What's New- March '03
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Hello everyone! I hope this update finds everyone well. |
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Welcome to my late March 2003 intro. We have a nice mixed bag of stuff.
To download the March '03 Open Sicilian games directly in PGN form, just click here: 
Sveshnikov/Kalashnikov Variation [B32-B33]
Leko - Kramnik sees a preview of their upcoming world championship reunification cycle match. Both guys play the Sveshnikov so I'm hopeful for some good theoretical discussions.
What Kramnik played in this game looks like Black's best in the Nd5 variation where White plays f3.
Paulsen/Taimanov [B40 to B49]
I'm still not convinced with the Be3, f3 setup against the Taimanov move order. Black's position is too flexible allowing a variety of plans.
In Campora - Vallejo Pons White never found the correct plan and drifted into an inferior game. One thing to note is that White must be careful when a3 is played as it loosens the queenside making 0-0-0 dangerous.
Richter-Rauzer [B60 to B69]
We'll begin with my exhibition game with Shabalov. It's 9 f3 that's been giving us Rauser players headaches and sleepless nights.
            
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I've been waiting for years for another tryout in the Richer-Rauzer. He kicked my rear at the 2000 US Championship and I've been patching things up ever since. I won the coin flip, but took the Black pieces anyway. (I wouldn't do that in a real game! There's a big difference between White and Black vs Shabalov).
A couple of points. I think 12...Ne5 was better than 12...Qc7. Black might be able to omit ...Qc7 gaining an important tempo. 16...Neg4 controlling the kingside is best. 16...Nc4?! gives White the better game. I was keeping an eye on White's e5 breaks as that seems to be the only plan.
Scheveningen [B80 to B89]
The next group of games features 3 English Attacks of various kinds.
Black's opening play in Paehtz - Sarbok left alot to be desired, where many ideas were mixed leading to a disaster.
At this point in time I'm preferring the ...e5 lines for Black, at least vs the classical 2 knight's with ...d6. When one plays the Richter Rauser as I do keeping an eye on the f3 lines is a must.
Mortensen - Von Bahr for some reason says B82, but is a Benko System Sozin that transposes.
I've been playing the Benko System since the 1975 World Open where I got mated by a Venezuelan IM named Jose Gutierrez in a Velimirovic Attack. I'd have to say that's why I like forcing knights on d4 back to b3 or other passive posts.
Najdorf [B90 to B99]
I'm always on the lookout for important theoretical games in topical lines. Yakovich - Komiagina fit's the bill.
Black's 12...Ne5!? deserves serious consideration.
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I'm not sure I believe it, but computers love Black's game and the chess toasters are good in tactical melees.
In Acs-J Polgar White gives 6 f3 a run, but in my opinion 6...Qb6!? is alright for Black (can it be bad to send White's knight on d4 back to b3?)
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Polgar has had some experience in this line. I recall 1 game vs Grischuck and Kasparov playing Black vs Grishuck was very nice for Black. Both these games were in earlier updates.
From time to time I cover important events for Chess.fm and the ICC chessclub. Check your local listings to hear my Bronx NY accent!
Hope to see you all very soon with my not too late April update.
GM John Fedorowicz
If anybody has any questions please contact me at the Forum (above) or 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.