Gelfand's failure to achieve anything after 4.g3 Nd4 saw him switch to 4.a3 in the key game of this mini-match. The 'dullitude' of this line was confirmed by Vitiugov - Grischuk with Black's 15.Qb4 making it even harder for White to achieve anything: Gelfand and Vachier Lagrave had something of a theoretical duel in it with Gelfand's later switch to 4.a3 rather implying that Black won the battle, see Game 3. There have been a few recent games in this line and it is looking very solid for Black. He should probably have settled for 16.bxc6 rather than his overly inventive 16.Nc4 and found himself defending a difficult endgame later on. Kiril Georgiev's pawn sac in Game 2 against Granda Zuniga has been played before, though knowing Granda's distaste for extensive opening preparation I guess his 14th move was worked out at the board. Kramnik plays the mainline 16.a4!?:īut his passive follow-up lets White gradually assume the initiative, see Game 1. This line continues to prove popular at the highest level and Magnus Carlsen used it to defeat Vladimir Kramnik in his key victory in the London Chess Classic. He is an acknowledged expert on 1.Download PGN of January '10 Flank Openings games Besides his playing accomplishments he is an experienced chess coach with an ability to explain chess ideas players of any level. Nigel Davies has been an International Grandmaster since 1993 and is a former British Open Quickplay and U21 Champion. Not only do such variations score heavily in club chess, they are also a lot of fun to play! He also places the onus on attacking lines for White, often featuring him castling queenside and then charging up the kingside. On this DVD Davies examines the modern treatment of the Italian with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 followed by 4.d3 and then usually c3. This makes it highly suitable for players who do not have the time to engage in ongoing maintenance of their opening systems. Unlike the Ruy Lopez, which features many sharp theoretical variations, the emphasis in the Italian Game is on knowing where the pieces belong and understanding key plans and ideas. In recent years the Italian Game has undergone a renaissance, transforming it from the Cinderella of 1.e4 openings into a major system which offers excellent chances for White to gain the advantage.Īccordingly it has found favour with some of the World`s top players including Garry Kasparov, Vladimir Kramnik, Sergei Tiviakov, Viktor Bologan, Sergei Movsesian, Michael Adams and Boris Gelfand.

USCF Plastic Tournament Chess Combinations.

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