What's New- September '04
|
I trust this late September 2004 update finds everyone well. This month sees a heavy emphasis on the B40-49 section for a change. Fed |
|
Hello everyone!Download PGN of September '04 Open Sicilian games
Sveshnikov/Kalashnikov Variation [B32-B33]
We start this update with Leenhouts - Zhigalko (B33) in the 7 Nd5 line vs the Sveshnikov:
             |
The main focus is on ideas where White plays c3. One point is to keep the c4 point vacant so that the knight on b5 can reroute itself there. From c4 the knight may visit b6, possibly capturing Black's light-squared bishop. As I've mentioned numerous times, the position can take on a Kings Indian feel. Sometimes Black tries the anti-positional ...f4 going all out for mate. I really don't have alot of respect for Black's attack in such a case, but White must beware. Always in search of counterplay or activity, whatever you want to call it with the Ne7 arriving on h4 in conjunction with ...f5 looks good. Just some food for thought.
Paulsen/Taimanov [B40 to B49]
I had a request from a loyal subscriber to look at the Paulsen/Kan with 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 e6 3 d4 cd4 4 Nd4 a6 5 c4!? taking space and aiming for a Maroczy Bind position:
|
|
This is seen in Parligras - Velikov (B41) where we saw Black get one of the better Hedgehog setups. White's a3 idea gives nothing but a useless space advantage. Black's maneuver ...Bd8 to c7 works only if the break ...d5 is arranged. If ...d5 never comes the bishop is misplaced and Black has zero counterplay. Black should settle for the normal business with ...Bf8.
I think Black's most testing idea is 6...Bb4!? wasting no time attacking e4. For a couple of things of interest check the 2 notes involving Shabalov-Landa. I liked Black's aggressive handling of the position in both cases. Overall I like 5 Bd3 over 5 c4 unless we're afraid of 5...Bc5 or 5...Qb6.
Next up, Lutz-C Horvath (B42) with 5...Bc5 6 Nb3 Be7 7 Qg4 g6:
|
|
At first sight GM Lutz's handling of the position looked insipid, but he surprisingly went on the offensive with 11 0-0-0!?. Black's 13...h6?! was an unnecessary weakening that led to trouble. Black could've gotten good play with 12...Nc6 planning ...Nb4 ideas, but fell into a passive situation where defense proved difficult.
Our third and final game in the Paulsen/Kan/Taimanov section is Marjanovic - Zivancic (B49) in the old 8...Bb4!? variation. The line White chose with 11 Bd3 allows ...Rb8 when Black is in good shape.
The Taimanov remains a solid Sicilian choice for those not inclined for the sharpness of a Najdorf or Sveshnikov.
Richter-Rauzer [B60 to B69]
Lets move over to the Richter Rauser section with Fluvia Poyatos-Aloma Vidal (B67).
From the looks of things lately, Black has been taking a beating in this variation. First 9 f3 was wreaking havoc now 9 f4 has added to Black's misery:
|
|
What happens to Black is serious light-squared difficulties and a lack of counterplay. White made it look easy as well. As a life long Black side Rauser player these developments make me wonder.
Najdorf [B90 to B99]
Our lone Najdorf English Attack (B90) Bromberger - Berczes saw the stubbornness continue with 6...Ng4:
|
|
Lets face it folks, Black hasn't been having a good time in this line. In this game White was in good shape in the early going, but gave Black some chances. One problem Black encounters is the inability to deal with White's unopposed light-squared bishop. Here after Black didn't play ...Nxd3 White's Bb1 lived and decided the issue.
6...e5 continues by far and away as the most played vs the English Attack.
Thanks everyone! My boss told me to catch up and get on time. See everyone at my hopefully not too late October update.
Adios, GM John Fedorowicz
P.S. Feel free to contact me at the Forum (above) or send stuff to my email at feddy@mindspring.com (subscribers only). I'll try to answer your questions as soon as possible. I've had problems replying when contacted through Chess Publishing at thefed@chesspublishing.com. Thanks! Fed.