December '00
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All the best for the New Year! Soon I promise I will take a closer look at the variation of the Advance Caro that proved popular in the November voting. In this update we'll investigate the latest developments in the Alekhine's. You'll also find some very recent theoretically important games in the Fantasy and Advanced Caro Kann. Very best wishes Alex Volzhin |
We begin with the 3 Nc3!? line in the Alekhine's. This line has not been as well investigated as the main lines, and White often chooses it to avoid a heavy opening theory duel.
Alekhine
AV236 This old line is not so popular nowadays, however the Ukranian GM Vladimir Baklan plays it with great success.
AV237 4 dxc3 contradicts the well-known principle of capturing "towards the centre". But it has its points. White tries to gain an advantage in development, and maybe create pressure on the d-file.
AV238 An interesting theoretical battle between two rising stars.
AV239 A very sharp move which leads to wild complications.
AV240 The latest development and, in my opinion, a good refinement.
AV242 In the Main Line of the Alekhine's, Black is currently having serious problems - certainly the statistics are very poor for him. In many lines White enjoys a small but steady edge, while Black is compelled to endure a passive defence without serious chances of counterplay. Clearly Black urgently needs new ideas, otherwise it's time to switch to another variation.
AV241 An excellent illustration of the strength of the Bishop pair in an open position.
Caro-Kann
AV243 One for the collection of obvious enough moves which turn out to be novelties!
AV244 In the 3..c5 gambit line Black has recently been trying to omit an early ...Nc6 completely. The main adherent of this line at GM level is the German Rustem Dautov.
AV245 White managed to pose Black certain problems but a lack of practical material doesn't allow us to draw any final conclusions about the strength of White's plan. Definitely this line is worth further investigation.