nxc3±, in Reinderman-Nyzhnyk, Wijk aan Zee 2 0 1 2 . 18.Rabl ('!?' D. Mozetic.) 18 . . . Qa5 a) 19.Qc2 Qb4 20.Ncb5 Qa5 21.Nc3 Qb4 2 2 . Nce2 Nf8 ! Remember this pattern - Black is taking care of the strong d4 Knight! 23 .Qcl Nfe6 24 .Nc2 Qa5=, Khalifman-Kokarev, Dagomys 2009.

Now Black, with 19 . . . Nf8 , intended to first deal with White's d4 knight, and then advance the f-pawn. 20.b4 axb3 2 l . axb3 Qb4 2 2 . Bel Nfe6 2 3 . Nc2 Qb6 led to a complex position with mutual chances. White, however, committed a characteristic mistake, 24. Bf2?, and was punished in a typical, tactical way: 24 . . . Bxc3! 25.Qxc3 Nxe4! 2 6 . Bxb6 Nxc3, winning a pawn in Bosiocic- Cvitan, Split 201 1 .

1 7 Be5 ...

Provoking White's Unclear is 17 . . . Qa5oo.

next

move.

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

21

18.(4 This move drives away the bishop from its active location, but weakens the e4 pawn. A safer alternative is 18.Bf2 Qe7 19. Bfl . However, after the already standard idea 19 . . . Nf8 ! 20.b4 axb3 2l.axb3: a) 2l ... Ra3 22 .Qc2 Nfe6 2 3 . Nde2 Nf4?! (Only this is a mistake. Better was 23 . . . Qf6!?"?.) 24.Nxf4 Bxf4 25 .b4 Ne6 26.Rd3:t, Van Wely- Shchekachev, Bastia 2010. b) Black could have solved all his problems with the other typical blockading idea: 2 l . . . Nfe6 22.Nde2 Qf6 23 .b4 Na4 24.Nxa4 Rxa4 25.Be3 g5=.

Note the ideal position of the black pieces. The bishop on e5 is a monster! 18.g3 is another solid but innocuous attempt. Black equalizes after 18 . . . Qe7 (unclear is 18. . . Qa5oo) 19.Bg5 f6 20.Be3 Nf8 2l.b4 axb3 22.axb3 Nfe6 23.Nc2 Qg7 24.b4 f5 25.Nd4 Nxd4 26.Bxd4 Bxd4 27.Qxd4 Na4=, Polishchuk-Opryatkin, 2007/ Corr 201 1.

22

The careless 18.b4?! axb3 19. axb3 is strongly met with 19 . . . Qh4! t.

It is worth studying this position for a while using Mozetic's notes: a) Now 20.h3? weakens the black squares: 2 0 . . . Nf6-+ . b) 20.Bgl is no better: 20 . . . Nf6 ! (20. . . Bf4! might be even stronger) and now: bl) 2 l .g4 Bxg4! 22.fxg4 Nfxe4-+ . b2) 2 l .b4? Nh5 2 2 . g4 Ne6 ! 2 3 . Nxe6 (or 23.gxh5 Nxd4) 23 . . . Ng3+ 24.Kg2 Nxe2 2 5 . Nxe2 Bxe6t. b3) 2 1 .Qel! is White's best try, but he is still worse after 2 1 . . .Qxel 2 2 . Rxel Ra3+. c) After 20.f4 Bg7 2 l . Bf3 Nf6, Black's pieces have arrived on the battlefield with great effect, and the first player is in trouble: 2 2 . Bf2

(not 22.g3?! Qh3+, and g4 and e4 are weak squares.) 22 . . . Qh6 2 3 . Rel Ng4 and now :

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

cl) 24. Bgl? Bxd4 25.Qxd4 Qxf4+. c2) 24. Bg3 Ne5 ! (24 . . . Ra3 might be even better.) 2 5 . Be2 Ned3 ! 2 6 . Bxd3 Bxd4: c21) 27.b4? Ra3 . c22) 27.Bc2 Qg7 2 8 . Ne2 Bf6 ! (28 . . . Nxe4 ?? 29. Nxd4!+-) 29.Qxd6 (29. Ngl Bc3) 29 . . . Nxe4 3 0.Bxe4 Rxe4+ with the bishop pair and the better game. c23) 27.Ne2 Bf6t. c3) 24. Bxg4 Bxg4+. Black was better and managed to convert his advantage in Ligterink-Mozetic, Tilburg 1993.

20 . . . Qf8

18 ... Bg7 19. Bf3 Qe7

2 6 . Nxf3 RedS = .

The threat is ... f7-f5 . Black is using the half-open e-file!

23. b4

Bologan decides to play for a win. Alternatively, a relatively safe equality would be reached after 20 . . . Nb6!? 2 1 .b3 h5 (also possible is

21 . . . axb3 22.axb3 Ra3 23.Bf2 Nbd7 24. Qc2 h5+t) 2 2 . f5 axb3 2 3 . axb3 Ra3 24. Bg5 Qe5 2 5 . Nce2 Nbd7oo.

21. b4 axb3 22. axb3 Ra3 Black can torture his opponent by hitting the vulnerable e4 pawn: 2 2 ... Nf6 2 3 . Bgl (23. Qc2 Bg4 24. b4 Ne6= Bologan.) 23 . . . Bg4 24.e5 dxe5 2 5 .fxe5 Bxf3 (25 . . . Bh6 26. Qc2 Bxf3

2 7.Nxf3 Nfd7 2B. RbdH,

Postny.)

20. Rel

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

23

33.Rxf7 ! Be6! 34.Rxf8+ Qxf8�, with the remark:

28 . . . Nb6/ The King's Indian Spirit! Black sacrifices a piece for only two pawns. However, these pawns will be well supported by both bish­ ops and the heavy pieces. Also possible is 23... Na4 24.Nxa4 Rxa4 25.Qc2;!;.

24. bxc5 Nxc4 25. Qd8 26. Qxe8 dxc5 2 7. Nde2 c4

Nxe8

Better than 27...Bxc3 28.Nxc3 b5 29.Ral Rxal 30.Rxal b4 3 l. Na4 c4 32.Qb6 Be6 33.Nc5;!;, Bologan.

28. Qcl g511

"You might be laughing, but despite the fact that Black is a piece down, and does not have a single pawn to compensate for it, I would still prefer to have Black here ! " Indeed, the beautiful bishops i n the center, which control everything, make even the materialistic machine respect the position, and carefully assess it as equal!

81. Ndl Rxbl 82. Qxbl b5 88. Ne8 Be6 84. Nf5/ Ra8 Absolutely gorgeous! Black clears the way for the bishop, so that no one will disturb it on e5!

29.fxg5 29.g3 b5 highlights the weak­ ened third rank, while 29.e5 gxf4 30.Ne4 Rxe5 3 1.Qxc4 Be6 32.Qc2 Qe7 33.Nxf4 Ba2 34.Rb2 Bd5�, given by Bologan, leads to a complete mess.

29. . . Be5 80.Bh5 Also unclear would be 30.Ndl Qc5 3l.Ng3 b5 32.Nf5 c3 33.Nh6+ Kg7 34.Ne3 Be6 35.Re2 b4 36.Bg4 b3 37.Bxe6 fxe6 38.Qdl Bd4oo.

80 . . . Rb8 After 30... Qc5 Bologan gives the following line: 3l.Rfl Rf8 32.Qd2 b5

24

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

35. Qdl One wild line is 3 5 . Ned4 Bxf5 36.Nxf5 Ral 37.Qxa l Bxa l 3 8 . Rxal b4 39. Be2 ! c3 40. Bc4 Qb8 4l.Bb3 c5 42.e5 c4 43. Bxc4 c2 44.h3 Qa7 45.Rcl Qd7 46.Nh6+ Kg7 47. Bb3 Qd2 48. Rxc2 Qel+ 49.Kh2 Qxe5+ 50.g3 Qxg5 5 l . Nxf7 Qe3 =.

Or 40 ... b3 4 l . Nxe6 b2 42 . Nxf7+ Qxf7 43 . Bxf7 bxclQ 44.Rxcl c2 45.Nxc5 Bb2 46 .Rel clQ 47.Rxcl Bxcl=.

41.Nxe6 Ral 43. Rxal clQ+!

42. Qxal

Bxal

35. . . c5? Both opponents went into time trouble, with unavoidable mistakes. Better was 35 ... Ral 36 .Qxal Bxal 37.Rxal Qd8 38 .h4 b4 39. Nh6+ Kf8 40.Nxf7 Qb6 4 l . Ne5 b3 42. Nf4 Ke7 43.Nxe6 b2 44.Rbl Qe3 4 5 . Nd4 Qcl+ 46.Rxcl bxclQ+ 47. Kh2 c5 48.g6 hxg6 49.Nxg6+ Kf7 50. Nf4+ Kg8 5l.Nde2 Qel 52 . Nd5=.

36. Nh6+ 36.Rfl ! ± .

36 . . . Kh8 ? 3 6 . . . Kg7 37.Qd2 b 4 3 8 . Nf4 Qd6 39.Nxe6+ fxe6 40.Qf2 Rf8 4 l . Nf7 c3 42 .Qh4 Qd4 43 . Nxe5 Qxe5 44. Bg4 h5 45 .gxh6+ Kh8 46.h3 Rf6oo.

37. Rfl Qe7

Or 43 ... Qa7 44.Nxf7+ Kg8 45.Rfl (45.Nh6+=) 45 . . . Qe7 46.Ne5 b3 47. Bf7+ Kh8 48.g6 Qf6 49.g7+ Qxg7 5 0 . Nxg7 b2 ! ! 5 l . Nd3 blQ 52 . Ncl Kxg7 with good chances for a draw, according to Bologan.

44. Rxcl fxe 6 45. Ral Qf8 It's also a draw after 45 . . . Kg7· 4 6 . h4 Qb7 47. R d l Qc7 4 8 . R a l Qb7=.

46.Nf7+ Kg7 4 7. Ra 7 b3 48.Nh6+ Kh8 49. Nf7+ Kg7 50. Nh6+ KhB *·* Who would not like to give this line a try after such a start?!

38. Qd2 Fier misses a golden opportunity: 38.Nxf7+ Bxf7 39.Bxf7 Ral 40.Nc l Qxg5 4l.g3+-.

38 . . . b4 39. Nf4 c3 40. Qcl c2 Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

25

2 EJjanov - Bologan

Croation Team Championships, Sibenik 2010 l.d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg 7 4 . e4 d6 5. Nf3 0-0 6. Be2 e5 7. 0-0 exd4 8.Nxd4 ReB 9.f3 c 6 lO. Khl Nbd7 11.Bg5

position for Black in Blees-Brendel, Krumbach 1991.

14 . . . Nc5 Definitely playable, and Black en­ joys a good game after this move. However, from a theoretical point of view, Black's problems are easily solved with the standard 14 d5! .•.

Eljanov also goes for the main line against Black's setup.

ll . . . Qb6 12. Nb3 a5

13. Na4 And here, instead of allowing the a-pawn to advance, he tries to force the queen's retreat with tempo. The drawback of this move is that the knight is misplaced on the edge of the board, and does not sufficiently control the center. Note that White cannot take the d-pawn: 13.Qxd6? a4 14.c5 Qb4 15.Qd4 Qxd4 16.Nxd4 Nxe4 17.Nxe4 Bxd4+. 13 .Qd2 was the course of the pre­ vious game, Fier-Bologan, Moscow 2011.

13. . . Qb4 14. Ncl A more or less forced retreat, as the alternative 14 . Nd4? saw White suffer after 14 . . . Nc5! 1 5 . Nxc5 dxc5 16 .Nb3 a4 17. Nc1 Qxb2 18.Nd3 Qd4, with an extra pawn and better 26

White's knight on a4 is too far away from the central battle, and Black equalizes easily, at the very least. We look at several replies: After 15.Nd3 Qe7 16.cxd5 cxd5 17.e5 Nxe5 18.Nb6 Rb8 19.Nxd5 Qd8 20. N3f4 h6 2 l . Bxf6 Bxf6 2 2 . Nxf6+ Qxf6=, Black even managed to win this position, in Shneider-Buturin, Kiev 1986. 15.a3 does not have the desired effect, as the queen can step into the bishop pin for a moment: 15 . . . Qe7 16.exd5 cxd5 17. Bh4 (1 7. cxd5 Qe5 18.{4 Qxd5 19. Qxd5 Nxd5+) 17 . . . dxc4 18. Bxc4 Ne5 19.Bb5 Bd7 2 0 .Qe2?! Bxb5 2 l .Qxb5 Qd7, and Black is already much better. Just compare the coordinated black pieces to white's , which are scattered around, in Ruzele-Ivanchuk, Sochi 1986. 15.cxd5 cxd5 and now there are further branches:

Chapter l a : Flexibility in the Classical Variation

a) 16 .exd5 Nc5 17. Nd3 , when Black has a pleasant choice between immediate equality with 17 . . . Qxa4 18.Nxc5 Qxd 1 19.Bxd 1 Nxd5 = Pane­ lo- Grigore, Sitges 2 0 0 5 , and the rec� ommendation by Eljanov : 17 . . . Nxd3! 18.Bxd3 Nxd5 19.a3 Qd6 2 0 . Bc4 Be6, with excellent play for Black. b) 16. Bxf6 Nxf6 (Black can also

sacrifice a pawn with 16. . . Bxf6 17.a3 Q{B 18.Qxd5 RdB�.) 17. Nd3 (17.exd5? suddenly loses material after 17. . . Bd7 18. b3 Bxa4 19. bxa4 Qb2-+) 17 . . . Qd4 18.e5 Nd7 19.f4 f6 ! The King's Indian bishop needs air. 20.Bf3 fxe5 2 l . Nxe5 Qxd 1 2 2 . Raxd 1 Nxe5 2 3 . fxe5 Bxe5=, and Black's two bishops will secure equality.

15. Nd3!N

16 ... Qb4! and now: a) After 17. Rd1 (Bologan) 17 . . . Nd7, only Black c a n b e better, or even 17 . . . d5!? with the initiative. b) 17.Qc2 d5 18.cxd5 cxd5 19.Nd3 Qd4+. Please note that the immediate 16 d5? is premature: 17.cxd5 cxd5 1 8 . Nd3 Qf8 19.e5 Nd7 20.f4±, Roed­ er-Burgess, Vienna 1990. •••

15

...

This move is a novelty and the first choice of the engines. White needs to trade his opponent's active pieces at once . Anything else will pass the initiative to Black. 15.Nxc5 also trades pieces, but provides time for Black to create con­ crete threats: 15 Qxc5 16.Qd2 .•.

Qxa4 1 6. b3 Nfxe4!!

Spectacular and in the spirit of the KID. Bologan sacrifices his queen for just two minor pieces and a pawn, but will enjoy great activity. Note that 16 Qa3? loses the queen after 17.Bcl. •••

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

27

A less brave man would prefer another attractive sacrifice after 16 Nxb3! 17.axb3 Qxal 18 .Qxal Nxe4! ...

b) Or a different perpetual with 2 3 . Ne4 axb3 24.Nf6+ Kg7 2 5 . Nh5+ gxh5 26.Qg5+ Kh8 27.Qf6+ Kg8 28 .Qg5+=.

1 7. bxa4

19.Qcl Nxg5 20.Qxg5 Rxe2

1 7. . . Nc3 The point behind Black's idea. He wants the e2 bishop, not the one on g5 . Less good is 17 . . . Nxg5?! 18.Rbl Bf5 19.Nxc5 (after 19.g4!? Bxd3

20.Bxd3 Nh3 2l. Qd2 Be5�, "White can hardly crack the black-squared blockade) 19 . . . Bxbl 20.Nxb7 Bxa2 2 1 . Nxd6 RedS 22 .c5 Ne6 23 .Qc2 Bd5 24.Bc4 Bxc4 25.Qxc4;!;.

18. Qcl!

with much more material to compen­ sate for the queen. The most likely out­ come is a draw: 21.Qd8+ Bf8 22.Nf2

The only move. Everything else loses material: 18 .Qc2? Rxe2 19.Bd2 Bf5 -+. 18.Qel?! Rxe2 19.Nxc5 Rxel 20. Raxel Bf5 2 1 . Nxb7 d5t.

18 . . . Nxe2 19. Qa3

(or 22.h4 Re7! with the key defensive resource given by Eljanov: 23.h5 Rd7 24.Qe8 Re7 25.Qd8 Rd7=) 22 ... a4 (also good is 22... Re6 23.Ne4oo). Now: a) Either a perpetual after 23 .bxa4 Rxa4 24.Ne4 Be6 (24 . . . Rxe4!? 25.fxe4 Be6�) 2 5 . Nf6+ Kg7 26.Ne8+ Kg8 27.Nf6+=, 28

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

19...Be6! I suspect that Bologan did not even consider throwing away his bishop for the miserable rook on al! 19 . . . Bxa l 20.Rxal b6 2 l . Nf2 f5 22.Qb2 would see White consolidating, and building an attack on the dark squares.

20.Nxc5 Or 20.Rael Bxc4 2 l . Nxc5 dxc5 22 .Qxc5 Ba6iii , where the white rooks are out of play.

30. Bf6 The b-pawn becomes too dangerous, so White hurries to trade bishop!;!. 30 . . . Bxf6 3 1 .Qxf6 Re6 32 .Qb2 Bc4iii . and once again, White's rooks are kept out of play.

21 . . . Nc3! Once again scorning the rook. Indeed, the line 2 1 . . . Bxal 2 2 . Rxal Nd4 2 3 . Bf6± should be avoided!

22. Rae1

20... dxc5 21. Qd3 The position is extremely messy, and difficult for both players . Some further lines prove that Black has enough compensation:· 21.Qb3 is a line given by Bologan 21...Nd4 22.Qxb7 Bxc4 2 3 . Rfel Ne6 24.Racl Bxa2 25 .Qd7 c4iii . And the line 21.Qxc5 is provided by Eljanov: 2 1 . . . Bd4 22 .Qd6 Bxc4 23.Rabl (also 23. Qc7 b5! and 23.Rael

c5! 24.{4 Re4 25.{5 RaeB with the initiative) 23 . . . b5! 24.Qxc6 Rac8 25 .Qd7 b4 2 6 . Rbdl Be6 27.Qd6 Bg7 28 .Qb6 h6! and now: a) 29.Bd2 Bxa2 30.Qxa5 b3iii with eompensation. b) 29.Bh4 Nc3 3 0 . Rdel Ra8iii . c) 29. Rdel Bxa2

22 . . .Nxa2 The other pawn was also yummy: 22 . . . Nxa4 23 .Qb3 b5! 24. Rxe6 Rxe6 25.cxb5 Nb6 26.bxc6 Rxc6 27.Qb5 Rac8 28 .Qxa5 c4 29.Rbl Nd7 30.Qa7 Nf8iii . In fact, it is only Black who can play for a win here!

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

29

23. Re3 h6 24.Bh4 Black's pawns also start rolling after 24. Bf4 Nb4 25 .Qe2 b 5 ! .

24 . . . Nb4! Also possible is 24 . . . Nc3 !? with counterplay.

25. Qe2 b5 26. cxb5 Similar is 26.axb5 cxb5 27.cxb5 Nd5.

26 ... Nd5 2 7. Ra3 c4 ?! Overambitious . A neat continuation is 27. . . cxb5! 28.axb5 (or 28. Qxb5 c4 29. Qxc4

3 0 . Qb5 RedS 3 l . Rc l Nb4 3 2 .c7 Rd5 3 3 .Qb7 Rc500•

29. . . Rec8 30. Bg3! Black's position has i mproved significantly in the last moves, and Elj anov hurries to get rid of the black-squared monster.

30 . . . Rxc6 31. Be5 Bxe5 Unfortunately, 3 1 . . . Bf8 can be answered with 3 2 . Raxc3 Nxc 3 3 . Rxc3± .

�

32. Qxe5 c2

Ne3 30. Qcl Nxfl 31. Qxfl RabB with initiative) 28 . . . Nb6 29.Rel a4 30.Qc2 Bd4 31 .h3 Bb3 3 2 . Rxe8+ Rxe8 33.Rxb3 axb3 34.Qxb3 Ra8 3 5 . Kh2 c4 with counterplay - Eljanov.

28. bxc6?! Returning the favor. Better was 28 .Qxc4! cxb5 29.Qxb5 Reb8 30.Qe2 Rb2 3 l .Qdl±.

28. . . c3

Now the position is more or less balanced. White will need to give up some m aterial for the c2 passer, and the resources of both sides will be exhausted.

33. h4 Nb4 Or 33 . . . Rac8 34 .h5 g5 3 5 . Kh2 Nf4 3 6 . Re3 Rc5 37.Qb2 Bf5 38 .Qb6 Be6=.

34. Rc3 Rxc3 35. Qxc3 36. Qd2 h5 37. Kh2 Bf5 Much more subtle than 28 ... Rec8 29.Rcl Bf8 30.Raal Rxc6 3 l . Rxc4 Nc3 32.Rxc3 Rxc3 3 3 . Bf6 Rc4 34.Bb2±.

29. Rcl If

29. Bg3

then

29 . . . Rac 8 !

(29. . . Rec8 30. Qb5 c2 3l.Rcl Nb4 32.c7 Bb2 is refuted with 33.Rxc2!) 30

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

ReS

4 7. .. Nd6 48. Rb8+ Kg7 49. Kg3 Nf5+ 50.Kf4 Nxh4 51.a6 Bd5 52. Ke5 Bf3 53.Kd6 It's also a draw after 5 3 . a7 g5 54.Rb3 Ng6+ 5 5 . Kd6 Be4 56.Rb6 BaS 57.RbS Bf3 5 S . Rb5 g4 59. Rg5 BaS 60. Rxg4 f5 6 1 . Rgl f4 62 . Ke6 f3 6 3 . Kf5 Kh7 64. Kg4 Ne5+ 6 5 .Kf4 Nc6 =.

53. . . g5 54. a 7 g4 55. Rb3 56. Rxf3 Nxf3 57. a8Q g2

g3

38.g4! The only way to generate counter­ play, but a sufficient one.

38 hxg4 39.fxg4 Bxg4 40. Qg5 Bh5 ..•

Analysis shows that Black cannot win: 40 . . . Be6 41 .h5 Na2 42 .Qe5 Nxcl 43.h6 Kf8 44 .Qd6+ KgS 45 .Qe5=. Also, 40 ... Bd1 41 .Qe7 Nd3 42 .Qd7 Nxcl 43.QxcS+ Kg7 44.Qc3+ Kh7 45.Qc7=.

41.Qxa5Na2 No better was 4 1 . . . Nd3 42 .Qa6 Rc3 43 .Qf6 = .

58. Qa1+ Kg8. 59. Qa8+ Kg7 60. Qa1+ Kg8 61.Qa8+ Kg7 62. Qa1+ Kg8 63. Qa8+ Kg7 %-%

42.Qa6 Bg4 ?! It was time to accept the draw with 42 . . . Rc3 43 .QaS+ Kg7 44 .Qd5 Nxcl 45.Qd4+ KgS 46 .Qxc3 Bdl 47.QcS+=.

43.Qxc8+ Suddenly, Bologan needs to show some technique to prove the draw. He does it successfully, though.

43 ...Bxc8 44. Rxc2'! Be6 45. R b2 Nc3 46.a5 Ne4 4 7.Rb5 Bologan proves the draw after 47.a6 Bd5 4S.Rb5 Bc6 49.RbS+ Kg7 50.a7 g5 5 1 . RcS Bb7 52 .h5 Nf6 53.RbS Be4 54.Rb5 Nxh5 55.Rxg5+ Kh6 56.Re5 BaS 57.ReS Bc6 5S.RcS Be4=. Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

31

Aggressive development: ll.Bf4 3 Premnath - Kokarev

Mumbai Mayor's Cup 2010 l.d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg 7 4. e4 0-0 5. Be2 d6 6. Nf3 e5 7. 0-0 exd4 8.Nxd4 ReB 9.(3 c6 lO. Khl Nbd7 11.Bf4

Two white pieces are hanging, so the knight needs to retreat.

13. Nc2

The most aggressive way to develop the bishop. White seemingly wins a tempo. However. . .

The other retreat can be met in the same way: 13.Nb3 Nf4! threatening Nf4xe2 , after which the bishop on d6 or the pawn on b2 will suffer. We discuss four continuations: 14.c5 a5 1 5 . a4 Ne5 16.g3 Nxe2 17.Qxe2 Qe6! (or 17. .. Be6!?) with the idea 1 8 . Nd4 Qc4 19.Bxe5 Qxe2 20. Ncxe2 Rxe5 2 1 . Racl f5 22.exf5 Bxf5iii .

l l . . . Nh5! l l . . .Ne5 12 .Qd2 is a playable alternative, but Black can and should show activity at once.

12. Bxd6 The only way to prove that White's previous move was not a mere waste of time is to accept the sacrifice. Alternatively, 1 2 . Be3?! f5 (worth considering are both 12 . . . a5!? and 12 . . Qh4!?) 13 .Qd2 f4 14 . Bf2 Be5? saw Black achieving a comfortable position in Lautier-Piket, Adelaide 1988. .

12 . . . Qf6!

32

The bishop pair compensates for the missing pawn, with interest. 14.Rel is best met with 14 . . . Nxe2 ! This bishop is also a good piece!

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

(better than 14 . . . Ne5 15.c5 b6 16. Qc2 Be6 17. BfH Loehr-Schmitt, Germany 1991) 15.Rxe2 Ne5 16.c5 b6 with counterplay. 14.Rbl a5!� creates the threat a5 -a4-a3 . Finally, after 14.B:x:f4 Qxf4 15.Qc1 Qh4 (15 . . . Qc7, with the idea

of a5-a4-a3, also provides enough compensation for Black.) 16.Qe3 f5 17.g3 Qe7 1 8 . c5 Nf6 , Black has sufficient compensation for the sacrificed pawn. The e4�pawn is always a target , and the pair of bishops also brings j oy to Black. The further course of this game shows that it is only Black who can play for a win. I am giving the next few moves so that you can see how this position is handled by a grandmaster. 19.Bc4+ Kh8 2 0 . Rae1 fxe4 2 l . Nxe4 Bh3 2 2 . Rf2 Nxe4 2 3 . fxe4 Rad8 24. Rf7 Qe5 2 5 . Bfl Bc8 2 6 . Rf2 Be6 27.Qf4 Rd7 2 8 . Qxe5 Bxe5 2 9 . Kg2 Kg7 30.Rc2 RedS 3 l . Bc4 Bg4 3 2 . Be2 Be6 3 3 . Bc4 Bxc4 3 4 . Rxc4 Bxb2 +, Franco Ocampos-Damljanovic, San Sebastian 1994.

A typical trick, which might work in many cases for Black.

15. Bxc5?

· White is frustrated, and gives up too quickly. Correct is 15.e5! Now Black can choose equality with 15 R:x:e5!? 16. Bxe5 Qxe5 17.Qd8+ Bf8 18.Rf2 Rb8 19.Qd4 Qc7�, with a nice bishop and a pawn for the exchange: •••

13 . . . Nf4 14. c5 With the white knight on c2 , Black has one more idea up his sleeve. Kokarev had pleasant experience after 14.B:x:f4 Qxf4 1 5 .g3 Qh6 16.Qc1 Qxc1 17. Raxcl f5�. Aupov-Kokarev, Kazan 2 0 0 1 . As in the game Franco Ocampos-Damlj a novic, it is only Black who can play for the win. Lerner-Kuzmin, Alushta 1992 , continued 14.Rf2 (similar would be 14.Rel) 14 . . . Nxe2 1 5 . Rxe2 Ne5 16.Ne3 Be6 17.c5 b6 1 8 . Ned5 cxd5 19.Bxe5 Qxe5 2 0 . exd5 Qf5 2 l . dxe6 Rxe6 22 .cxb6 axb6 2 3 . Rxe6 Qxe6 24.Qd2 Qc4 2 5 . a3 Bxc3 Y:.!- ¥2 .

14 . Nxc5/ ..

Also possible , on Black's last move , was the queen trade 19 . . . Qxd4 2 0 . Nxd4 Nfe6 2 l . Nxe6 Bxe6�. Or instead, Black can choose complications with 15 Qg5 16.g3 Bh3 (or 16 . . . Nxe2 1 7. Qxe2 b6 18.f4-t. •••

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

33

but Black definitely has compensa­ tion) 17. Bxc5 and now: a) Bad would be 17 . . . Rad8 1 8 . Ne4 Qf5 due to Postny's suggestion: a1) 19.Bd6! all) not 19 ... Bxe5 20.Ne3 Qc8 2l.Nc4 Bg2+ 2 2 . Kg1 Bd4+ 2 3 . Rf2+-. a12) nor 19 ... Bxfl 20.Qxfl Nxe2 21 .Qxe2+-. a13) 19 . . . Bg2+ 20.Kg1 Bxfl 2l.Bxfl Bxe5 22.Nd4 Nh3+ 2 3 . Bxh3 Qxh3 24.Bxe5 Rxe5 25 .Qe1!±. a2) Much worse was 19. Nd4? Bg2+ 20.Kg1 Nxe2+ 2 l . Kxg2 Nxd4 22.Nd6? Rxd6 2 3 . Bxd6 Nc2 24 .Qe2 Nxa1 2 5 . Rxa1 Qe6 26.Qd3 Bxe5 27.Re1 Rd8 2 8 . Rxe5 Qxe5 0 - 1 , Karolyi-Watson, Kecskemet 198 8 . b) However, a playable alternative is 17 . . . Nxe2 18.Qxe2 Bxfl 19. Rxfl Qxe5 20 .Qf2 with approximate equality. c) Or the wild 17 . . . Qxe5!? 1 8 . Bd6 Bg2+ 19.Kg1 Nxe2+ 2 0 . Kxg2 Nxc3 2l .bxc3 Qxc3 2 2 . Bf4 Rad8 23.Re1D (not 23. Qcl Re2+ 24.Rf2

One more mistake gives Black t chance to increase his advantage.

24 . . . g51 25. Qe5 Not 25 .Qe3? c5-+. Also insufficient 2 6 . Bg1 Bg7-+.

is

25 .Qc1

25. . . Qxe5 26. Bxe5 Rdl+ 2 7. Rx• Rxdl+ 28. Rel Rd2

Qxc2 25. Qxc2 Rxc2 26.Rxc2 Bxal-+) 23 . . . Qc4 with two pawns and active pieces to compensate for the piece.

15. . . Qg51+ Double attack. Black recovers the pawn, and has the bishop pair for free.

16.g3 Nxe2 1 7.Be3 Nxc3 18. bxc3 Qe7 Or 18 . . . Qa5 !?

19. Bd4 Bh3 20. Rel Rad8 21. Qe2 Rd7 22. Qe3 RedS 23. Re2 Bf8 24. Qf4

34

The bishops triumph !

29. Ne3 Rxa2 30. Kgl B, 31. Bxg7 Kxg7 32.(4 gxf4 33.g" a5 34. e5 a4 35. c4 a3 36. c5 R 37. Nc4 Rg2+ 38. Khl a2 39. Rc2 40.(6+ Kh6 41.Nd6 Be6 0-

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

The prophylactic ll.Nc2

that this piece is vulnerable in the center, encouraging the e- and f-pawns to advance. White's last move in this line is an improvement on 14 .exd5?! cxd5 1 5 .c5 Nh5 16.Qd2 Nc6 = , Pavlovic - S edlak, Mataruska Banj a 2 0 0 8 .

4 Kovalenko - Kokarev

RUS Cup final 2011 J. d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 8.Nc8 Bg7 4. e 4 d6 5. Be2 0- 0 6. Nf8 e5 7. 0 - 0 exd4 8.Nxd4 ReB 9.f8 c 6 l O. Khl Nbd7 11.Nc2

12. Bg5 Insisting on his idea to stop d6 d5 forever. As usual, though, this bishop has a wide choice of squares for development: 12.Bf4 should be met with 12 . . . Be6 13 . Na3 (or 13.Ne3 d5=) 13 . . . Nh5! and now : a) It appears that the d6 pawn is poisoned: 14 . Bxd6 NcB ! 15.Bb4 Qg5 16.Qcl

White prophylactically retreats the knight to c2 . His idea is to step away from the vulnerable central square, and to unblock the queen's file, thus hoping to prevent the d6-d5 thrust. Additionally; the c2 -knight wants to be transferred to e3, or to support a bishop on e3. and now comes the combination: 16 . . . Ng3+ ! 17.hxg3 Qh5+ 1 8 . Kgl Bd4+ 19. Rf2 a5+ suddenly trapping the bishop! b) 14 . Be3 Qh4? gaining counter­ play with the idea 15.Qxd6? Rad8 16.Qc5 Ng3++. The other bishop development cannot prevent d6-d5: 12.Be3 Be6

ll. . . Nb 6 All these considerations, though, are overpowered by the fact that White loses precious time. Therefore, we should try to prepare d6-d5 at once. Please note also that the retreat of the d4 Knight has left the e6 square in Black's hands, and the bishop would not mind arriving there with a tempo. l l . . . Ne5 is not the best square for the knight , as the line 1 2 . Be3 Be6 13 .b3 d5?! 14 . B d4 ! ± proves

·

(I also like 12 ... Nh5!?, first provoking some weaknesses on the king's flank, 13.g4 Nf6 14. Qd2 Be6 with counter­ play.) 13.b3:

Chapter l a: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

35

a) And now Black should not waste any time, but strike at once with 13 . . . d5!

b2) 14. Nd4 Rad8 16.cxd5?! (16.a5f;t,)

1 5 . a4 d5 16 . . . Bxd5

(16 ...Nfxd5! 1 7.exd5 Nxd5 18.Nxd5 Bxd5+) 17.a5 Nc8 = in Chuchelov­ Hoehn, Porz 1990.

12

...

Be6

Natural, but not best. And the direct 12 ... d5?! is not well supp orted, and should be refuted after 13.cxd5 (or 13.c5 Nbd7 14.exd5

Nxc5 15.dxc6 Qxdl 16.Raxdl bxc6 17.Nd4;t Lev-Rechlis, Tel Aviv 1989) 13 . . . cxd5 14 . a4!± . . Black needed first to put the question to the bisho p : 12 . . . h6!

For example: a1) 14 .cxd5 cxd5 15.e5 Nfd7 16.f4 f6 17.exf6 Nxf6 18.Rc1 (18.Bd4

Ne4 19.Nxe4 dxe4 20.Bxg7 Kxg7=) 18 . . . Rc8 19. Bd4 Ne4 20.Bxg7 Kxg7 2l .Qd4+ Qf6=. a2) Yurtaev also proved decent compensation after 14 .exd5: a21) Now 14 . . . cxd5 is simplest: 15.c5 Nfd7 ! The point behind Black's break! 16.Qd2 (16.Bd4 fails due

to a small trick: 16 ...Nxc5 17.Bxg7 Kxg7 18.Qd4+ Qf6 19.Qxc5 RacB+) 16 . . . Rc8+t. a22) Yurtaev continued instead with 14 . . . Bf5!? 15. Bd4 c5 16 . Bxc5 Nfd7 17. Bxb6 Qxb6 18.Na4 Qd6 19.Rb1 Be5 and Black even won in Moskalenko-Yurtaev, Frunze 1987. Watch out for this name, we shall hear more about him later! b) Also possible, though, is 13 . . . Qe7 instead: b1) 14.Qd2 d5 15.cxd5 cxd5 16.e5 Nfd7 17.f4 f6 18.exf6 Nxf6 19. Bd4 Ne4 is a somewhat better version for White than the line from above, but still close to equality.

36

and after 13.Bh4, only now proceed with 13 ... Be6. The additional moves h7-h6 and Bg5 -h4 provide us with the option to chase away the bishop with g6-g5 with tempo at the right moment, thus supporting the d6-d5 advance. a) Now, there is another cunning idea by Yurtaev. 14 . Ne3 is met with 14 . . . g5 !

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

and d6-d5 on the next move. We look at two tries by White: a1) 15. Bg3 d5 16.cxd5 cxd5 17. Nb5

(1Zexd5?! allows Black to seize the initiative: 17... Nfxd5 18.Nexd5 Nxd5 19.Nxd5 Qxd5+.) 17. . . Re7 18. Bd6 Rd7 19.e5 NeB 20.f4 gxf4 (20 ... Nxd6!? 21.exd6 gxf4 22.Rxf4 Qg5 might transpose.) 2 1 . Rxf4 Qg5 2 2 . Rf3 Nxd6 23.exd6 Be5?, and Black was fine in Thoma-Pachmann, Prague 1995. a2) 15.Bf2 d5 16.cxd5 cxd5 17. Nf5 Bxf5 18.exf5 Nc4 led to an interesting and double-edged battle: 19.Bxc4 dxc4 20 .Qa4 Qc8 2 1 . Rad1 a6 22.Rd6 b5 23 .Qc2 Re5 24.g4 Qb7 25.Bd4 Nxg4 26.Rb6 Qd7 27. Bxe5 Nxe5�, in Thorhallsson- Comas Fabrego, Arnhem 1988 , which ended successfully for Black. b) 14.b3 is the other way to protect the pawn, and this is where Yurtaev's bomb explodes: b1) 14 . . . Nxe4! !

Absolutely brilliant! 15.Bxd8 Nxc3 16.Qd2 Raxd8 17. Rae1 c5! Now White won't be able to meet d6-d5 with c4c5 ( Postny). 1 8 . Ne3 d5! Black has two minor pieces and a pawn for the queen, but the activity of those piec­ es is so great that White was relieved to escape with a draw after 19.cxd5 Nbxd5. And now: bll) 20. Bc4 Nb4 2 1 .Qf2 b5 2 2 . Bxe6 Nd3 23 .Qh4 Nxe1 24.Rxe1 Rd4 2 5 .Bg4 h5+. b12) 20.Nxd5 Rxd5 2 1 .Qc1 b5 2 2 . f4 Rdd8 23 .Qa3 Nxe2 24. Rxe2 c4 2 5 .bxc4:

lh-lh, Huzman-Yurtaev, 1987.

White

has

no

Tashkent winning

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

37

chances against Black's powerful pair of bishops . b2) However, 1 4 . . . g 5 i s not so bad here, either. Black needs to be careful, though: 15.Bf2 d5 16.exd5 cxd5 17.c5 Nfd7 !? The same idea as above! (but not 17... Nbd7 lB.Rcl

a6 19.Na4 ReB 20.Nd4 Ne5 21.Nb6 Rc7 22. b4t. Kozul-Strikovic, Yerevan 1996) 18 .cxb6!? Bxc3 19.bxa7 Bxa l 20.Qxal b6�. White certainly has compensation, but we have an extra exchange. Still, attacking is much more fun than defending, therefore check out what Yurtaev did instead! Now back to our game:

Black has every reason to play for a win. His bishops are much better than their counterparts. Still, we do not always manage to win our better positions, and this game was one of those examples.

20. Nc3 Qa5 21. Qc2 Rac8 22. Rfdl Nc4 23. Bxc4 Rxc4 24. Racl Rec8 25. Bel b5 26.a3 Qb6 2 7. Qd2 aS 28. Bf2 Qb7 29. Ne4 Rxcl 30. Rxcl Rxcl+ 31. Qxcl Qd5 32. Bel b4 33. axb4 axb4 34. Bxb4 Bxb2 35. Qel Be5 36. Bc3 Bxc3 37. Nxc3=

13. Ne3 This move does not pose any prob­ lems for Black. The bad news comes after 13.b3!t. when White stabilizes the situation and Black finds it hard to advance in the center: 13 . . . h6 14 .Be3 d5?! 15.cxd5 cxd5 16.e5 Nfd7 17.f4 a6 (17. . . {6

1B.Bd3! underlines the fact that the g6 pawn is loose now!) 18.Bd4± , Grigore-Larios Crespo, Benasque 1999. Also strong is 18.Nd4±.

13 . . . h6 14.Bh4 g5 15. Bf2 d51= 16. cxd5 cxd5 1 7. e5 Nfd7 18.Nexd5 Nxd5 19.Nxd5 Nxe5+ 38

White h a s defended well, and the game should now end in a draw. It seems, though, that time trouble

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

The acid test: ll.Be3

took its toll in the later stage of the game.

37... Qd4 38.Ne4 Kg 7 39. h4 Bf5?! 40. hxg5 Bxe4 41.gxh6+ Kxh6 42.fxe4 Kg5 43.Qg3+ Kf6 44.Qf4+ Ke6 45.Qf5+ Ke7 46. Kh2 Qe3 47.g3 Qd2+ 48. Kh3 Qh6+ 49.Kg4 Qhl 50. Qe5+ Kd7 51. Kg5 Qg2 52.Kf6 Qa2 53. Qd5+ Qxd5 54.exd5 Kd6 55. Kxf7 Kxd5 56.Kf6 Ke4 57.g4 Kf4 58.g5 Ke4 59.g6 Kd4 60.g7 Ke4 61.g8Q Kd4 62.Qb3 Ke4 63. Qc4+ 1 - 0

5 Kramnik - Ponomariov

Dortmund SuperGM 2011 l.d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4 . e4 d6 5. Be2 0 - 0 6. Nf3 e5 7. 0 - 0 exd4 Ponomariov wants to surprise his mighty opponent and chooses this rare and fresh line.

8.Nxd4 ReB 9.{3 c6 lO.Khl Nbd7

ll. Be3 Still, Kramnik shows some quality prep, and this line might be Black's main source of concern nowadays. Despite the fact that the bishop stays on the file of the e8 rook, it is surprisingly difficult for Black to make use of this. White has one more prophylactic retreat in his disposal, l l . Nb3 . But here, the knight simply invites the black a-pawn to advance with tempo, starting with ll . . . a5. Note that the pawn on d6 is not delicious at all : 1 2 . Qxd6 a4 1 3 . Nd2 (Even worse is

13.Nd4 ? Nh5 14.Nc2 Be5 15. Qd2 Qh4 16.{4 Ng3+ 1 7. Kgl Nx{l +.J 13 . . . Ne5 14 .Qxd8 Rxd8 , and Black has full Chapter l a: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

39

compensation for the sacrificed pawn. White is underdeveloped, and the positional threat of a4-a3 with the bishop ranging on the long diagonal cannot be prevented so easily. One sample line is: 15.f4 Nd3 16 .Bxd3 Rxd3 17.e5 a3 ! 18.exf6?! axb2 19.Bxb2 Rxd2 20.Bcl Rc2+.

Qf8, trying to m ake use of his black­ squared bishop, for example: 16.Nd5 Re6 17. Bb5 a6 1 8 . Ba4 Nc5 19.Nc7 Rd6 20.Nxa8 Rxdl 2 l . Raxd l Bf6 = . a 2 ) Still, White h a d other ways of improving his position. There is also the ambitious 1 3 . Nxd5 cxd5 14 .Nb5 dxe4 (or 14 ... Nb6 15.Bf4!) 1 5 . Nd6 Re7 16.fxe4t., and White will use the f-file for his m ajor pieces and the c4 square for his bishop to attack the most important f7 pawn, as in De Verdier-Schutz, Sweden 2009. b) If 12 ... cxd5, there is once again the very unpleasant 1 3 . Ndb5 ! The knight is headed for d6. 13 . . . dxe4

(13 . . . Nb6 14. a4 Be6 15.e5 Nfd7 16.{4±, Petkov- Gajewski, Plovdi v 2008) and

Now back to our game:

ll

. . .

a6

This was prepared by Ponomariov at home. Black takes control over the b5 square and intends to play b7-b5 or d6-d5 in the future. Black has alternatives, though. Of course, Black's initial reaction is to look at d6-d5: ll d5?! Beware ! For the time being, White has a pull here. 12.cxd5 and now: a) 12 . . . Nxd5 The best move, but Black is not better after either of the main replies 13.exd5 and 13.Nxd5: al) 13.exd5 Rxe3 14 .dxc6 Black has some compensation for the pawn, but it's quite obvious that the first player is not risking much, and can play for a win in a relatively easy way. The best for Black now is 14 . . . bxc6! ...

(better than 14... Nb6 15.Nc2 ReB 16. Bb5 Qxd1 17.Raxd1 R{Bt., Djukic­ Strikovic, Brezovica 1988) 15.Nxc6 40

now: bl) The f7 pawn can become vul­ nerable after White plays 14 .Bf4! bll) 14 ... Nh5? 15.Bd6! Qh4 (15 . . . Re6 16. Bc4 ±) 16 . Nc7 Be5 (16. . . Re5 1 7. Qe1+-) 17. Bxe5 Rxe5 1 8 . Nxa8 Ng3+ 19.Kgl Nxfl 20.Qxfl Rh5 2 l .h3+-. b12) 14 ... Nc5 1 5 . Nc7 Bf5 16 .Qxd8 Raxd8 17. Nxe8 Rxe 8 . The exchange is stronger here, as White can m ake use of the open files for his Rooks, in Rakhmanov-Kokarev, Voronezh 2010. b2) Or even after White instead plays the aggressive 14 .fxe4 Nxe4 1 5 . Rxf7 ! Nxc3 (not 15. . . Kxf7?? 16. Bc4++-) 16 .Qb3 K h 8 17. Rxg7 Kxg7 1 8 . Qxc3+ Nf6 19. Bf3 , White has excellent compensation for the exchange ( Postny). Ponom a riov liked the Grischuk­ style provoking idea of l l Nh5 , but I a m not quit e convinced after 1 2 . g4 ! N h f6 1 3 . Q d 2 h5 14 . g5 Nh7 1 5 . N b 3 Qe7 16 . Ra d l Be5 17.f4 ! :

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

. . .

(our f7 pawn will be safe now!), and d6, too. We look at two possibilities : a ) The prophylactic 1 2 . Nc2 c a n be met with 12 . . . Be6 13 .b3 d5 (13 . . . Ng4!? 14.Bd4 Ne5) 14 .cxd5 cxd5 15.e5 Nfd7 16.f4 f6�. b) The only game played in this line continued 12 .Qd2 d5

This pawn s acrifice i s something that we should always be afraid ofl White does not mind investing some material in order to gain Black's dark-squared bishop, and we agree! 17... Bxc3 18.Qxc3± and now: a) 18 ... Qxe4+ 19.Bf3 Qxe3 (19 . . . Qe7 20.Rfel QfB�) 20.Rdel Qxc3 2l.Rxe8+ Nhf8 22 .bxc3±. b) 18 ... Nc5 19.Nxc5 dxc5 20.e5± or 20.Bd3 !?±. However, Black can still prepare the d6-d5 advance with ll Nb6!? ...

The knight move not only opens the diagonal of the light-squared bishop and controls the d5 square, it has two additional functions: control over c4

and now: bl) 13.cxd5 cxd5 14.exd5 (This time

14.Ndb5 is not threatening Nb5-d6, and can be met simply with 14 ... a6 15.Na3 Bd7=.) 14... Nfxd5 15.Nxd5 Nxd5=, and Black was at least equal in Zielinski-Curic, Duisburg 2004. Further tests will reveal how good Black's resources are in this line. The other attempts do not promise anything either: b2) 13.exd5 cxd5 14 .c5 Nc4 1 5 . Bxc4 dxc4 16. Ndb5 Qxd2 17.Bxd2 Rd8= and Black can even hope to make use of his bishop pair in the long run. b3) Or the immediate 13 .c5 Nbd7 14 .exd5 Nxd5 1 5 . Nxd5 cxd5 16 .b4 Qe7 17. Bf2 a5�. Another interesting and typical plan for Black is ll a5!? 12 .Qd2 a4 continuing with Qd8 -a5, Nd7-c5, Nf6 -d7-e5 (or b6), and a4-a3 at the ...

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

41

proper moment. The arising positions are similar to those that can arise in the Fianchetto Line of the KID, but there the white light-squared bishop is placed on g2 , and the d3 square is somewhat loose. I consider this to be in White's favor, but I believe that Black's resources should not be un­ derestimated. Back to Kramnik - Ponomariov:

12.Nc2 Ponomariov writes: "Judging by the times, I think here Vladimir started to play on his own resources. "The move he played is quite ambitious; he emphasizes the main weakness of the black position, the weak pawn on d6. But at the same time, without positional grounds, White retreats his knight from the center. "However, at the board it is im­ possible to calculate every line and the choice is about one's confidence in one's own strengths." If 12.Qd2 , Black shows that the move a7-a6 is not played solely to prepare the b7-b5 advance: 12 . . . d5! 13.exd5 cxd5 14 .cxd5 (or 14.Nxd5

Nxd5 15.cxd5 Nb6 16.Rfel Nxd5=) 14 . . . Nb6: 42

Similarly, as in the ll . . . Nd7-b6 line from above, White lacks the resource Nd4-b5-d6 , and does _ not have the c4 square for his bishop. The game is level. 15. Bg5 Nbxd5 16. Rfel Nxc3 17.bxc3 b6=, or 17 . . . Qb6 = . In his notes, Ponomariov also mentions 1 2 .Bgl , retreating the bishop from its vulnerable position. a) White's idea is revealed in the line 12 . . . d5 13.cxd5 cxd5 14 .exd5 Nb6 15 .Qb3! The queen has this extra square ! 15 . . . Nfxd5 (15. . . Nbxd5 16.Bc4±) 16 . Nxd5 Nxd5 17. Bc4t, and even though Black has freed himself from the backward pawn, White has an i r ritating initiative: 17 . . . Bxd4 18. Bxd4 Be6 19. Rfd l Nf4 (or 19. . . Qg5

Ponomariov 20. Bfl Re7 2l.RacH with the two bishops) 2 0 . Bxe6 Nxe6 2 l . Bc3t. b) But the Ukrainian GM also shows the best response: 1 2 . . . c5! 1 3 . Nc2 Ne5 "and the later possibilities include Be6, Nc6 , and Nfd7. In general, Black has sufficient counterplay."

12 . . . Ne5 Active play is required, as usual, to prevent White from developing harmoniously. Do not forget that fundamentally, White has the better

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

pawn structure, and this might tell in the long run if we do not use the tactical chances that our position provides. 12 ... Qc7 13 .Qd2 b5 14 . Rfd H is a good example of slow play, as Black is now forced to defend passively.

Qxd5+) 16 . . . Nc6 17.e5 Ne4 1 8 . Nxe4 dxe4 19. Nd4 Nxd4 2 0 . Bxd4 f5 2 1 .exf6 Bxf6 2 2 . Rfd l Qxd4 2 3 .Qxd4 Bxd4 2 4 . Rxd4 Bf7=. 13

. • .

Neg4 14. Bgl

13.{4 The principled move. However now, as we know, the e4 paw n becomes a target, too. White can play more solidly with 13.Qd2 , but then Black · can successfully hit the center with

13 .. Be6 14.b3 (14.{4 ? Nxc4) 14 d5 .

•••

(14 b5!?? is another possible attack in the center.). . . .

After the immediate 15.f4 Neg4,

14 . . . h5 Once more, Ponomariov gives a clear explanation of the situation: "The last three moves are reminis­ cent of the Modern Benoni. Black is prepared to sacrifice a knight for active play." If 14 . . . Qe7 then 1 5 . Bf3;!;, but not 15 .h3?! Nh5 ! with the idea of 16 . Bxg4? Ng3+ 17.Kh2 Nxfl+ 1 8 .Qxfl Bxg4 19.hxg4 Qh4 mate. Slow is 14 . . . b5?! 15 .c5 dxc5 16 . Bxc5±. it's a messy position in which Black seems OK. After 16.e5: a) 16 ... dxc4!? looks like a per­ ceptive piece sac: 17.exf6 Nxe3 18.Qxe3 (lB. QxdB RaxdB 19.Nxe3

Bxf6 20.Racl cxb3 2l. axb3 Bxb3+) 18 ... Qxf6 19.Ne4 Qb2 2 0 . Nd6 cxb3! 2l.Nxe8 Rxe8 2 2 . axb3 Qxc2+. b) While a safer option is 16 . . . Ne4 17.Nxe4 dxe4=. White can also trade on d5 first with 15.cxd5 cxd5 and then play 16.f4 (16.exd5?! Nxd5 1 7.Nxd5

15. Bf3 Here the direct attempt 15 .h3 will unleash the power of the black pieces: 15 . . . Nxe4 ! 16 . Nxe4 Rxe4 17.hxg4 Qh4+ 1 8 . Bh2 hxg4 19.g3 Qe7 2 0 . Bd3 Bf5 ! (or 20 . . . b5! and the white king is quite unsafe) with the idea 2 1 . Bxe4? Qxe4+ 2 2 . Kgl Qxc2 -+.

15. . . Be6

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

43

16. b8 Most of the annotators considered this move to be dubious. They suggested instead 16.Qd3! as the best move. Indeed, it seems Black might have some issues here, but a detailed analysis shows some good ways for Black to counterattack: 16 ... b5 and now we look at two replies: After 17.cxb5 axb5 18. Rfd l (JB.Radl ? Bc4 +) 18 ...d 5 ! 19.e5 Nd7 20.Nd4 , Black needs to ruin the opponent's center: 20 . . . Ngxe5 ! 2 1 .fxe5 Nxe5 22 .Qd2 Bd7 (22 . . . b4 28.Nce2 Qd6t,) 23.a4 b4 24.Nce2 c5! 25.Bxd5 (25.Nb3 Nxf3 26.gxf3 Qf6+) 25 . . . cxd4 26.Bxa8 Qxa8 27.Nxd4 h4t. Or 17.Rfdl Bh6 (The exchange

of queens turns out to be bad for Black after 17... Bxc4 18. Qxd6 since the knight on g4 is out of play.) 18.g3 (18. Qxd6 Qxd6 19.Rxd6 Bxf4 20.Rxc6 bxc4=) 18 . . . g5 ! Active play, remember?! 19.cxb5:

a) And here I recommend 19 . . . gxf4 ! Thorough analysis will give you good chances to score the whole point, and here are some lines: al) 2 0 .Bxg4 Bxg4 2 1 .bxc6 Nxe4 2 2 . Nxe4 Bf5 2 3 . Rel Qe7 24. Nb4 Qxe4+ 25 .Qxe4 Bxe4+ 2 6 . Rxe4 Rxe4=. a2) 20.gxf4 axb5 2 1 .e5 (21. Qfl) 2 1 . . . Nd7 ! 2 2 . Bxc6 Bxf4 . a21) 2 3 . Bxa8 Bxh2 24.Bg2 Bxgl 2 5 . Kxgl Qh4 26.Qh3 Qf2+ 27.Khl Qxc2 28 .Qxh5 Nf2+ 29.Kgl Nxd l 30.Rxdl Nxe5=. a22) 23 .Qf3 ReB 24 .exd6 Nde5 2 5 .Qxf4 Rxc6 = . b ) 19 . . . axb5 seems less subtle, a s i t provides White time to consolidate the position, although it might be playable as well.

1 6. . . Qa5 Black now starts creating concrete problems, and the positions become extremely sharp.

1 7. Qel Ponomariov considers this dubi­ ous, and had not even considered it during the game. Indeed, the queen now steps onto the file of the black rook, and this gives Black some addi­ tional tactical chances . 44

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

Alternatively, White could opt for

17.Qd2 , but the queen is somewhat loose on this square:

Black can play 17. . . Nd5 ! and now: a) 18.cxd5 Bxc3 19.Qcl, when Black is best advised to keep his bishop with 19 . . . Bd7!=, rather than go for the line 19 ... Bxal 20.dxe6 Bg7 2l.exf7+ Kxf7 2 2 . f5�. b) 18 . Nbl is the computer defense for White, which, however, does not pose serious problems for Black after 18 ... Qxd2 19.Nxd2 Nxf4!? (19. . . Nc3 is also good) 20. Bxg4 Bxg4 2 l . Rxf4 Bc3! and we look at three replies : bl) 22.Nf3 Ponomariov 22 . . . Bxal 23.Nxal Bxf3 24.gxf3 f5 ! (24 . . . d5 25.cxd5 cxd5 ?) with the idea to meet 25.exf5 with 25 . . . Re2 26.fxg6 Rxa2 27.Bd4 c5 2 8 . Bc3 ReB 29.Re4 Rxe4 30.fxe4 b5+. b2) 2 2 . Be3 Bxa l 2 3 . Nxal Be2=. b3) 22.Rf2 Bxal 2 3 . Nxal d5?, or again 23 . . . f5 . Ponomariov also mentions the line 17.Qd3

Now 17 . . . d5! 18.cxd5 Nxd5! 19.Nxd5 Bxal 2 0 . Bb6 Qb5 21.Qxb5 axb5 2 2 . Nc7 Bc3 2 3 . Nxe8 Rxe8 24.h3 Nf6 . 2 5 . Bd4 Bxd4 2 6 . Nxd4=. We resume our game in progress:

17

. . .

b5?

Instead of this, Black can get a good game in two ways: 17... Nd7!? 18.Nd4 (The endgame is good for

Black after IB.Ne2 Qxel 19.Raxel Ngf6 20.Nc3 Bg4=.) 18 . . . Nh6: a) 19.Qd2 f5 (19. . . Rad8 20.Racl Bg4oo) 20.e5 Nf7 (20. . . dxe5? 2I.Nxe6) 2 l . Nxe6 Rxe6?. b) 19.Rdl Nc5 (19 ... Bg4) 2 0.Qd2 f5 2 l . Rbl fxe4 22 .b4 Qd8 2 3 . Nxe4 Nxe4 24. Bxe4 Bxc4 2 5 . Bxg6 Bxfl

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

45

26.Rxfl (26.Bxe8 Bxg2+ 2 7. Qxg2 QxeB+) 26 . . . Qf6 27. Bxe8 Rxe8 2 8 . Nf3 Nf7 29. Bd4 Qg6 30.Bxg7 Qxg7=. c) 19.h3 f5 20.Rcl (20.Rbl B{7) 20 . . . Nc5t. The other route was offered by the Ukrainian GM: 17 Bf5, when he provides the lines: 18.h3?! (or 18.Nd4 QdBt) 18 . . . Qd8 ! ! t •••

b) 20 .. . Bxd4 2 1 . Bxd4 cxb3 2 2 . axb3 Ngf6 23.f5 Bxb3 24 .Qg3--+. Or 18 Nh6 19.e5 dxe5 2 0 . Bxc6 bxc4 (20. . . exf4 21.Bxa8 RxaB 22.Nd4±) 2 1 . fxe5 Nd7 2 2 . Bxa8 Rxa8 2 3 . Nd4± . •••

18 ... b4 19.Na4

19 ...Bc4 ? Ponomariov: "after which White has very serious problems with the e4 pawn. But such retreating moves are not so easy for a human to see, especially when the queen has only recently come from d8 . Instead of this, I played another natural move, keeping the tension." Ponomariov's line might continue 19.Rdl Nxe4 20.Nxe4 Bxe4 2 1 . Bxe4 Nf6+.

18.c5? Kramnik misses a good chance to consolidate his position with 18.h3! and now: 18 bxc4 19.Nd4! (19. hxg4 ? •••

hxg4 20.Be2 cxb3 21.axb3 Qh5+ 22.Bh2 Bxb3+) 19 . . . Nd7 (or 19. . . Bd7 20. bxc4±) 20.Rcl: a) 20 . . . cxb3 2 1 . Nxc6 Bxc3 22.Rxc3 Qxa2 23 .hxg4 hxg4 24.Bdl b2 25.Bc2+-.

46

The critical moment of the game! Ponom ariov saw 19 Nxe4! but for some reason discarded it. Black is better in all lines: 20.Qxe4 Bxb3 2 1 . axb3 Rxe4 2 2 . Bxe4 Bxa l 2 3 . Rxal Ponom ariov: "I was afraid that I could lose all my queenside pawns and the minor pieces would be stronger than the queen. But in reality, White has more problems here, because of the bad position of his king. The computer suggests: a) 23 . . . Re8 ! 24.cxd6 (the idea is •.•

24.Bxc6 Re2 25.Nb6? Nf2+ 26.Bxf2 Rxf2-+) 24 . . . Qd8 2 5 . Bxc6 Re6t with excellent play, as the white king is not that well protected. b) 23 . . . Qc7 !?�. c) 23 ... dxc5 24.Nxc5 Qc7 2 5 . Nxb4 Qxf4 . Black is somewhat better here." 20.Qxb4 Qxb4 2 1 . Nxb4 Nxc5+. 20.Bxe4 Bd5 2 1 .Qxb4 Qxb4

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

2 2 . Nxb4 Bxe4 2 3 . Raeloo, with an unclear situation in which Black is not worse. One instructive line by the Ukrainian goes 23 . . . a5 24.Nb6 axb4 25.Nxa8 d5! 2 6 . Nb6 Bc3!?t.

20. Qxb4! Kramnik has a great sense of danger, and here he immediately understood that parting with the exchange is the lesser evil for him than allowing Black to have the initiative with queens on the board. Now the endgame is difficult for Black.

20. . . Qxb4 21. Nxb4 Bxfl 22. Rxfn Nxe4

23. Nb6! Much better than the move which Black expected, 23 .cxd6 Rad8: 24. Bxe4 2 5 . Bc5 Ne3 Rxe4 (25 ... Bf8 !? 2 6 . Nxc6 Rxd6 27. Bxd6 Bxd6�) 26.Rgl Re6 27.Nxc6 Rdxd6 28.Bxd6 Rxd6+. 24.d7 Rxd7 2 5 . Bxe4 Rxe4 2 6 . Nc5 Rxb4 27. Nxd7 Bd4=.

23 . . . Ra7 '!?' Ponomariov. Black will have to return the ex­ change anyway: 23 . . . dxc5 24.Nxc6;!;.

24. cxd6 Nxd6

25. Bxc6! Kramnik has achieved what he wanted. His endgame technique is legendary, and though he faced one of the greatest defenders in the world, he managed to crack his defense. Watch out for such endgames, they are always very difficult for Black! I will cite Ponomariov's analysis, as it gives a very clear picture of what is going on for the rest of the game. Black's play would be easier after 2 5 . Nc4: 25 . . . Nxc4 2 6 . Bxa7 Nd2 27. Bxc6 (27. Rdl Nxf3 28.gxf3 Ne3 +!) 27 . . . Re7 ! 2 8 . Bc5 Re6 29.Rcl (29.Rdl B{B!) 29 . . . Bb2 3 0 . Rd l Ba3 3 l . Bf3 Nxf3 32 .gxf3 Nf2+ 3 3 . Bxf2 Bxb4+!. and because of his weak pawns, it is quite hard for White to realize his small material advantage. Less clear is 25 . . . Rae7 !? 26.Nxd6 Rel 27. Rxel Rxel 28 .h3 Bd4 29.hxg4 hxg4 30. Bxg4 Bxgl 3 l . Nd3 Ral 3 2 . Nc400•

25 . . . Re2 26. N6d5 Someone at the press conference suggested 2 6 . Bf3 , but again, it is easier for Black to play here: 26 . . . Rd2 27.Nc4 Nxc4 2 8 . Bxa7 Nce3 , and the activity of his pieces gives Black good grounds for optimism.

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

47

26 . . . Nc8 "Almost unnoticed, the black knight has retreated from the center to the edge of the board, whilst White has brought his knight from a4 into the center! "

27. h3 Nh6 ? Ponomariov: "I was still too optimistic, and hoped to seize the initiative, although after his latest knight maneuvers, Black should be a little careful. "Otherwise I would of course have played 27 . . . a5!;!; with good drawing chances, eg. 28.hxg4 (28.Nd3 Nh6) 28 . . . axb4: 29. Bxa7 Nxa7 30.Nxb4 Nxc6 31.Nxc6 Rxa2 32.gxh5 Rc2 3 3 . Ne7+ Kf8 34.Nd5 Rd2 . 29.Nxb4 hxg4 30.Bb5 Re4 3 1 . Rcl Nd6 32.Bxa7 Nxb5 33 .Bc5 Rxf4 34.Nd5 Re4 35.a4 Nd4+!."

the same time, I cannot even or­ ganize a perpetual check, because when the bishop on gl takes the Ra7, it frees gl for the white king! " No better is 28 . . . Kh7 29. Ba4 Nf5 30.Kh 2 ! Nfd6 3 1 . Bxa7 Nxa7 3 2 . Rc2 , as White neutralizes the activity of the black pieces.

29. Bb5! Ng3+ Maybe more practical chances were offered by 29 . . . Rc7 !? (with the

idea 30.Rxc7? Ng3+ 31. Kh2 Nfl+=) which at least is a very striking move . But after 3 0 . Nxc7 axb5 3 1 . Nxb5 Nce7 there are still no threats to the white king, so White's passed pawns should decide.

30. Kh2 Nfl+ 31. Rxfl axb5 "Unfortunately, now Black does not have the resource a6-a5 and the white knight feels totally comfort­ able."

28. Rcl!

32. Bxa7 Nxa7

"It turns out that White does not have to rush to take the rook on a7, as it is not going anywhere."

33. Kg3!

28 . . . Nf5 To his horror, Ponomariov "real­ ized that in the tactics , White can take the NcB with check, after which the Ra7 becomes undefendable. At

48

With 33 .Rcl, White traps the enemy knight, but after 33 . . . h4 his king still has problems.

33. . . Nc8 34. Rdl Bf8 Black was in time pressure here.

35. Kf3 Rb2 36.g4 Kg7 "It is hard for Black to defend,

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

and my time-trouble made White's task easier. "It was dangerous, but still pos­ sible, to open the h-file by 36 ... hxg4+ 37.hxg4 Kg7 38.g5 Rh2 ! Instead, I decided to try to activate my pieces at the cost of a second pawn, but my opponent was very accurate."

37.gxh5

37. . . Nd6 Here too, there was the more tenacious 37 . . . gxh5 3 8 . Rgl+ Kh6 and in any event, White cannot play for a direct attack: 39.Nd3?! Rd2 ! 40.Ke3 Rh2 41.Ne5?? Bc5+.

38. hxg6 fxg6 39. Nc 7 Kf7 Better was 39 . . . Nf5 .

An early deviation: 10.Nc2 6 Nyzhnyk

•

Kazhgaleyev

Tata Steel (C), Wijk aan Zee 2011 l . d4 Nf6 2 . c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6 5. Be2 0-0 6. Nf3 e5 7. 0-0 exd4 8.Nxd4 ReS 9.{3 c6 10. Nc2

Before committing his king to h l , White makes a useful prophylactic move which seemingly stops d6d5. He is also happy to prevent the maneuver Nb8-d7-c5. However, Black can still reach c5 in a much more convenient way.

1 0. . . Na6/ l l . Be3

40.Nd3 Rxa2 41.Ne5+ Kf6 Or 4 l . . . Kg8 42 . Nxg6+-.

42. Nd7+ 1-0 A painful defeat for Ponomariov, who showed guts, playing the line against one of the world's most -prepared l.d2-d4 players. The course of the game, as well as the analysis , shows that from a theoretical point of view, Black has good chances for a full-blooded fight .

The most logical follow up. The Bishop on e3 is guarded by the knight, and White wants to save a tempo by avoiding the king retreat. He is now planning Qdl-d2 and Ral-d l , which will underline the weakness of the d6 pawn. Black needs to hurry and show his trumps at once. Naturally, without the knight on c7, l l .Bf4 does not promise any­ thing: l l . . . d5 1 2 . exd5 cxd5 13.cxd5 Nh5 14 .Bd2 Nc7�. The king retreat l l .Khl is still

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

49

possible, and we have now a version of the game Kovalenko-Kokarev. In that game the knight from d7 went to b6 to prepare d6-d5, and here we have an even better square for this same idea: ll . . . Nc7!

and d6-d5 cannot be stopped. Play may continue: a) 12.Be3 d5 13.exd5 cxd5 14 .c5 Bf5 hitting the knight on c2 and the bishop on e3, and Black is already very good: 15. Bf2 Nh5 16 .Nd4 Bd7

(There is no need to spoil Black's haircut with 16... Nf4 17.Nxf5, as Black's kingside pawns are already mussed.) 17.Qd2 Qf6 and now: al) 18.g3 Bf8 19.b4 b6 The advanced pawns seem scary, but can easily be attacked. 20.Racl bxc5 21 .bxc5 Rac8=, or 2 l . . . Bxc5 2 2 . Nxd5 Nxd5 2 3 . Rxc5 Nb6 2 4 . Rc7 Ng7 25. Rfcl Nf5 26.Nxf5 Bxf5 27.Bb5 RedS 28 .Qe2 Be6 29.a4 Bd5 30.Kg2 a6 31 .Bc6 Rab8 32.a5 Na8 3 3 . Bxa8 Bxa8 . a2) 18. Rfel to free the f1 square for the bishop 18 . . . Nf4 19. Bfl Bc6 and now three possibilities: a21) 20.Radl Rxel 2 1 . Rxel Nfe6 Bxd5 2 3 . Nxd5 Nxe6 22.Nxe6 24.Qxd5 Qxb2 =. 50

a22) 20.Nxc6 bxc6 leaves Black in control of the situation. a23) 20.b4 a6 2 1 . a4 Nce6+±. White's center is under pressure, and he cannot stick to the blockade for very long. b) 1 2 . Bf4 is met with the pawn sacrifice 12 . . . d5 13.cxd5 cxd5 14 . Bxc7 Qxc7 15.exd5 Qf4�.

with the bishop pair and total control over the black squares to compensate for the pawn down, Huzman-Epishin, USSR 1987. c) 1 2 . Bg5 pins the knight and seemingly prevents d6-d5, but now 12 . . . d5! A nyway! It works! cl) 13.exd5 cxd5 14 .Rcl Be6 15.c5 h6 16.Be3 and now we have active play on the king's flank: 16 . . . Nh5 (also 16. . . Nd7!?) 17. Bd4 Bf5 18.Bxg7 Bxc2 19.Qxc2 Qh4 20. Bf6 Nxf6 , and Black is already thinking about seizing the initiative. c2) White can also try to open the f-file to make use of the vulnerable f7 square , like he did in some previous lines: 13.cxd5 cxd5 14 .Rcl h6 1 5 . Bh4 dxe4 16.Qxd8 Rxd8 17.fxe4 However, with the knight on c2 this does not seem scary. On the contrary, the first player risks ending up with a weak

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

and isolated pawn on e4: 17 . . . g5 18. Bg3 NceS 19.Ne 3 Be6 20.Rcd1 (or 20.Rfdl) 20 ... Rxd 1 2 1 . Rxd 1 Nd7 22.Nf5 Bxc3 23 .bxc3 Nc5 24.Nxh6+ Kh7 2 5 . Ng4 Nxe4 2 6 . Bd3 f5=.

ll. . . d5!

16 . . . Ba4! Black has great play. It is remarkable how quickly White loses this endgame. 17.QxdS RaxdS: a) 1S.Rf2 f5! 19.Rb1 fxe4 20.fxe4 Bc6 2 1 . Bxa7 Bxe4 22 .b4? Rf8 ! 23 .Rxf8+ Bxf8 24.Rcl ReS 0 - 1 , Black sacrifices a pawn, but will get open files and open diagonals for his pieces, and often White's dark-squared bishop too. The compensation is rich . Every KID player appreciates it, and should be willing to play such positions.

12. cxd5 cxd5 13. exd5 If White ignores the pawn, he has no chance of any advantage: 13.Qd2 dxe4 14.QxdS RxdS 15.fxe4 ReS 16. Rad1 Ng4=. 13.Bf2 is another move to keep it safe: 13 . . . dxe4 14.QxdS RxdS 15.Rad1 Bf5 1 6 . Ne3 Be6 (16 ... Nc7!?=) 17.fxe4 Rxd 1 1S.Rxd 1 Nc5 =, Maslik-Vovk, Slovakia 2 0 12 . 13.Bb5 this move is sometimes dangerous for the defender, but not in this particular case. 13 . . . Bd7 14. Bxa6 Overoptimistic. (Safer is 14. Bxd7

Qxd7 15.exd5 RadB 16.Bxa7 Nxd5 1ZNxd5 Qxd5 18. Qxd5 Rxd5 19.Rabl ReB=.) Now we enjoy the bishop show! 14 ... bxa6 15.Nxd5 Nxd5 16.Qxd5

Tilicheev-Vorobiov, Moscow 2 0 1 1 . b ) More resilient is 1S. Nb4! a 5 19.Na6 R d 3 (or 19. . . Bxb2 20.Rabl Be5=) 2 0 . Nc5 (also 20.Bxa7 Bxb2 21.Rabl Be5=) 20 . . . Rxe3 2 1 . Nxa4 Re2�.

13...Nb4! The logical follow up. Black has had good results after 13 Bf5, but it seems like the position of the knight on a6 might .••

Chapter l a: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

51

be a problem for Black. For example, 14.Bf2 and now: 14 Nxd5 15.Nxd5 Bxc2 16.Qxc2 Qxd5 17.Bc4 Rac8 18.Bxd5 (And here •••

White has the improvement lB.Racl! Qa5 19. Qb3�, with the two bishops and pressure against {7. I would not like to play the KID and defend such a boring position.) 18 . . . Rxc2 19. Bxb7 Nc5 20.Bxc5 �-lh, Malcher-Langers , Germany 2009. 14 Bxc2 15.Qxc2 Nxd5 16 . Radl •••

(16.Nxd5! Qxd5 17.Bc4 would trans­ pose to Malcher-Langers, though.) 16 . . . Qe7 (16 ... Bxc3, with chances to equalize, is correct) 17.Bxa6 (17.Nxd5! Qxe2 1B. Qa4 Qxb2 19.Rbl Qe5 20.Rfel+-) 17 . . . Ne3 18.Nd5

16. . . Qa5 Not a bad square for the queen. Black has other reasonable options, too: 16 Bd7!? Simple development. 17.Qd2 ReS 18.Radl (White cannot •••

yet trade the light-squared bishops: 1B.Bb5? Rxc3! 19.Bxd7 Rxc2+.) 18 . . . a6 and now: a) 19. Rfel Qb6 . All Black's pieces are actively placed, and White finds it hard to protect the b-pawn, for instance 20.Nd4 Nxd5! 2 l . Nxd5 Qxd4 22.Qxd4 Bxd4 2 3 . Rxd4 Rxe2+. b) Note that the advance of the d-pawn will make it only more vulnerable than it is now: 19.d6?! Qb6 20.Na3 Qb4+,

Nxc2 19. Nxe7+ Rxe7 20.Rd2 Ne3 2l.Bxe3 Rxe3 22.Bxb7 Rb8 lh-lh, Benko-Pilnik, Budapest 1952 .

14.Nxb4 Or else Black's position is even more pleasant after 14.Bf2 Nbxd5 15.Nxd5 Nxd5 16 . Bb5 Rf8+.

14 . . . Rxe3� 15. Nc2 ReB

Or 16.Qd2 Bf5 (Note that the b2 pawn is poisoned: 16 . . . Qb6+ 17.Khl Qxb2 ? lB.Rabl ±.) 17. Radl and now

followed by Rc8 -c6, Bg7-f8 , and even­ tually Re8-e6 to take the d-pawn. 16 a6!? takes away the b5 square from the white bishop, and Black can also use his b-pawn in the battle for the d5 pawn. 17.Qd2 Qd6 18.Radl b5 19.a3 Bb7 20. Rfel Rad8 2 l .Nb4 a5 2 2 . Nc2 (or 22.Nxb5 Qb6 23.Nc2 Rxd5 24.Nbd4 Qxb2 +) 22 . . . b4�. These lines are not forced, but they demonstrate the potential behind Black's position.

17 . . . Rc8� or 17 . . . Qb6+ 18.Nd4 Bd7�.

1 7. Bc4 Bd7 1B. Qd2 h5?

•••

16.Khl

52

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

Not the best move. It will tran­ spire later that the position of the pawn on h5 is in fact creating some targets for the first player only. It was not too late for Black to return to the plan of surrounding the d5 pawn with 18 . . . b5!?

Rxe8 25 .Rel Rxel+ 2 6 . Nxel Kf8 fol­ lowed by Kf8 -e7-d6, when Black has no risk of losing.

22 . . . Rcd8 23. Nd4!± White's chances are connected with the attack against the black king (remember the weakening h7h5 move?) and his centralized pieces will help him in its organization. Also possible is 23 .d6, and White is already threatening Qg3xg6 . How­ ever, Black can defend concretely with 23 . . . Be6 24.Nd4 Bxb3 2 5 . Nxb3 Qb6 2 6 . Rd2 Bf8 , and once again the white d6 pawn is doomed.

23 . . . Kh7?!

And now 19.Bb3 b4 20.Ne2 Qc5

This only helps White. If 23 . . . Qf8 then 24.Ne6 ! . More resilient would b e 2 3 . . . Bc8 although here, too White retains a large advantage after 24.d6! Rxd6 2 5 .Qxg6 Re7 2 6 . Nde2 Be6 27. Bxe6 Rdxe6 2 8 .Qd3 ReB± .

2l.Racl Qd6 2 2 .Qf4 Re5�.

24. d6 RfB 25. Rfel Bc8

19. Qf2 a6 20. Radl Rac8 21. Bb3 Qc5!?

26. Nc2 b5 2 7. Re5 Qb6 28. Re7 Rd7 29. Ne3 Qd8 22. Qg3!

Or 29 ... Qc5 3 0 . Re5 Qb6 3 l . a4± .

Without the queens and even the rooks, it is easier for Black to show superiority on the black squares: 22 .Qxc5 Rxc5 2 3 . Rfel Rcc8 24.Rxe8+

30. Rxd7 32. Ne 7!

Qxd7

31. Ned5

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

Bb7

53

Development without preparation: 10.Be8 7 Shankland

-

Vorobiov

20th Dresden Open 2011 l . d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 8.Nc8 Bg7 4 . e4 d6 5. Nf8 0-0 6. Be2 e5 7. 0 - 0 exd4 8.Nxd4 ReB 9.{8 c6 In this game w e take a close look at the plan of quick development for White, who simply ignores all central threats and plays: The threat ofBb3xf7 is impossible to meet. This is why you should refrain from weakening moves like h7-h5 without a concrete reason!

10. Be8

82 . . . Kh8 88. Bxf7 Rxf7 84. Nxg6+ Kg8 85. Ne5 Qe6 86. Nxf7 Qxf7 87. Rel h4 88. Qg5 Bc6 89. Re7 Qf8 40. Rc7 b4 41.d7 Nxd7 42. Nd5 Qe8 48.Rc8 1 - 0 And a sweet finish at the end. Despite the outcome, Black had great compensation for the sacrificed pawn after the opening.

No prophylaxis, no need to stop Nb8-d7, nada. Therefore, we demonstrate that such a flighty approach against the KID cannot be recommended.

10. . . d51 Of course, Black makes use of the fact that the bishop on e3 is hanging, and clarifies the situation in the center. This is an immediate equalizer, and it is quite surprising that a strong GM and good theoretician like J. Gustafsson is still trying to extricate something out of this line for White . Probably he already 54

CIJ,apter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

knows that in the other lines there is not much either?!

ll.cxd5 Nxd5! Black frees his position a bit by trading a pair of knights, and at the same time opens the diagonal for his king's bishop. Weaker is ll . . . cxd5, although a recent grandmaster game saw Black equalizing after 1 2 .Qb3 Nc6 1 3 . Radl Qa5 14 .Qb5 (White could pose more

problems with 14.Ndb5! dxe4 15.Nd6 Re7 16.fxe4;t, when the f7 square is once again vulnerable.) 14 . . . Qc7

14 . . . Nc 6 !

1 5 .Qxd5

Re5

1 6 . Bxc6

(16. Qc4 Nxd4 1 Z Bxd7 Nxf3+ 18.gxf3 Qxd7 is somewhat better for Black, but was preferable to the move in the game.) 16 . . . Rxd5 17. Bxd5 Bxd4 18. Bxd4 Bc6 19. Rfdl Bxd5 20.Bf2 Qf6 2 1 .exd5 Qxb2+ with a clear edge for Black, in Zhou Jianchao­ Volokitin, Khanty-Mansiysk 2007. The other principled way is 13.Qb3 Nc6 14 .Rad l , when Black should proceed with further trades: 14 . . . Nxd4 1 5 . Bxd4 Bxd4+ 16. Rxd4 and now the key move 16 . . . Qf6!

15.Nxd5 Nxd5 16.Qxd5 Nxd4 17. Bxd4 Be6 18.Qb5 a6 19.Qb4 Bf8 2 0.Qc3 Qxc3 21 .bxc3 Bxa2=, in Hammer­ Berg, Eretria 2 0 1 1 .

12. Nxd5 cxd5 13. Rcl White gets nothing after 13.Bb5 Bd7 14.Qb3 :

White has tried various moves here, but without obtaining even a hint of an advantage: a) Naturally, the pawn is un­ touchable: 17. Rxd5? Be6+. b) 17.Qxd5 Be6 18.Qc5 (White a) And now there is no need to grab the pawn with 14 . . . Bxd4 15.Bxd4 Bxb5 16.Qxb5 dxe4 17. Bc3

(or lZRadl Nc6 18.Bc3 Qb6+ 19. Qxb6 axb6) 17 ... Qb6+ 18.Qxb6 axb6 19.fxe4 , when White will have decent compensation, thanks to his powerful bishop. b) Instead, Volokitin showed a better way to handle the situation:

should liquidate to a drawn rook end­ game with 18.e5 Bxd5 19.exf6 Rxe2 20.Rxd5 Rxb2 2l.Rfdl h6=.) 18 . . . Rec8 19.Qb4?! After this, Black is already better: 19 . . . a5 (Not bad, but even

more determined would be 19. . . Rc2! 20.Rf2 a5+ not fearing 21. Qxb7?? Qxd4 22. Qxa8+ Kg7- +.) 20.Qa4 Rc2 2 1 .Qxc2 Qxd4+ 2 2 . Kh l Rc8 23 .Qd3 Qxb2 24.f4 Qc2 (o 24 . . . Bxa2+) 2 5 . a4 Qxd3 (25. . . Qxa4! 26.f5 Bc4 2 Z Qe3

Chapter l a: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

55

Bxe2 28. Qxe2 Qc4-+) 26.Bxd3 Rc3 27.Bb5 Bc4 28.Rdl Bxb5 29. axb5 Rb3 lh-lh, Li-Ding, Hefei 2 0 1 1 . For some reason, Black accepted a draw here even though his position is close to winning. c) 17.Rd2 Qf4 Activity again. Instead of opening lines to the f7 pawn with dxe4, Black prefers to create threats. 18 .Qxd5 and now: cl) 18 . . . Qe3+ 19. Rf2 Be6 20.Qd3 Qb6 21 .Qb5 Qe3 22 .Qd3 Qb6 23 .Qb5 Qe3 24.Rd3 Qcl+ 25.Rfl (now White

d) Finally, a very fresh example in which the youngest GM in the world played Black for a change: 17.Qa4 Bd7 18.Qdl Bc6 19.exd5

can push with 25.Rdl Qe3 26. b3t) 25 . . . Qc4 26.a4 Qxb5 27. axb5 Bc4 28 .Rd2 Bxe2 29. Rxe2 Re5 �-�. Gustafsson-Kotronias, Kerner 2007. c2) More subtle is 18 ... Be6 ! : c21) 19.Qd3 can b e answered the same way with 19 . . . Bxa2=, as the bishop cannot be trapped: 20.g3 Qc7 21 .b3? RedS 22 .Qe3 Rxd2 23.Qxd2 Bxb3+. c22) 19.Qd4 And here an equalizer is 19 . . . Bxa2=, but not 19 . . . Rad8 20.Qxd8 Qe3+ 2 1 .Rf2 Rxd8 22.Rxd8+ Kg7 23 .b3 a5;!;, although Black managed to save this position too, in Hess-Naroditsky, Groningen 201 1.

19 . . . Rxe2! 20.dxc6 Rxb2 2 1 .cxb7 (not 21.c7 Qb6!) 2 l . . . Rxb7 2 2 . Rd6 Qb2 2 3 . Rf2 Qbl 24.Qxbl Rxbl+ 2 5 . Rfl Rb2 2 6 . Rf2 Rbl+ 27. Rfl Rb2 28.Rf2 Rbl+ �-�. Ernst-Nyzhnyk, Wijk aan Zee 201 2 .

13

• . .

Nc6!

What's more natural than quick development and central pressure? Another approach brought a quick victory to Black in the following game, but it could easily have b�en

56

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

the other way around: 13 . . . a6?! 14.Qb3 ! dxe4? 15.fxe4 (15. Bc4! R{B 16. Bxf7+ Rxf7 17.fxe4+-) 15 . . . Rf8 16. Rxf7! Rxf7 17. Rfl Bf6 18.e5+-, Handke-Atalik, Cappelle la Grande 2000.

14.Nxc6

19. . . Rxd4 2 0. R c 7 Bd5 21. Rd7 White is also on the defensive after 2 l . Rxa7 Rd2 2 2 .Rel ReS, and Black has the initiative. Also good is 22 . . . Rxb2 .

21 . . . e3 22. Rel Rd2 + 23. Bfl Kg7 Also good is 23 . . . a5!?.

Or 14 . Bb5 Qb6 1 5 . Bxc6 bxc6, but not 16 . Rxc6? Bxd4! 17. Rxb6 Bxe3+ 18.Khl Bxb6+.

24. Re2 ?

14 . . . bxc6 15. Rxc6 Bb7 16.Rc2 ?! Shankland

wants

to have his

rook on the second rank to defend the b-pawn, but there is a drawback to this square . Somewhat more venomous is 16.Rcl dxe4 17.Qxd8, when Black needs to be careful and opt for 17 . . . Rexd8 !? 18.f4 a5=, rather than 17. . . Raxd8 18.f4 Bd4 (1B . . . Re7!? might still be an equalizer.) 19.Kf2 Bxe3+ 20.Kxe3;!; Gustafsson-Maze, Aix�les­ Bains 2 0 11.

16. . . dxe4 1 7. Qxd8 RaxdB= 18.(4 Bd4 19. Bxd4 The disadvantage of the position

of the rook on c2 is revealed after 19.Kf2 Bxe3+ 2 0 . Kxe3 :

Now Black had a chance t o finish the game in his favor.

24 . . . Rxe2 ? But missed it . . . Correct was 2 4 . . . Rd l ! 25 .h3 Bb3

(25. . . Re4 26.g3 Rc4 should also do.) 2 6 . Rxd l Bxd l 27.Rel e2-+.

25. Bxe2 Bxa2 2 6. Rxa 7 ReB 2 7. h3 Rcl+ 28. Kh2 Be6 29. Ra3 Rc2 *-*

And now 2 l . . .Rd3+! 2 l . Bxd3 exd3+ 22.Kxd3 Be4+ 2 3 . Kd 2 Bxc2 2 4 . Kxc2 Re2+ 2 5 . Kc3 Rxg2+. Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

57

Minor alternatives 10.Nb3 and 10.Bg5 8 Lakdawala - Yermolinsky

National Open, Las Vegas 1997 l.Nf3 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5. d4 0 - 0 6. Be2 e5 7. 0- 0 exd4 8. Nxd4 ReB 9.f3 c 6

12 . . . Qd8!? and 12 . . . Qe5!?) 13 .Bel Nbd7 (or 13 ... a6 14.Rcl Nbd7) and it is not so clear why the knight on a4 is better placed than on c3. After 14 . Bf2 , Black has several nice­ looking continuations: a) 14 . . . Bh6 !?= will make use of the absence of the white bishop on e3. b) 14 ... a6 15.Rcl Bh6 16. Rc2 b6� patiently finishes development and leaves the central breaks with b6-b5, d6-d5 or f7-f5 for the future. c) 14 . . . Nc5 15.Nc3 (15.Nxc5?! dxc5 16.Nb3 Nh5 is excellent for Black, thanks to the juicy {4 and d4 squares.) 15 . . . a5 16.Qd2 b6 (or 16 . . . Nfd7=), Beliavsky- Sergeev, Alushta with approximate equality.

2009

IO. . . a5!

IO. Nb3 In this game we shall have a look at a couple of minor alternatives for White. As you can see, the featured game is quite old, and this is an in­ dication that there are not too many volunteers following in the footsteps of the first player. The move Nd4-b3 is also prophylac­ tic; it opens the file for the queen, pre­ venting d6-d5. The drawback is that it allows another typical counter-move. White has also tried the immedi­ ate 10.Bg5. After 10 Qb6 we look at two replies: Note that White might like to force a draw with l l .Be3 Qxb2 12.Na4 Qa3 13.Bcl Qb4 14 .Bd2 Qa3 15.Bcl Qb4 16 .Bd2 Qa3 lh-lh, in Ivkov-Larsen, Belgrade 1964. l l.Na4 Qa5 12 .Bd2 Qc7 (also •••

good seem to be the alternatives 58

This is why the b3 square is not perfect: the knight is a magnet for the black a-pawn.

l l . a4 If White wants to fight for an ad­ vantage, he needs to continue with the artificial l l . Na4 . But Black can exploit this set up with ll . . . c5!? as there is no one to attack the b5 and d5 squares. Play may continue 1 2 . Rbl Bd7 13.Nc3 a4 14 .Nal and here I be­ lieve Black's best is 14 . . . Nc6, and now:

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

15 .Qxd6? Nd4! is dangerous for White only. Also possible is 15 . . . Nh5 !?. 15.Nc2 Nd4 16 . Ne3 Nh5t sees Black in control all over the board. Finally, the once recommended 15.Nb5 Nd4 16. Nxd4 cxd4 17. Nc2 Qb6 18.Rf2 , planning b3 and Bb2 , can be met tactically with 1S . . . Bc6 19.b3?

This knight i s the reason why White no longer wishes to play an early a2-a4 . Black is comfortable, and later manages to outplay his opponent.

14. Radl Bf8 15. Rf2 Qc7 1 6. Bfl Rad8 1 7. Rcl Nd7 18. Nd5!? Bxd5 19. cxd5 Nc5 20. Qdl A draw would be a better deal for White instead: 20.Nxc5 dxc5 21.Bxc5 Bxc5 22.Rxc5 Qb6 23 .Qc3 cxd5 24.Rb5 Qa7 25 .Qc7 ReS 26.Qd7 (not 26. Qxb7?! Qe3!+) 26 . . . RedS 27.Qe7 ReS =.

20. . . Nxa4 21. dxc 6 bxc 6 22. Ral Nc5 23. Nxa5? Necessary 24.Qa4�.

was

2 3 . Nxc5

dxc 5

23 . . . d5!

19 ... Bxe4! 20.fxe4 Nxe4+.

ll . . . Be6 Even better is ll ... Qb6+ 12 .Khl

Nfd7 followed by NbS -a6 , and Black can occupy both the c5 and b4 squares. I would love to have Black in this situation.

12. Be3 Na6 13. Qd2 Nb4 = We've seen this break so many times that it has become part of our KID culture . Naturally, Black is better now.

24. Qd2 Ne6 Decisive is 24 . . . Ncd3 ! dxe4 26.fxe4 Nxd3-+.

25.Bxd3

25. Qcl d4 2 6. Bd2 d3 2 7. Nb3 Nc2 28. Ra5! Qb6 29. Nal Bc5 Also winning 29 . . . Ned4-+.

is

the

stronger

30. Rxc5 Qxc5 31.Nb3 Qb5 32.Na5 Ned4 33. Khl c5 34. Bc3 Ne2 35. Qd2 Nxc3 36. Qxc3 Ne3 0-1 Chapter l a: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

59

Memory Markers Here are reminders of some of the ideas and motifs in this chapter, which include queen sacrifices, breaking open the center, knight outposts , and blockading. Giving up the center opens up many possibilities !

1. After 9...c6. Our starting po­

2. After 16 ... Nf6-d7. The queen

sition.

is best placed on dB to work on both sides, text move iu Fier­ Bologan, page 20.

3. After 22 ... g6-g5!. A black­ square blockade. See diagram on page 21 in Fier-Bologan.

4. After 18 ...Nf6xe4!.

60

Typical queen sacrifice, see diagram on page 28 in Elj anov-Bologan.

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

5. After l l ...Nf6-h5!. Active play against the bishop sortie on f4, text move in Premnath­ Kokarev, page 32.

6. After 14 ...Nf6xe4!!. Yurtaev's brilliant idea. See diagram on page 3 7 in Kovalenko-Kokarev.

7. After 12 ...d6-d5. The central strike, see diagram on page 4 1 i n Kramnik-Ponomariov.

13 ..Na6-b4!. Black square compensation, see text move in Nyzhnyk-Kazhgaleyev, on page 5 1 . 8. After

.

Chapter la: Flexibility i n the Classical Variation

61

Active play in the center. See diagram on page 55 in Shankland­ Vorobiov.

9. After 16 ... Qd8-f6!.

62

10. After 13 ...Na6-b4. The b4 outpost for the knight, text move in Lak.dawala-Yermolinsky on page 59.

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

Exercises Black to play! ·

with these situations from actual games, you, as Black, can practice finding

some of the breakthroughs, tricks, combinations, and positional opportunities that may appear after "abandoning" the center in the Classical Variation. Solutions to these exercises begin on page 307.

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

C obb - Grossett

Young - Yermolinsky

Bristol Open 1998

US Open, Chicago 1994

The seeming happiness in White's camp is deceptive. Prove it!

Remember the previous one?

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

63

Exercise 4

Exercise 3

Zude

·

Hoelz l - Szilagyi

Graf

Bundesliga 2004

Budapest 1988

Black is very active. Can he turn his activity into something more tangible?

How can Black exploit the somewhat loose position of the opponent's rook?

Exercise 5

Exercise 6

Keipo - Perez

Zakharov - Yurtaev

Cuba 2000

URS-ch sf, Volgodonsk 1983

White wants to establish a-knight on b6. What would you recommend for the second player?

64

Once more, Yurtaev!

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

Exercise 7

Exercise 8

Trmal - Michalek

Littleton - Boey

Czechia 2009

Den Haag 1966

Shall we retreat the knight?

White has just taken the pawn on d6. How can Black punish his opponent for this greediness?

Exercise 9

Exercise 10

Kolev - Rasik

Korotylev - Kokarev

Budapest 1993

Serpukhov 2007

How can Black prove superiority on the black squares?

Once again, squares!

superiority on black

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

65

Exercise 11

Wirig - Vaisser

Caen 2011 A pleasant choice . . .

66

Chapter la: Flexibility in the Classical Variation

Chapter l b The Gligoric System

l. d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7 4.e4 d6 5.Nf3 0-0 6.Be2 e5 7. Be3

exd4 8.Nxd4 ReB 9.{3 c6

An alternative form of development in the Classical line is the Gligoric system. Instead of castling, White first develops the bishop to e3.

T

he prominent Yugoslavian GM Svetozar Gligoric had a great impact on the development of the King's Indian Defense and advanced it to the highest levels. He gave to the world the Mar del Plata Line, as well as the famous Rf8 -f4! positional exchange sacrifice which is a common theme in almost every KID line, and tons of model games which I recommend to any player who wants to make the KID part of his/her life! Still, as a universal player, he also needed to fight against his beloved defense and he did so in a very dangerous way. The featured set-up is named after him.

1 Popov

-

Giri

Russian Championship, Olginka 2011 l.Nf3 Nf6 2. d4 g6 3. c4 Bg7 4.Nc3 0- 0 5. e4 d6 6.Be2 e5 7. Be3

Chapter 1 b: The Gligoric System

67

Gligoric's move. White wants to postpone castling for the time being and provoke the tempting 7. . . Nf6 -g4. This is Classical (developing a piece), flexible (the king can castle on either side) and provoking. While 7. . . Nf6-g4 is still playable and is Black's main line, I am recommending the straightforward approach of bringing pressure into the center at once. It also matches well with the line which we have already studied as Black's main weapon against the Classical System.

7. . . exd4 10. Qd2

8.Nxd4

ReB

9.(3

c6

Black hits the center and frees his position.

l l . exd5 cxd5 12. 0 - 0 This is the most logical development, as otherwise White might have issues on the e-file. However, some players have also tested 12.c5 at once. In this case, Black either tries to make use of the loose position of the white pieces with 12 . . . Qe7 ! or simply finishes developing with 12 . . . Nc6, most likely transposing to a position similar to the one in the next game, Onischuk-Bacrot. First, we look at 12 Qe7! a) Now 13.Kf2?! seems a bit too much already. 13 . . . Nc6 14 .Nxc6? Once control over the d4 square is lost, White is in big trouble. (Better is 14.Radl Bd7+.) 14 . . . bxc6. (The threat •••

·

is Nf6-d7, not only attacking the c5 pawn, but threatening a fork with d5d4 followed by Qe7-h4+, picking up the bishop on d4!) 15. Bd4 Rb8 16 .a3 Rxb2 ! !

One of the two main ideas that White has in the line . Kasparov considered it insufficient for an advantage. A possible transposition to the lines which we have already discussed is achieved after 10 .0-0 d5 ll.cxd5 Nxd5! See the notes to Shankland-Vorobiov, game 7 in Chapter la. For the main line 10 . Bf2 see the next game, Onischuk-Bacrot.

10. . d5! .

We have seen this already. Whenever the opportunity arises,

68

Chapter lb: The Gligoric System

Black bets on black and cracks White's shaky position ! 17.Qxb2 Ng4+ 18.fxg4 Bxd4+ 19.Kg3 (Or

19. Kfl Qe3 20.Ndl Qf4+ winning the queen, and it's a mate after 19.Kel Bxc3+ 20. Qxc3 Qxe2#.) 19 . . . Qe3+

20.Bf3 Be5+ and mate next move , Solonar- Grimberg, Bad Woerishofen

2008. b) For better or worse, White needs to try 1 3 . Bf2 although here, too,

Black

is

doing

great

after

13 ... Na6 !? (13 . . Nc6!?) 14 .c6 bxc6 15.Nxc6 Qb7 16 . Na5 Qb4 17.Nb3 Nc7 18.0-0 Ne6 19. Rad1 Bb7, with .

active play in the center, Wichmann­ Rayner, Leipzig 2007. One interesting idea was test­ ed recently: 12 Nc6 1 3 . Bf2 Re5N. Compared to the Onischuk-Bacrot game, White has played Qd1-d2 in­ stead of the generally more useful 0-0. The queen is not very well placed on this square and White needs to castle anyway. 14 .0-0 •••

14 ... Qf8! 15.Bb5 Bd7 16. Rae1 Bh6 17.Qdl Rae8 18.Rxe5 Rxe5 19.Re1 Qe8 20.Rxe5 Qxe5 2l.Bxc6 bxc6 22.Qe2 Qxe2 23.Ncxe2 =, Franco Alonso-Cheparinov,

San

Sebastian

2012. 12 Nc6 13. c5 . . .

The silent approach does not yield White any advantage: 13.Rad 1 And now 13 . . . dxc4 14 .Nxc6 Qxd2 15.Bxd2 bxc6 16. Bxc4 Be6 17. Bxe6 Rxe6 18. Rfe1 Nd5 19.Rxe6 fxe6

20.Rc1 Rd8 =. Indeed, Black has pawn weaknesses, but the active positions of his pieces fully compensated in Romanov-Zvj aginsev, Moscow 2009. Black can also try the patient 13 . . . Nxd4 14 . Bxd4 dxc4 15. Bxc4 a6 16. Rfe1 Rxe1+ 17.Qxe1 Bd7 18.Nd5 Nxd5 19.Bxg7 Nb6 2 0.Qc3 Nxc4 2 1 .Qxc4 Kxg7 22 .Qd4+ Kg8 23 .Qxd7 Qb6+ 24.Qd4 Qxd4+ 2 5 . Rxd4 ReS ¥2-¥2, Timoscenko-Rasik, Czechia 2008.

13 . . . Qa5N

This remains still the only over­ the-board game in which Black used this move. However, I did find two correspondence predecessors . Giri probably saw them, too. On account of the improvement that White later had, I will recommend another idea. After the great Garry Kasparov introduced the positional exchange sacrifice 13 ... Rxe3!? against none other than Anatoly Karpov in their New York World Championship match in 1991, almost everyone has been choosing this option and, I should add, with good reason. This is how the sacrifice was described when it was introduced: "A typical Kasparov exchange sacrifice, Chapter lb: The Gligoric System

69

which, of course, had been prepared beforehand. It is based not on the calculation of any specific variations, but on a clear positional foundation. Left without an opponent, the King's Indian bishop becomes terribly strong, and the price paid for this is very small." (Geller and Lein)

14.Qxe3 Qf8!

This is the point behind the sacrifice. Black threatens to win material with Nf6 -g4! and prepares the possible Bg7-h6 . I love Kasparov's description of Black's compensation: "Apart from obvious superiority in control of the center and the powerful dark-squared bishop (hole at e3, weak white pawn at c5), a completely new factor has appeared in the position - the black rook is ready to come into play via b8-b4-h4 . But the sum of these pluses can hardly outweigh White's extra exchange, and the position is one of approximate dynamic balance." The pawn on c5 is also hanging. Against Kasparov, neither Gel­ fand nor Karpov could prove any advantage: Gelfand tried 15.Ncb5 Qxc5 16.Qf2 (16.Racl Qb6 17. Qf2 Bd7

70

Chapter l b: The Gligoric System

was the course of Gelfand-Kaspar­ ov, Linares 1992, which Black won.) 16 . . . Bd7 17. Rfd l Bh6 1 8 . Nb3 lh-'12, Hracek-Kantsler, Panormo 2001. Karpov immediately got rid o f the loose knight: 15.Nxc6. The current practice also shows that Black is in good shape. After 15 . . . bxc6: a) The stem game is a good demonstration of Black's ideas: 16 .Khl Rb8 ! 17. Na4 Rb4! 18 .b3 Be6 19. Nb2 Nh5 20.Nd3

20 ... Rh4! 2 1 .Qf2 Qe7 2 2 . g4 It was already White who needed to find the only move ! 22 . . . Bd4 2 3 .Qxd4 Rxh2+ 2 4 . Kxh2 Qh4+ lh-lh, Karpov­ Kasparov, Lyon/New York 1990. b) 16. Na4 Bf5 17. Rfel

17 ... d4!? And now: bl) 18.Qa3 The only way to fight for something. 18 . . . Nd5 (lB... RdB!?

19.Bd3 Be6 20.g3 Nd5 also looks nice for Black.) 19.Bd3 Be6 20.Bc4 and here the most subtle is 20 ... Rd8!? (20... Bh6 2l.Bxd5 Bxd5 22.Qd3 RdB 23. b3 Be6 24.Rxe6 fxe6