April 2001
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Greetings! As well as the round up of latest games, I have compiled a survey on the critical line 1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 Bg5 Ne4, which topped the voting in the March poll. Best wishes Aaron Summerscale aaron@chesspublishing.com
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Theoretical Survey:
Torre Attack:
1 d4 d5 2 Nf3 Nf6 3 Bg5 Ne4
            
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There is no doubt about it. This variation represents the critical test for the would-be Torre player, who wants an all encompassing repertoire. I feel that White's best chance for getting an advantage are in the relatively unexplored sidelines. In this survey I will be pooling relevant games already included on the site, together with new material. This should ensure that this variation can be played with confidence by either colour.
I would say that 1...d5 and 2...Nf6 remains Black's best way of dealing with the Torre attack. I would advise the aspiring White player to closely scrutinize the lines begining with 6 Nc3, as these will certainly throw your opponent off balance.
I will be happy to annotate the games of anyone willing to take up the gauntlet in this 6 Nc3 line!
Torre Attack
APR01/04 Two heavyweights slog it out and White gives a fine display of positional mastery before cashing in his chips.
APR01/05 Mark Hebden gives another masterclass in making International opposition look ordinary.
APR01/08 Black strays from the recommended path and is soon paying the ultimate price for his folly. This attempt at avoiding the main line with 9...Ne4 works out badly for Black.
Nice work if you can get it!
Trompowsky
APR01/01 The 2...e6 system continues to be all the rage against the Tromp. Instead of following the fashion with 5.c3, White plays Hodgson's old favourite and is rewarded with a victory to savour.
APR01/02 Black plays with fire and ends up getting his fingers burnt. 5...c5 is Black's sharpest choice, but it entails considerable risk, because it encourages White to immediately expand further in the centre.
White finishes his opponent off with great style. A must for king hunt enthusiasts.
London System
APR01/03 In my opinion, playing c4 is the only way to try for an advantage in the London system against the King's Indian.
White's basic plan, as so often in the King's Indian, is to throw his Queenside pawns forward to create positional weaknesses. The advantage White has here is that it is much more difficult for Black to generate a kingside attack.
Colle
APR01/06 The Colle and the Colle-Zukertort are perfectly respectable openings, but they often have different aims. In the following game, White tries to get the best of both worlds, and ends up getting confused and going home with nothing!
APR01/07 White's play initially looks a little strange before you spot the sneaky trap he has prepared for his unsuspecting opponent. Take a look -- I have a feeling there will be more victims in the future!
Anti-Colle
APR01/09 White tries an interesting idea against one of the most solid Black systems. Black's play leaves a lot to be desired, but even so, a useful addition to the White armoury.