What's New- July '02
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Hello all! Hope this update finds everyone well. |
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All this month's new games are easily downloaded in PGN format using ChessPub.exe, but you can also download the July '02 Open Sicilian games directly in PGN form, just click here: 
Sveshnikov/Kalashnikov Variation [B32-B33]
With the 7 Bg5 line not proving much I'm on the lookout for 7 Nd5!? vs the Sveshnikov
            
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so here's another one: Matulovic may have gotten an advantage vs Milanovic, but I think he had good alternatives. One thing Leko-Krasenkow (last month) showed us is that White can swap dark-squared bishops. With that in mind we can search for other ideas in the spirit of the King's Indian defense. I've already tried out 7 Nd5 in blitz games with good success so perhaps we can get the ball rolling in a new direction.
Paulsen/ Taimanov [B40 to B49]
Having trouble as White vs the Taimanov variation? Then this should catch your attention: the English Attack setup gets more practice from the top flight GM's.
In both Topalov-Lutz and Kasimdzahov-J Polgar White emerged with impressive victories. Both with 6 Be3!?
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and then playing á la English Attack with 0-0-0.
In Topalov-Lutz Black's ...Bb4 and b5 looks like a bad mix while in the other game Polgar could have been ok with 9...Ne5!?. Another idea could be 8...Ng4 when White must try 9 Bf4 with complications. It's good to see some fresh stuff even if it means going back in time!
We see the German GM Lutz vs Shirov make a significant improvement over his game with Topalov. Black's ...Ne7 essentially forced White's reply Nde2 when Black has a reasonable game. Although Black eventually lost, the opening phase was a tossup.
Richter-Rauzer [B60 to B69]
Black wins a game vs 9 f3 in the Richter Rauser!
In Weinzettl-Cabrilo Black won in convincing fashion, aided in part by White's suspect 11 Bc4?!. The idea of clogging the g4 squares appears to be Black's best approach while avoiding the Nxc6 followed by Ne2 to d4. Black should try the plan of ...Qc7 and ...Ne5 before playing ...b5. Another thing in Black's favor is that on f4 ideas g4 is wide open for one of the knights.
If anybody has any questions please contact me at feddy@mindspring.com and I'll do my best to help out. I've had problems replying when contacted through Chess Publishing at thefed@chesspublishing.com.
See you all in August...Till then play well, GM John