Download PGN of January '05 1 e4 ... games
Scandinavian Defence
We begin with the Scandinavian and 2 games featuring 3...Qd6!?:
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, a move which I am gradually coming to like.
Stripunsky unleashes a devilish exchange sacrifice to cause enormous practical difficulties for Goldin in our first game, whilst in the second game it's a different story.
White does not employ the mechanical 5 Nf3, preferring 5 Bc4:
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He wins, but I am not convinced that this is a guaranteed route to advantage for White and I'll show you why.
Alekhine's Defence
We are pleased to have John Cox as guest annotator on the site to cover some Alekhine's Defences. John is a FIDE Master from England with a rating of 2311, and the author of the soon-to-be-published Everyman book Starting Out; The Alekhine.
In Game 3 Arakhamia meets Baburin's fashionable Miles system with a sharp and little tried line and introduces the new move 10 Bd3, boldly committing her king to the centre:
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Baburin takes up the challenge and then reacts with a speculative piece sacrifice. I'm not totally convinced this was either necessary or sound. In the event Arakhamia declines and accepts a clear Black advantage which Baburin converts nicely, but this game poses more questions than it answers.
Pirc/Modern Defence
Lots of Pirc/Modern players are on the brink of giving up their favourite opening due to the 150 Attack. My advice would be not to despair and let GM Almasi show you how to defend Black's position, as he does in Game 4. As far as I know 10...e6!?
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is a novelty.
We have 3 games this month featuring the unusual move-order 1 e4 d6 2 d4 Nf6 3 Nc3 e5!?:
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I'm not sure whether this is a Philidor or not but as it begins as a Pirc, we cover it here.
Moiseenko - Khachiyan is definitely a Larsen Philidor e.g. 4 Nf3 exd4 5 Nxd4 g6 and this is a VERY important game as far as I can see because White refutes the line with impeccable play. 6 Bf4!:
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starts the ball rolling.
Kotronias - Skembris explores the queenless ending after 4 dxe5 dxe5 5 Qxd8+ and a new idea for Black: 6...Bb4!?:
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Finally Ermenkov - Abdulaziz is one-sided to be sure but it's a fun game e.g. 21 Nd5!:
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and that's how chess should be played when all is said and done.
Caro-Kann
Two classical Caros finish the set, and White wins both. Actually, White has a very good month!
In Hracek - Rasmussen White plays beautifully against Black's slightly unusual opening line e.g. 13...Nb4!?:
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whereas Nijboer - Gegunashvili is of extreme importance to Black's survival chances in the mainline. Check out the pawn sac 15 d5!?:
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Is Black in trouble here?
Guess that's it for now and I look forward to being back with you next month.
Andrew
Please post you queries on the 1 e4 ... Forum, or subscribers can write to me at AMartin@ChessPublishing.com if you have any questions or queries.