April '00 Update
QGD Exchange with Ne2I have finally completed a new section "QGD Exchange with Ne2". It took more time that I expected because I have somewhere lost (and still hope to find...) one of my favourite copy-books - exactly about this system. It contains invaluable old analysis and many interesting ideas which were discovered during some training camps together with my teacher - GM Alexander Panchenko, who is one of the leading experts in this variation. Anyway, no problem, my memory is not too bad and I hope you enjoy the new material! |
April 2000 Update
Anti-Moscow
RS197 A serious attempt at refutation of Black's new early ...Nf6-h5 set-up and indeed this game really does seem to put Black's idea under a cloud...
Moscow
RS196 The plan with 7 g3 is known not to be too dangerous for Black, but he has to know what to do. Here it was probably a mild surprise for Vishy Anand, who reacted with a new but probably inaccurate move...
Meran
RS193 The variation 6...Bd6 is perceived as a rather passive continuation. However it is still not clear how White can obtain a tangible advantage. In this game Black was allowed to try an interesting option but a little surprise awaited him...
RS194 The variation 9 a3 is known to be not so dangerous for Black, but very careful play is required- as this game shows, a moment of relaxation could cost the game.
RS195 In a position where there are many complex variations, White tries to confuse his opponent with a rare continuation. However it is Black who comes up with a new and interesting idea- castling Q-side after which all his pieces quickly become active.
Anti-Meran
RS189 Here we meet a rather unusual approach to counter the sharp 7. g4!? Instead of capturing this pawn or making any developing moves Black moves his Bishop again! Moreover he exchanges it for a Knight, but who will then cover the dark squares in Black's camp? Strangely enough things are far from clear...
RS190 In a rather sharp line Black sacrifices a piece for a couple of pawns and achieves good compensation. A high quality game despite the fact that it was played both rapid and blindfold!
Mainslav
RS192 Here White tries something a little different and poses some problems for Black...
Botvinnik
RS191 In the game Nimzo 7.32 - Rebel Century, Cadaqu 2000 White cast some doubts on Sergey Ivanov's idea, having defeated Black in a crazy endgame of "pawns versus two Rooks". But it still looks to be beyond human comprehension so some players prefer clearer ways. Valery Filippov's piece sacrifice was actually not a novelty as it had already been evaluated as "leads to unclear play" in some analyses but he probably had an idea in mind.