Download PGN of September '04 Dragon Sicilian games

Both games feature 12...b5:

But whereas:

Faraoni - Lalic: promised so much more,

Bakre - Kadziolka: definitely delivered!

Meanwhile:

Salmon - Pogonina: is an old fashioned Soltis Variation:

in which White gets nothing, but in

Sammalvuo - Forsaa: he definitely does. A familiar theme employed this time courtesy of 9 g4:

Despite claims that the Dragon has been all analysed out, new ideas continue to surface. I'm always suspicious when they involve pawn moves (rather than piece play) for Black and I doubt that the 9 0-0-0 a5:

of

Prodescu - Bailey: is going to take off!

Ghinea - Pokorny: was also painfully slow for Black, too, and serves as a warning to players intending to employ this ...a6 and ...b5 idea. Don't castle too soon!

Another early pawn move in ...b5 has been queried recently and without giving anything away I will be taking a look at that in the next update.

Until then

Chris

To get in touch with me, either leave a message for me on the Dragons Forum, or email me at Chris Ward@ChessPublishing.com (for subscribers only!)