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It was nice to see the Triangle system in the recently finished World Title match, even though Magnus Carlsen's choice in the Marshall Gambit wasn't that topical... Vitiugov - Robson was a completely different story, although it seems that both players just failed to recall their homework, which is quite understandable when you play such a deep and complex line - I have supplied these, and also one more game in the Noteboom, with analysis taken directly from my "Triangle" book...

Download PGN of December '13 1 d4 d5 games

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Marshall Gambit 6 Nc3 [D31]

Carlsen - Anand: It was surprising and at the same time nice to see the Marshall Gambit played in the World Title match. Vishy Anand was ready to discuss the main lines but Magnus Carlsen chose a very rare path:

Thanks to his opponent's somewhat passive play White maintained some pressure but the position remained quite defendable, and only a series of inaccuracies eventually led Black to disaster.


Marshall Gambit 8 Ne2 Na6 9 Bf8 Ne7 10 Bg7 Nb4 [D31]

Vitiugov - Robson: This crucial battle (and also the match between Russia and the USA) could have ended in any result as both experts misplayed a very sharp and complex line:

... and yet it was White who finished the game with a series of decisive mistakes.



Noteboom Main line 15 Nd2 [D31]

Smirnov - Gutov: Here Black ignored White's preparations for a K-side attack with 17 d5:

and was severely punished for that.



Botvinnik Variation 6 a4 [D44]

Farago - Sevian: An interesting pawn sacrifice in reply to White's side line almost helped Black to equalise:

but he eventually failed to hold the balance in a worse ending.



Anti-Meran 8...e5 [D46]

Lysyj - Sadykov: Igor Lysyj cleverly exploited his opponent's slight inaccuracy in the opening - in fact Black's quick collapse can hardly be predicted in such a quiet and almost symmetrical line:



Meran Defence 8...Bb7 9 e4, 12 0-0 cxd4 13 Nxd4 sac [D47]

Malaniuk - Dastan: Vladimir Malaniuk caught his opponent unawares with a very rare and surprising idea of Alexander Riazantsev, 16 b3!?:

and quickly obtained a decisive advantage.



QGD Lasker Defence delayed Nf3 [D53]

Vallejo Pons-Grabarczyk: Here Francisco Vallejo Pons 'forgot' to develop his K-side knight on f3:

taking the opportunity to support his other knight on c3 when Black came up with the typical simplifying manoeuvre ...Nf6-e4xc3. Then White followed it up with Q-side castling - however, Black's position would still be solid enough if he'd kept his most useful piece on the board...



Till next month, Ruslan

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If you have any questions, then please post a message at the 1 d4 d5 Forum, or subscribers can email me at ruslan@chesspublishing.com.