Download PGN of August '05 KID games
The Bayonet attack
This time allow me to start with my recent game, Mikhalevski, V - Nataf, IA, Montreal International 2005. In the diagram you can see Black's surprising novelty in a well-known position of the Bayonet attack-12...Rb8:
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It's always interesting to see a new idea in a position which was played thousands of times. I believe Igor Alexandre picked it up in the Women's European Team Championship 2005. Even if the idea is wrong White will have to prove it, which I haven't succeeded in doing in my home analysis, so I believe it is worth further tests.
Our next game, Pelletier, Y - Nakamura, H, GM Biel 2005, is a nice performance from the Swiss GM.
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White has chosen the line with 13.b5, which I believe doesn't promise any real advantage, but Black decided to go his own way and soon found himself in a worse version of the 13.Bb2-line with an exchange sacrifice on e5. It has to be said that after this sacrifice Yannick left his young, but very dangerous opponent no chances whatsoever. Still the game doesn't change my evaluation of the 13.b5-line since Black didn't play the best way.
The Orthodox with 7...Na6
The game Avrukh, B - Bojkov, D, 34th TCh-GRE 2005 featured a rare, but interesting line, which was discussed in detail on our KID forum (thanks to Tommy Curry for this):
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By playing 10.c5 White starts a forcing operation in the centre which leads to unclear consequences. Black's reaction in this game was dubious and he soon found himself in a slightly inferior position. After a number of inaccuracies White obtained a position with Q+N vs Q+B, which he converted to a win in style.
Next game is another powerful performance from the Swiss GM. See Pelletier, Y - Volokitin, A, GM Biel 2005.
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This time the line with 8. Re1 was played, which however was followed by 9.Be3. This idea is a mix of two plans. Andrei answers it with the typical 9...Ng4, but after 10. Bg5 replied with 10...Bf6, which is already a new idea. White reacted in the most natural way and it seemed that his advantage was serious, but Black found a number of precise moves and kept the balance.
The Orthodox with 7...Nbd7
The game Gymesi, Z - Smirin, I, 15th ETC, Gothenburg 2005 saw the popular line with 8.Be3 and 9.Qc2:
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The diagram position arose after 10...h6. This way Black prevents Bg5 and thus prepares ...Ng4. Already a few moves later White committed an inaccuracy which cost him the initiative. Black succeeded in trading two white bishops for his knights and then won a pawn, but it was never easy to convert this advantage into a win and eventually the game ended by perpetual. The game is a good example of Black's plans in typical positions.
The Orthodox with 7...Nh5
The rare line with the early ...Nh5 occurred in the game Werle, J - Shtyrenkov, V, Open A Pardubice 2005.
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Most likely that Werle was unaware that the current line exists and so didn't react in the best way. The position of the diagram arose a few moves later, after 11.g3?, which blunders a pawn. It's weird that Black then also missed this in his favourite line - I hope you won't have a problem finding this winning trick... After missing this idea Black could only equalize, but White helped a lot with a number of mistakes, which allowed Black to take the initiative again and this time to lead the game to its logical outcome.
Though the line with 7...Nh5 is a bit dubious it may take someone by surprise.
The Gligoric System
The next game is a mix of several systems. So don't be surprised that I decided to call it the Gligoric system. You can also call it the Petrosian or even the Orthodox system with 7...Nbd7. Now back to business with Kantsler, B - Smirin, I, Maccabiah Super 2005.
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White played a rare line of the Petrosian system with Be3 instead of Bg5, at least this is what arose on the board since Be3 was played even before d5. Black came along with a new idea, but White could maintain a small advantage, but allowed Black to develop an initiative on the kingside. With the last inaccurate move 25.Qd4?? (the second time in this game that White makes this move and second time it's wrong!) White loses the game. Try to find the beautiful conclusion of the game.
After all the line is playable for White, but I don't think it will become popular in the near future.
The Fianchetto System
Our last game in this update, Bauer,Ch-Seeman,T, 15th ETC featured a rare line of the Fianchetto variation.
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With the last move 8.e3 White avoids the main theoretical lines and turns the game to a less-explored direction. Soon Black starts to err and gets a passive position with a lack of counterplay. Bauer doesn't leave his opponent a single chance and brings the game to a well-deserved win.
Despite being rather uncommon the line is poisonous.
Enjoy the issue and see you in September.
Victor
Don't hesitate to share your thoughts and suggestions with me. Any queries or comments to the KID Forum, or to me directly at Victor@ChessPublishing.com (subscribers only) would be most welcome.