Download PGN of May '12 1 d4 d5 games

>> Previous Update >>

Black's early ...d5xc4 approach in the Slav Defence, 4...Be6 [D11]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. Nf3 c6 4. e3 Be6:

Kharitonov - Hasangatin: Here White came up with an ambitious approach which leads to a rather complex position, 5.Nc3!?:

It actually brought him a clear advantage in the ending, so Black has to find something more convincing in the opening...

Melkumyan - Grigoryan: White's passive-looking knight retreat quickly led to a decisive initiative, but Black's play can be improved.

Adhiban - Golod: Black left his c4-pawn to the mercy of fate but was still able to obtain decent counter chances thanks to his clever pawn sacrifice. Nonetheless, White's chances look preferable in this line...

Blomqvist - Hammer: White's modest approach 5.Qc2 can only promise him a slight edge:

but some players will certainly be satisfied with that...

Kurnosov - Bogdanovich: Black quickly collapsed here but White's approach is fairly interesting even if Black is able to improve his play in the opening...

Matlakov - Grigoryan: White came up with a simple approach in this game. He just continued his K-side development, obtained very good compensation for the pawn, and quickly punished Black for his inaccurate exchange. However, the line should be playable for Black.

4...b5 [D11]

Igor Khenkin has an excellent score in a line which looks fairly suspicious for Black, 4...b5. White's chances always look preferable but the complexity of the position gives Black decent counter chances and makes it difficult to play without mistakes. Here we'll take a look at some of Igor's victories:

Neverov - Khenkin: Here White got somewhat the better chances but then lost his way and collapsed under the pressure.

Legde - Khenkin: White's play looked very active, but in fact Black was never in serious trouble, while his powerful Q-side passers were just waiting for their moment:

Leutwyler - Khenkin: Despite White's rather low rating he played very well in the initial part of this game and gave Black serious problems. The ELO difference eventually told, but White's opening approach might be a real headache for advocates of this line for Black...

Till next month, Ruslan

>> Previous Update >>

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.