October '00 Update
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This month we'll consider some recent games in the Center Counter and Caro Kann - in particular I'll be taking a closer look at a once rare but now increasingly popular line 3...Qd8 in the Center Counter, as was requested by your emails. All the best Alex Volzhin |
Center-Counter
AV220 An important novelty by White although in spite the convincing win in this game it would be premature to draw definite conclusions since the position is very complicated and Black has possibilities to improve...
AV221 Nowadays the old move 10...Na5 is becoming more and more popular. The reason is that Black has been suffering serious problems with 10...Ne7.
AV222 The line we considered in AV134 JAN00 is becoming more and more popular and recent practice proves Black has difficult problems to solve here.
AV223 This plan against 3...Qd8 combined with a kingside fianchetto is considered as the best nowadays. The idea is to prevent a black knight manoeuvre to the f5-square via h6.
AV224 Black's plan of developing his light-squared Bishop to the f5-square is much more popular nowadays and it's not easy for White to prove an advantage.
AV225 An interesting attempt to fight for an opening advantage. White intends to transfer the rook to the e3-square threatening h4-h5, and meanwhile the Knight on c3 is "overprotected" which is important in many lines.
Caro-Kann
1 e4 c6 2 d5 d5 3 Nc3 dxe4 4 Bc4
            
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AV216 A very rare gambit line which has never occured in games at the top level according to my database. The ideas of this line are similar to Blackmar-Diemer Gambit (1 d4 d5 2 e4 dxe4 3 Nc3 Nf6). By playing f2-f3 on the next move White opens the f-file and tries to obtain an early attack (the f7-square is usually the main target). However Black has very solid defensive resources and I believe this line is dubious for White.
AV217 In spite of the convincing win I don't think this line is really dangerous for Black although the position is very complicated and both sides can improve. Undoubtedly we can expect new games in this line.
AV218 The latest development against one of Black's main weapons in the Smyslov System. Lots of games have been played and this plan has confirmed it's viability.
AV219 It seems after many unsuccessful attempts in this line White finds the correct plan: to undermine Black's pawn chain on the Q-side. If he succeeds Black's defence is very hard. Now it's Black turn to improve.