January 2001
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Hi and once again welcome to the monthly update. It's been a busy and creative month of chess and the games reflect a number of new or unusual ideas. Please remember that if YOU would like your favourite variation featured or discussed, you have only to contact me at AMartin@chesspublishing.com and I will be pleased to look it over. Until next time, very best wishes. Andrew Martin |
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Main Games
Classical
Is KID735 Grandmaster draw number 2539 or a useful theoretical contribution? The viewer decides........
After the 8...Re8?! of KID738 the traditional recipe would be 9 d5, hoping that the Rook on e8 is unfavourably positioned. It's a bit surprising that Shipov rejects this golden opportunity.
The lovely game KID739 shows that, in the main line, 9 b4 is still the move most to be feared.
In the 7...Na6 line of KID740 as long as Black avoids the shallow 12...f5 his position is reasonable.
KID742 is a fine game from the supposedly lower-rated player.
Four Pawns
In KID737 Black tries 9...a6!?, a provocative move which, while it works well here, isn't really very good.
Fianchetto
KID736 features 8 Nc2!?, a rare continuation showing that White isn't only limited to the hackneyed 8 Nc3. It's positionally correct; with more space, the pieces are retained.
Sick and tired of the Fianchetto Variation? Let me introduce you to the delights of ...c6 and ...a6, KID741 a multi-puprose line that can be used against virtually anything. Is it any good though? The opponent will think so, that's for sure and I know of no refutation as long as you stick to the less aggressive White systems. For instance, against the Four Pawns attack forget it!
Samisch
KID734 Black prepared a pawn sacrifice typical of these positions. However, the evaluation is a question of temperament- Seirawan was quite happy with White's game.
Miscellaneous Lines
KID743 it's no surprise to me to see Stuart Conquest trying 4...Bf5. Frankly,he will try anything once! And it just might unsettle theory boffin Ftacnik who has mastered his repertoire inside out.
There's plenty more in this update, including the usual selection of HOT games (without commentary or analysis)