“If you want to play for a draw, don’t leave anything to chance. Just force either a completely drawn ending or a perpetual.”
Magnus Carlsen
This variation has made a comeback in recent years. About 15 years ago it was considered well known theory that brings nothing much to White. Of course this was a bit excessive because the top players knew and still used it. The best example is the first two games below. Kramnik was White in the first one, and Black in the second one. There could be many reasons why a player of his stature would play it when they did. For what it matters to us, it just shows that we should not put so much value into any labels as “drawish opening” or such.
If you want to know more about the latest ideas in this variation, here
is a very nice article about the detailed analysis of GM Dorian Rogozenko. This could complement nicely the games below. I find it fascinating how years ago this was considered a drawish line, while these days it has become the newest trend. Without further ado, let dive into them.
Eugen Demian
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Author: Valer Eugen Demian
The player – my first serious chess tournament was back in 1974, a little bit late for today’s standards. Over the years I have had the opportunity to play all forms of chess from OTB to postal, email and server chess. The journey as a player brought me a lot of experience and a few titles along the way: FIDE CM (2012), ICCF IM (2001) and one ICCF SIM norm (2004). The instructor – my career as a chess teacher and coach started in 1994 and continues strong. I have been awarded the FIDE Instructor title (2007) for my work and have been blessed with great students reaching the highest levels (CYCC, NAYCCC, Pan-Am, WYCC). I am very proud of them! See my website for more information. I have developed my own chess curriculum on 6 levels based on my overall chess knowledge and hands-on experience. A glimpse of it can be seen in my first chess app:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/chessessentials/id593013634?mt=8
I can help you learn chess the proper way if this is what you seek! View all posts by Valer Eugen Demian
