Download PGN of February '05 1 e4 ... games
Scandinavian Defence
First up a game from Australia, where 2...Nf6 in the Scandinavian bites back, although 3 d4 Bg4 4 Be2?!:
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is hardly a very stiff test. Nevertheless, this is exactly the type of move that one meets below master level and Black's method of assault is well worth studying.
Alekhine's Defence
Moving to the Alekhine we find Harriet Hunt in good form in the second game. She starts modestly with 5...c6 6 Be2!:
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but soon builds up a nice advantage. As far as I can see 6...Bf5 is Black's only equalizing chance against this quiet beginning. Wasn't played here!
Pirc/Modern Defence
Zufic - Nevednichy is a typical 'Modern mess'. Despite the eventual loss, watch out for Black's improvement 9...Nb6!?:
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Korotlyev then demonstrates that 5...c5 against the Austrian Attack is alive and well in Game 4. Check out his active position after 18....Rac8.
Caro-Kann
1 e4 c6 2 d4 Na6?! continues not to impress and Black gets a right old pounding in our featured game. White makes no attempt to refute the opening, concentrating on a solid edge after 3 Nc3 Nc7 4 Bd3! d5 5 Nf3 Bg4 6 h3!:
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That's the right way to play against this unusual stuff.
Returning to the Caro proper, three more games complete the set.
In Pilaj - Lendwai, Black gets mown down in a 'quiet' exchange line.
In the Panov-Botvinnik, Milov gives us all a lesson on manoeuvering in a quiet position in Game 7. It looks like nothing for White after 13 a3:
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but the subsequent play is both accurate and, in its own way, beautiful. This is my favourite game of the month.
Then we finish with Kasparov - Bareev from the recent Russian Championship, a fighting struggle from first to last. White is by no means better after 22...Rd4!:
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but displays superior will to win.
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