In recent practice White’s most critical set-ups against both the Modern and the Pirc have been the aggressive Austrian Attack (when White plays f4) and the systems with Be3 and then either f3 or Nf3, depending on Black’s set-up. To make it more problematic, there is only one way to avoid it and that is playing the Pirc directly by 1 e4 d6 2 d4 Nf6, forcing 3 Nc3. This system has proven to be very tough for Black. The only thing Black must be aware of the move-order is to perhaps try to avoid the system recently used by Carlsen, namely: 1 e4 g6 2 d4 Bg7 3 Nf3 d6 4 Bc4 and if 4…Nf6 then 5 Qe2, keeping the option to play c3 and Nbd2. This can also be handy against 1 d4 though in that case other transpositions after 2 c4 should be considered, while the King’s Indian Defence remains a valid option. These positions give great flexibility to Black because as early as move 1 he can vary his choice, starting with 1…g6 or 1…d6. Position after 1 e4 g6 2 d4 Bg7 3 Nf3 d6 4 Bc4 So, while probably not entirely sound, it can serve as a good surprise weapon against an unprepared opponent.Īfter the critical 5 c4 Nb6 6 e6 (6 ed ed transposes to the line 4 c4 Nb6 5 ed ed) fe 7 Nc3 (or 7 Be3) e5 8 d5 Nd4 Black has good chances to obtain a dynamic position. Nakamura played this in online blitz chess. The other popular line 4 c4 Nb6 5 ed can be dealt with both 5…ed and 5…cd, depending on taste only bear in mind that after 5…cd 6 Nc3 g6 7 Be3 Bg7 8 Rc1 0-0 9 b3 you should go for either 9…e5 and be well-prepared for the endgame after 10 de de 11 Qd8 Rd8 (the endgame offers good chances as it is quite complex) while 9…Bf5 may be an alternative for those who prefer not to exchange queens early on.Īfter 4 Nf3 the interesting idea I mentioned is 4…Nc6. But, here I noticed a rare idea that may give Black practical chances. It is the mainline after 1 e4 Nf6 2 e5 Nd5 3 d4 d6 with 4 Nf3 that poses the most problems. But, the modern practice has shown that the knight on b6 is indeed a liability for Black. This defense used to be considered quite acceptable (even Fischer played it twice in a World Championship match!). The first one is the Alekhine Defence (1 e4 Nf6). Position after 1 e4 Nf6 2 e5 Nd5 3 d4 d6 with 4 Nf3 Openings for Black – Black’s Secret Weapon #1: Alekhine Defence Black has them at his disposal and may contemplate (Openings for Black). They are less common and strategically riskier. In this post, I would like to take a look at other options. Additionally, Magnus Carlsen’s choice of the Sveshnikov Sicilian (and the results he is having in it and its sidelines) show that this is another very good option to play for a win with Black. The only problem with the Najdorf is obviously the line 3 Bb5+ and a few other sidelines. My own preference lies with the Najdorf and modern practice confirms this view. It is theoretically sound enough and it also introduces dynamism from the start. Though, this does not mean that it will give more chances!īefore looking at the concrete lines that characterize the immediate crisis-provoking strategy, I would like to note that the Sicilian is the best of both worlds. I would like to discuss the second option as it is often the preferred one in all-or-nothing situations. Openings for Black: If Black wants to play for a win he has two general directions to choose from: he can try to equalize first and then outplay his opponent, or he can try to wrestle the initiative from White from the get-go.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |