Download PGN of September '06 1 e4 ... games
Scandinavian Defence
In the first two games, 3...Qd6 in the Scandinavian shows just why it the move of the moment:
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In Game one Dreev deals with 5 Be3 efficiently as Black:
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and in Haslinger - Parker Black resists Haslinger's best efforts to smash him with resilient defence. This is an exciting game!
Alekhine's Defence
Game Three features an unusual Anti-Alekhine system with 4 Nc3!?:
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I doubt it will catch on, although the idea is no worse than many others.
Pirc/Modern Defence
On to Game Four and a splendid performance by Mickey Adams. Check out 10 Ne2!:
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which looks like the most precise way for White to play this variation.
Game Five is another Pirc; a Byrne variation to be precise. White's 9 e5!?:
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increases the stakes and very sharp play results.
Caro-Kann
In Game Six Polgar and Karpov slug it out in a Panov. A defect of 8 Qc2 might be that d4 is left unprotected and Karpov uses this as his equalizing theme to play 17...Qf6:
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Game Seven sees the Caro-Modern get absolutely trashed, but Speelman's over sharp 10...f6?:
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was clearly to blame. Just 10...Qa5 was indicated and Black is OK.
Finally, GM Magerramov shows his technique in Game Eight using 5...exf6, which doesn't have a very good press on this site. Nevertheless, it works well against spineless White play and here after 14...c5!:
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Black was already starting to assume the initiative.
Well, that's it for now. See 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.