Download PGN of October ’24 Daring Defences games
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TAQID 3.a3 Bb7 4.Nc3 Nf6 5.d5 [A50]
We start our survey with the so-called TAQID.
Now in Lashkin, Jegor - Theodorou, Nikolas TCh-ROU Superliga 2024, Black replied with the enthusiastic, but interesting 5...Na6, and as early as move 5 we got this highly unusual opening set up:
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The game was complex, but when we talk about the opening and middlegame phase Black was doing OK.
Exchange Grünfeld 7.Nf3 c5 8.Be3 Bg4 [D85]
From the other games we just deal with the ever popular Grünfeld.
In Radjabov, T - Svidler, P, TechM GCL 2024 London ENG, after 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4 Nxc3 6.bxc3 Bg7 7.Nf3 c5 8.Be3 Bg4 White replied with 9.Qa4+:
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This is an important line. In some previous updates I have already analysed an unusual idea with an early bishop to g4, as early as move 7, so such reactions are important for White because it can often transpose. In the game Black didn’t face any problems and got the better chances, although objectively it is an equal game.
Exchange Grünfeld with Nf3, 7...c5 8.Be3 Qa5 9.Qd2 [D85]
Esipenko, Andrey - Tari, A, Julius Baer Gen Cup Pl/In, continued 8...Qa5 9.Qd2 0-0 10.Rc1 Bg4 11.d5 b5:
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A popular idea and both players then followed a long theoretical path, but White knew the details better. It is an important game for many reasons, deeply understanding nuances in such an opening as the Grunfeld is important.
Exchange Grünfeld 8.Bb5+ Nc6 9.0-0 0-0 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.Qc2 cxd4 [D85] [D85]
In Bluebaum, M - Tari, A, Julius Baer Gen Cup Pl/In, we have the very popular and dangerous line that starts with 8.Bb5+ Nc6 9.0-0 0-0 10.Bxc6 bxc6 11.Qc2:
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I have already analyzed this line on a few occasions and it is a very important line to be checked, as there are novelties everywhere for both sides here. Here, after 11...cxd4 12.cxd4 Bg4 13.Ne5 Qxd4 14.Bb2 Qb6 15.Rab1 Bxe5 16.Bxe5 Qa5 17.Bc3 I analyse the latest developments in both 17...Qa6 and 17...Qc5
Exchange Grünfeld 5.Bd2 Bg7 6.e4 Nxc3 7.Bxc3 0-0 8.Qd2 [D85]
We have another popular line here in Raceanu, V - Erdos, V, TCh-ROU Superliga 2024 Mamaia ROU, where White opted for 5.Bd2 Bg7 6.e4 Nxc3 7.Bxc3 0-0 8.Qd2:
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Black used a less played idea and soon obtained a very strong game. Interesting stuff.
Grünfeld Exchange 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 0-0 10.0-0 b6 [D88]
The next two games involve the Classical Exchange line but with different approaches from Black. In this game, Peralta, Fe - Kulaots, K, 45th Olympiad 2024 Budapest, after 7.Bc4 c5 8.Ne2 Nc6 9.Be3 0-0 10.0-0 Black opted for 10...b6, a very popular choice, then White went for 11.Qd2 Bb7:
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An important game, White lost momentum creating attacking play and Black soon took over.
The Seville Variation 12.Bxf7 Rxf7 13.fxg4 Rxf1+ 14.Kxf1 [D88]
In L'Ami, E - Brunello, S, 45th Olympiad 2024 Budapest, we have the famous Seville Variation, 10...Bg4 11.f3 Na5 12.Bxf7 Rxf7 13.fxg4 Rxf1+ 14.Kxf1:
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Black knew the position well and didn’t face any problems holding the balance. Later, White played some inaccurate moves and even lost the game.
Grünfeld Defence 5.h4 c6 6.cxd5 cxd5 7.Bf4 [D90]
Again, in Hillarp Persson, T - Eriksson, Joh, TCh-SWE Elitserien Sweden, we have the popular h2-h4 plan. After the initial moves 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.h4 Black replied with the solid 5...c6 which is considered good:
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I analysed various ideas for both sides and it is far from easy, the game is complex and deserves serious study. In the game White had the upper hand after reaching a slightly favorable endgame.
Till next month, best wishes Milos.
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