What's New- May '03
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Hello everyone! I hope this late May 2003 update finds all my chess friends around the world healthy and happy! |
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To download the May '03 Open Sicilian games directly in PGN form, just click here: 
Paulsen/Taimanov [B40 to B49]
Lets start in the English Attack area, but with the Taimanov variation move-order, see Game 1.
Arizmendi Martinez has been scoring well in this variation. Here Valensi playing Black chooses the most dubious system he can play. This pawn snatch (see Polgar J-Horvath from an earlier update) gives White a tremendous initiative. My preference continues to be Black's play in Shytaj-Lazarev from many updates ago.
Classical Sozin/Two Knights [B56 to B59]
Grafl - Boros from the B56 section probably belongs in one of the English Attack sections.
Here I go again! I'm always ranting and raving about ...Qb6 ideas. Black could've gotten a nice position with no sweat.
            
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Black's last move, 9...d5!? is meant to equalize, but White's lead in development gives him an edge. White could've tried 12 c4 gaining space and keeping Black bottled up, but he opted for 12 Nb3?! when White still obtained slightly the better of it.
Richter-Rauzer [B60 to B69]
Next for this late update sees Game 3, where Richter Rauser hero Zdenko Kozul defeat the Belgium GM Alberto David in typical fashion.
Black takes over the dark squares, runs his king around and wins easily. I think White should trade on e6 early on then annoy Black's e6 point. Although I'm a Rauser player I don't trust Black's position myself. An important thing is to know your stuff no matter how strange it is!
Scheveningen [B80 to B89]
Kobalia - Vitiugov sees one of my all time favorites (mostly from the white side): the Keres Attack in the B81 section. 6 g4 vs the straight Scheveningen: 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 e6 or d6 3 d4 cd4 4 Nd4 Nf6 5 Nc3 e6 or d6 6 g4.
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White's pawn push is a space gaining move that very often leads to an attack. Black has good counterattacking possibilities with alert and accurate play.
I think Black's best plan starts with 6...Nc6, and 6...a6 is interesting as well. In our game Black made one fishy move and White gained a grip Black couldn't break.
Next on our agenda is Fernando - Mateo from the B86 Najdorf/Sozin.
We see Black try 7...Nbd7!? which is my preference. Although I didn't like the way Black handled the position at all.
My interpretation of the position was that Black should try to get queenside play going. Black could've given 9...b5! a try (all the tactics favor Black) or 11...b5!? which was his last chance for active play. After White's 12 g4! Black's pieces are out of position to meet White's sudden pawn storm.
Najdorf [B90 to B99]
Lets start off the Najdorf section with the popular and topical English Attack. Maybe I go nuts on this, but on 6 f3 doesn't 6...Qb6 misplace White's knight from d4? How can that be bad?
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What Berkes played certainly isn't bad, but he cracked under the pressure. Shirov's piece sacrifice is losing steam. Black is finding some nice resources.
Almasi - Berkes was looking pretty good for White not long ago, now the shoe is on the other foot. Black is getting more and more in tune with the tricks and with Fritz's help is on the verge of refutation.
Game 2 in the B90 English Attack section is Lahno - Palac where White gave up a pawn for the bishop pair and Black became passive with bad minor pieces as well.
If I'm playing Black I'm not touching this position with a ten foot pole. If we look at earlier updates we'll see White having his way.
Thanks for tuning in everyone!
I'll see you all at my late June update!
Adios, 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.