Download PGN of August '13 1 d4 d5 games
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The Symmetrical Tarrasch Defence 7. Bb5 [D32]
Kramnik - Polgar: Vladimir Kramnik demonstrated that Black's task to equalise in the Symmetrical Tarrasch might not be as easy as it's supposed to be.
QGD 5.Bf4 0-0 6.e3 Nbd7 7.c5 [D37]
Svidler - Topalov: Peter Svidler preferred a sharp choice in a usually rather boring variation, 12. b5:
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and Veselin Topalov failed to either recall, or to find a solution to the problem over the board. Yet White's inaccuracy soon spoiled his advantage...
Vienna Variation 7. e5 cxd4 8. Qa4 [D39]
Sanikidze - Landa: Konstantin Landa came up with a rare idea in a sharp variation, 12...e5:
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but, surprisingly, made a wrong choice just three moves later in a position which should certainly have been part of his home preparation ... though probably not for this particular game.
Semi-Tarrasch 5. cxd5 cxd4!? [D41]
L'Ami-I.Sokolov: The variation Ivan Sokolov chose for this game always had a rather dubious reputation.
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However, Black solved his problems easily...
Jakovenko-I.Sokolov: This time Ivan Sokolov crushed a very solid 2700+ player, who seemingly came prepared against Black's tricky and dubious-looking opening choice...
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White's play can certainly be improved and he has to finally work out a more convincing approach...
Semi-Tarrasch 5. e4 Nxc3 6. bc3 c5 [D41]
Moiseenko - Romanov: The Semi-Tarrasch approach is becoming more and more popular and it's not so easy for White to obtain a tangible advantage there. Alexander Moiseenko came up with a tricky order of moves, which caused problems for Black this year, 11.Rc1:
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and eventually scored a full point. However, Black's position was quite playable...
Svidler - Bacrot: Peter Svidler managed to put pressure on his opponent and eventually gained a full point in a recently popular line, but objectively Black's position was defendable until he came up with a series of suicidal manoeuvres.
Till next month, Ruslan
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If you have any questions, then please post a message at the 1 d4 d5 Forum, or subscribers can email me at ruslan@chesspublishing.com.