Daring Defences #3 2002 - GM Jonathan Tisdall
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This neighbourhood has rarely been graced by the presence of so many dignitaries at the same time. A look through the guest list of this instalment turns up star names like Kramnik, Karpov, Ivanchuk, Topalov, and Lautier. True, the majority of them were playing white and facing the defences, but nevertheless this provides proof that these maverick openings are even worth a punt at top level. |
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All this month's new games are easily downloaded in PGN format using ChessPub.exe, open ChessPub.exe, put the date on, say, 10th June 2002, and then click on 'Daring Defences', over on the right. All these games should appear (and the new ChessPub Guides, too)!
To download the May '02 games directly in PGN form, click here: 
The Budapest and Fajarowicz [A51-52]:
A GM scalp (Lukacs') goes flying within 14 moves in one of the trickiest lines of the Budapest. White confuses his lines and then gets hit with a novelty on move 11 that basically ends the game.
Reilly - Bennett features a mini-survey of a main sideline in the same variation. The game itself is curious and interesting as White apparently falls into an accepted trap and emerges with dangerous compensation for a lost exchange. But there are many mystifying things about the opening, and the notes indicate my disagreement (or befuddlement) with existing wisdom.
Kis - Majeric went bad quickly after a misguided plan for White but Black's handling of the position was sharp and original.
The Benko [A57-59]:
There is not a lot going on here this time, but there are some very interesting games in sidelines. The Sheldon - Sowray game qualifies as the most fun I have had watching little wooden chessmen scoot around in ages. White uncorks a new move that looks to have "Kick Me!" written on it in foot-high letters. Shirov writes about 'fire on board' - this was nuclear fallout on board. Terrific fun, and maybe even worth trying again, though common sense hints that it wouldn't work twice.
There are two games in what seems to be called the Nescafé-Frappe in the UK these days. Since I actually had a reader request for this line, these games made the cut. We haven't had a look at the variation before, and these two examples don't do much to change verdicts. Black is well-advised to play Nbd7-b6 quickly here, otherwise things can get very sticky very fast.
The other games all feature new ideas, but even further off the beaten track. The exception is Gustafsson - Kasparov (the other one) where White disarms another attempt to create counterplay in one of the most popular theoretical variations.
The Blumenfeld [E10]:
Still quiet here - just to keep things ticking over the game Dub - Berczes is included, but it does nothing to change an assessment of dubious in a risky line for Black. There is one interesting theoretical juncture in the notes, but this also seems to indicate Black is bluffing here.
Of far greater interest is the speedy super-tussle Karpov - Topalov, which masquerades as a Benko. The early move order probably means the game is nothing more than a curiosity from the point of view of opening theory, but the plan White executes is potentially very dangerous. The way Black met White's early fianchetto on b2 was original and clever.
The Albin [D08-09]:
This gambit continues to improve its theoretical standing. Eingorn tears a vastly lower rated opponent to shreds in one of our featured games, but the game was very tense during its critical period and deserves a closer look.
Glenne - Ali provided more evidence that the lines where Black develops his bishop on g4 probably offer the best chances, or at least the position type is much harder to predict and understand. Having said that, the Eingorn game shows how painfully sharp these positions can be, with one misstep leaving Black deep in the meat grinder.
English [A40 &A50] and Owen's Defence (1...b6) [B00]:
Some big names here, but less theoretical activity than usual. The Ivanchuk games cry out for deep study. His new idea of developing normally in one of the main lines led to difficult and interesting play at the top level. At lower stratospheric heights the variation is certainly worth trying. The rest of the games in this section this time are curiosities.
One thing worth mentioning is the tactic featured in LeSiege - Herder, a very resourceful idea after a very unimpressive opening by White. I predict your eyes will open wide.
1...Nc6 [B00]
The continuing adventures of ...Nc6 addict Mestrovic involve more punishment for our hero. A deep theoretical discussion with Cebalo in a pet line ends in an emphatic win for White, but I think I spot a clear improvement - but whether that is enough to change the assessment fully is not so easy to judge.
There are two games of interest in the line with 2...e5 vs e4+d4. Comas Fabrego's attempt to secure a small but safe advantage deserves attention, though this seems like one of Black's most solid options.
Plaskett - Sherwin was a tremendously entertaining tussle. White could have played his idea in more conservative fashion and posed problems as well, so this game may well provide White with a new option in this variation.
Finally, Kosintseva - Grabuzova featured a new idea for White in the obscure but fully viable line 1.e4 Nc6 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.d4 d5 4.e5 Ng8. Black did a fine job of solving the problems that arose, but White could have posed more.
1...a6 [B00]
remains a stranger.
Please send feedback to the mailbag jt@chesspublishing.com