Download PGN of April ’17 1 d4 d5 2 c4 games
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Queen’s Gambit Declined Exchange Variation 3...Be7 4 cxd5 5 Bf4 [D31]
Ok, in So, W - Akobian, V USA CH 2017, we have an important game in what I think is an important crossroads in the QGD for all players who prefer the orthodox approach to the Nimzo.
After 3...Be7 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4 c6 6.e3 Bf5 7.g4 Be6 8.h4 Nd7, 9.g5 is an important line and is considered to be dangerous for Black:
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This time, however, Akobian played very actively and effectively neutralized it.
QGD Ragozin Variation 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.Qa4+ [D38]
Games 2, 3, 4 and 5 concern the Ragozin.
Harikrishna is obviously specializing in the Ragozin and he plays it well. The game Ding Liren - Harikrishna, P Shenzhen 2017, was a nice effortless draw achieved with the less played idea 4...Bb4 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.Qa4+ Nc6 8.e3 0-0 9.Rc1 Rd8!?:
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QGD Ragozin Variation 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 0-0 [D38]
The game Grischuk, A - Eljanov, P Sharjah Grand Prix 2017, is of high importance and so I have had a deeper look at the line 4...Bb4 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 h6 7.Bh4 0-0 8.e3 Bf5:
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This is the most popular line at the moment and, indeed, it looks solid.
QGD Ragozin Variation 5.Qa4+ Nc6 6.e3 0-0 [D38]
4...Bb4 5.Qa4+ Nc6 6.e3 0-0 7.Bd2 is another important line, White is hoping to gain the bishop pair, or to hinder Black's potential ...e5 ideas with a fast Rd1:
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In Krasenkow, M - Piorun, K Warsaw 2017, Black played well and was never in any danger.
4...Bb4 5.Qa4+ Nc6 6.e3 0-0 7.Qc2 is similar to the previous game but there are some differences as well:
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Still, even here Black was doing OK in Erdos, V - Matlakov, M GRENKE Chess Open 2017.
Queen’s Gambit Accepted 3 e4 Nf6, 6 Bd3 Nc6 7 Ne2 [D20]
This time, in Vallejo Pons, F - Rabiega, R Bundesliga 2017, we have an important line from the QGA, 3.e4 Nf6 4.e5 Nd5 5.Bxc4 Nb6 6.Bd3 Nc6 7.Ne2 Bg4 8.Be3 e6 9.Nbc3:
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I must say that the QGA lost its popularity in recent years due to the many interesting tries that White can opt for. But it is always interesting to see these complicated positions that give Black chances as well.
Slow Slav 4.e3 Bg4 [D11]
Fedoseev, V - Najer, E Aeroflot Open A 2017, was an interesting positional game. In the well-known position in the Slav after 4.e3 Bg4 5.h3 Bh5 6.Nc3 e6 7.Qb3 Qb6 8.Nh4 Be7 9.g4 Bg6 10.Nxg6 hxg6, White opted for the little-known idea 11.Be2!?:
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This is worth some attention.
My new website is at chessmovebymove.com.
Till some other time, best wishes to all, Milos
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