1

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

D00 1.d4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

1 ... Nc3 d5 e4 f4!?3 Bb5+ a4!5

Nf6 c51 g62 d6 Bg7 Nfd74 0-0
6


2 ... Nc3 e4 d5 Nge2 Nf4 Nfxd5

d5 c57 dxe4 Nf68 e69 exd510 Nxd511 

3 ... ... Bf4 e3 f3 g4 h4

... c6 Nf612 Bf513 e614 Bg6 h515 

4 ... ... Bf4 f316 Qd2!?17 g4! h4

... Nf6 Bf5 e6 Be718 Bg6 h519 

5 ... ... ... e320 exd4 Bd3!?23 Nge224

... ... c5 cxd421 a622 Nc6 e6!25 

6 ... ... ... e3 h326 Nf3 Be2

... ... g6 Bg7 0-0 c5! Nc6
27
=

7 ... ... ... Qd2!? Bh6 Bxg730 e331

... ... ... Bg728 0-029 Kxg7 c5!32 =
 2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 ... ... ... e3 h434 g4 Bg2

... ... a6 e633 c5!35 Qa5!36 Nc6
37
=

9 ... ... ... Nb538 e340 Nf342 h4!44

... ... e6 Na639 Be741 0-043 c645 

10 ... ... ... ... c3 a446 Na3!?48

... ... ... Bb4+ Ba5 a647 c649
1
2...g6 3.e4! If you play the Jobava 11.Nxd8 Bf2+ 12.Kd2 Be3+= );
London, you should also be C) 6.dxc5 The most interesting
prepared against the Pirc. 3...d6 direction, in my opinion. Also,
4.f4!? This is our suggestion. We have White doesn't need to remember
analyzed it in "1.e4 Practical too many forcing lines here.
repertoire according to Jobava, part 6...Qa5! This is Black's idea,
5" . O n ce ag a in , I wi l l s ho w yo u attacking both the c5 and e4
some key directions, and then you pawns. 7.Qd3!? A rare line that has
can dig by yourself or check our been played for the first time in
other course. 4...Bg7 5.Nf3 0-0 1957! So, the news is not about the
We have seen what happens after move but more about evaluating the
5. . . c 5 . B y p l a yi n g 5 .. . 0 0 , B l a c k a r r a n g i n g p o s i t i o n s . ( 7.Bd3
intends to continue with c7-c5 in a I s t h e m a i n l i n e . Qxc5 8.Qe2
better version. But I think here Black has a decent
[ 5...c5!? A concrete line with a lot of game after 0-0 9.Be3 Qa5 10.0-0
history behind it, more than 10.000 Bg4 Of course, the position is very
games have been played here. rich, and White has for sure a small
A) 6.d5 0-0= Is good for Black. He plus, but from the practical point of
will play e6 next and once dxe6- view, Black also has his own
Bxe6 happens he will then develop chances. ) 7...Qxc5 ( 7...0-0?
his Nb8 on c6.; Not a great move, because after
B) 6.Bb5+ Is White's main line, but 8.Qb5!; 7...dxc5? Is bad again at
after Bd7 7.e5 Ng4 It is tough to l e a s t b e c a u s e o f 8.e5 ) 8.Be3
prove something. Qa5 ( 8...Qc7? Black tries to avoid
B1) 8.Bxd7+ Qxd7 9.h3!? the queen's exchange, but White
Could be a rare interesting line. has a concrete way to get an
( 9.d5 dxe5 10.h3 e4! ); a d v a n t a g e h e r e . 9.e5!
B2) 8.e6 fxe6 9.Ng5 Bxb5 A very logical move. After Black
10.Nxb5!? Is possible, but moves his Nf6, White will have Nd5
Black's position is not bad after c o m i n g w i t h t e m p o .) 9.Qb5+!
10..Qa5+. ( A famous draw by T h e i d e a b e h i n d 7 . Q d 3 . Qxb5
r e p e t i t i o n i s 10.Nxe6 Bxd4 10.Bxb5+ In the past, this endgame
 3

was considered fine for Black, but c7-c6 next, and he has an excellent
nowadays, engines have shown game, probably already slightly better
s o m e i n t e r e s t i n g wa ys t o p o s e for him. 8.0-0 ( 8.Be2 c6! 9.a3
problems. ] Na6 ) 8...Nxd3 9.Qxd3 c6 ]
6.Bd3! Bd3 is a move that works very [ 7.Be3 Ng4! 8.Bg1 e5! Black is
well against c5 ideas. immediately fine. ]
[ 6.Be2?! c5! Where Black is [ 7.0-0 Is White's main continuation.
immediately fine. ] e5! ( 7...Bg4 Would not be a problem,
6...Nc6! Black's best continuation and here I like White's position after 8.e5
the only move that theoretically dxe5 9.dxe5 Nd5 10.h3 Nxc3
a l l o ws h i m t o a i m f o r e q u a l i t y . 11.bxc3 Bf5 12.Ba3 ) 8.d5!?
Although 6...Nc6 cannot be outright This could be an interesting attempt.
refuted; we have several The arranging positions are
challenging lines to explore. Instead complicated from a strategic point of
of focusing on a single view, but White is a bit better. ( 8.fxe5
recommendation, I have provided a W h i t e ' s m o s t c o m m o n m o ve , b u t
co mp r eh e n s i ve o ver vi e w o f t h e Black is immediately fine. dxe5 9.d5
va r i a t i o n , h i g h l i g h t i n g p o s s i b l e Nd4! 10.Nxe5 Nxd5! or 10...Nxe4 is
continuations and numerous new als o fi ne . 11.Nxd5 Bxe5= ) 8...Nd4
ideas. 9.f5 c6 10.Bg5! You can analyze this
[ 6...c5?! It is not so good now, position if you like this type of play. ]
b e c a u s e o f 7.dxc5 dxc5 8.e5! [ 7.e5 Is White's most critical
And thanks to 6.Bd3 Black doesn't continuation, but is a bit unpractical in
have now Qxd1. ] my opinion because Black has many
[ 6...Na6 This is an alternative way of possible variations, and according to
preparin g c7-c5 . 7.0-0 c5 8.d5 the engines, he is also fine in the end,
Now we are going to play a sort of for example: dxe5 8.fxe5 Nh5! 9.Be3
Benoni where we also have the c4 Bg4 10.Be2 f6 11.exf6 Here 11...
square for our pieces. Black's usual exf6 is Black's most common move,
moves here are Rb8 or Nc7, both with but I could not find any advantage
the idea to prepare b7-b5, or Bg4 with after Nxf6! for example: 12.h3 Bxf3
the idea to exchange the light 13.Bxf3 e5! 14.Bxc6 bxc6 15.0-0
squares bishop for our knight. ] Nd5 16.Rxf8+ Bxf8 17.Nxd5 Qxd5
7.Be2!? Is an intense and serious move. 18.dxe5 Qxe5 White has a tiny
The point is that 6.Bd3 was symbolical advantage, but it will likely
intended against c7-c5 ideas, but end in a draw as not many pieces are
now that Black has played 6...Nc6, left on the board. ]
we do n 't n ee d t o wo r ry ab o ut i t [ 7.h3!? Against Bg4 ideas. This move
anymore, and our bishop is better is rare and can be a good one-game
placed on e2. I could not find full surprise weapon. e5! Black's best
equality for Black. reaction. ( 7...Nb4?! 8.Be2 c5
[ 7.d5?! This natural-looking move is a 9.d5; 7...Nh5? 8.g4 ) 8.dxe5 dxe5
mistake. Nb4! Black will continue with 9.fxe5!? This could look scary if Black
 4

i s n o t w e l l p r e p a r e d . ( 9.0-0 to equalize.
Is also possible, but Black is fine after
exf4 10.Bxf4 Be6= ) 9...Nd7 10.Bg5 2
3...e5 Black wants to play in the
Qe8 11.Nd5! Ncxe5! ( 11...Ndxe5? Closed-Benoni style, but here, our
12.Bf6 ) 12.h4 I find this new idea light squares bishop is not limited
quite interesting. According to the by the pawn on c4, as happens in
engines, Black's best is 12...h6, which t h e " C l a s s i c a l Cl o s e d - B e n o n i " ;
is not an easy move, I would say. You that's why we have an improved
can investigate this position more version. 4.e4 d6 5.Bb5+!? Nbd7
deeply. ( 12.Nxc7 Nxf3+ 13.Qxf3 6.a4 This is an important move;
Qe5 14.Bf4 Qxb2 15.0-0 Ne5= )] otherwise, Black could have played
7...Bg4 a6 (with tempo against our bishop)
[ 7...e5?! In the endgame White will be and then b5 . 6...Be7 7.Nf3 0-0
better 8.dxe5 dxe5 9.Qxd8 Rxd8 8.0-0 Both sides have played standard-
10.fxe5 Ng4 Here, White has a lot of developing moves. Black's main
interesting moves, like 11.Nb5, 11. plan in these structures is to
Nd5 and 11.Bg5. It's not easy to play e x e c u t e f 7 - f 5 . 8...Ne8 9.Bd3
from the Black side. 11.Nb5 ] Our bishop is well placed against
8.d5! There is not too much theory in f5. 9...g6 Black's typical idea is
this position, and White has a Ng7-f5. 10.Bh6 Ng7 Black is ready
pleasant plus. You can check more for f7-f5. If W hite's pawn would
about it in "1.e4 practical repertoire h a ve b e e n o n c 4 , t h e n B l a c k ' s
according to Jobava part 5". Unit 4 position would have been more or
sidelines-Pirc and Philidor [GM Pier le ss p la ya b le . He re i t i s wo rs e ,
Luigi Basso] because White has another
2...d6 3.e4 e5 You should also be a d d i t i o n a l i d e a : 11.Nd2!
ready against the Philidor. 4.dxe5 Our knight will go to c4: this is an
Is a very practical option for White, other advantage of having the pawn
and it has been deeply analyzed in still on c2. 11...Bg5 This is a typical
our database "1.e4 practical idea for Black: the exchange of the
repertoire for White according to dark-squares bishops is usually in
Job ava ". I wi ll give you t he ke y his favor.
directions; then you can check it by [ 11...f5 12.f4 White can better
yourself or check our other course. handle the tension in the center
4...dxe5 5.Qxd8+ Kxd8 6.Bc4 Ke8! because of the more active pieces. ]
[ 6...Be6?! In the past, this was 12.Bxg5 Qxg5 13.Nc4! Qe7
considered fine for Black. Nowadays, Black's position is much worse. For
engines have shown that Black has example: 14.a5 This is not
some problems after 7.Bxe6 fxe6 necessary, but it's a good move.
8.f3! White will rotate his knight to d3 14...f5 Sooner or later, Black will play it.
via h3-f2. ] 15.exf5 gxf5 16.f4! e4 17.Be2
7.f4!? This is a very good try for White, In the middle of the 20th Century,
and Black should be well prepared Botvinnik already showed the
 5

potential of this structure for White. proceeding with development by

It's very important that Black playing g6, Bg7, and castling. This
doesn't have a dark-squares move order helps avoid the Bb5+
bishops because it could have lines. However, there is one
landed on d4. White's long-term drawback: when a6-a4 is included,
plan could be g4, but there is no White can adopt a highly favorable
hurry for it because Black is very setup that isn’t available in the main
passive. line without a6-a4.
3...e6 4.e4 d6 Now, White has a [ 4...g6 Trans in 3...g6 4.e4 d6. ]
lot of good directions. I will show 5.a4 g6 6.Bc4!? Bg7 7.h3 0-0 8.Nf3
you my favorite one, but you can try White is much better positionally.
to look for something more suitable Why is this not possible when a6-a4
for your stile by yourself. is not included? Because Balck
[ 4...exd5? Would be a huge mistake would play here b7-b5!, achieving a
because of 5.e5+- ] completely fine position.
5.dxe6!? This is very practical. 5...Bxe6
[ 5...fxe6 Now our idea is very clear: 3
5.Bc4 This set-up is great from the
6.Nf3 Nc6 7.Bf4 We are ready to positional point of view, but we are
push e5. e5 Black prevents e4-e5, no t i n t i me f or a t ac t i ca l d e ta i l :
but now the d5 square and the a2-g8 5...Bg7 6.Nf3 0-0 7.h3 b5 And Black
d i a g o n a l a r e v e r y w e a k . ( 7...Be7 has a good counterplay. Let me
8.e5 Once Black takes on e5, we will repeat once again: when a6-a4 are
achieve a better structure without included, then this set-up becomes
a n y c o mp e n s a t i o n f o r B l a c k . Th e great for White because Black
arising position will be completely do e s n 't h a ve t h e b 7 - b5 t a ct i c a l
r i s k - f r e e f o r u s .) 8.Bg5 Be6 resource.
Necessary, otherwise we would have
playe d Bc4 . 9.Bxf6 Qxf6 10.Nd5 4
6...Nbd7?? Would be a huge
B c 4 n e xt , a n d W h i t e h a s a g r e a t mistake. 7.e5+-
positional advantage. ] 6...Bd7?! Also dubious. 7.e5! Ng8
6.Nge2!? My idea is to place a knight on [ 7...dxe5 the inclusion of dxe5-fxe5 is
f4, from where it will control the d5 even worse for Black. 8.fxe5 Ng8
square. 6...Nc6 7.Nf4 Be7 8.Be2 9.Nf3 ]
0-0 9.0-0 Qd7 10.Be3 It's clear that 8.Nf3 Bxb5 9.Nxb5 a6 10.Nc3 Nh6
White is a bit better, and Black's 11.0-0 0-0 White has a good strategic
position is unpleasant to play. If you advantage, but here we can
don't want to play this position, feel a c h i e v e m o r e b y p l a y i n g 12.e6!
free to choose another fifth move fxe6
instead of 5.dxe6!?, but for me, this [ 12...f5 13.a4 Black is completely
is a very good opening outcome for paralyzed. ]
White. 13.Ng5+- Our knight will jump on e6 and
3...d6 4.e4 a6 Black aims to have a lot of fun there.
include the a6-a4 push before
 6
5
7.Nf3?! Would be an inaccuracy 11.Kh1 b5 According to the engine,
bec au se it al lo ws Bl ack t o t ak e this is Black's best chance. The
some space on the queenside: idea is to sacrifice a pawn trying to
7...a6 8.Bd3 b5 ac hi e ve a typi c al " B en ko - st yl e "
compensation.
6
8.Nf3 Na6 Black uses the a6 [ 11...Rb8 12.Qe2 It will be very hard
square to rotate his knight to c7, for Black to execute b7-b5. ]
from where it will have an influence 12.axb5 Bb7 13.b6! We don't allow
on the important b5 and d5 Black to open too many lines.
squares. 13...Nxb6 14.f5 We have a better
[ 8...a6 It doesn't make too much queenside structure, more space in
sense because it will take a lot of time the center, and chances for a
n o w t o d e ve l o p t h e k n i g h t o n b 8 . kingside attack. With this, we
9.Bd3 Nf6 10.0-0 White is better. For effectively conclude this chapter
example: e6 11.dxe6! fxe6 about the 2.Nc3 Benoni, which we
( 11...Bxe6 12.f5 ) 12.e5 ] can also call "Worsen Benoni". Unit
9.0-0 Nc7 4 sidelines-1...Nf6 2.Nc3 c5 [GM
[ 9...Nb4?! doesn't make sense. Pier Luigi Basso]
10.Ne2 Nb6 ( 10...a6?? Immediately
loses. 11.Bxd7 Bxd7 12.c3+- 7 2...e6 3.e4! It is, for sure, White's
Black's knight on b4 is trapped.) 11.a5 best move. I understand that not all
Bd7 12.Bxd7 Nxd7 13.f5 ] o f yo u a r e p l a yi n g 1 . e 4 , s o n o t
10.Bd3 Objectively, this position is quite everybody is ready to play the 3.
bad for Black. From the practical Nc3 French with White. But this is
point of view, I think it is still really the only extra job you need to
possible to play from the Black side do if you successfully want to play
until a certain level (around the Jobava London. You need to
2000-2200 rating points) . I will understand that the 3.Nc3 French
show you some key ideas in the would require a full database to be
position, but then I suggest you to well-analyzed, and it's impossible
play some training games if you for us to do it here, that's why I
want to get some experience of this s u g g e s t yo u c h e c k s o m e o t h e r
structure. 10...a6 courses about this topic; I have
[ 10...b6 11.f5!? When White is well seen that there are a lot of good
prepared, this can be a good courses about it here on Modern
positional idea. We give up the e5 Chess. I will limit myself in giving
square for Black's knight, but we will you the key directions to build your
play AROUND it, trying, for example, White repertoire 3.Nc3 against the
t o c r e a t e a k i n g s i d e a t t a c k . Ba6 French.
12.Bxa6 Nxa6 13.Ne2 ] [ 3.Bf4!? This move is still possible
[ 10...e6 11.dxe6 fxe6 ( 11...Nxe6 here. If Black will play 3...Nf6, then
12.f5 ) 12.Ng5 It's very difficult for we transpose to the Classical 3...e6
Black to deal with the e6 pawn. ] Jobava London.
 7

A) 3...Bb4!? This is not popular, fascinating opening because it leads

but it's a good variation for Black. to not-standard positions that have
4.Qd3 Nf6 We will speak about this their own strategic principles. 4.e5
mo ve i n t h e 1 . . . d 5 mo ve o r d e r . ( 4.exd5!? It could be a practical
( 4...c5?! 5.a3 ) 5.a3 Bd6 choice for White. The idea is to play
Black lost a tempo, but a3+Qd3 an interesting exchange variation
may not be ideal moves for White.; where the moves Nc3+Bb4 are
B) 3...a6 4.e4 This is a very included. ) 4...c5 5.a3 Bxc3+
strange version of the French, with ( 5...Ba5!? Is an interesting sideline,
the moves a6 and Bf4 being often played by Aronian recently. 6.b4!
included. Normally, it should favor cxd4 Here you can choose between 7.
W h i t e , b u t yo u c a n d ig i n t o t h e Nb 5 a n d 7 .Q g 4 . B o t h mo ve s g i ve
position to better understand the White good chances to play for an
fascinating differences.; advantage, but you should be well-
C) 3...Bd6 4.e3!? We are fine with prepared. ) 6.bxc3 Ne7 ( 6...Qa5!?
playing the Bxf4-exf4 structure. I s a l s o p o s s i b l e 7.Bd2 Qa4
Black can try different moves like Here, you can go for the classical 8.
4...Bxf4, 4...Ne7, 4...a6. The Qg4, or for the modern 8.h4.) 7.Qg4
position is objectively equal but Qc7 This is considered the main line
playable. ] in the Winawer. You can choose
3...Nf6 This is the Stainitz variation. You between the highly theoretical 8.Qxg7
just need to study the French and 8.Bd3, that may be a more
Stainitz. practical option because you have
[ 3...dxe4 This is a very solid move for l e s s t h i n g s t o s t u d y . ( 7...0-0
Black. 4.Nxe4 Nd7 ( 4...Bd7 Is Black's old main line, but it's a bit
This is solid but doesn't equalize. risky after 8.Bd3 )]
5.Nf3 Bc6 6.Bd3 Nd7 7.0-0 Ngf6 4.e5 I believe that this is White's best
8.Nc3!? This is an interesting move. continuation. The only drawback is
Ou r ma in i de a is t o co nt in ue wit h that you need to study.
Re1-Ne5. Probably, Black will need to [ 4.Bg5 Is very popular, but after dxe4
take on f3 at some point, and then we 5.Nxe4 Nbd7 Black's position is very
will have a two results position thanks fine, in my opinion. The point is that
to the pair of bishops.) 5.Nf3 Ngf6 Black forced us to play with Bg5 in the
White tried different moves, but the 3...dxe4 variation. Do you remember
most interesting path is 6.Nxf6+ Nxf6 it? In that case, my suggestion was to
7.Be3!? The idea is to continue with place the bishop on e3. ]
Bd3-Qe2-000. GM Meier is a great [ 4.exd5 This was interesting against
expert of this system from the Black 3...Bb4, but not against 3...Nf6. Here,
side. You can check his games and Black is just completely fine. ]
see how his strong opponents are 4...Nfd7 5.f4 c5 6.Nf3 Nc6
playing for the advantage against Black sometimes tries to play
him. ] without Nc6, but this is too subtle
[ 3...Bb4 The Winawer is a very because first you need to learn the
 8

main classical lines. 7.Be3 cxd4 14...Qe7 15.Rxb7 Black has now three
[ 7...Qb6 Is a very concrete line, but a moves: 15...Qd8, 15...Qh4+ and
bit dubious. After 8.Na4 Qa5+ 9.c3 15 . . . Rc 8 . E ac h o f t h e m ma y b e
Black can choose between cxd4, c4, objectively fine but has some
and the modern b6 (which may be the practical problems. You need to
best) . All you need to do is to study study these lines well and have a
:) ] clear idea about what to do with
[ 7...a6 This is Black's old main line. White against each of them. Unit 4
Here you can choose between a lot of sidelines-2nd move e6 [GM Pier
lines like 8.a3, 8.Qd2, 8.Ne2 (with the Luigi Basso]
idea c3) . ] 2...Nc6 Black is meeting our
[ 7...Be7 8.Qd2 0-0 ( 8...a6!? Jobava London with a Jobava
This is another important line, often London! Even if may seem fine, it is
played by Bluebaum. In my opinion, for sure not as sound as the Petroff
White's most interesting move here is Defense. 3.Bf4 Nb5 is an
9.Bd3!? ) 9.dxc5 Black can retake with unpleasant threat, Black should
the knight, with the bishop or even stop it with 3...a6. It would be fine
play 9...Qa5!? ( 9.0-0-0?? Is a huge for Black if they could copy us again
m i s t a k e , a f t e r c4! Black is with 3...Bf5, but it doesn't work.
immediately winning because he will 3...a6 Black stops Nb5, but wastes a
continue with b5, creating a huge tempo on it, while 4.a3 is a possible
queenside attack against our king. )] move, I think 4.e3 is more
8.Nxd4 Qb6 This is a very important reasonable, to try to develop faster.
variation. If you want to study the [ 3...e5 This gambit is not
Stainitz, I suggest to start from it recommended for Black, but White
because it is very concrete, and should know how to react to it.
Black tries to equalize move by 4.Bxe5! This is the first
move, like in the poisoned pawn counterintuitive decision, White gives
variation of the Najdorf (6.Bg5 e6 7. up the bishops pair, but this way, the
f4 Qb6) . pawn on d4 will not be protected by
[ 8...Bc5 Black's old main line. 9.Qd2 the knight on c6, which is more
0-0 10.0-0-0 a6 11.Nb3! Is a very i m p o r t a n t . Nxe5 5.dxe5 d4
strong move for White, that's why the This is Black's idea, now the best
7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 system is not so retreat is to the starting square. 6.Nb1
popular anymore. ] Black generally develops his kingside
9.Qd2 pieces in this position, but there is
[ 9.a3!? Might be a good surprise another interesting try with 6...c6.
alternative. ] A) 6...c6 It takes away the c6
9...Qxb2 10.Rb1 Qa3 11.Bb5 Nxd4 square for the knight, but opens up
12.Bxd4 a6 13.Bxd7+ Bxd7 14.Rb3! the diagonal for the queen to jump
Important inclusion to remember. on b6. 7.Nf3 Qb6!
[ 14.Rxb7?! Bb4= Black is Qd4 is impossible now due to ...
immediately fine. ] Bc5. 8.Qc1 Bc5 9.Nbd2 Be6
 9

If White manages to finish ...Qxd1. It is a possible alternative,

development, Black will not have as White should be faster in
enough compensation for the pawn. winning the e4 pawn.) 7...Nd3+!
10.a3 Before playing g3 and Bg2, Distracts the queen on e2 or ruins
White has to kick away the bishop our structure. Both recaptures are
on c5. The benefit is that this move good. 8.Qxd3 ( 8.cxd3 dxe4
a l s o s t o p s . . . N e 7 . ( 10.g3 9.0-0-0! Qxd4 10.dxe4 Qa4
This is the most logical continuation, 11.Nf3 The pawn on a2 cannot be
but things are not so simple. Ne7 captured due to Qb5+. Otherwise,
11.Bg2 d3! and Black is fine after White has a significant lead in
12.e3 Bxe3= ) 10...Nh6 11.b4 Be7 development.) 8...Qe7 Now it is
12.g3 White will continue with B l a c k ' s t i m e t o p i n . 9.f3
Bg2-00 and enjoy a better The following line is an example of
position.; how it can continue: f5 10.0-0-0
B) 6...Ne7 7.c3 Nc6 8.Nf3 Bc5 fxe4 11.fxe4 dxe4 12.Qh3!
transposes to 6...Bc5.; To stop long castle. Qf7 13.Kb1
C) 6...Bc5 7.c3 Ne7 8.Nf3 Nc6 Nf6 14.Bb5+ c6 15.Ba4
Black should maintain the pressure The bishop is rerouted to a very
on the d4 at all cost, otherwise the good open diagonal, Black is
knight on b1 enters back into the suffering even if they manage to
game. transposes to 6...Bc5. exchange queens.;
9.cxd4 Nxd4 10.e3 Nxf3+ 11.Qxf3 B) 4...dxe4? This is even worse.
0-0 12.Nc3 Black has some 5.d5 e5 This is critical but bad.
compensation due to the bishops ( 5...Nb4 6.a3! Na6 7.Qd4+-
pair, but enough for equality. White White is winning according to the
has easy play ahead. ] engine, nothing concrete, just 0-0-0
[ 3...Bf5?! Black is continuing their next, and at some point f3 or Bb5
strategy of copying us, but this is met will be decisive.) 6.dxc6 exf4
with the strong 4.e4! and now Black 7.cxb7 Rb8 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8
should start making original moves. 9.0-0-0+ Bd6 10.Ba6 The pawn
A) 4...e5 Black is not surrendering on b7 will be the decisive factor,
so easily, let's see what happens if also Black's king in the center is
they copy us until the end. 5.Bxe5 feeling unsafe.;
Bxe4 6.Nxe4 Nxe5 ( 6...dxe4 C) 4...Bxe4 The critical response.
7.Bb5 Nge7 Otherwise, White can 5.Nxe4 dxe4 6.d5 A similar idea to
r u i n B l a c k ' s s t r u c t u r e . 8.Qh5 what we will see after 2...c5, but
Long castle next, and ...a6 can be here White even gets the bishops
m e t w i t h t h e u n p l e a s a n t B c 4 .) pair. Nb4 ( 6...Nb8 7.Ne2
7.Qe2! is actually a neat trick to win Nc3-Bc4-Qe2-000 next.) 7.c4 Qd7
the pawn after 7...Qe7 or 7...dxe4. ( 7...e6 Accelerates the
But Black can try the ingenious development, but further ruins the
( 7.dxe5 dxe4 8.c3 White is structure. 8.a3 Na6 9.dxe6 Qxd1+
slightly better in the endgame after 10.Rxd1 fxe6 11.Nh3
 10

A dream endgame for White, with expecting somebody to play this way.
1 2 . b 4 c o m i n g n e xt a n d g 3 - B g 2 6.Nce2!? We can also be deep and try
e v e n t u a l l y .) 8.a3 Na6 9.b4 to hint at some c4 ideas. Play can
Black has troubles developing his continue with e6 7.Nf3 Nf6 8.a3
kingside, and also the pawn on e4 Bd6 9.c4 And now Black is in a bit of
will be regained sooner or later. ] a dilemma, will they go for ...Bxd3 at
[ 3...Nf6? This blunders a pawn. 4.Nb5 a cost of a tempo, will they take on c4
e5 Only move. 5.Bxe5 Even stronger and remain with a bishop on g6 that
than dxe5. Nxe5 6.dxe5 Black either can be targeted by a future knight
loses the d5 pawn due to the tactic on coming to f4 or will they go for short
c7, or plays a6 7.Nc3 d4 8.exf6 castle and allow Bxg6 hxg6 that
dxc3 9.Qxd8+ Kxd8 10.bxc3 gxf6 ma k e s t h e k i n g a b i t vu l n e r a b l e ?
11.e3 Probably winning this While all 3 of the options are playable,
endgame against a computer will not White is slightly better. ]
b e e a s y , b u t a g a i n s t a h u m a n , I 6.cxd3 I always enjoyed taking on d3
believe in White's chances. ] with the pawn, and for some players
4.e3 Bf5 Black continues to play a it is a strange concept to double the
Jobava London himself. pawns voluntarily, but the positive
[ 4...Nf6 This is also natural, now we factor is that we control c4 and e4
go for the typical Jobava London plan. square and also the c-file is now
5.Bd3 First to prevent ...Bf5. Bg4 open. Black's position is playable,
Black plays in the Caro-Kann style, but I really like White's chances
but of course with a pawn on c7 and here. 6...e6 7.Nf3 Bd6
e3, things are different for Black. 6.f3 This is logical, but now we try to
Bh5 7.Qd2 No need to push g4 trade on our terms.
immediately, it will come sooner or [ 7...Nf6 If Black decides not to trade
later. Bg6 8.0-0-0 I don't think it is bishops, White has easy play after
necessary to go deep into the details 8.Qb3 Rb8 9.0-0 Everything is
of this position, White has pleasant harmonius in White's position, while
pla y, b eca us e th e k ni gh t o n c6 i s the c6 knight is a bit misplaced. ]
misplaced in my opinion. The plans 8.Bg3 Nge7 9.0-0 0-0 10.e4
with e4 will soon be reality, and the Black will take on g3 sooner or later,
pressure on d5 is much stronger than and we will have two sets of
th e o n e o n d 4, t h a t' s wh y we c a n doubled pawns but more open files
argue that the knight on c3 is better to generate play on. While the
than the one on c6. ] positions seem dull, a lot of play is
5.Bd3 We can offer a trade of bishops left here. You will need to practice a
a n y wa y i t wa s t h e b e s t s q u a r e bit before getting comfortable in
ava i l a b l e . 5...Bxd3 This is logical, these types of positions, but White
but as you might have expected, has chances here. Unit 4 1...d5
White recaptures with the pawn. sidelines-2...Nc6 variation [GM Pier
[ 5...Bg6 Black refuses to trade on our Luigi Basso]
terms, but it is a deep move, I am not 2...Bf5 3.f3 In this chapter, we will
 11

take a look at Black's minor common move, but it's too slow: 9.Bf4
continuations except the move 3... Bb4 10.0-0-0 ) 9.Nf5 Bxf5 10.exf5
N f 6 . T h e d o w n s i d e i s o b vi o u s , Nc6 11.Bd2 0-0-0 12.0-0-0
White is able to achieve e4. The It's not much, but I believe White is
arising positions are a weird mix of slightly better in the endgame. Bc4
the Fantasy Variation of the Caro- is coming to put pressure on f7, and
Kann. 3...e6?! This is a wrong after a3 White will make sure that
move order to play a reverse the bishop stays on that diagona l
London with Black, because it runs forever. Anyway the 3...Bg6 move
into order is a very rare one, so I don't
[ 3...Bg6 This move order is playable believe Black should be particularly
for Black. Black is aiming to transpose happy to play this position and try to
to known theory after 4...Nf6, so I hold. ]
suppose it makes sense to use that 4.e4 Now ...dxe4 makes no sense, White
f a c t i n o r d e r t o p u s h e 4 . 4.e4 will develop perfectly and have a
After 4...e6, we transpose to what we nice center. 4...Bg6
have seen in the main line after 5.h4. [ 4...dxe4 5.fxe4 Bg6 6.Nf3
Black's idea is the following: ( 4.Bf4!? Black is not in time to play ...e5, so
e6 5.Qd2 After Nf6, we will transpose White can just continue with normal
into the 3...Bf5 variation (Unit 2) .) development. ]
4...dxe4 5.fxe4 e5! Black plays in the 5.h4 Now we harrass the bishop on g6,
spiri t of the Fantas y var iatio n, s o so that Black needs to make one
make sure not to take on e5 and allow more preventive move before
a good endgame for Black, instead we developing. 5...h6 This leads to an
go for 6.Nf3 White enters the excellen t versi on of th e Jobava
endgame on our terms. exd4 7.Qxd4 London.
Qxd4 8.Nxd4 The endgame is slightly [ 5...Nf6?? This loses a piece simply.
better for White, since Black can't 6.e5 Nh5 7.g4 Ng3 8.Rh3 Nxf1
play safely ...Nf6 without allowing e5. Black wins the bishop on f1, but White
That's why Black tried developing the is in time to play. 9.h5+- Both pieces
bishop on f8 first. Bc5 This allows are trapped and will soon be
White to gain the bishops pair. collected. ]
( 8...Bb4 A similar idea we have seen [ 5...h5 White can play in the same
in the Philidor endgame also. 9.Bd2 style as after 5...h6 with exd5, but
Nf6 Now the line gets forced. 10.e5 keeping the tension is also interesting.
Bxc3 11.Bxc3 Ne4 12.e6! 6.Bd3 Nf6 7.Bg5 Highlights the
A nice touch to get rid of the downside of ...h5, and after 7...Be7
w e a k n e s s o n e 5 . 0-0 13.Bb5!? both 8.e5 and 8.exd5 lead to a
To stop Black from playing ...Nc6. c6 pleasant position for White. The
14.Bc4 Nxc3 15.bxc3 Engine will weaknesses on the kingside are juicy
hold, but in practical games, the pawn targets for a future knight coming to
on e6 gives White a pleasant f4. ]
i n i t i a t i v e .; 8...c6?! Black's most 6.h5 Bh7 7.exd5! I like this move for its
 12

simplicity, White is faster in great position, so Black should at

develo pin g t hei r p iec es . 7...exd5 least try to damage us with 9...e3
8.Bf4 White can continue with Qe2+ 10.Qe4+! This check is precise now, to
and long castle, it will be hard for ensure that the queens get traded
B l a c k t o d e ve l o p t h e k i n g s i d e . off also. 10...Qe7 11.fxe3 Qxe4
Whenever Black castles short, g4- 12.Ngxe4 And the endgame is very sad
g5 is an unpleasant threat to deal for Black, with complete control of
with. Unit 4 1...d5 sidelines-2...Bf5 the light squares. After 12...Be6,
variation [GM Pier Luigi Basso] White can further harrass with 13.
Ng5.
8
4...e6? is a horrible blunder, as it 5...g6 is a logical continuation,
allows th e following line : 5.Bb5+ Black wants to develop the kingside
Bd7 6.dxe6 fxe6 And now White is as fast as possible, but it puts no
better with many moves, but only pressure on W hite. 6.Ng3 Bg7
one achieves a winning advantage. 7.Ngxe4 Now it is critical choice for
7.Qh5+! Using the drawback of having a Bl ac k, a ll t hr ee a re s imil ar , bu t
knight still on g8. 7...g6 8.Qe5 Nf6 slightly differ from each other.
9.Bg5 Be7 10.0-0-0+- Black will lose at 7...Nxe4 I believe this is Black's best try,
least a pawn, when White will play to solve the problems concretely.
Bxd7, and will remain with all of the By exchanging on e4, the d5
p i e c e s p i n n e d . Th e s i t u a t i o n i s becomes a bit loosened. Also the
beyond rescue for Black. bishop on g7 is now breathing
freely.
9
5...a6?! It aims to push ...b5, but [ 7...0-0 This is the most natural, but
White is in time to collect e4 safely. slightly imprecise, as it allows the
6.Ng3 e6 This just leads to an improved t r a d e o n o u r t e r m s . 8.Nxf6+!
version of the 5...e6 line. We trade first, and in the meantime
[ 6...b5 This is just a mistake, as it mi sp l ac e e i th e r t he bi s ho p o r t h e
allows the typical 7.a4! b4 8.Ncxe4 pawn. exf6 This is possible, but White
Black is left with weaknesses on the should be happy that now the pawn
light squares and it's not clear what on d5 is not only strong, but also a
Black got in return. ] p a s s e d p a w n . ( 8...Bxf6 9.Be2
[ 6...Bg4 This is a try to hold on to the The structure is slightly better for
pawn, but we don't mind, as it loses a White, and again with normal moves,
lot of time. 7.f3 exf3 8.gxf3 Bd7 W h i t e s h o u l d a c h i e ve a p l e a s a n t
9.Bf4 Qd2-0-0-0 next and Black is in position. ) 9.Be3 And White should
trouble since the pieces are quite just develop normally with
misplaced, and castling kingside will Be2-0-0-Qd2 etc. I don't advise you
run into an attack. ] to castle queenside, because it is a
7.Bg5! A very annoying pin, Black should known principle that it is tough to
release the tension now. 7...exd5 create an attack against a king that
8.Bxf6 Qxf6 9.Qxd5 If White collects e4 is protected by 4 pawns and not 3.
with no downsides, we will be in a Also when ...f6-f5 will be played the
 13

bishop will be strong on the diagonal. Bxf6 12.c3 Black is solid, but White
Black's main problem is that the knight has the better chances after moves
from b8 cannot reach d6. So this like Re1-Bf3. ]
means that White has potential to [ 9...Bf5 Playing for ...e6 is maybe the
push the d5 pawn further down the most log ical . 10.Ng3 e6 Black is
board. ] ready to enter a structure we have
[ 7...Nbd7 Holding the tension is an s e e n e a r l i e r . 11.0-0 This is an
interesting try. 8.Be2 0-0 9.0-0 b6 ambitious choice, to sacrifice a pawn,
Both sides develop normally, now I but have a good structure. ( 11.Nxf5
like 10.f3!? A bit strange to voluntarily exf5 12.0-0 Nd7 13.c3 I actually
play this, since the knight was already don't mind Black's position that much,
protected, but the point is to it is playable, but White has some long
disincentivize Black from ever taking term chances.) 11...Qxd5 12.Qxd5
on e4 as it allows fxe4! and the exd5 13.Nxf5 gxf5 14.Rd1 Rd8
structure change favors White. Bb7 15.Bg5 Rd7 16.Bd3 White regains
11.Be3 White continues with natural the missing pawn, but Black has a
moves like Qd2-Rad1 next and should fine structure, still White has some
be slightly better. The unpleasant fact chances due to the bishops pair. ]
that Black needs to face, is that yes 10.0-0 Rd8 11.c3 e6 But now I like the
his pieces are decently placed, but the pawn sacrifice. 12.Bg5! We play on
pawn on d5 is very annoying and it t h e d a r k s q u a r e s . 12...Rxd5
takes up a lot of space. Black doesn't 13.Qc1 Nd7 14.Bc4 The exhcange will
have freedom to maneuver in peace, b e l o s t a n d B l a c k wi l l n o t h a ve
while White can try different things sufficient compensation. 14...Re5
like improving the bishop to g5 or f4, [ 14...Qc6 15.Bxd5 exd5 16.Ng3
at some point start playing a4-a5 etc. White will try to play Bh6 on the next
The game can continue: Qc7 12.Qd2 m o ve , b u t b r i n g i n g p i e c e s t o t h e
Rfd8 ( 12...Rad8 13.Rad1 Rfe8? center is also valid. ]
T h i s i s b a d b e c a u s e o f 14.d6 15.Ng3 Rxg5 16.Qxg5 Still Black has
and the rook is misplaced on e8.) a pretty solid position, but White
13.Rad1 a6 14.a4 And it is logical should press here.
that Black tries to change a bit the 5...Nbd7 6.Ng3 g6
d yn a m i c wi t h Nxe4 15.fxe4 Be5 [ 6...Nb6 This try is a bit risky. 7.Bg5
But here White enjoys a stable Nfxd5 8.Nxd5 Trading queens only
a d va n t a g e . 16.Bf4 The diagonal is helps White to develop faster. Nxd5
neutralized and White can start 9.Bc4 Qa5+ 10.Bd2 Qd8 11.Qe2
thinking about playing on the f-file. ] White will regain e4 and at the cost of
8.Nxe4 0-0 9.Be2 Let's check three a pawn will have a big initiative. ]
possible ways of how the game can 7.Ngxe4 Bg7 8.Be2 transposes to 5...
continue. 9...Qb6 Playing against g6 move order.
the d5 pawn is most critical.
[ 9...Nd7 Black can also try to chance 10
6...a6 was played in a game
more pieces. 10.0-0 Nf6 11.Nxf6+ between Niemann and Duda quite
 14

recently. Niemann took on e6, but 10.Bg5 is to deep and also takes
objectively the best move is 7.Be3 away the future possibility of giving
No w dxe6 i s a bi g th re at , si nc e a check on f6. 10...Nc6
White will be able to recapture with [ 10...Bf5 11.0-0-0
the rook. 7...exd5 8.Nfxd5 Be6 A) 11...Nd7 is an independent way
should be advised, but now White to continue, but White can play now
enters a risk free position. A1) 12.Be2 This keeps more
[ 8...Nxd5? This is a disaster for Black, hope alive to outplay your
because the queenside is severely opponent. 0-0-0 13.Nc3
weakened by the move ...a6. 9.Qxd5 The typical maneuver to b5. Be5
Black's position is on the edge of not T h e m o s t a c c u r a t e . ( 13...Bb8
being holdable anymore. ] Desperately clings on to material,
9.Bc4 Nc6 10.Nxf6+ Qxf6 11.Nxe4 but Black's pieces are a bit
Qg6 12.Bxe6 Qxe6 13.Qf3 s t r a n g e l y p l a c e d . 14.Rd2
After the recaptures, White is left And there is not a satisfactory
with a pleasant position, due to the move for Black, they should
weaknesses in Black's camp. While ret ur n mat eri al , so it wa s no t
the engine doesn't think that clear why to play 13...Bb8 in the
Black's situation is critical, in first place.) 14.Nb5 Now Black
human terms, I would be worried to should understand that it is time
continue a game from this point on. t o g i v e B a c k m a t e r i a l . b6
( 14...a6?! 15.Nd6+! We get the
11
7...Be7 Not entering the endgame bishop's pair, and Black will have
is not advisable, after all Black's t o d e f e n d s a d l y a f t e r Bxd6
s t r u c t u r e i s b a d . 8.Bb5+! 16.Rxd6 The knight cannot stay
Good intermezzo, ...Bd7 is met with on d7 forever, and when White
Bf4!. 8...Nc6 9.Nxe7 Qxe7 wins the c5 pawn, the position is
10.Bf4 Taking on c6 is also fine, but with good chances.) 15.Nxa7+
there is no need. We stop ...0-0 for Kb7 16.Nb5 White wins back the
now, and are ready to meet ...Bg4 pawn, and play continues after
with Qd6. White will sooner or later Nf6 17.Bc4 Objectively, the
regain the missing pawn, and enjoy position is balanced, but I don't
a risk free position. think Black is out of the danger
8.Qxd5 Qxd5 9.Nxd5 Bd6 ye t . T h e r e i s n o c l e a r wa y t o
Th e c r i t i c a l p o s i t i o n . E n g i n e i s reach a drawn endgame,
happy, and evaluates the position meanwhile, White can continue
as 0.00. But not all 0.00 mean with useful moves like a4 and
equality, and here I believe it is one h3.;
of t h o s e c a s e s . B l a c k n e e d s t o A2) 12.Bc4 This would have
continue to demonstrate precision been nice, if not for 16...Nc4!.
in the endgame, otherwise they can 12...0-0-0 13.Nc3 Ne5 14.Bd5
get an unpleasant position. 10.Be3 b6 15.Nxe4 Bxe4 16.Bxe4
The most natural square to develop. Black is in time to trade the
 15

bishops with Nc4= and position 16.Rhe1 Black has not fully equalized
is balanced.; in my opinion, and White can
B) 11...Nc6 transposes into the continue to find resources. b4 or
main line. ] Bd5-Be4 is on the cards. Unit 4 1...
11.0-0-0 Bf5 This is Black's most d5 sidelines-2...c5 [GM Pier Luigi
resilient try. transposes into the Basso]
main line.
[ 11...Be5 This gives up the pawn 12 3...Qb6!? It's a new, interesting
prematurely. 12.Bxc5 Bg4 13.Rd2 idea, played re cently by Alexe y
0-0-0 14.Bc4 And White should be Dreev. 4.e4 A strong novelty and
quite happy with what they achieved. White's most principled continuation.
...f5 push is stopped in time with Be3, Now, Black can gain a pawn, but
otherwise it is tough to say what is the problem will be his lack of
B l a c k ' s p l a n . Rd7 15.Ne3 development. 4...dxe4
Another powerful idea, the bishop gets [ 4...Qxb2 This is the first move that
to d5. ] we need to check. We cannot refute it
12.Nf6+! The only resource left for us, completely, but Black's position is
but it is important to not allow Black very dangerous, and even according
to castle. 12...Ke7 Only move. to the engine, White has a decent
[ 12...gxf6?? is a losing blunder. plus. 5.Bd2 dxe4 6.Rb1 Qa3 7.Rb3
13.Rxd6+- White will slowly collect all Qd6 8.Nxe4 We are much ahead in
of the weak pawns. ] development, and also, our rook on b3
13.Nd5+ Going forward is a bit can join the game from the third rank.
a d v e n t u r o u s . 13...Kf8 Qd8 ( 8...Qxd4?! 9.Re3 Nf6 10.Nf3
Black immediately runs to safety, Qd8 11.Bc4 ) 9.Nf3 Nf6 10.Bd3
but their problems are not finished Nxe4 11.Bxe4 It's impossible to
yet, because it will take some time a n a l yz e t h i s p o s i t i o n t i l l t h e e n d ,
to bring the h8 rook into the game. especially because there are no
[ 13...Ke8?! is a dubious choice, g a me s . B u t wh e n yo u l o o k a t t h e
because anyway Black will need to positon and at the engine's evaluation,
leave the e-file. 14.Nc3 Nd4 15.Bc4 it becomes clear that Black's play is
And after Rhe1, Black will need to very risky. ]
lose another tempo on ...Kf8. ] [ 4...e5!? This interesting move leads
[ 13...Ke6?! Niemann-Shevchenko, to ve ry i r ra ti o na l p os it i on s : 5.dxe5
Black's king is exposed on e6. 14.Nc3 ( 5.Bxe5 Qxb2 Now we cannot play
B c 4 + n e x t , i f p o s s i b l e . Ne5 Bd2 anymore, as it was possible in the
A g a i n s t B c 4 + i d e a s . 15.Re1 4 . . . Q x b 2 l i n e .) 5...Bc5 6.Qd2
Black's king is misplaced on e6, and And now Black has a strong idea:
White has a huge initiative for the Bxf2+! 7.Qxf2 Qxb2 8.Kd2 Qxa1
missing pawn. ] 9.exd5 Black has a full exchange up
14.Nc3 Nd4! The only move to not be but it's clear that White has a good
worse, Black needs to close the d- compensation. The best line,
file or echange pieces. 15.Bc4 Rd8 according to the engine, countinues in
 16

the following way: Ne7 10.e6! fxe6 the same time, he has played the
11.Bd6 Nd7 12.Bxe7 Kxe7 13.d6+ move c7-c6, which is not his ideal
Ke8 14.Qh4 Nf6 15.Nge2 Qb2 plan in the 3...g6 lines. You can
16.Ng3 Bd3-Rf1 next. Engine shows check the line I wrote at the start of
+0,30, but I believe that with perfect the file so that you can compare
play, it will end in some forced draw. ] the variations. 5.h3 Bg7 6.Nf3 0-0
5.Nxe4 Bf5! This is Black's best
7.Be2 Nbd7
continuation, in my opinion. If you [ 7...b6 8.Ne5! Now, Nbd7 is not
think about it, this is a Caro-Kann possible because Black's pawn on c6
wi t h t h e m o v e s B f 4 - Q b 6 b e i n g
woul d b e h ang ing . Nfd7 ( 8...Bb7
included. 9.h4 h5? 10.g4+- ) 9.h4 Nxe5
[ 5...Nf6 6.Bd3 Qxd4 7.Nf3 Qb6 10.Bxe5 Bxe5 11.dxe5 f6 12.Qd4
8.Nxf6+ gxf6 9.0-0 ] Nd7 13.Nxd5! Nxe5 14.Nf4 Qxd4
[ 5...Qxb2 Once again, Qxb2 is 15.exd4 Nf7 16.0-0-0 ]
principled but also very risky for Black. [ 7...c5 Black can decide to play
6.Bd3 Nf6 ( 6...Qxd4? 7.Nf3 Qb6 anyway, c6-c5, even losing a tempo.
8.0-0 ) 7.Nf3 Nxe4 8.Bxe4 ] O f c o u r s e o n e t e mp o wi l l ma k e a
6.Bd3 Bxe4 7.Bxe4 Nf6 8.Bf3 Nbd7 huge difference. 8.0-0 Ne4 ( 8...Nc6
9.c3! 9.dxc5 ) 9.Nxe4 dxe4 10.Ng5 cxd4
[ 9.Ne2 0-0-0= e7-e5 next, and Black 11.exd4 Qxd4 12.Qxd4 Bxd4 13.c3
has a good counterplay. ] Bg7 14.Nxe4 ]
9...Qxb2 8.a4!? Taking some space on the
[ 9...0-0-0 10.Qc2 Black cannot play queenside. 8...a5 9.0-0 b6 10.Re1
e7-e5 anymore as our queen is not on Bb7 11.Bd3 Rc8 12.Qe2
the 'd' file. ] We can continue with Rad1 and e3-
10.Ne2 Qa3 11.Rb1 White keeps e4 at some point.
some initiative, and it's not easy to 4...Qb6 Compared to the 3...Qb6
play from the Black side. variation, here we cannot play e4
3...Bf5 4.f3 e6 If Black tries to play an ymor e , b u t we ha ve a n ot h e r
the Bf5 line but without including interesting direction: 5.Na4 Qa5+
Nf6, then it's bad for him: 6.c3 Nbd7 7.b4 Qd8 8.h3 White has a
[ 4...Nf6 5.e3 trans to 3...Nf6 4.e3 pleasant position. h3 was useful to
Bf5 ] never allow Nh5 ideas. We want to
5.e4! We are able to play this move only continue with Nf3-Bd3 normal
because Black's knight is still on g8. development. Of course, this
5...Bg6 6.h4 h6 position is not forced, but I want to
[ 6...h5 7.Bd3 dxe4 ( 7...Nf6 share with you some possible lines
8.Nge2 ) 8.fxe4 Qxd4?? 9.Nb5+- ] to make you understand for what to
7.exd5 exd5 8.Qd2 p l a y f r o m t h e W h i t e s i d e . 8...b6
Black takes control at the c5 square,
13
4...g6 This is a sort of 3...g6 not allowing Na4-c5 ideas. 9.Nf3
variation. On one hand, Black has e6 10.Bd3 Be7 11.0-0 0-0 12.Rc1
avoided the Qd2-Bh6 plan, but at Bb7 13.Qb3 These moves are quite
 17

logical for both sides. Now, Black's cannot develop a knight to d7 without
problem is that he doesn't have playing a move like Qe7 or Qc7 first,
space, and it's difficult for him to wh i c h wo u l d c o s t a n o t h e r t e mp o .
play c6-c5. 13...Qc8 Preparing Ba6 ( 10...b5! This is Black’s strongest
ideas. idea. He can then continue with Nbd7-
[ 13...a5 14.b5! c5 15.Qd1 ] Nb6-Be7-Nh7-00, and his position will
[ 13...Rc8 14.Rfd1 Re8 15.Nb2 be fine. For example: 11.Nge2 Nbd7
Black can never play c6-c5, because 12.0-0-0 Be7 13.Kb1 Nb6 14.Rdg1
his bishop on b7 would be hanging. ] Nh7= 00 next, and Black is absolutely
14.c4!? We can play this move using fine. ) 11.Nge2 Bxf4 12.exf4!
Black's misplaced queen on c8. This is an important positional idea.
14...dxc4 15.Bxc4 Nd5 16.Bxd5 exd5 Now we will play for the e5 square
17.Nc3 Nf6 18.a4 with a maneuvre like Qe3-Nc1-Nd3.
Nbd7 13.Qe3! The queen is ideally
14
5...h5 6.Bd3 Black's pawn on h5 placed on e3 in this structure. Our
is misplaced. plan is Nc1-Nd3, but by playing 13.
Qe3, we are not committed to
15
7...h6 This move is more anything yet, and our opponent cannot
conservative. It stops our Nb5 ideas, b e s u r e o f o u r n e x t m o v e . Qe7
but at the same time, Black loses I don't know if Black had some better
the flexibility to play the typical c7- ideas, but I think that the general
c5 break. We will analyze a model evaluation would not change much:
game: Jobava-Salgado. GM Baadur W h i t e i s p r e s s i n g . 14.Nc1!
Jobava: 'If you recall from the The start of our knight maneuvre. Nb6
previous game, Mamedyarov 15.b3! OBviosuly we don't want to
played 7...c5, which allowed me to allow Nc4. Qa3 My opponent places
place a strong knight on b5. This a queen on a3 so that I will not have
time my opponent opts for a more long castle options, but my king will
conservative approach with 7...c6, be fine also on the kingside as we will
which prevents the Nb5 ideas. In see. 16.Kf2 0-0-0 17.Kg3
my opinion, 7...a6! is Black's best The king is well-placed on g3. Nfd7
move, planning to play c7-c5 later. 18.Nd3 Rde8 19.Qc1!? I am offering
This way, White will not have Nb5 a queen exchange, and if Black
ideas.' 8.Qd2 We have transposed exchanges queens, I can push a2-a4,
into the 3...Bf5 variation. which will gain space on the
[ 8.h5?! This move is natural but it is a queenside. Qd6 My opponent chose
mistake. It is better for White to keep to keep the queens, which is a
the pawn on h4. Bh7 9.Bd3 Bxd3 personal choice and not necessarily
10.Qxd3 Bd6?! It is not ideal for Black the best one objectively. ( Also in the
to develop the bishop to d6 because endgame White's position is better,
when he captures on f4, White will f o r e x a m p l e : 19...Qxc1 20.Raxc1
r e c a p t u r e wi t h t h e e - p a wn . A l s o , Kc7 21.Ne2 C 2 - c 4 n e x t . Kd6
when Black’s bishop is on d6, Black 22.c4 ) 20.Ne5? This move looks
 18

natural but is a mistake. Now Black get the excellent d4 square if Black's
can exchange on e5 and then play for pawn disappears from c5. Kb8 29.b4
f7-f6. ( 20.a4! This should have been Now I will play some natural attacking
my move, where I am better, for moves against the Black's king. Rc8
example: Kb8 21.a5 Nc8 22.Na4 ) 30.Rhb1 Qd8 31.a6! Finally I have
20...Rhf8? ( 20...Nxe5! This was the pl a yed i t . b6 32.c4 d4 33.Qe4+-
right way to punish my 20th move. White is strategically winning. We
21.fxe5 Qc7= Black will continue with can continue with b4-b5, then transfer
Nd7-f7-f6 and later g7-g5 ideas might a knight to d3, and prepare slowly for
come (maybe supported by a rook on f4-f5, possibly first doubling the rooks
g8) . The position is complicated, but on t h e f - f i le . I f B l a c k ma n ag e s t o
Black is not worse objectively.) 21.a4 exchange queens, our king will have
( 21.Nd3 I had the chance to go back the strong e4 square. White’s position
and continue in the previous style, is objectively winning. 1-0 (33) Jobava,
with a2-a4 next. But of course it is B (2716)-Salgado Lopez,I (2605)
difficult to go back like this in a game, Yerevan 2014 [GM Baadur Jobava] ]
and if I have played 20.Ne5, it means [ 8.Bd3! This move is preferable
that I liked my chances also after without the inclusion of h5-Bh7. Bxd3
Nxe5, even if most likely I was 9.Qxd3 The main difference here is
wrong. ) 21...Nxe5 My opponent goes th at wi th t he pa wn s t il l on h4 , we
for it now, but the inclusion of the have potential g5-hxg5-hxg5 ideas.
m o ve s a 4 - R h f 8 i s c o n ve n i e n t f o r From the previous game, you already
White. The move a2-a4 was indeed know that when White's pawn is on h5,
useful for White. In fact, Black’s rook Black has the strong resource Nh7! to
on h8 may need to be repositioned to stop all g4-g5 ideas, and White cannot
g8 to support g7-g5 ideas, while the make much progress on the kingside.
a2-a4 move was useful for W hite. Bd6 10.Nge2 This is a better version
22.fxe5 Qc7 23.a5 Nd7 24.Qe3 for White compared to what happened
( 24.a6 This is a move that I had to in the game. ]
include. The point is that after 24...b6, 8...Nbd7
I can slowly prepare c2-c4, where [ 8...Bd6 This is even worse for Black
B l a c k ' s c 6 s q u a r e w i l l b e w e a k .) because after 9.Nh3 I am ready to
24...f6 25.f4 Rf7 ( 25...a6= r e t a k e o n f 4 wi t h t h e k n i g h t , a n d
Black had to stop a5-a6 ideas. Then Black cannot even develop normally
he can play Kb8-Rg8-Nf8-g5 with an wit h Nb d7 be ca us e Bd6 wou ld b e
interesting and complicated position.) hanging. If Black loses a move by
26.Ne2 ( 26.a6! Once again I had to playing Qc7 or Qe7, I can take on d6
i n c l u d e t h i s m o ve . b6 27.Ne2 ) and jump with the knight on f4. ]
26...c5?! My opponent plays this 9.0-0-0 b5 Black is playing on the
typical push, but now his king will be qu ee ns id e . 10.Kb1 Nb6 11.Bd3
vu l n e r a b l e . ( 26...a6! ) 27.c3 fxe5 Bxd3
28.dxe5! White is ready for b2-b4 [ 11...Nc4?! Positional mistake
ideas, and then our knight on e2 can because after the exchange on c4, our
 19

king will be very safe. 12.Bxc4 bxc4 ( 7.Qb3 Qb6= ) 7...Bd6 8.Bxd6
( 12...dxc4? Is out of the question Qxd6 9.e4;
because after 13.e4 Black's bishop B) 6...Bd6 7.Qb3! b6 ( 7...Bxf4?!
on g6 is out of the game, and White 8.Qxb7 Nbd7 9.exf4 c5 10.Nf3 )
has a huge center.) 13.h5 Bh7 8.Bxd6 Qxd6 ( 8...cxd6 9.e4 )
14.Nge2 I can always continue with 9.Nf3 We are ready to play e3-e4.
Ka1-Rb1, and my king is very safe, There is a very nice model game,
and it's virtually impossible for Black Pragg-Giri 2024. ]
to create an attack. Meanwhile, I will [ 5...Bg6 6.h4!? Our idea is to play h4-
start my own attack on the kingside. ] h5 and force Black to play Bxd3. Bd6
[ 11...b4 12.Nce2 Nc4 13.Bxc4 dxc4 7.h5 Bxd3 8.Qxd3
14.e4 ] A) 8...Nbd7 9.Nf3 h6 10.0-0-0
12.cxd3 The c4 square is protected. Qe7 11.Kb1 0-0-0 12.Qe2
8.g5 Nfd7 If you remember, his White is now ready for Ne5
position would have been fantastic because after Bxe5-dxe5, Black
if Black had played Nc6 instead of doesn't have Ng4. ( 12.Ne5? Bxe5!
c6. But now White is better because 13.dxe5 Ng4 );
the move c7-c6 is not helpful for B) 8...Bxf4 9.exf4 This position is
Black. For example: 9.Nge2 Nb6 interesting and playable. White can
10.Bh3 Be7 11.Bg3 Nf4 next. Unit 4 continue with Qg3-Nf3-000. ]
1...d5 sidelines-2...c6 and 3...c6 [ 5...Bd6 Has the same spirit of 5...c5,
[GM Pier Luigi Basso] but now Black committed his bishop to
d 6 t o o e a r l y. 6.Bxf5 exf5 7.Bg5!
16
4.e3 e6 5.Bd3!? Nowadays, this is Black's pawn on d5 is now hanging.
White's most common continuation c6 8.Qf3! h6 ( 8...g6?! 9.g4 ) 9.Bh4
at the high level. We will discuss it g6 10.Bxf6 ( 10.g4? g5 That's why
in a separate chapter. Black's best Black had to include 8...h6 9.Bh4.)
continuation is now This line is very 10...Qxf6 11.g4 Nd7 12.gxf5 Qxf5
popular at the high level, but it has 13.Qxf5 gxf5 14.Nce2
a problem which I was not able to /= This position remind the Kramnik
solve: 5...c6! Not fearing the variation in the Carlsbad: 1.d4 d5 2.c4
structure arising after Bxf5-exf5. e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.
Black plays a useful waiting move, e3 Bf5!? 7.Qf3 Bg6 8.Bxf6 Qxf6 9.
and he is not afraid of the Bxf5- Qxf6 gxf6. White's idea is to play Nh3-
exf5 structure. Ng3-Ke2-Kf3. Black is solid, but White
[ 5...Bxd3 This is Black's most can press a bit. ]
common continuation, and here, I like 6.Bxf5
White's chances. 6.cxd3! White can [ 6.Nf3 Was suggested in some books,
continue with Qb3 and it's possible to but they don't mention what to do if
press: Black just waits Be7 7.0-0 Nbd7=
A) 6...c6 The move c6 is useful Black's position is fine, in my opinion.
only to meet 7.Qb3 with 7...Qb6, Of course, you can play like this with
but otherwise, is not great. 7.Nf3 White, but you will just have an equal
 20

and solid position. ] it is easier for us to achieve an

6...exf5 7.Nce2!? Has been tried by interesting game. The main point is
Niemann and Sadhwani. that it will be difficult for Black to
[ 7.Bg5 was our move in the 5...Bd6 castle short, as White would have g4-
v a r i a t i o n . Nbd7= This is a huge g5 ideas. 7.e3
difference compared to the 5...Bd6 A) 7...c6 This move is more
line. Now, Black is not worse at all. ] conservative. It stops our Nb5 ideas,
7...Nbd7 8.Nf3 Ne4 The position is but at the same time, Black loses
playable, but Black is not worse, in the flexibility to play the typical c7-
my opinion. In conclusion, if you c5 break. We will analyze a model
find an idea against 5...c6, then the game: Jobava-Salgado.;
4.e3 e6 5.Bd3 variation becomes B) 7...a6! This is Black's best move.
interesting to play. Unit 2 3...Bf5-4. The idea is to continue with c7-c5
e3 e6 5.Bd3!? line [GM Pier Luigi but not allowing Nb5 ideas. We will
Basso] analyze a model game: Jobava-
Nepo. GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is,
17
5.g4 This is the move I’ve played in my opinion, Black's best
throughout my entire life. However, continuation and one of the reasons
after analyzing it recently with an why I recommend to play 5.Qd2
engine, I’ve realized that it’s instead of 5.g4 that I used to play.
actually an inaccuracy. By playing 7...a6 it is better than 7...c5
this move, we reveal our intentions because it doesn't allow Nb5 ideas,
too early, which allows Black to and it is better than 7...c6 because
respond more effectively. The key Black can now continue with c7-c5,
to this opening is keeping our where White doesn't have the Nb5
options open for as long as possible, i d e a a n y m o r e . ' 8.h5 ( 8.Bd3!?
and this move compromises that Probably it is better for White to
flexibility. Still, it will be useful to play the immediate 8.Bd3, without
check some model games I have t h e i n c l u s i o n o f h 5 - B h 7 . Bxd3
played to understand better the 9.cxd3 c5 10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.d4=
typical middlegame plans that will I am not going to discuss this
also be useful in our 5.Qd2!? line. position too much, which is equal,
5...Bg6 6.h4 Now Black has two in my opini on. The po int i s tha t
p o s s i b l e r e s p o n s e s . 6...h5 you shouldn't play 5.g4, and these
Th i s r e s p o n s e i s m o r e f o r c i n g . games are useful for you to
Although from the engine's increase the general understanding
perspective, both h6 and h5 are fine of the position, and not for concrete
for Black, I believe that for us, the theory. ) 8...Bh7 9.Bd3 Bxd3
move h7-h5 is more unpleasant to ( 9...c5! This is Black's best move,
face because it forces us to play and the idea is always the same:
more concretely. GM Baadur Black's knight on h7 will be
Jobava: '!' perfectly placed. 10.Bxh7 Nxh7
[ 6...h6 When Black plays with h7-h6, Black is slightly better.) 10.cxd3
 21

My idea is that once Black plays c7- u s u a l l y w e l l p l a c e d o n e 3 . Nb6

c5, I can capture on c5 and 18.Ka1!? A useful move. I am not
continue with d3-d4. The arising opening my cards yet, and my idea
p o s i t i o n wi l l b e e q u a l . ( 10.Qxd3 c o u l d b e N b 1 - N d 2 - N b 3 . Rhe8
c5 ) 10...Bd6 ( 10...c5 11.dxc5 19.Nb1!? f6 20.Nd2 Qd6 21.Nb3
Bxc5 12.d4= Equal playable Now my knight is ready to jump on
position, where maybe I prefer a bit c5. e5?! Even for a strong player
White's position because it's more like Nepo, it was not easy to assess
flexible, but it's a matter of taste.) th e po si ti on c or re ct ly. ( 21...Nc8!
11.Nge2!? If Black takes I can It was better for Black to play like
retake with the knight, or with the this. He could have continued with
pawn, depending on the situation. I N8a7-b6-Kb7, slowly improving his
don't want to say that 11.Nge2 is posi tion . Ob ject ivel y he is a bi t
better than 11.Bxd6, it's just a move better. ) 22.dxe5 fxe5 23.f5!?
to maintain a bit more tension. Nc6 I have an interesting 4 vs 2 majority
I like this Black's idea. The idea is on the kingside, which might be
that he wants to continue with Qe7 useful for the future. According to
and castle long.. In this sense the the engine the position is equal, but
move c7-c5 could potentially I woul d a lre ady ta ke W hi te in a
weaken his king on the queenside. practical game. Later on we had a
12.Qd2 We are also preparing long big fight and I managed to win the
castle. Qe7 13.0-0-0 0-0-0 game in the end, but this has little
14.Kb1 This move is always useful. to do with our course. By showing
I have some extra space on the you this game, I want to help you
queenside, but Black is solid, that's understand that the move 7...a6 is
why the position is around equal in a real problem. 1-0 (23) Jobava,B
m y o p i n i o n . Kb8 15.Rc1 Bxf4 (2713)-Nepomniachtchi,I (2730)
16.exf4?! I wanted to try this option. Dubai 2014 [GM Baadur Jobava];
But objectively 16.Nxf4 is better and C) 7...c5 Black should be careful
the position is equal. 16.exf4 is an because the move 7...c5 allows 8.
attempt to keep the game more Nb5! We will analyze a model
interesting, but objectively is game: Jobava-Mamedyarov. 8.h5
dubious. Nd7 Also a good move, Bh7 9.Nb5! We are forcing Na6,
even if I prefer the Ng8-Ne7 and our knight on b5 is very well
ma n e u ve r . No w B l a c k wa n t s t o placed, and Black cannot do
transfer his knight to b6. ( 16...Ng8 anything to force it to retreat. The
Th i s wo u l d h a ve b e e n a s t r o n g move Nb5 is a typical idea in
maneuver for Black, with the idea Jobava London, especially when
to transfer the knight to e7, from Black plays the move c7-c5, as he
where it is more flexible as it will not have c7-c6 ideas anymore.
eventually also supports the Na6 10.c3! Now that we moved our
queenside.) 17.Qe3 As you know knight from c3, we can comfortably
from previous games, our queen is pla y th is re in for ci ng mo ve . Th e
 22

only drawback of this move could 11...Bxd3 12.Qxd3 Nd7?!

be that our knight on b5 doesn't Bad understanding from my
have too many retreating squares, oppon ent, but I t hink you wil l
but as I have told you in this ag r e e i f I sa y t h at Nh 7 i s n o t
concrete case, it's not a problem, such an easy move. ( 12...Nh7!
as Black can hardly attack our And Black is suddenly fine
knight. Be7 because he got the excellent h7
C1) 11.Nh3! Was White's best square for his knight.) 13.Ne2
move. It is a logical one because ( 13.Nh3! This is the best square
we develop the knight, and we for the White's knight. The point
keep Bd3 options if needed. Qb6 is that it is supporting g4-g5
Was probably Black's best ideas. 0-0 This is the move that
c o n t i n u a t i o n . ( 11...0-0 Mamedyarov played after 13.Ne2,
Is a very risky move for Black, but now 14.0-0-0 And we are
b e c a u s e a f t e r 12.Rg1 ready for Rdg1-g5. According to
We have very good chances for the engine, White's position is
a direct attack on the kingside.) a l r e a d y w i n n i n g .) 13...0-0?!
12.a4 This move cannot be bad, It's not easy to suggest a good
and we ar e con sol id ati ng ou r waiting move, but Black had not
knight on b5. c4 is Black's best castle short yet. Maybe a good
continuation according to the choice was 13...Nf6 back with
engine. 13.b3! Here, I like to t h e i d e a N h 7 : ) . 14.a4?!
distract Black's pawn chain, and I I don't like this move anymore
am opening the position a bit because, most likely, I will need
more. cxb3 14.Qxb3 to play long castle, and by
Black's position is very difficult to playing a4, I am weakening the
play because there is no clear q u e e n s i d e . ( 14.Rg1
place for his king. for example, if Was a good option.; 14.0-0-0 )
he plays 0-0 then he should be 14...Bf6 Mamedyarov is
rea dy to fac e a di rec t a tta ck , preparing e6-e5. He is a very
starting, for example, with active player, but maybe it was
15.g5; better for Black to wait another
C2) 11.Bd3?! The move I played way. But let's see what
is a very instructive mistake to happened in the game. 15.Bd6!?
understand these positions better. Re8 16.f4 Now I have prevented
It is wrong to exchange the light- e6-e5. Nb6?? This move is bad
squares bishops because Black because it allows me to start a
gets the important h7 square for direct attack on the kingside.
his knight! It's a very deep ( 16...Bh4+! This was Black's
concept, but Black's knight on h7 best move to force our king to
makes Black's position very safe choose. Probably 17.Kd1 is
because it will be harder for us to White's best, with a +0,30 engine
prepare the g4-g5 advance. evaluation, which means that
 23

White has good chances, but the [ 8.e4 Nb6 Black is ready to play
position is still complicated. Nc6. ]
17.Kd1 Kc2 next. Then Rag1-g5 8...Be7! Black's best continuation, and
ideas. ) 17.g5!! Sooner or later, it the reason behind the choice to
had to come. hxg5 18.h6 g6 play 5.Qd2 instead of 5.g4. GM
19.fxg5 Bxg5 20.h7+ Baadur Jobava: 'This is how the
It looks like the Black's king will modern engine is playing this
be safe on g7 or h8, but things position. The idea is that after'
are not working for him tactically. [ 8...a6 J o b a v a - N a k a m u r a 9.Bd3
The rest of the game was nice, Bxd3 ( 9...Be7?! This move was good
but I will not comment on it too at move 8, but not now. 10.Bxg6 fxg6
much because it is less important 11.Qd3 Because of the fact that
for my goal of building a good Black has spent a tempo on 8...a6,
understanding of the positions. now his king is still on e8 and and he
Kg7 21.Be5+ f6 22.Nd6 Rh8 will need to play Kf7 to defend the g6
23.Nf4 Bxf4 24.Bxf4 g5 pawn. If his king would have already
25.0-0-0 Nc4 If you are still been on g8, then after Kh7 Black's
watching, you can try to guess position is much better. )
which move I have played now. A) 10.Qxd3! Of course I had to
26.Rh6! Kxh6 27.Nf7+ Kg7 take back with the queen. Now I
28.Nxd8 Raxd8 29.b3 Nb6 might have ideas like g5-g6. For
30.Rg1 Rxh7 31.e4 Kh8 32.e5 example: c5 ( 10...g6
gxf4 33.Qg6 Rf8 34.exf6 Black prevents g5-g6, but now we
A very nice win against such a a r e r e a d y t o p l a y 11.e4
strong player as Mamedyarov! In And Black is under some pressure,
my opinion, his troubles started mostly because he has spent two
at move 7, when he played the t e m p i f o r a 6 a n g g 6 , wh i c h a r e
move 7...c5, and he allowed my useful moves but not the priority.
knight to jump to b5. 1-0 (34) Next we can contin ue wit h lon g
Jobava,B (2713)-Mamedyarov,S castle ad then slowly prepare the f4-
(2743) Dubai 2014 [GM Baadur f5 push. ) 11.g6! f6 12.Nge2
Jobava] ] The position is objectively equal
7.g5 Nfd7 GM Baadur Jobava: 'In this but practically very interesting.;
file, we will see that it's possible to B) 10.cxd3 Sometimes this idea is
reach this same position with the good, but here it is not great.
moves Qd2 and Be7 already 10...Nc6 11.g6?! I understood that
included. This is a crucial difference, my position started to be risky from
as the inclusion of these moves a s t r a t e g i c p o i n t o f vi e w, a n d I
can significantly influence the decided to complicate things, but
d i r e c t i o n o f t h e g a m e . ' 8.e3 o b j e c t i ve l y, t h i s i s a b a d p a wn
GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is White's s a c r i f i c e . fxg6 12.Bg5 Be7
most commo n continu ation, bu t Black is already much better. I
now Black is already better after' managed to put up a good
 24

resistance, but Hikaru played well in a sort of "Bunker."

and won the game. The rest is not 5.e3 I’m not a fan of the immediate
important for our course. By 5.e3 because it limits our options.
showing this game my main intent By committing to e3 right away, we
was to introduce you to the h7-h5 miss the opportunity to play e4 in
variations and show you the strong one move la te r on. Thi s lo ss o f
7...Be7! idea, that is refuting my 5. tempo can be crucial, especially if
g4 va ri at i on . For th is re as o n i n we aim for a more aggressive or
the theoretical part we will study the dynamic setup. Keeping the e-pawn
more clever 5.Qd2 move. 0-1 (12) f l e xi b l e a l l o ws u s t o a d a p t o u r
Jobava,B (2699)-Nakamura,H strategy based on Black's
(2799) Khanty-Mansiysk 2015 [GM responses. 5...Be7!
Baadur Jobava] ]
9.Bd3 GM Baadur Jobava: 'Black can 18 5...Bd6 This is a very natural move,
just ignore the Bxg6 threat, and and it’s also the one you are most
play' 9...0-0!! Black doesn't fear the likely to face in your games.
structure arising after GM Baadur However, I find the underlying idea
Jobava: '!' 'The point is that after' questionable: exchanging the dark-
10.Bxg6 fxg6 GM Baadur Jobava: '' sq ua r ed b i sh o ps t e nd s t o f avo r
GM Baadur Jobava: 'Contrary to White, as many dark squares,
what one might initially think, especially the e5 square, will
Black's g6 pawn is not a weakness. b e c o me we a k e r f o r B l a c k . Th i s
In fact, it creates a very solid shield exchange often leaves Black with
for Black's king once it moves to h7. vulnerabilities that White can exploit
With this strong defensive setup, in the middlegame or even in the
White's attacking chances are endgame. 6.0-0-0 0-0
significantly diminished, allowing [ 6...Bxf4 7.Qxf4 It’s hard to justify the
Black to begin playing for the exchange on f4, which has now
initiative. The g6 pawn, far from activated White’s queen. In my
being a liability, actually becomes a opinion, the only reasonable
key component in Black's defensive continuation for Black might be Qd6
and counterattacking strategy.' GM Black is looking for an endgame, but
Baadur Jobava: 'Back's king will be even there he will have problems:
very safe on h7, and Black can also 8.Qxd6 cxd6 9.g4 Bg6 10.h4 h6
use the open 'f' line for his rook on ( 10...h5?! Leads to even worse
f8. Black's plan in this position is to consequences. 11.g5 Nfd7 12.e4 )
continue with Nc6-e5. Here White is 11.e3 Black's pawn structure might
worse, and this is the second be problematic in the long term. ]
reason why I suggest playing 5.Qd2 7.g4 Bg6 8.h4 Black has problems, for
instead of 5.g4 (we have already example: 8...Bxf4
seen the first reason in the previous [ 8...h6? One again, it is dangerous for
game of mine against Nepo) .' Black to combine the move h6 with
11.Qd3 Kh7 Because his king on h7 is the short castle. 9.Bxd6 Qxd6 10.h5
 25

Bh7 11.g5 ] [ 7...c5?! 8.Nb5 Na6 9.c3 ]

[ 8...h5 9.Bg5 ] 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.cxd3! We are preparing
9.Qxf4 h5 10.e3 against c5. 9...c5 10.dxc5 Bxc5
5...Bb4 Bb4 is not a standard 11.d4= We have a symmetrical position
development for the bishop, but it in "Exchange Slav" style. Personally
can be logical, especially if Black I prefer White a bit because of the
wants to pin the knight on c3 to pawn on f3 that is protecting the e4
prevent e2-e4 ideas. This move square and is sometimes preparing
aims to create immediate pressure g2-g4 ideas if Black castles short.
on White's position, restricting Also I can transfer my knight to f4
White's central expansion and and then eventually to d3, and the
making it harder to push e2-e4. other one again on f4 via e2-f4. It's
6.a3 I like to include a3-Ba5 so that we an equal playable position Where I
will always have b2-b4 ideas ready think that White is the one who has
if it becomes convenient. 6...Ba5 more control on the game because
7.e3 Now we can play for b2-b4 or the he can decide if to wait or if to try
g4-h4 typical plan. 7...0-0 8.g4 something active.
Bg6 9.h4 h5 10.Bg5 Using the fact 5...h5 In my opinion, the best
that Black's bishop is on a5, we can strategy for Black is to play a
use the Bg5 idea to pin the knight prophylactic move against g2-g4.
on f6 since Be7 is no longer There are three options: 5...h5, 5...
possible. h 6 , a n d 5 . . . B g 6 . 6.Nh3!?
5...Bg6 6.h4 h5 This is a good I like this idea, using the fact that
move, and here we need to go for h7-h5 has created some
a n e q u a l s ym me t r i c a l p o s i t i o n , we a k n e s s e s . 6...Bxh3 This looks
where in my opinion WHite's play is critical.
more easy, but I understand that it's [ 6...Be7 7.0-0-0 0-0 8.Nf2
about taste. Our knight on f2 supports both g2-g4
[ 6...Nh5?! Looks logical, but it's a and e2-e4 ideas. ]
mistake. 7.0-0-0! 7.gxh3 Now we can play on the g-file
A) 7...Bb4 Critical move, but White and for e2-e4. The dynamic
is better in the complications after advantages outweigh the structural
8.Bh2 Qxh4 For example: 9.Nh3 weakness of the h-pawns. 7...Bd6
Qe7 ( 9...Ng3 10.Qe1 Nf5 8.Rg1! g6 9.Nb5 Bxf4 10.Qxf4 Na6
11.Qxh4 Nxh4 12.g4 Black has 11.0-0-0 e4 next. White is better.
some serious problems with the 5...h6 This move is better than 5...
knight on h4.) 10.a3 Ba5 11.g4 h5, in my opinion, because it is
Nf6 12.Nf4 Idea is Nxg6 where less committal for Black. transposes.
Black will be probably forced to take GM Baadur Jobava: 'Luca chooses
back with the 'f' pawn.; another interesting direction, now I
B) 7...Nxf4 8.Qxf4 Bd6 9.Qd2 like the flexible' 6.h4!? We are not
Whtie has easy play e4-g4-h5. ] committing to g2-g4 yet, and we will
7.e3 a6! Preparing c7-c5. play it only if convenient. GM
 26

Baadur Jobava: 'Anyway this move works, but here I have the following
is useful to support g4-g5, but for r e s o u r c e : ' 9.a3! Nxc2 10.e4
the moment there is no need to GM Baadur Jobava: '+-' GM Baadur
reveal my cards. Maybe playing for Jobava: 'Disrupts the protection of
e4 is more important, depends on the knight on c2, and White wins a
what Black wants to do now.' 6...a6! piece.' ( 10.g4?? Na1-+ ) 10...Na1
This is Black's best continuation. 11.Kb1 Nb3 12.Qc2+-;
The idea is to play c7-c5 without B) 8...Bd6 GM Baadur Jobava:
allowing Nb5. GM Baadur Jobava: 'Black develops normally, and here
'Black is preparing ...c5, so a good I commited a fatal mistake.' 9.g4!
prophylactic is' After both Bh7 and Bg6, the Nb4
[ 6...c5 7.Nb5! Na6 8.e3 idea will not work effectively. GM
Our knight on b5 is very strong. ] Baadur Jobava: 'was now
[ 6...Be7 7.g4! Bg6 8.0-0-0 ne c e s s a ry, W h i t e c a n ' t d e l a y i t
Typical Nh3-Bg3-Nf4 plan. ] a n y m o r e a n d a f t e r ' ( 9.Nge2?
7.0-0-0! And now we don't play g2-g4. GM Baadur Jobava: 'The point is
GM Baadur Jobava: 'and the point that in the same line after ...Nb4,
is to meet 7...c5 with 8.e4!.' 7...Bg6! my knight will be under attack after
Best move for Black, a prophylactic ...dxe4 and ...exf3. This changes
move. But now we have saved a completely the evaluation, a very
tempo on g2-g4. b a d b l u n d e r . ' Nb4 GM Baadur
[ 7...c5?! 8.e4! GM Baadur Jobava: J o b a va : ' !' G M B a a d u r J o b a va :
'And the following complications are 'Luca finds it, and soon enough I
good for White, also visually it is clear found myself in a hopeless situation.
that we have a big lead in the ' 10.a3 Nxc2 11.e4 dxe4 12.Qxc2
deve lopment. ' dxe4 9.fxe4 Nxe4 exf3 GM Baadur Jobava: '-+' GM
10.Nxe4 Bxe4 11.Qe3 Bd5 Baadur Jobava: 'This is the reason
12.dxc5 ] why Nge2 was not working, Black
[ 7...Nc6 This is the move Luca Moroni regains the piece back.' 13.Qa4+
played against me in one of the rapid b5 14.Nxb5 axb5 15.Qxb5+ Kf8-+
training games. GM Baadur Jobava: Jobava-Moroni training rapid.
'Luca is playing a Jobava Londo n 16.gxf3 Nd5 17.Be5 f6 18.Bh2
himself, now it was critical to decide Kf7 19.Rd2 Qe7 Thank you for the
how to continue, I didn't like 8.a3 games Luca, they were all
because it runs into an attack after ... interesting and insightful, I hope
b5.' 8.e3 GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is you enjoyed and see you next time!
logical, I don't need to play 8.g4 yet, ½-½ (19) Jobava,B-Moroni,L [GM
developing pieces is anyway useful, Baadur Jobava]) 9...Bh7 ( 9...Bg6
and I also want to have somewhere 10.h5 GM Baadur Jobava: 'and
e3-e4 with tempo against the bishop anyway I am able to achieve g5
on f5.' followed by e4.' Bh7 11.g5 hxg5
A) 8...Nb4?! GM Baadur Jobava: 'It 12.Bxg5 e4 or h6 next.) 10.Nge2
was important to calculate if this GM Baadur Jobava: 'now Nge2 and
 27

the point is that I am able to not losing immediately.

achieve g5 and e4 without 5...c5 This is Black's most popular
s a c r i f i c i n g o n c 2 . ' Nb4 11.g5! continuation, but it's a risky one.
Possible because of Bh7: now my 6.Bxb8 This is a new idea of mine. We
r o o k o n h 1 i s n o t h a n g i n g . Nh5 want to eliminate Black's knight so
12.Bxd6 Qxd6 13.e4 GM Baadur that after e4-Bb5+, it will be difficult
Jobava: 'White has a good fo r B la c k to d e fe n d ag a i n st t h e
advantage here.' ] check.
8.e4 The position is new and [ 6.g4!? This can also be an
complicated, and that's exactly what interesting alternative to play a
we like in the Jobava London. It's complicated game. Bg6 7.Nb5 Na6
important to ensure that we are not 8.e3 ]
worse and check some critical lines: 6...Rxb8
8...Bb4 The most human continuation. [ 6...Qxb8 A strange-looking move, but
[ 8...dxe4 It might be risky for Black to also possible. 7.e4 dxe4 8.Bb5+
a c c e p t t h e p a w n . 9.Nxe4 Nxe4 Ke7 Black has to play this move, no
10.fxe4 Bxe4 11.Qe3 Bf5 12.d5 ] choice. 9.0-0-0 It's not easy for Black
9.Nge2 dxe4 10.a3 The position is very to play this position. a6 ( 9...Qc7
interesting. The best line, according 10.g4 Bg6 11.g5! Nh5 12.Nge2 Rd8
to the engine, is 10...exf3 11.gxf3 13.Qe3 ) 10.Be2 Difficult to play for
Bd6 12.Bxd6 Qxd6 13.Nf4 Bh7 Black with the king on e7. ]
14.Rg1 7.e4 dxe4
5...a6 Black's idea is to play c5, but [ 7...Bg6 8.Bb5+ Ke7 9.dxc5 ]
f i r s t h e wa n t s t o c o n t r o l t h e b 5 8.Bb5+ Ke7 9.fxe4
square. 6.0-0-0 c5? But c5 is a [ 9.g4? cxd4-+ ]
mistake. [ 9.0-0-0?! cxd4 ]
[ 6...b5 Could be another idea behind 9...Nxe4
5...a6. 7.g4 Bg6 8.h4 We play our [ 9...cxd4 10.exf5 dxc3 11.Qxc3 Nd5
typical idea keeping in mind that Qd2- 12.Qa3+ Qd6 13.Qxd6+ Kxd6
O-O was more useful than a6-b5. In 14.fxe6 fxe6 15.Nf3 Slightly better
fa ct , a6 -b 5 ma y lo ok s ca ry, bu t i t without any risk. ]
doesn't create a fast attack on the [ 9...Bxe4 10.0-0-0 Qc7 11.Qe2!?
queenside. ] Bf5 ( 11...Bd5 12.Kb1 ) 12.d5 Rd8
7.e4! cxd4 13.Nf3 Difficult for Black to play. ]
[ 7...dxe4?? The most principled 10.Nxe4 Bxe4 11.0-0-0 a6!
continuation, but it is losing. 8.g4 Bg6 [ 11...Qc7 12.Nh3 ]
9.d5! The only move that ensures an 12.Qf4 Bd5
advantage, so it's an important one. [ 12...Bxg2 13.Qg5+ f6 14.Qxg2
exf3 ( 9...Nxd5 10.fxe4+-; 9...exd5 axb5 15.dxc5 Qc7 16.Nf3 Qxc5
10.g5! Nh5 11.Nxd5+- ) 10.Nxf3+- 17.Rhe1 ]
Black is in trouble. ] 13.c4! axb5 14.cxd5 Qd6 15.Qh4+
8.exf5 dxc3 9.Qxc3 It's clear that g5 16.Qxg5+ f6 17.Qh5 Qxd5
White is better, but at least Black is 18.Qxd5 exd5 19.dxc5=
 28

5...Nc6 Black is also playing the Qxh2 15.Rxh2 Rad8 16.Rhd2

Jobava London! Typically, when White has a good endgame thanks
B l a c k p l a ys Nc 6 , t h e p l a n i s t o t o t h e e xt r a s p a c e a n d t h e N f 4
follow up with either Qd7 or Qd6 ideas.
(first playing Bd6 and then Bxd6,
Qxd6 in this case) and then aim for 19 7...h6 In my experience, we should
q u e e n s i d e c a s t l i n g . 6.a3!? generally be pleased when Black
This is a useful waiting move. I want chooses h6 instead of h5. The key
to see how Black pr oceeds an d difference is that against h6, it’s
also prevent any ideas involving easier for us to create interesting
Bb4. play. On the other hand, the move
[ 6.g4 The g4-h4 plan is now h5 is generally more forcing, which
premature because the move 5...Nc6 compels us to respond in a more
allows Black to be better prepared concrete and less flexible manner.
against this setup. Bg6 7.h4?! h5! 8.0-0-0 This is another very flexible
8.g5 Nd7 9.e4 Nb6 The key point move. We haven’t yet committed to
is that after 10.000, Black can continuing with either e2-e4 or e2-
continue with 10...Bb4! GM Baadur e3, and we can also decide later
Jobava: ''' The key point is that after whether to include h5-Bh7 or not. ''
10.000, Black can continue with 10... Typ i c a l N h 3 - B g 3 - N f 4 p l a n . G M
Bb4! ''' 10.0-0-0 Bb4 ] Baadur Jobava: '  ' 8...c5
6...a6 Black also copies, but now it's c7-c5 is a standard move for Black
different. in the "Jobava London," and we
[ 6...Bd6 7.0-0-0 Bxf4 8.Qxf4 Qd6 should always check what happens
Once again, entering in the endgame if Black plays it.
is not a good solution for Black. [ 8...0-0? In the lines where Black
9.Qxd6 cxd6 10.g4 Bg6 11.h4 h5 plays h6, it’s usually dangerous for
( 11...h6 12.Nh3 ) 12.g5 Nd7 him to castle kingside because White
13.e4 ] can quickly launch a strong attack on
[ 6...Qd7 7.g4 Bg6 8.h4 that side. The h6 move can create
Black doesn't have h5 because, after weaknesses that White can exploit,
g5, the knight on f6 cannot go to d7. especially if Black’s king is positioned
h6 9.e3 0-0-0 10.h5 Bh7 11.Bg3 on the kingside. 9.g5 ]
B h 4 - O - O - N h 3 - N f 4 . W h i t e h a s a 9.dxc5! The decision to open the position
pleasant game. ] is particularly strong in this situation,
7.g4 Bg6 8.h4 h5 9.g5 Nd7 10.e4 especially since we are ready to
Nb6 11.0-0-0 Without a3-a6 included, play e2-e4 in one move. Once
Black would have played Bb4, and again, our initial flexibility and the
he re h e c an no t , ma ki n g a hu g e choice to delay playing e2-e3 are
difference. For example: 11...Bd6 paying off! 9...Nc6 Black is ready to
[ 11...Be7 12.Nh3 0-0 13.Bh2 meet e2-e4 with d5-d4.
Nf4 next. ] [ 9...Bxc5? Black faces immediate
12.Nh3 0-0 13.Bxd6 Qxd6 14.Qh2!? pr ob le ms no w: 10.h5 Bh7 11.g5
 29

hxg5 12.Bxg5 h6 or e4 is coming. ] Qh2! ideas, threatening the c7

10.e4 d4! The position is very interesting, pawn in a very artistic way. GM
and in a practical game, Black can Baadur Jobava: 'I achieve the e2-e4
lose it very quickly. However, push in one tempo, that is the big
according to the engine, the difference between 5.Qd2 and 5.e3.
evaluation remains at 0.00. Let me ' 9...Nb6 This is Black’s most
show you some critical lines that logical move, as it defends the d5
illustrate why this is the case and pawn. From a positional point of
how easily things can go wrong for view, Black is doing well, but we are
Black despite the engine's just in time to pose a concrete
assessment. 11.Nb5 problem. Despite Black’s solid
[ 11.Bb5!? It might be another very position, our next move introduces
interesting direction. ] a tactical challenge that could shift
11...e5 Black's only move. 12.h5 Bh7 the balance in our favor. GM
13.g5! Nd7 Baadur Jobava: 'Luca goes for the
[ 13...hxg5? 14.Bxg5 Bxc5 15.h6 ] knight maneuver.'
14.gxh6 gxh6 [ 9...dxe4?! This is a bad move for
[ 14...exf4?? 15.hxg7 Rg8 16.h6+- ] B l a c k , b e c a u s e a f t e r 10.fxe4
15.Bxh6 Nxc5 16.Kb1 a6 17.Na3 White now has a strong center, and
According to the engine, this Black doesn't have any compensation
po s it i on i s 0 .0 0 . I n my op i ni o n , for it. ]
White has an extra pawn, and it's 10.Qh2!! Now we are threatening the c7
no t e a s y f or B l a c k t o p r o ve t h e pawn and... guess what? The best
compensation. continuations for Black are actually
8.g5 Nfd7 GM Baadur Jobava: '?!' the ones that don’t defend the
GM Baadur Jobava: 'Would pawn! This insight gives us great
transpose in our file.' practical chances, in my opinion, as
[ 8...Ng8? This move makes no sense it creates a dilemma for Black that
in this specific situation. If the usual can be difficult to navigate during a
idea behind Ng8 is to maneuver the game. GM Baadur Jobava: '!' GM
knight to f5 via e7, in this case, it’s Baadur Jobava: 'This is the brilliant
clearly anti-positional since Black idea I had prepared, I remembered
has already developed the bishop to it on my 2nd try. Now Black has
e7. This move contradicts the some issues with the c7 pawn and
positioning of Black’s pieces and the best is to actually sacrifice it.
doesn’t fit the structure of the game. ] This can all be seen in the
9.e4! This is the point! We are able to theoretical part of the course.'
p l a y e 2 - e 4 i n o n e m o ve . I f yo u [ 10.a3?! At first I forgot my idea, here
recall, in the 5.g4 variation, I Black is fine after 0-0 11.0-0-0 Nc6
showed you the same position but The knight is rerouted to a5 and the
without the moves Qd2 and Be7 downside of the 10.a3 move is felt. ]
included. Here, it makes a huge 10...Na6! This move is very
difference because we now have counterintuitive, as Black should
 30

reckon with the 11.Bxa6 option. I’m 0-0-0 I think it is an interesting option.'
not saying that the consequences Nxd5 13.Nxd5 exd5 14.Qe2+
of 11.Bxa6 bxa6 12.Bxc7 Qd7 are GM Baadur Jobava: '!' GM Baadur
particularly difficult to assess, but I Jobava: 'Strong move I found, now
assure you, the real challenge is Luca for sure cannot enter an
considering a move like 10...Na6 in endgame with such ugly pawns, so ...
the first place. It’s a move that Kf8 is forced, but now the rook on h8
doesn’t align with the usual thought will be out of play for a few moves.'
process and can easily be Kf8 15.Qd2 I had a good structural
overlooked. a d v a n t a g e i n t h e J o b a va - M o r o n i
[ 10...dxe4?! 11.Bxc7 ] r a p i d t r a i n i n g g a m e . ( 15.Nh3
[ 10...c6 This is a very natural move to T h e k n i g h t i s r e r o u t e d t o f 4 . Nc6
play. 11.Bc7 Qc8 ( 11...Qd7?? 16.c3 Also 16.Qd2 was fine, but this
Leaves the knight on b8 undefended.) f e l t m o r e s o l i d . Bf5 17.Nf4 g6
12.Nge2 We’ve reached a very 18.Kf2 I feel like White has a very
interesting position to play. Our plan is good advantage now, since Luca is
to continue with moves like 0-0-0, Bh3, getting low on time, there is no need
and Nf4, and it’s not easy for Black to to continue. As you can see, 10...
find a clear plan. While Black’s Bd6? was the crucial mistake,
position isn’t bad, it’s certainly less allowing the ruining of the structure
straightforward to play compared to was not worth it, I got very easy play
ours. This gives us a practical edge as afterwards. ½-½ (18) Jobava,B-
we can pursue our ideas with more Moroni,L [GM Baadur Jobava] )]
clarity and direction. ] 11.0-0-0
[ 10...Nc6?! Black is playing for [ 11.Bxa6?! I s b a d f o r u s . bxa6
compensation, but objectively, it is not 12.Bxc7 Qd7 Rc8-Nc4 next and
a great move. 11.Bxc7 Qd7 12.Bxb6! Black has a huge counterplay on the
axb6 13.exd5 exd5 ( 13...Nxd4? queenside. ]
14.0-0-0+- ) 14.Bh3 ] 11...0-0 12.Nh3 Black is objectively
[ 10...c5?! This is a very natural move. fine, but the position is very
11.Bc7 Qc8 ( 11...Qd7?? playable, especially since not a
12.Bxb8+- ) 12.Bd6 I like White's single pawn has been exchanged
i n i t i a t i v e . F o r e x a m p l e : cxd4 yet! Our idea is to eventually move
13.Nb5 ] the bishop from f4 and jump there
[ 10...Bd6 GM Baadur Jobava: '?' GM with the knight. This is the best
Baadur Jobava: 'Luca played a bad Black can hope to achieve after 5...
move, Black is completely ruining his Be7, in my opinion, and I’m fully
structure, but it is understandable that satisfied to play this position in the
wi t h o u t k n o wi n g t h e p o s i t i o n , h e worst-case scenario. :) Unit 2 3...
wanted to protect c7.' 11.Bxd6 cxd6 Bf5-Joba va's sp irit [G M Baadu r
( 11...Qxd6 12.Qxd6 cxd6 13.exd5 ) Jobava]
12.exd5 GM Baadur Jobava: 'Spoiling
the structure is principled, also 12. 20 4.e4 This move might have greater
 31

appeal at first glance. However, [ 8...Nc6?! 9.b4 Black's d5 pawn will

after extensive analysis, we’ve be hanging. ]
concluded that Black has more than 9.Nd4 Be7
one good response in this position, [ 9...Nc6? 10.Ndb5! e5 11.Bg5 ]
which is why we don’t fully trust the 10.Qd2 This position has never been
objective value of 4.e4. We also r e a c h e d i n p r a c t i c e . W h i t e wi l l
doubt its practical value, as it has continue with 0-0-0 followed by g4-
b e c o me we l l - k n o wn a n d wi d e l y h4, and their attacking prospects on
understood a t all levels . 4...cxd4 the kingside are slightly better than
This is Black's most critical Black's, especially since the queen
continuation, in our opinion. on c5 is misplaced. Nonetheless,
[ 4...Nxe4 5.Nxe4 dxe4 6.dxc5 it's a complex and highly
Nd7!? Is not very popular, but it is a interesting position to play, open to
very good line for Black. ] all three results.
5.Qxd4 Nc6 6.Bb5 Bd7 7.Bxc6 Bxc6
8.e5 Nd7 Now White relais on 9.e6!? 22 5...Nc6?? In the 3...c5 line Black
fxe6 10.Nf3 Qb6 11.Qd2 And here should always be very careful not to
Black has two good continuations: allow GM Baadur Jobava: '?' GM
11...d4 This seems like a direct Baadur Jobava: 'This huge mistake
equalizer. has been played also by very strong
[ 11...g5!? It is also a very strong players. But now White is
move, but Black should be well i m m e d i a t e l y w i n n i n g : ' 6.Nb5+-
prepared to play it. ] GM Baadur Jobava: '!' '  ' GM
12.Qxd4 Qxd4 13.Nxd4 Bxg2= Baadur Jobava: 'That's why the
move 5...a6 was so important.'
21
4...Nc6?? It's the most natural 5...Bg4!? This is a modern line;
move for Black, but here the b5 Black provokes f2-f3 so that White
squ ar e c omes in to pl ay: 5.Nb5+- cannot develop his knight from g1
And suddenly, Black is lost, as he to f3. GM Baadur Jobava: 'Luca
is powerless against the threat of goes for the modern fashion, to
Nc7+. provocate f2-f3, so that my knight
4...Bg4?! This move becomes from g1 cannot develop there.' 6.f3
interesting after the exchange on d4, Bd7 7.Nb5 This is White's most
specifically in the variation 4...cxd4 principled continuation; now, Black
5.exd4 Bg4!? However, here it is mu s t e xc h a n g e h i s b i s h o p . G M
an inaccuracy. 5.f3 Bd7 6.dxc5! Baadur Jobava: 'This is the crucial
The huge difference, and this is the line, Black obviously has to take, 7...
reason why it was better for Black Na6 is too artificial and after c3 and
to exchange on d4 first. 6...Qa5 a4 the knight is just misplaced there.
[ 6...e6?! 7.Nb5! Bxb5 8.Bxb5+ Nc6 ' 7...Bxb5
9.b4 ] [ 7...Na6?! 8.a4 ]
7.Nge2 Qxc5 8.a3!? Prophylactic move 8.Bxb5+ Nc6 We gain the advantage of
against 8...Nc6. 8...e6 the bishop pair. On the other hand,
 32

Black has a solid position with very dangerous for Black to castle
natural development. Many strong queenside, as White can castle short
players opt for this variation with and then quickly advance with b4-a4,
Black, believing their position is launching a swift attack on the
c o mp l e t e l y f i n e . I n my o p i n i o n , queenside. ]
these players are heavily influenced [ 12...0-0 13.h4 a6 14.Bd3 trans. ]
by the engine's 0.00 evaluation. I 13.Bd3 Obviously, we have no intention
believe that White has their own of exchanging our bishop on c6.
ideas on how to proceed, Black’s 13...0-0
position can be slightly [ 13...e5?! 14.Bc2 exd4 15.Nxd4 ]
u n c o mf o r t a b l e f r o m a p r a c t i c a l [ 13...b5!? Black could also choose to
s t a n d p o i n t . 9.c3 The next moves immediately proceed with the minority
are n at ur al a nd l og ic al f or b ot h a t t a c k b y p u s h i n g b 5 - b 4 . 14.h4!?
sides: GM Baadur Jobava: 'I have This is a typical idea for us, as we
to play this sooner or later, so let's want to gain space on the kingside by
do it right now. Don't forget that ... advancing h4-h5. b4 15.Rc1 0-0
Qa5+ is a threat, that's why Ne2 is ( 15...bxc3 16.Qxc3 Qb4 17.a3
inaccurate, because check and the Qxc3+ 18.Rxc3 Kd7 19.Kf2
knight has to go to c3 where it is a We can play a long endgame because
bit misplaced.' 9...e6 GM Baadur we might potentially have a passed
Jobava: 'Most natural way to play.' pawn on the kingside.) 16.cxb4 Nxb4
10.Ne2 GM Baadur Jobava: 'Now I really 17.Bb1 White is threatening Qc3!
expect ...Bd6, 9 players out of 10 where suddenly Black's knight on b4
would go for this move, including c a n b e t r a p p e d . Rfc8 ( 17...h5?
myself.' 10...Bd6 GM Baadur 18.Qc3! a2-a3 next, and Black has big
Jobava: 'Yes, Luca goes for it, and troubles with his knight on b4. From
now an important moment is to not the Black side, it is very easy to miss
play Qd2, because after Black a n i d e a l i k e Q c 3 .) 18.Kf2 h5
takes on f4, Qa5 will be possible White was ready to play g2-g4, so h7-
and the queen is very good there.' h5 looks very logical and good.
11.Bxd6! I believe it’s better for White to ( 18...h6 19.g4 ) 19.Rxc8+ Rxc8
capture on d6, otherwise Black can 20.a3 Nc6 21.Rc1 /= We want to
continue with Bxf4 followed by Nxf4 continue with b2-b4, aiming to control
and develop their queen to a5. GM the c-file and create a passed pawn
Baadur Jobava: 'That's why I go for on the queenside. While the engine
Bxd6. I prefer that the queen stays may consider this position perfectly
on d6 than on a5.' fine for Black, from my point of view,
[ 11.Qd2 Bxf4! 12.Nxf4 0-0 13.h4 W h it e s t il l h o ld s c er t ai n p r ac t ic a l
Qa5= Black's queen is very well chances. ]
placed on a5. ] 14.h4!? We want to gain some space on
11...Qxd6 12.Qd2 GM Baadur Jobava: the kingside. The move h2-h4
'The idea is to meet' 12...a6 doesn't weaken our king, as we can
[ 12...0-0-0?! 13.0-0 It is very place it on f2, where it will be well-
 33

protected. An other possibility will king is getting dangerous.) 19.g5

be to castle long, but we will decide This was my idea earlier, so
according to the situation. GM anyway I go for it. Nf8 Black is
Baadur Jobava: 'trans.' GM Baadur taking his time to protect the king,
Jobava: 'The bishop is on a good so I guess let's do the same.
diagonal here, so no need to trade 20.Kb1 Good prophylaxis, this way
it for the knight on c6.In my blitz my knight can breathe a bit easier,
games, the plan with ...e5 is the and also some Na4-Nc5 ideas are
one that I encountered the most.' possible. Rab8 This is an intersting
14...b5 This is a standard and very t r y , b u t I w i l l a c c e p t . 21.Bxa6
natural move for Black. GM Baadur Okay, Luca was getting below 1
Jobava: 'Luca goes for another plan, minute, so let's offer a draw, I feel
also logical, to organize a minority like the position is very playable,
attack on the queenside.' both sides have their chances. My
[ 14...e5 This plan can be seen in the point is that I can meet 21...Rb4
theoretical part, but the reaction is with 22.Nb5 and 22...Qb8 would be
p r e t t y s i m p l e . 15.dxe5 Nxe5 a huge mistake due to 23.Rc1! and
16.0-0-0 The king is safe on the I win material. ½-½ (21) Jobava,B-
queenside, Kb1 next and White plays Moroni,L [GM Baadur Jobava];
against the isolated d5 pawn. ] B) 17.h6! g6 18.Kb1 bxc3
15.h5 GM Baadur Jobava: 'Let's grab ( 18...Rab8 19.Rc1 ) 19.Qxc3 ]
some space.' 15...h6 It looks very 16.g4 White is ready for g4-g5. 16...Nh7!
logical for Black to not allow h5-h6 One again, Black's knight is very
ideas, which would weaken the dark well placed on h7 as it prevents all
squares. t h e g 4 - g 5 i d e a s . 17.0-0-0
[ 15...e5?! Panic move. 16.dxe5 Nxe5 White is now ready for f4-g5 ideas,
17.h6 g6 18.0-0-0 ] so Black needs to be fast. 17...b4!
[ 15...Rfe8 GM Baadur Jobava: 'Black [ 17...Rfc8?! This is a slow move.
is not revealing yet his intenions , 18.Kb1 b4 19.f4 ]
keeping both ...b4 and ...e5 available.' 18.cxb4 Qxb4 19.Qxb4 Nxb4 20.Bb1
16.0-0-0 GM Baadur Jobava: 'I played /= Once again, we have an
the most natural move, but I feel that endgame that, while easily holdable
including h6 was a better try for me. for an engine, offers practical
The pawn on h6 can be very chances for White due to the bishop
unpleasant for Black.' b4 and the potential passed pawn on
A) 17.g4?! GM Baadur Jobava: the queenside.
' M o s t p r i n c i p l e d m o v e . ' bxc3 5...e6?! 6.Nb5 Na6 7.c3
18.Nxc3 Jobava-Moroni training 5...Bd7?! This move is not popular
rapid. GM Baadur Jobava: 'I am not at all, but I wanted to first show you
scared of ...Nd4, there tactics in the the reason why Black sometimes
air.' Nd7 ( 18...Nxd4?! is met by plays 5...Bg4 6.f3 Bd7. 6.Nb5 Bxb5
19.g5 Nd7 20.Bxh7+ 7.Bxb5+ Nc6 8.c3 e6 The main
And the situation around Black's difference is that now White can
 34

develop his knight to f3. In the 5... ago, finding something interesting
Bg4 6.f3 Bd7 variation this will not against this line was very difficult.
be possible because White's pawn [ 7...Qb6 Has been played in a few
is on f3. 9.Nf3 g a me s b u t a f t e r 8.Na4! White will
have Nc5-Nd3 ideas. I think that 7...
23
6.Nf3 This is White's main Qb6 is not great because it allows
continuation, and we will analyze it White to improve the bad knight on c3,
i n a s e p a r a t e c h a p t e r . 6...Nc6! g a i n i n g a t e m p o . Qa5+ 9.c3
This is for sure Black's best White is ready for Nxc6 and then b4-
continuation. Nc5. Nxe5 10.Bxe5 e6 11.Bd3 Bd7
[ 6...Bf5?! 7.Ne5 ] 12.Bc2 b4-Nc5 next. ]
[ 6...Bg4 This is a standard move, and [ 7...Bd7 This is Black's most popular
usually, it is good for Black. But here continuation. The idea is not to allow
he has spent a tempo on the move a7- White to force the Nxc6-bxc6
a6, and White might have some structure. 8.g4!? This is White's best
dynamical possibilities: 7.h3 Bxf3 chance to fight for the initiative.
( 7...Bh5? 8.g4 Bg6 9.Ne5 A) 8...Rc8 It is not wise for Black to
h4 next and Black is much worse.) allow 9.g5;
8.Qxf3 Nc6 9.0-0-0 Yes, Nc3 is not a B) 8...Nxe5 This move is concrete,
great piece in t he exchange Car o but it doesn't fully equalize: 9.dxe5
Kann structure, but it allowed us to B1) 9...Nxg4 10.Rg1
play long castle, while Black has lost No games. Black's knight on g4
a m o v e o n a 7 - a 6 . e6 10.g4! is in potential danger.;
The key, if not this move, Black would B2) 9...Bxg4 The critical
be completely fine. Bd6 ( 10...Be7 continuation, but it doesn't work:
11.g5 Nd7 12.h4; 10...Bb4 11.g5 10.f3 Nh5 Black relais on this
Bxc3 12.Qxc3 Ne4 13.Qe3 ) c o n c r e t e mo ve . 11.fxg4 Nxf4
11.Kb1!? The idea is to play Bc1 and 12.Qd4 And Black has serious
then g5. ( 11.g5 Is not strong p r o b l e m s , f o r e x a m p l e : Ne6
anymore, because Black has Bxf4+ ( 12...g5? 13.e6+- ) 13.Qa4+
12.Qxf4 Nh5= g6 next and Black is Qd7 14.Bb5+-;
fine. ) 11...Bxf4 Black should B3) 9...Ne4 10.Nxe4 dxe4
exchange before allowing White to 11.Bg2 Bc6 12.0-0 White is
play Bc1. ( 11...Qc7 12.Bc1 ) slightly better with zero risk. The
12.Qxf4 Rc8 13.g5! Black's knight e4 pawn will be hard to defend
wi l l l a n d o n h 5 , b u t n o w we h a ve for Black.;
some concrete ideas. Nh5 14.Qd2 C) 8...h6 I like this move, maybe
g6 ( 14...0-0? 15.Be2 ) 15.Be2 Ng7 even more than 8...e6, but Black
16.Bg4 Black's knight is passive on should be very familiar with the
g7. White can continue with h4-h5. f o l l o wi n g c o n c r e t e l i n e s : 9.Nxc6
Nf5?! 17.Bxf5 ] Bxc6 10.Qf3 e6 11.0-0-0 Bb4!
7.Ne5 White's only chance to play for an Black is fighting for the e4 square,
a d v a n t a g e . 7...e6 Until one year but he is also preparing Qa5.
 35

( 11...Bd6 12.Bxd6 Qxd6 expect to face in a game.

13.Bd3; 11...Qa5 Is a bad move [ 8...Bb4 This continuation is fine, but
order, because after 12.Kb1 Bb4 it should be connected with a concrete
W h i t e c a n p l a y 13.Ne2 play; from the positional point of view,
Then slowly rerouting his knight it is risky. 9.Bg2
from e2 to g3 or d3 (via c1) .) 12.a3 A) 9...Bxc3+?! In the only game
Bxc3 13.Qxc3 Ne4! ( 13...Qd7 where this position was reached,
If Black loses a tempo, then White Black went wrong immediately, and
is better after 14.f3 Controlling it s ho ws t ha t t hi s 8. .. Bb 4 mo ve
now the key e4 square.) 14.Qe3 works only if Black has made
Can be an improvement over serious homework. 10.bxc3 0-0
Erigaisi-Ganguly; at least we play a 11.0-0 Bd7 Naroditsky-
risk-free endgame, even if pretty Pragganandha 2024. 12.Bg5;
equal. ( 14.Qe1 A critical move, but B) 9...Ne4 Also, this is fine for
Black can equalize in a forced way: Black, although a bit more
Qh4! 15.f3 Qf6! 16.Qe3 Nf2 c o m p l i c a t e d t o h a n d l e . 10.Bxe4
17.Qxf2 Qxf4+ 18.Kb1 h5= dxe4 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.0-0 Bxc3
Erigaisi-Ganguly 2022.) 14...Qh4! 13.bxc3 0-0 14.Qe2 Black should
only move. 15.Bg3 Nxg3 16.Qxg3 b e f i n e a f t e r a m o v e l i k e e5=
Qxg3 17.hxg3 Ke7= Black is fine. W her e h e i s a cti vat ing hi s l igh t
Yo u m a y l i k e t h e p o s i t i o n f r o m squares bishop.;
White's perspective, but objectively, C) 9...0-0 After a normal move like
Black has no weaknesses, and it 9...00, White achieves an
should be equal.; interesting playable game. 10.0-0
D) 8...e6 9.g5 Nxe5 ( 9...Ne4 Nxe5 ( 10...Nd7 11.Nxd7 Bxd7
10.Nxe4 dxe4 11.Nxd7 Qxd7 12.Ne2 ) 11.dxe5 Nd7 12.Qg4;
12.c3 ) 10.Bxe5 Ng8 11.h4 h6! D) 9...Nd7 This might be Black's
( 11...Ne7 12.Qd2 Nc6 13.Bf4 ) best continuation, and it's a novelty.
12.gxh6!? Rxh6 13.Qf3 Rxh4?! 10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.0-0 a5 12.Re1
14.Bf6 ] Ba6 13.a3 Bxc3 14.bxc3 0-0=
8.g3!? This is a fresh idea, played by Black is fine. ]
Firouzja and Naroditsky one year 9.Bg2 0-0
ago for the first time. [ 9...Qc7 This is a concrete line that
[ 8.Nxc6 This is White's main move. might equalize. 10.0-0 Nxe5 11.dxe5
bxc6 9.Na4 Bd6 10.Bxd6 Qxd6 Bxe5 12.Bxe5 Qxe5 13.Re1 Qd6
11.Bd3 0-0 12.0-0 It seems that 14.Nxd5 Nxd5 15.Bxd5 It seems that
White has some potential pressure, White has some initiative, but Black
but after a5! Black is ready to play can equalize with the stunning Kf8!!
Ba6, and the position is equal. 13.Re1 The idea is to force the queens
( 13.Qe2? With the idea to not allow exchange and then play Ke7!
Ba6, but it loses to Qb4 ) 13...Ba6= ] ( 15...0-0 16.Be4 White is a bit
8...Bd6 This is Black's most natural better. ) 16.Be4 Qxd1 17.Raxd1
move by far and the one I would Ke7= ]
 36

10.0-0 Qc7 11.Re1 In this position, only 24 7.Nf3?! Bg4=

three blitz games are played in the
Firouzja-Lazavik match. 11...Nd7 25 7...Bg4 This is by far Black's most
This might be Black's best move. common continuation. The reason
[ 11...Bd7 12.Nb1 A good move for a is that in the Exchange Caro-Kann,
long game. We want to continue with Black typically aims to develop the
Nd2-c3. Black is fine, but he was not light-squared bishop ahead of the
able to kill the game, and W hite's pawn chain. However, in this
position should be at least more specific position, We believe the
pleasant. ] move 7...e6 is stronger for Black.
[ 11...b5 This move was played in all GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is by far
the three games. Now I would suggest Black's most common continuation.
to play 12.Nxc6 Qxc6 13.Bg5 Nd7 The reason is that in the Exchange
14.Ne4!? We are improving the knight Caro-Kann, Black typically aims to
using a tactical idea that Black cannot develop the light-squared bishop
t a k e d x e 4 b e c a u s e o f B x e 4 . Bc7 ahead of the pawn chain. However,
15.Nd2 c3-Nf3 next. White is better in this specific position, I believe
and ready for a long game. ] t h e m o ve 7 . . . e 6 i s s t r o n g e r f o r
12.Nxd7 Black. We will discuss this in more
[ 12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.Bxd6 Qxd6 detail when we analyze my game
14.Na4 a5 15.b3 Ba6 16.Qd2 against Ponomariov.' 8.f3 Bh5
/= c4 one day, needs to be tried ] 9.g4 Bg6 10.h4 e6 11.h5 Bxd3
12...Bxd7 13.Bxd6 Qxd6 14.Na4 12.Qxd3 GM Baadur Jobava: 'We can
We want to play c3-Nc5-Nd3. Also, say that this is the starting position
here we have a game. of the 7...Bg4 variation. Regardless
CONCLUSIONS: 3...c5 is a very of the move order, this position is
sound line for Black, and no line in typically reached in the end.' GM
the world can prove an objective Baadur Jobava: 'transposes' 12...h6
a d va n t a g e f o r W h i t e i f B l a c k i s GM Baadur Jobava: 'Black usually
playing well. However, 6.Nf3 can be plays this move to prevent White's
a good additional line in the pocket, ideas of h5-h6 or g4-g5. While it’s
es p e c i a l l y i f c o mb i n e d wi t h t h e not a forced move, many players
interesting new ideas we have seen feel psychologically more secure
in this file. Sometimes, Black after making it, as it limits White's
manages to equalize, but he needs options and provides a sense of
to do extremely well prepared in a control over the position.'
very unknown territory. In most of [ 12...Bd6 13.0-0-0 Bxf4+ 14.Nxf4
the cases, we achieve a playable Qd6 15.Qe3
g a m e wh e r e we h a ve t h e m o r e A) 15...h6 Now, he decides to stop
pleasant side. Unit 3 3...c5-4...cxd4 g5, so I can continue my other plan.
5. e xd 4 a 6 6 . Nf 3 [G M P i er Lu i g i 16.Nd3 White has a good position,
Basso] of course also Black's position is
playable, nothing too dangerous,
 37

but it is up to taste. Your opponens the knight on a4. But in the

can feel quite unpleasant to play in me a n t i me , I c a n p r e p a r e s o m e
this manner, passive and waiting for ideas on the kingside.) 21...Nxc5
White to decide and only then to 22.dxc5 This was the first step in
react. Nd7 The knight was not the wrong direction for me, soon I
doing a lot on f6 anyway, so Luca misevaluated the counterplay of
steps back. Now I think I should Luca. ( 22.Nxc5 This was
g r a b s o m e s p a c e . 17.f4 preferable, White still keeps a bit of
It controls the e5 square very well a bind in the center, and a slighlty
and hints at some g5, but of course better advantage.) 22...Qc7 23.g5
I should be careful when to do it, Looks very principled, think I am
because it frees the f5 square for gonna go for it. hxg5 24.fxg5 e5
the knight on c6. 0-0-0 18.Rhe1 There we go, now position is very
For the moment just solid moves. double edged, I will get a passed
Rhe8 Black also plays solid, pawn on the h-file, while Luca is
n o t h i n g b e t t e r t o d o . 19.Kb1 storming the central pawns in my
There were lots of options to face. I played a bad move here.
consider, but this is a safe one, 25.Rf1? I wanted to stop the
prophylaxis and also wait to see a d va n c e o f t h e f - p a wn , b u t t h e
wh a t L u c a ' s i n t e n t i o n s a r e . Kb8 p a w n s a r e r o l l i n g n o w . ( 25.a3
Luca also waits, so I guess it is time was necessary move, to have Nb4
t o i m p r o ve t h e k n i g h t f r o m c 3 . in case of e4. But as I said things
20.Na4 Hinting at some Nc5 jumps, are double edged after f6 26.gxf6
and also stops ...Nb6. Not always a gxf6 27.h6 Objectively balanced
knight on the edge is bad, in this position, but in practice, who knows
case, it is a multi-tasking piece. Rc8 who will win.) 25...e4! 26.Nf4 d4
And now I decided to jump in with 27.Qb3 Okay, situation got out of
the knight, although waiting was my co n tr o l, bu t o ver a ll it wa s a
also possible. 21.Nac5 A commital very interesting fight. 22.dxc5 was
decision to trade a pair of knights, a turning point of the game, I lost
it releases a bit of tension in the my central control, and in rapid,
position. ( 21.c3 is an interesting everything can happen. Thank you
choice, during the game I was a bit Luca for the games, and thank you
a f r a i d t o p l a y i t b e c a u s e o f b6 all for watching together with us, I
but the knight is anyway useful on hope it was nice for you to see how
a4. It ties down the knight on d7 the Jobava London can be
and also it cannot be attacked in implemented in practice. See you
anyway. After all, ...b6 is a pawn n e xt t i m e ! ½ - ½ ( 2 7 ) J o b a va , B -
move so it weakens some squares, Moroni,L [GM Baadur Jobava];
b e s i d e s c o n t r o l l i n g c 5 . 22.Re2 B) 15...0-0-0 16.Nd3 Nd7 17.f4
White has a solid good position, b3 Soon or later h5-h6 can be an
can also be played any second, the idea. ]
pawn on c3 is safely protected by [ 12...Be7 13.0-0-0 0-0?!
 38

It is dangerous for Black to castle After this move Black immediately

short while allowing the g4-g5 idea. achieves a great position: 16.Kb1
14.g5 Ne8 15.g6 ] Nc4!! 17.Qf2 Nh7= Black is ready
13.0-0-0 GM Baadur Jobava: 'In a to play Qa5 followed by Rc8, and
previous game, we saw how Black White doesn’t have a clear plan.
handled 13...Bd6. Now let's explore According to the engine, the best
what happens if Black avoids the line is 18.Ka1 Bb2+ 19.Kb1 Ba3,
bishop exchange, a more which leads to a draw by
strategically sound approach.' r e p e t i t i o n .) 16.Nxf4 Rc8?!
13...Rc8 In our opinion it's better for While this approach might have
Bla ck no t t o e xc han ge th e d ar k been effective if Black still had his
squares bishops. Model game: dark-squared bishop, now this
Jobava-Mchedilishvili. move is dubious because Black will
[ 13...Bd6 Jobava-Nisipeanu. GM be unable to create a serious attack
Baadur Jobava: 'This is Black's most against our king, and at the same
popular move, but I'm not convinced time, castling long is no longer a
it's the best approach. In my opinion, v i a b l e o p t i o n . ( 16...Qe7!
exchanging the dark-squared bishop It wa s a b e tt e r c o n ti n u at i o n f o r
favors White for two reasons: the e5 Black, with the idea to continue with
square becomes more vulnerable, and t h e l o n g c a s t l e . 17.Nd3 0-0-0
Black loses the bishop's potential 18.Kb2 ) 17.Nce2 It's not a bad
involvement in a future queenside move, but it's less effective
at t ac k . I n t he n ext g a me I p la ye d c o m p a r e d t o 1 7 . N a 4 . ( 17.Na4!
against Mikheil Mchedlishvili, we will Qd6 18.Kb1 0-0 19.Nd3
see what happens if Black chooses Our knights are perfectly placed:
not to play Bd6.' they are looking at the c5 and e5
A) 14.Qe3 Usually, e3 is a good squares! ) 17...Qd6 18.Nd3 0-0
square for the queen, and I often 19.Kb1 As I have already explained
like to play this move in these to yo u, th e move Kb1 is a lways
structures. However, in this useful. Qa3 My opponent attempts
particular position, a move like 14. to initiate counterplay on the
Kb1 would have been more useful. queenside. While this approach
Na5! 15.b3 Bxf4?! If Black might work from a practical
exch an ge s on f 4, we sh ou ld b e standpoint, objectively, it is a
immediately pleased because, as mistaken treatment of the position.
previously mentioned, the White's initiative on the kingside
exchange of the dark-squared h a s f a r g r e a t e r p o t e n t i a l . 20.c3!
bishops is favorable for us. This move is necessary because
Additionally, it allows us to activate Black was threatening 20...Rxc2.
our knight on f4 with a gain of Nh7! We have already seen in the
tempo, from where it is well- 3...Bf5 section that Black's knight
positioned to be transferred to d3 on h7 can be a very strong
a n d t h e n t o e 5 . ( 15...Ba3+ def en de r. In t hi s sp eci fi c ca se ,
 39

however, it doesn't provide 42.Nfg5 Nd6 43.Nf6+ Kh8 44.Rg3

sufficient defense for Black's king, Rc1+ 45.Ka2 Qa4+ 46.Qa3 Qc2+
and White should be able to launch 47.Qb2 Qa4+ 48.Qa3 Qc2+
a quick attack. Nevertheless, it was 49.Qb2 Qc4+ 50.Ka3 Nb5+
still the best continuation for Black. 0-1 (50) Jobava,B (2646)-Nisipeanu,
21.Rd2?! By playing this L (2657) Spilimbergo 2018 [GM
prophylactic move, which is good in Baadur Jobava];
itse lf, I lo st the mome ntum an d B) 14.Kb1! This move is always
missed the opportunity to us ef u l an d i t i s be t te r t o pl a y i t
immediately punish my opponent's immediately. GM Baadur Jobava:
incorrect handling of the position. 'This move is always useful and it
( 21.f4! I'm not trying to make was better to start with it.' 14...Qc7
excuses, but it was the last round of Black forces the bishop exchange,
a challenging tournament for me, but he is losing a tempo. ( 14...Na5
and the game was played in the 15.b3 Now Ba3 doesn't come with
morning. Moreover, I have a deep check. Ba3 playing anyway Ba3
respect for my opponent, which is would be a huge mistake for Black,
why I didn't consider that a direct b e c a u s e o f 16.g5; 14...Bxf4
attack with f4-g5 could be so 15.Nxf4 Qd6 16.Qe3 0-0-0
effe cti ve. Ho wever, af ter 21 .f4 ! 17.Nd3 Darini-Tregubov 2016.)
Black's position is already lost. 15.Bxd6 Qxd6 16.Nc1
There's no need for extensive We are ready to continue with Nb3
analysis— we'll follow up with g5 or with Qe3-Nd3. 0-0-0 In these
and Rg1, and there won't be much positions, Black usually castles long.
Black can do to defend.) 21...Ng5 On the other hand, we have a good
22.Rc2 Rc6 23.Ne5 Rb6 24.c4?! space advantage on the kingside,
In time trouble, I lost control of the and castling short would be
position, and after a big fight, my particularly dangerous. 17.Qe3!?
opponent managed to win the We can play this move if we want to
game. ( 24.Qc1! It was my last place our knight to d3. ( 17.Nb3
chance to keep some advantage. In We can continue with Na4-Nac5.)
the endgame Black's position is 17...Kb8 If 14.Kb1 was a useful
s t i l l s l i g h t l y w o r s e . Qxc1+ move for White; logically, also, Kb8
25.Kxc1 ) 24...Nxf3!! This was a is a very useful move for Black.
great resource from my opponent. 18.Nd3 I have reached this position
The position is now very unclear. i n t w o o n l i n e b l i t z g a m e s . Nd7
25.Nxf3 dxc4 26.Qc1 Qd6 27.Rb2 Th i s i s a ve r y l o g i c a l mo ve , a s
cxb3 28.Qc5 bxa2+ 29.Kxa2 Black's knight from d7 controls both
Rxb2+ 30.Kxb2 Qd8 31.g5 b6 the c5 and e5 squares. ( 18...Rc8
32.Qc3 Qd7 33.Qd3 Rc8 34.Nc3 19.Na4!? Nd7 20.Rhe1
Qe7 35.Na2 Nc4+ 36.Ka1 hxg5 We can continue with Nac5 and our
37.h6 g6 38.Rg1 Qf6 39.Nc3 position is slightly better.) 19.f4
Qe7 40.Ne4 Qb4 41.Rg2 g4 I am preparing Ne5. f6 Black takes
 40

control of the e5 square, but now Nd1 by playing Nf2-Qe3-Nd3. ]

we can double our rooks on the 'e' 15.Bc1!? This move directly challenges
file, pressuring Black's weak e6 Black's queenside expansion by
pawn. 20.Rhe1 Rhe8 21.Re2 preventing b5-b4 with a possible
You will need to play slowly these Na4.
positions, but White has a more [ 15.Nc1 A standard maneuver,
pleasant game. ] allowing the knight to reposition to b3
[ 13...Qa5?! Black's queen is or d3 as needed.
misplaced on a5, because we will A) 15...b4 This was a better choice
have the Kb1-Nc1-Nb3 idea coming for Black, aiming to break through
with tempo. 14.Kb1 b5 15.Nc1 ] on the queenside. 16.Na4 Qa5
[ 13...Be7 A logical move, but it has 17.b3 Despite the positional risks,
never been played. On the other hand, because my knight on a4 is now
Black won't be able to castle on the very strong, Black's play is concrete
next move anyway, so the urgency to and leads to an interesting,
play Be7 is unclear. It is probably balanced position. Be7 18.Ne2
better to start with a move like Rc8, Qb5 19.Rc1 ( 19.Qd2 Nh7 )
as Mchedlishvili Mikheil did in one of 19...0-0 ( 19...Qxd3 20.cxd3 )
his games. GM Baadur Jobava: '13... 20.Nb2 Nh7! 21.Qxb5 axb5
Be7 is an alternative. This move isn't 22.c3=;
necessarily better or worse than 13... B) 15...Na5 Black plans Nc4, a
Rc8, but we'll focus on Rc8 in this common idea, but here it's a
game and analyze Be7 in the mistake. 16.b3 This stops Nc4 but
theoretical section.' 14.Kb1 0-0?! weakens my queenside in the
( 14...Rc8 Is Black's best move, but process. ( 16.Nb3! A stronger
then it was more logical to start with move, opening up a kingside attack.
13..:Rc8. ) 15.g5 ] Nc4 17.g5 hxg5 18.Bxg5 Be7
14.Kb1 GM Baadur Jobava: 'A useful 19.h6!? gxh6 20.Bxh6
move, especially with Black's rook With Black's king in the center,
on the c-file, preparing for possible White's position is easier to play.)
q u e e n s i d e p r e s s u r e . ' 14...b5 16...Nc6 Black aims for Nb4,
Black continues with a direct maintaining queenside pressure.
queenside assault. ( 16...Qb6 Keeping the queenside
[ 14...Qa5?! Black's queen is attack alive, leading to a complex
misplaced on a5 because we will have but balanced game after Nd3.
the Nc1-Nb3 maneuver coming with 17.Qe3 Be7 18.N3e2 I want to
them. 15.Nc1 ] play Nd3. 0-0 19.Nd3 Looks like a
[ 14...Be7 15.Bc1! Qa5 Now this very interesting position, but strong
move makes sense because the e n g i n e s k i l l a l l t h e f u n : Nc4
Nc1-Nb3 idea is not coming anymore, 20.bxc4 bxc4+ 21.Nb2 Rb8
as White's bishop is occupying the c1 22.Bxb8 Rxb8 23.Qc3 Bb4
square. 16.Rdg1!? b5 17.Rg2 b4 24.Qe3 Bf8= leading to a draw by
18.Nd1 We can slowly improve our repetition.) 17.Qe3 A natural move
 41

but less effective due to the earlier Kh7 a8 Rxa8 52.Qa8 cxb2
b3, which weakened the queenside. 53.Qe4+ g6 54.hxg6+ fxg6
The point is that it will be harder for 55.Nd4 Qa5 56.Rxb2 Qc3
us to play Nd3, as our knight on c3 57.Rh2+ Bxh2 ½-½ (57) Jobava,B
i s n o t s t a b l e . Nb4 ( 17...Nh7 (2669)-Mchedlishvili,M (2604) Izmir
A better option for Black, preparing 2016 [GM Baadur Jobava] ]
Be7 and O-O while slowing down 15...Qa5 A logical move to support b4
White's kingside play.) 18.Rd2 while discouraging Na4.
P r e p a r i n g N 3 e 2 a n d c 2 - c 3 . Be7 [ 15...b4 16.Na4 Qa5 17.b3
19.N3e2 Qb6?! This was a misstep. With the bishop heading to b2, White
If Black wanted to play with Qb6, gains a solid p ositional edge . Be7
then it was better to maintain the 18.Bb2 Qb5 19.Qe3 Nd3 is next. ]
knight on a5 to have the Nc4 16.Rdg1 This prepares the typical f4-g5
option. ( 19...Nh7! Once again, the advance, keeping both sides in the
best choice, planning O-O.) 20.c3 game.
Nc6 21.Nd3 b4?! This move 7...g6 Now we can use the ideas
seems like a mistake in hindsight, we have studied in the 3...g6 part.
though understandable given the 8.Qd2 Bg7 9.f3 Preparing g2-g4 and
typ ica l n atu re of the qu een sid e taking under control the e4 square.
play. ( 21...Nh7! Still the most solid 9...0-0 10.h4 We are ready to play Bh6-
continuation for Black, leading to an h5.
equal and complex game.) 22.Rc2 7...Nb4 Black wants to exchange
Preparing to use the c-file, turning the knight for our bishop on d3. We
Black's queenside play to White's are fine with this exchange as long
a d v a n t a g e . Na7 ( 22...bxc3 as Black's bishop cannot easily
23.Rxc3 Rhc1 next, and in case of develop to the f5 square afterward.
23...O-O, we have 24.g5!) 23.Nxb4 8.h4 g6 Black is preparing Nxd3+,
Nb5 24.Rcc1! Preventing Na3+. a5 followed by Bf5.
25.Nd3 Na3+ 26.Ka1 a4 27.b4 [ 8...h5 9.a3 Nxd3+ 10.Qxd3
White's king is safe, and the extra Thanks to the inclusion of the h4-h5
p a wn g i ve s a c l e a r a d va n t a g e . moves, it will be riskier for Black to
However, mutual time trouble led to castle kingside. ]
a draw after a series of adventures. [ 8...e6 9.h5 h6 ( 9...Be7 10.h6 g6
Nc4 28.Qg1 Qb5 29.Rh2 Nh7 11.a3 Nxd3+ 12.Qxd3 0-0 13.Bg5 )
30.Qd1 0-0 31.Ng3 a3 32.Re2 10.a3 Nxd3+ 11.Qxd3 Be7 12.g4 ]
Rfe8 33.Rcc2 Ng5 34.Re1 Nb2 9.f3 h5! Black's most precise move
35.Nxb2 axb2+ 36.Kb1 Rc6 order.
37.Bxg5 hxg5 38.Ne2 Rec8 [ 9...Nxd3+ 10.Qxd3 Bf5 11.Qd2
39.Rxb2 Bf6 40.a4 Qb8 41.Qd3 Now we are ready for g2-g4, while
Rc4 42.Rc1 Qa8 43.a5 e5 after h5 12.Nd1 Is a very strong
44.dxe5 Bxe5 45.Rcc2 Qb7 46.b5 idea. We will continue with Ne3. ]
R8c5 47.a6 Qb6 48.Qf5 d4 10.a3 Nxd3+ 11.Qxd3 Bf5 12.Qd2
49.Qd7 dxc3 50.a7 Ra4 51.Qe8+ Rc8! This move is intended against the
 42

N d 1 - N e 3 m a n e u v e r . 13.Rc1 This would have been a better

We are defending our d2 pawn and prophylactic move. White is not better;
a r e r e a d y t o p l a y N d 1 . 13...Bg7 it's just an equal position.) 12...Na5
14.Nd1 0-0 15.Ne3 Bd7 16.Kf2 ( 12...Nh5! 13.Bh2 f5 This plan is
A very complex position. White's particularly strong because Black's
plan could be to prepare the g2-g4 bishop on d7 is defending the e6
push. pawn. ) 13.Rad1?! This is a bad move.
8.0-0 This position is simply Now Black can seize the initiative.
playable. White isn't better, and ( 13.Bg5!? Nc4 14.Qc1= This would
neither is Black. I'll show you some have been a better option for me. Next,
ideas you can use in your games, I could continue with Ng3 and
but these are more general Nd1-Ne3. The position remains
concepts rather than concrete lines. equal. ) 13...Qb6?! This move is
N o w B l a c k h a s t wo c o n c e p t u a l typically good, but Black loses the
options: to play 8...Bd6 to exchange ch a n c e t o o ve r t a ke t h e i n i t i a t i ve .
the bishops, or to play 8...Be7 to ( 13...Nh5! 14.Bh2 Bg5 ) 14.Ng3!
avoid the exchange. I am preparing Nf5. Rfc8? This was a
[ 8.Qd2 I played this move in my game huge mistake by my opponent, likely
against Ponomariov, but upon due to a miscalculation. While it's true
reflection, I’ve concluded that Qd2 is that Black's rook is better placed on
not such a priority that it should be c8 than on e8, here White can
played immediately. b5 My opponent co nt in ue wit h ( 14...Rfe8! This was
is clearly indicating his readiness to Black's best move. Once again, the
launch a quick attack if I opt for a position would have been equal and
long castle. Therefore, castling short playable for both sides.) 15.Nf5! exf5
now seems like the most logical 16.Rxe7 Be6 Of course, my opponent
choice. 9.0-0 Be7! Ponomariov is, of had seen 15. Nf5, but he probably
course, a very strong positional player, believed my rook was trapped in this
and he correctly understands that it's position. However, he clearly missed
better for Black not to exchange the my next move, which made this game
d a r k - s q u a r e d b i s h o p s . ( 9...Bd6?! f a m o u s w o r l d w i d e ! 17.Bh6!!
This is slightly imprecise, in my This move is simply a cold shower for
opinion. The point is that now the Black, who has nothing better to do
d a r k s q u a r e s a r e we a k e r : 10.Bxd6 than resign as early as move 17. It
Qxd6 11.a3!? 0-0 12.Na2 was undoubtedly a shocking event for
I am ready to play Nb4, and White's a player as strong and solid as
position is definitely more pleasant to Ruslan Ponomariov. gxh6 18.Qxh6
play. ) 10.a3 Bd7 11.h3 0-0 B l a c k ' s k i n g i s t o o we a k , a n d h i s
Black's play has been very logical, position is just lost. Rxc3 19.Qg5+
and he is now ready to continue with Kf8 20.Qxf6 Rxd3 21.cxd3
Na5. 12.Rfe1?! This is an inaccuracy, 1-0 (21) Jobava,B (2665)-Ponomariov,
because it allows Black to create a R (2709) Baku 2016 [GM Baadur
s t r o n g k i n g s i d e p l a y : ( 12.Bh2!? Jobava] ]
 43

8...Be7 point is that our knight on b5

[ 8...Bd6 9.Bxd6 Qxd6 10.Qd2 becomes untouchable. 0-0 8.Be2
Now Qd2 is a good move because it Bd7 9.a4! This is a typical move to
frees the d1 square and prepares the s u p p o r t o u r k n i g h t o n b 5 . c4
ma n e u ve r N d 1 - Ne 3 . 0-0 11.Nd1 Black prepares Bxb5-axb5-Nc7.
W e a r e r e a d y t o p r o c e e d wi t h c 3 ( 9...h5 Black prevents h4-h5. 10.Nf3
followed by Ne3. Nb4 This move is White can continue with Ng5 and 00.
very natural, as Black will manage to We are slightly better because our
exchange their knight for our bishop. pieces are more active, especially
12.Nc1 This is a move I wanted to o u r k n i g h t s .) 10.Nf3 Bxb5
show you. We are ready to recapture ( 10...Qb6?! 11.b3! Bxb5 12.axb5
on d3 with the knight, and our knight Qxb5 13.bxc4 dxc4 14.Ne5 Rfc8
on e1 can go to e3 or f2, especially if 15.Rb1 ) 11.axb5 Nc7 12.Ne5!
we play f3 first. The position is Nxb5 13.h5 White has a great
playable for both sides. ] kingside initiative. The idea might now
9.a3!? 0-0 10.Na2 This is another be hxg6-hxg6-g4. Even according to
interesting maneuver I wanted to the engine the evaluation is +0,50. ]
mention. We are ready to continue [ 5...a6 Black prepares c7-c5, but
with c3 followed by Nb4. From b4, without allowing Nb5 ideas.
the knight can later reach its ideal A) 6.Nf3 It can be another good
square on d3. There are no games alternative if you don't feel
in this position, and it's impossible comfortable sacrificing the
to predict Black's next move. When exchange as in the 6.h5!? Variation.
playing these types of positions, c5 ( 6...Bg4 7.Be2 ) 7.dxc5;
you need to be ready for a long B) 6.h5!? This is a typical
game where, if you play better, you exchange sacrifice of the 4.e3 Bg7
can put your opponent under 5.h4 line. It works well, especially
pr es s ur e. On t h e ot h er h a nd , i f after we play Qxh5 when we gain a
your opponent is stronger, your tempo against Black's d5 pawn.
position is very solid, and it will be 6...Nxh5 7.Rxh5 gxh5 8.Qxh5
difficult for them to play for a win. B1) 8...c6 9.Nf3 Ng5 is a threat.
Unit 3 3...c5-Jobava's spirit [GM h6 10.Ne5 is a precise move, to
Baadur Jobava] make development for Black a bit
harder. ( 10.0-0-0!?
26
5.h4!? Nowadays, this is White's J o b a v a - S a v c h e n k o , 2 0 1 4 .)
most popular continuation, and we 10...Be6 11.Bd3 Nd7 12.Nxd7
will have a full chapter to discuss Qxd7 ( 12...Bxd7 13.g4
about it. 5...h5 White has a good play for the
[ 5...c5?! As usual, c7-c5 is premature exchange. ) 13.Na4
because it allows us to play 6.Nb5! Black's queenside squares are
Na6 7.c3 The Nb5-Na6 inclusion is weak, and the king on e8 most
almost always useful for White when likely will stay there for a long
Black's pawn is already on c5. The time.;
 44

B2) 8...Be6 9.Nf3 Ng5 is a opinion, our priority now should

threat. h6 10.0-0-0 c6! be long castle. ( 8.Nf3 Qb6 )
( 10...Nd7? Black's most popular 8...Nc6 9.0-0-0
move, but it just blunders a B2a) 9...Bf5 10.f3!
pawn. 11.Nxd5 ) 11.Be5!? We are preparing g4-Qh2.
Bxe5 12.dxe5 We have e3-e4 Nb4! Black's only logical
or Nd4 ideas. Black's best move continuation. 11.Bd3 ( 11.g4!?
here is 12...Rg8 with the idea to Bxc2 12.Re1 ) 11...Bxd3
continue Bg4. In this case, we 12.cxd3 And now Black needs
might play 13.Be2. The engine to find an only move.
evaluation is 0.00, and the Otherwise, White plays g2-g4,
position is very fresh. ] and he is just winning. Nh5!
[ 5...0-0 6.h5! 13.Bh2 cxd4 14.exd4 Qa5!
A) 6...Nxh5? 7.Rxh5 gxh5 8.Qxh5 ( 14...Bxd4? 15.Nge2 Bg7
This time, the exchange sacrifice is 16.d4+- g4-Bf4 next, with a
not only interesting for White, but it winning attack.) 15.Kb1 e5!!
is actually winning. Black's king is An other only move for Black.
very vulnerable on g8. f5 ( 8...c6 16.a3!? exd4 17.Na2 Nc6
9.Nf3 Nd7 10.Bd3 Nf6 11.Qh2+- ) 18.Qf2 g4-Ne2 next. White
9.Nf3 e6 10.Qh2+- We combine still has the initiative, but here
the kingside attack with the play on Black can defend if he will play
the dark squares. We might precisely.;
continue with Bxc7 or with B2b) 9...c4? This idea is very
Bd3-000-Rh1-g4.; strong in a line of the Steinitz
B) 6...c5! Black should create a French Defence, but here
quick counterplay before getting W h i t e i s f a s t e r : 10.f3!
mated. 7.hxg6 We are preparing g4-Qh2. b5
B1) 7...fxg6?! Black might play 11.g4 b4 12.Na4+-
fxg6 if he is scared of the attack Qh2 is coming.;
on the 'h' line, but now we can B2c) 9...Qa5 10.a3!?
exploit this recapture by playing Black's idea was Ne4, and in
in a positional style. 8.dxc5! Nc6 some lines, our a2 pawn would
( 8...Qa5 9.Nf3 Qxc5 10.Qd4 h a v e b e e n h a n g i n g . Rd8!
Qxd4 11.Nxd4 Nc6 12.f3 ) ( 10...Bf5?! 11.f3 g4 next.;
9.Nf3 Qa5 Doesn't work 10...cxd4 11.exd4 Ne4
b e c a u s e o f ( 9...Bg4 10.Qd2 12.Nxe4 dxe4 13.Ne2
Qa5 11.Nd4! Qxc5 12.f3 Since our pawn is not a2, the
Nb3 next. ) 10.Nd2 Qxc5 endgame should be fine for
11.Nb3 And Black's queen White. ) 11.Bh6 cxd4!
cannot keep defending the d5 ( 11...Bh8? 12.f3+-
pawn. Qb6 12.Nxd5; g 4 - Q h 2 n e x t .; 11...Ne4?
B2) 7...hxg6 8.Qd2 8.Nf3 is This move is not good before
popular as well, but, in my the exchange on d4. 12.Nxe4
 45

dxe4 13.Qxa5 Nxa5 14.Bxg7 to favor. From the other hand, we

Kxg7 15.dxc5; 11...Bxh6 don't have anymore the concrete
12.Rxh6 Kg7 13.Rh1 Bd7 variations 6...c5 that are possible in
Bla ck p re par es Rh8 . 14.Bb5 the main 5...h5 line. 0-0 ( 7...Bg4?!
Rh8 15.Nge2 ) 12.exd4 Ne4! after 8.Ne5 Bxe2 9.Qxe2
This leads to a concrete line, The light-squares bishops
which has never been tried in exchange goes into White's favor,
practice. 13.Qf4!? ( 13.Nxe4 as now we can continue with 000-f3-
doesn't lead to much with the g4 ideas. ) 8.Ne5 Nbd7 This is by
inclusion of the moves Bh6 far Black's most common
and Rd8. dxe4 14.Qxa5 continuation, but now White
Nxa5 15.Bxg7 Kxg7= ) achieves an interesting game after
13...Nxc3 14.Bxg7 Kxg7 ( 8...Qb6!? This is an unexplored
15.Rh7+!? Kxh7 16.Qxf7+ c o n c r e t e m o v e . 9.Qd2 Qxb2
Kh6! ( 16...Kh8? 17.Bd3 10.Rb1 Qa3 11.g4 It's a new very
B x g 6 n e x t .) 17.Bd3 Bf5! unclear position. Engine shows his
( 17...Ne4? 18.Nf3 Bg4 typical 0.00 evaluation.) 9.Qd2
19.Rh1+ Bh5 20.g4 ) Nxe5 10.Bxe5 b5 ( 10...Ne4
18.Bxf5 Rg8! 19.Rd3 Ne2+! 11.Nxe4 dxe4 12.Bxg7 Kxg7
20.Nxe2 Qe1+ 21.Rd1 Qxf2! 13.f3 ) 11.f3 a5 12.0-0-0 a4
( 21...Qxe2?? 22.Rh1+ Kg5 ( 12...b4?! 13.Na4 ) 13.a3! Qa5
23.f4++- ) 22.g4!? This one 14.Na2 Qxd2+ 15.Kxd2
was a forced line where Black Every engine will hold with Black,
had to find ten best moves. but I like White's chances thanks to
Still, it's not over; he needs to th e b 4 s q u ar e a va i l a bl e f or o u r
find 22...Qh4 to maintain the 0. knight. ]
00 eva lu a ti o n . I d e ci d ed t o 6.Nf3 We are ready to place a knight on
stop here because we are e5. 6...0-0
going too far... ] [ 6...Bg4 This is a logical move as
[ 5...c6 6.Be2 We are preparing h4- Black is pinning the knight. 7.Qd2!
h5. ( 6.h5?! Now the exchange We are ready to play Ne5, and Black's
sacrifice is not good, as Black's pawn bishop on g4 would be misplaced in
o n d 5 i s a l r e a d y d e f e n d e d . Nxh5 t h a t c a s e . Bxf3 8.gxf3 c6 9.e4
7.Rxh5 gxh5 8.Qxh5 Nd7 We can continue with long castle and
Nf6 next and Black is better. ) we are better thanks to the strong
A) 6...h6 7.Nf3 Bg4 ( 7...Nbd7 center and to the pair of bishops. ]
8.Ne5 Qd2-000 next.) 8.Ne5 Bxe2 [ 6...c5?! 7.Nb5 Na6 8.c3 ]
9.Qxe2 Long castle next, with 7.Ne5 Our plan is Qd2-000-f3-g4. 7...c5!
easy play for White.; [ 7...Nbd7?! 8.f3 ]
B) 6...h5 7.Nf3 Now we have the 8.Qd2 Now, Black has a lot of options,
5...h5 variation, but with the and it is impossible to analyze all of
inclusion of the moves c6 and Be2, them. We will check Black's main
which is not clear to whom it goes directions and try to find interesting
 46

ideas there. The position is 11.Bb5 Transposes to the main line.

objectively balanced and both sides 11...Nxe5 Black's main continuation and
can play for the full point. 8...cxd4 this is a good one.
[ 8...Nc6 9.f3! First, we need to [ 11...Rc8 12.Bxc6 bxc6 13.Na4 Ne8
defend the g4 square. ( 9.0-0-0 cxd4 ( 13...Nd7? This is typically a bad
10.exd4 Ng4 ) 9...Qa5 10.Bb5 move in this structure because
Black reaches the first critical moment, White's knight on a4 will land on c5
but overall White has an interesting w i t h o u t a n y c h a l l e n g e s . 14.Nxd7
play ahead. ] Bxd7 15.Nc5 ) 14.g4 ( 14.0-0-0?!
9.exd4 Nc6 8...cxd4 9.exd4 Nc6 is f6 ) 14...hxg4 15.0-0-0 h5 next. ]
Black's standard reaction. [ 11...Nb4 12.Ba4 Rc8 13.a3 Nc6
[ 9...Bf5 10.f3 Nc6 11.Bb5 ( 13...Na6? 14.0-0-0+- White will have
Transposes to the main line. ] g2-g4 ideas, and Black doesn't have
10.f3! Bf5 This is Black's most common any counterplay. You can see how
move. easy it is to end up in a lost position
[ 10...Nd7!? This concrete move from the Black side!) 14.Bxc6 bxc6
needs to be mentioned as Black aims 15.Na4 Ne8! ( 15...Nd7? 16.Nxd7
to fully equalize with concrete moves. Bxd7 17.Nc5 ) 16.g4!? hxg4
11.Nxd5 Ndxe5 ( 11...Ndb8?! 17.0-0-0 It's a new, interesting
Kravtsiv-Salem 2018. 12.c4 e6 position where White has excellent
13.Bg5 f6 14.Nxf6+! Bxf6 attacking chances on the kingside. ]
15.Nxg6 ) 12.dxe5 [ 11...Qb6?! 12.Bxc6 bxc6 13.Na4
A) 12...Be6 13.0-0-0 Rc8 Qb5 14.b3 ]
A1) 14.Bc4 Nxe5 15.Bxe5! 12.dxe5 Nd7 13.0-0-0 Nxe5 14.Rhe1
Bxe5 Guz-Mastrovasilis 2023. Nc6
16.Qe2 Bxd5 17.Qxe5 [ 14...d4!? 15.Bxe5 Bxe5 16.Rxe5
( 17.Rxd5 Bf4+ 18.Kb1 Qc7 ) dxc3 17.Qxc3 Qb6 18.Qe3
17...Rxc4 18.Rxd5 White has a /= White has a risk-free, slightly
very small initiative thanks to the b e t t e r p o s i t i o n , b u t B l a c k i s ve r y
active pieces, but the game solid. ]
should end in a draw.; 15.Bh6 We want to exchange the dark
A2) 14.Bg5 Not allowing Nxe5. squares bishops and only then
14...Bxd5 ( 14...Bxe5 15.Bc4 ) retake the pawn on d5. The position
15.Qxd5 Qc7 16.Qe4! Nxe5 is complicated but objectively
17.c3; balanced. 15...e5!? This might be
B) 12...Nxe5 13.0-0-0 Bf5 Black's best move.
( 13...Be6 14.Qe3 Inarkiev- [ 15...Bxh6? 16.Qxh6 e6 17.g4! hxg4
Volokitin 2016.) 14.Qe3 Rc8 15.c3 18.fxg4 Bxg4 19.Ne4 ]
e6 16.Bxe5 Bxe5 17.Qxe5 exd5 [ 15...e6?! 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Bxc6
18.Rxd5 Qb6 ] bxc6 18.g4! hxg4 19.fxg4 Be4
[ 10...Qb6?! 11.0-0-0 Bf5 12.Nxc6 ( 19...Bxg4?? 20.Qd4++- ) 20.Qd4+
bxc6 ( 12...Qxc6 13.Re1!? e6 Qf6 21.Nxe4 Qxd4 22.Rxd4 dxe4
14.Be5 ) 13.Na4 ] 23.Rexe4 ]
 47

16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Nxd5 Rc8 ( 7.Bg5 h6 8.Bh4 Bg7 9.e3 Nd7 )

[ 17...Qxh4 18.g4 ] 7...Bxh6 8.Qxh6 White retains a
18.Ne3 Qxd2+ 19.Rxd2 Be6 20.b3 slight edge due to the weakened dark
The endgame is balanced, but squares. ]
White can create something out of 7.e4! This would have been much
this position, I believe. Unit 1 3...g6- stronger than the move I played
Erigaisi line [GM Pier Luigi Basso] years ago.
5.Nf3 We don't believe in "slow- [ 7.Bh6 This move leads to an
play" because Black's position is interesting game, but playing 7.e4
very solid. would have given a more objective
advantage. Nonetheless, it's still an
27
8.0-0 Ne4= intriguing position. Bxh6 8.Qxh6 Qd6
This is a standard move, but White is
28
4...c6 Black anticipates that we s l i g h t l y b e t t e r n o w : ( 8...Qa5!
wan t to p la y Bh 6, so i ns te ad o f Black could have played this move,
spending a tempo on Bg7, he plays a i m i n g f o r b 5 - b 4 i d e a s . W e h a ve
4...c6. This prepares him to meet several options like 9.Ra2 or 9.b4, but
Bh6 with Bxh6 with a tempo gain. the position remains equal.) 9.e3 e5
Instead of spending a tempo on My opponent opted for this central
Bg7, Black plays c6. This prepares push to try to create some activity.
him to meet Bh6 with Bxh6 with a 10.Bd3 Nbd7 11.Nge2 a6
tempo gain. We will analyze a Typical move to prepare c6-c5.
model game: Jobava-Winants 5.f3 A) According to the engine, I
Of course, we don't need to play shouldn't have feared the c6-c5
Bh6 anymore. 5...b5 move. 12.0-0! c5 13.dxc5! Qxc5
[ 5...Bg7 6.e4 This would lead to a ( 13...Nxc5 14.b4 Nxd3 15.cxd3
very poor Pirc Defense for Black. ] f4 or d4 next.) 14.b4 Qf8 15.Qxf8+
6.a3 Kxf8 16.a4;
[ 6.e4!? This is still possible, but now B) 12.b4 I didn't want to allow my
Black has b4 7.Na4 dxe4 o p p o n e n t t o p l a y c 6 - c 5 . 12...a5
Even so, the engine considers that My opponent logically tries to
after 8.Bc4 The position becomes pr e ss u r e my q u e en s i de p awn s .
very interesting. If Bg7, we can 13.0-0 exd4?! This move is a
capture on b4 with the queen; if Black mistake, as White's plan could have
plays a5, we can continue with a long been to play dxe5 followed by Nd4,
castle and focus on development. I s o B l a c k s h o u l d n ' t h a ve f o r c e d
think the position is objectively t h i n g s s o e a r l y . ( 13...Qf8!
balanced but open to all three 14.Qxf8+ Kxf8 White is a bit better,
results. ] but nothing terrible for Black, for
6...Bg7 example 15.dxe5 Nxe5 16.Nd4
[ 6...Nh5! This is Black's best Bd7 17.Nb3 ) 14.Nxd4 Ne5
continuation, though it's not an easy 15.h3!? Preparing f4, so that ideas
o n e f o r a h u m a n t o f i n d . 7.Bh6! l i k e N g 4 wo n ' t b e a va i l a b l e f o r
 48

Black. Bd7 16.f4 Nxd3 17.cxd3 to take it so easily? We will analyze

Black' s pos ition is a lread y ver y a model game: Jobava-
difficult. Finding a safe place for the Demchenko.
king is problematic, and my knight [ 6...Nc6 Black's knight is misplaced
on d4 is very strong. Now comes on c6. 7.0-0-0 Bf5 8.f3 Preparing
t h e d e c i s i v e m i s t a k e : axb4? b o t h e 2 - e 4 a n d g 2 - g 4 i d e a s . Qd6
( 17...Ng8 It was Black's strongest Stronger than 8...Qd7 for concrete
defense. 18.Qg7 Qf6 19.Qxf6 reasons. ( 8...Qd7?? 9.e4 dxe4
Nxf6 20.Nb3 ) 18.axb4 Ke7 10.g4 Be6 11.d5 Nxd5 12.fxe4+- )
19.Qg5 Rhc8 20.Nce2 Kf8 9.e4 ( 9.g4!? Be6 10.e3 White can
21.Rxa8 Rxa8 22.f5 Qe5 23.h4 continue with Nge2-Qf4, with a
( 23.Ne6+ Is not good immediately, slightly better and not concrete
b e c a u s e a f t e r Bxe6 24.d4 position. ) 9...dxe4 10.g4 Be6 11.d5
Black has Ne4!; 23.e4!! dxe4 Nxd5 12.Nxd5!? ( 12.fxe4 Qf4+
24.Ne6+ Bxe6 25.d4+- There is no T h a t ' s w h y 8 . . . Q d 6 i s s t r o n g e r .)
Ne4. ) 23...Kg7 24.Nf3 Qd6 12...Bxd5 13.fxe4 Bxe4 14.Rxd6
25.fxg6 fxg6 26.Ne5 Re8 27.d4 cxd6 15.Nf3 Bxf3 16.Rg1
1-0 (27) Jobava,B (2713)-Winants,L According to the engine White is
(2545) Tromsoe 2014 [GM Baadur slightly better, but Black will hold. ]
Jobava] ] [ 6...c6 Black is preparing the b7-b5
7...dxe4 idea. 7.f3 b5 ( 7...Qb6?!
[ 7...0-0 8.e5 Nfd7 9.Bh6 Doesn't make any sense. 8.0-0-0 )
h4-h5 is on the way. Black's position 8.e3 c6-b5 might be useful in the
is objectively worse. ] future, but it was not the most useful
8.fxe4 0-0 9.Be2 Nf3-O-O next. White thing to do for Black. For this reason
is better. GM Baadur Jobava: white is a bit better. Nbd7 ( 8...b4
'Nf3-00 next. White is better.' 9.Na4 Qa5 10.b3 Nbd7 11.Bd3 c5
12.Nxc5 Nxc5 13.dxc5 Qxc5
29
5...Bxh6 This move is less precise 14.Ne2 ) 9.Nge2 Nb6 10.Nc1
compared to 5...O-O, in my opinion. Bd3-Nb3 next. If Black plays Nc4, we
This move is very popular, but after can just take it, because then Black's
6. Qxh6, the main problem for Black p a wn s t r u c t u r e wi l l b e b a d . Nc4?!
is th a t c a st l i ng ki n g si d e wi ll n o 11.Bxc4 bxc4 12.N1e2 long castle
longer be easy. 6.Qxh6 GM Baadur n e xt , a n d b e c a u s e o f t h e B l a c k ' s
Jobava: 'Now Black has some pawn structure, our king will be very
options, 6...Bf5 is the main line.' safe on the queenside. ]
6...Bf5! Jobava-Demchenko This is [ 6...c5 GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is a
Black's strongest move, in my typical idea in the 3...g6 variation.
opinion. GM Baadur Jobava: 'Luca However, in this specific situation,
goes for it after some tought, very Black's king on g8 cannot castle
principled move, but now I like this safely, making the position risky for
interesting idea:' Black targets the Black if the center opens too early.'
c2 pawn. Will it be possible for him This typical move is a bit risky now
 49

because Black's king is still in the depending on the situation. Bd7

center. We will analyze a model 12.Kb1 Rc8?! A standard but
game: Jobava-Van Wely slow move. Black should have
A) 7.e3!? This is the move I have pushe d th e qu eens ide pawn s
played against Van Wely. imme diat ely. ( 12...b5! 13.Nc1
A1) 7...Nc6?! 8.0-0-0?! b4 14.N3e2 a5 a5-a4 next and
Th i s mo ve i s a mis t a k e , a s i t t h e p o s i t i o n i s c o m p l i c a t e d .)
allows Black to exploit a well- 13.Nc1 There’s no need to fear
known idea from the French Black’s queenside attack, as it is
S t e i n i t z v a r i a t i o n . ( 8.Bb5! difficult for Black to coordinate.
is White’s strongest move here. A1a) 13...Ng8! is Black’s best
The idea is to exchange Black's defensive move according to
knight on c6, thereby weakening the engine. The idea is to
t h e e 5 s q u a r e . A f t e r Qb6 force White’s queen to leave
9.0-0-0 Black will play cxd4 the h6 square, allowing Black
sooner or later, and then we will to return the knight to f6 and
transpose into the above prepare to castle. After 14.Qe3
comment in the 7...cxd4 ( 14.Qg7?! Qf6= ) 14...Nf6!
va r i a t i o n .) 8...cxd4?! ( 8...c4 And Black is now ready to
b 7 - b 5 n e xt , a n d B l a c k h a s a castle. 15.Nd3 Of course
potentially strong attack on the White can repeat the moves,
q u e e n s i d e .) 9.exd4 but we are slightly better
White's position is good again. objectively, so no need to go
N o w, t r y t o f i n d B l a c k ' s b e s t for a draw. ( 15.g4 h5! 16.g5
move based on the ideas Nh7 00 next. ) 15...h5
discussed earlier. Qd6 ( 9...a6 This is an other important
is Black's strongest move here. move. Black prevents g2-g4
It's crucial to prevent Bb5, which ideas, and Black can continue
could pose serious problems for w i t h 0 0 a n d B f 5 . ( 15...0-0?!
Black. ) 10.f3?! This was a rapid allows 16.g4 );
game, and I played the standard A1b) 13...Na5?! 14.Nb3!?
move to control the e4 square. Nxb3 15.axb3 Now, my king is
However, 10. Bb5 would have c o m p l e t e l y s a f e . b5
been much stronger. ( 10.Bb5 My opponent attempts to
As I have explained before, this create counterplay on the
is White's best direction in this queenside, but it’s too late.
position. ) 10...a6! I delayed Bb5 16.Bd3 Bf5? This is the final
for too long, and now my mistake. Black’s king in the
opponent finally plays this center will now face serious
i m p o r t a n t m o v e . 11.Nge2 issues. 17.Bxf5 gxf5 18.Rhe1
My plan is to continue with Kb1, It's quite surprising that a
followed by Nc1, and then super GM like Van Wely
transfer my knight to d3 or b3, ended up in a lost position by
 50

move 16. But this is exactly knight is not working for

the power of the Jobava c o n c r e t e r e a s o n s : 13.Rhe1!
London System: you can Bxf3 14.Qg7+- ) 13.b3
secure a quick victory even It's very difficult for Black to
against the strongest players create a counterplay on the
in the world! The positions are queenside.;
non-standard, and after A2b) 8...a6 If you remember,
stu dyin g thi s co ur se, you 'l l this was Black's best
na vi g a t e t h e m mu c h b e t t e r continuation, with the idea to
t h a n y o u r o p p o n e n t s ! Rg8 c o n t i n u e wi t h N c 6 , b u t n o t
19.Nxd5! A nice tactical shot. allowing Bb5. GM Baadur
Qxd5 20.Qxf6 e6 21.Rd2 Kf8 Jobava: '!' GM Baadur Jobava:
22.Re5 Qd7 23.d5 Rc7 'This is Black's strongest
24.Qh6+ Rg7 25.dxe6 continuation. The idea is to
The game demonstrates how p r e ve n t B b 5 , t h a t i s a ve r y
early queen activity, such as 6. strong positional idea for
Qxh6, can create immediate White.';
threats and disrupt the B) 7.dxc5!? I like this deviation
opponent's plans. In this case, from my game. The idea is to play
it prevented Black from concretely, using the fact that
castling and made it difficult Black's king is still in the center.
for Black to develop safely. 1-0 GM Baad ur Joba va: 'Ca n be a n
(25) Jobava,B (2713)-Van i n t e r e s t i n g a l t e r n a t i v e . ' 7...Qa5
W e l y , L ( 2 6 5 4 ) Dubai 2014 This is almost an automatic move,
[GM Baadur Jobava]; because Black wants to recover the
A2) GM Baadur Jobava: 'Black missing pawn. 8.e3 Qxc5 9.Nf3
c o u l d a l s o o p t f o r ' 7...cxd4! I like White's chances. We are
8.exd4 GM Baadur Jobava: 'but flexible and we can decide where to
needs to be careful.' deve lop th e b isho p f rom f1 an d
A2a) 8...Nc6 9.Bb5! where to castle according to the
We will take on c6, and we will situation. GM Baadur Jobava:
have then an excellent e5 'White has a comfortable position.
square for our knight. White's We'll explore this line further in the
position is not only better from theoretical section.'
the practical point of view, but B1) 9...a6 This would be a move
also from the objective point of in the style of Jobava-Van Wely.
view. Qb6 ( 9...Bd7 10.Bxc6 Black wants to play Nc6, but first
Bxc6 11.Nf3 ) 10.Nf3 he is preventing Bb5 ideas.
Black is worse, for example: 10.Bd3 Nc6 11.0-0 But now it's
a6 ( 10...Bg4?! 11.Ne5 ) not easy to understand where to
11.Bxc6+ bxc6 ( 11...Qxc6 develop the bishop from c8. Bd7
12.Ne5 ) 12.0-0-0 Rb8 ( 11...Bf5? 12.Bxf5 gxf5
( 12...Bg4 The idea to pin our 13.Qg5; 11...Bg4 12.Ng5
 51

We will continue with h3-e4 and Black. If 7...Bxc2, White can

White is better.) 12.h3!? 0-0-0 unleash 8.g4! with a dangerous
13.Rab1!? In the future we might initiative. But don't worry if this is
have b2-b4 ideas. Another idea new to you—I'll break it down in
can be e3-e4 or Ng5. White is detail in the theoretical section.'
definitely a bit better.; [ 7.0-0-0 Ng4! 8.Qh4 e6 9.Qg3
B2) 9...Nc6 10.Bb5! Qd6= ]
As you already know, this is a [ 7.Qd2 During the game, I wasn't
s t r o n g m o v e . a6 ( 10...Bd7 aware of the 7.f3 idea, so I opted for
11.0-0-0 0-0-0 12.Bxc6 Bxc6 the standard 7.Qd2, which might be
13.Ne5 ) 11.Bxc6+ bxc6! s l i g h t l y i m p r e c i s e . c5!
( 11...Qxc6?! 12.0-0-0 Th i s i s B l a c k d i a g o n a l s s t a n d a r d
R d 3 - R h d 1 n e x t .) 12.0-0-0 response in this variation. A textbook
If it's White to move, then we are example of how to challenge White's
much better after 13.Nd4 or after center. GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is
just 13.h3. According to the Black’s standard response in this
engine Black can fight for variation. A textbook example of how
equality only because of ( 12.Nd4 t o c h a l l e n g e W h i t e ' s c e n t e r . ' 8.e3
Qb6! 13.0-0-0 c5 ) 12...Bg4! ( 8.dxc5?! d4 ) 8...cxd4 9.exd4 Nc6
With the idea to exchange our Black’s development is flawless so far.
strong knight that could jump to Th e c o or d i n a ti o n o f t h e p ie c e s i s
d 4 o r e 5 i n t h e f u t u r e . 13.Rd3 excellent, though there is a lingering
Bxf3 14.gxf3 e6! Preparing Qf8. vulnerability on the dark squares.
15.Na4 Qf8 16.Qf4!? However, finding a way to exploit this
More ambitious, in my opinion. i s f a r f r o m s t r a i g h t f o r w a r d . 10.f3
( 16.Qxf8+!? Rxf8 17.Rc3 Rc8 I played f3 to tighten my grip on the
18.Nc5 White is a bit better in e4 square. This is part of a broader
the endgame.) 16...Qe7 17.Rc3 plan—if Black is careless, I’m ready
Rc8 18.Nc5 White has a to push 11.g4. h5 My opponent was
slightly better position thanks to s h a r p , q u i c k l y s h u t t i n g d o wn a n y
the good Nc5+Rc3. ] ideas of g2-g4. A good move tha t
7.f3!? This is the critical move that puts shows awareness and understanding
p r e s s u r e o n B l a c k . I f 7 . . . B xc 2 , o f t h e p o s i t i o n . 11.Bb5
W h i t e c a n u n l e a s h 8 .g 4 ! wi t h a Time to complete development. I’m
dangerous initiative. GM Baadur aiming for Nge2 and castling kingside.
Jobava: '!' 'Against Demchenko I Qd6 This is a move you’ll see
played 7.Qd2, but at that time I was often—not necessarily here, but in
not aware of this option. The idea is similar structures. Black’s idea is to
to sacrifice the pawn on c2, but I prepare a6, hoping to exchange on c6
will push g4 and try to punish and maintain a strong center.
Black's king stuck in the center.' Howe ver , a mor e d ire ct a ppr oac h
GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is the mi g h t h a ve b e e n b e t t e r . ( 11...Rc8!
critical move that puts pressure on Th i s i s B l a c k ' s b e s t m o ve , wh i c h
 52

isn't surprising. Thanks to the knight slowly improving our pieces. The rook
on c3, Black can often create on e1 is well placed, and our long-
counterplay along the 'c' file.; 11...a6?! term plan should involve preparing c2-
While it might look logical, this would c4 when the time is right. Kf8 17.Nf4
have been a positional mistake. After With this move, Black’s king can no
12.Bxc6+ bxc6 13.Na4 White gains longer head to g7 without leaving the
a grip on the dark squares that would e7 pawn vulnerable. This restricts
make Black’s life very difficult. ) Black’s options and gives me more
12.Nge2 a6 13.Bxc6+ Qxc6 14.0-0 control over the position. e6 18.Rac1
The queen on c6 isn’t doing much. It’s As I mentioned earlier, I’m gradually
a small detail, but in chess, small preparing c2-c4. No need to force
details can decide the game. A rook anything—better to wait for the right
o n c 6 wo u l d h a v e b e e n f a r m o r e moment. Ne8 My opponent wants to
e f f e c t i v e . ( 14.Rc1!? ) 14...h4 man euver his k nig ht to d6 . 19.Nb5
This move doesn’t pose any Nd6 20.Nd3!? A creative move, if I
immediate threats, but it’s a sneaky may say so myself! However, it might
one! Black is grabbing space on the not have been the best choice.
kingside, setting the stage for future Creativity in chess is a double-edged
play. ( 14...Kf8!? This might seem sword—it can lead to brilliant ideas or
odd at first, but improving the king’s s u b t l e m i s t a k e s . ( 20.Nxd6 Qxd6
position with 14...Kf8 followed by 15... 21.c4 dxc4 22.Rxc4 leaves White
Kg7 is a solid plan. Don’t with a slight but persistent advantage.
underestimate the importance of king The c-file, weak dark squares and
safety in the middlegame.) 15.a4 safer king make for a strong
Th is s ee mi ng ly si mp le move pu t s c o mb i n a t i o n .) 20...Bxd3 21.cxd3!
Black in a tough spot. Should he let Even though computers might suggest
me play a4-a5, fixing his pawns, or th a t Bl a c k ca n h ol d t h is p o si t i o n ,
should he challenge it? Sometimes, practically speaking, it’s tough. White
the most effective moves are the least has strong control over the c-file, and
flashy. a5?! I’m not a fan of this move. the weaknesses on b5 and the
It weakens the b5 square, which could misplaced queen on c6 are starting to
become a long-term problem for tell. Qb6 22.Qf4 Nxb5 23.axb5
Black. ( 15...Kf8! Was Black's right We’ve reached a position where
continuation. 16.a5 Kg7 We are a Black’s practical chances are
bit better, but Black's position is dwindling. The pressure is mounting,
solid.; 15...b6?! This move might and eventually, I managed to convert
seem natural, but after 16.a5! b5 this into a win. Rh5 24.Rc5 Kg8
17.Na2 We have the important b4 25.Qf6 Rh8 26.Rec1 Qd8 27.Qxd8+
and c5 squares for our knight, and Rxd8 28.Rc7 Kg7 29.Rxb7 Rb8
Black's position is hard from the 30.Rxb8 Rxb8 31.Rc5 Kf6 32.Kf2
practical point of view.) 16.Rfe1 a4 33.Ke3 Ra8 34.b6 Rb8 35.Rb5
Patience is key in these positions. No Ke7 36.Kd2 Kd6 37.Kc3 Kc6
need to rush—we should focus on 38.Kb4 Kb7 39.Rc5 Ka6 40.Ra5+
 53

Kb7 41.Kb5 Rc8 42.Ra7+ Kb8 tro ub le s wi th hi s bi sh op .) 9.e3

43.Rxf7 Rc2 44.Ka6 1-0 (44) Jobava, Simple move, a knight coming to f4 or
B (2661)-Demchenko,A (2589) g5 will be unpleasant for Black.
Gjakova 2016 [GM Baadur Jobava] ] ( 9.0-0-0 Keeping available also in
7...Bxc2 A very risky option, but the most some cases the option of e4 push in
principled one and the best. one tempo was appealing. I opted for
[ 7...c5 8.e3 cxd4 9.exd4 a6! 9.e3 instead.) 9...Qd6 10.Nh3 0-0-0
A g a i n , t h e i d e a we h a ve s e e n i n 11.Ng5 So far logical play by both
Jobava-Van Wely is Black's strongest sides, I guess now will put a rook on
continuation. Repetita juvant: Black f 8 a n d f r e e t h e b i s h o p o n e 6 . a6
wants to play Nc6, but without Luca stops Nb5 ideas just in case.
allowing Bb5. ( 9...Bxc2? 10.g4 Nc6 12.0-0-0 Rdf8 13.h3 I like this plan,
11.Qd2+-; 9...Nc6 10.Bb5 protect g4 and try to close with f4. I
Typical idea that we have already e n j o y m y p o s i t i o n h e r e . Nd7
seen on many occasions.) 10.g4!? This is a strong move, Black wants to
Be6 11.Bd3 Nc6 12.Nge2 rerout his knight to b6. 14.f4 Nb6
The position is playable, and White To be honest I missed this plan, the
should be a bit better thanks to the knights suddenly are active on the
more harmonious pieces (our knight q u e e n s i d e . ( 14...f6 I really thought
can jump to f4 at some point) . For the idea was to play ...f6, which I was
example, 12...Nb4 might be tempting, ready to meet with 15.Nxe6 Qxe6
but after 13.O-O-O Nxd3+ 14.Rxd3, 16.e4 Black cannot take due to d5
White's advantage increases a bit. ] fork. ) 15.a3 S t o p s . . . Q b 4 . Bd7
[ 7...Nc6?! The combination of these 2 16.Bd3 Okay, opponent was getting
moves together doesn't make a lot of low on time, that's why I offered a
sense, 7...Bc2 was the best option. draw, I think I had a pleasant game
Also this runs into 8.g4! Capturing on and position , ...Nc6 was imprecise in
c2 now is unfavorable for Black, the the opening. It was an interesting 1st
bishop might just get trapped there. game. ½-½ (16) Jobava,B-Moroni,L
Be6 A sad retreat, but necessary one. [GM Baadur Jobava] ]
Now I am not sure how to continue, 8.g4 Now Black has 2 possible
f i r s t c r i t i c a l m o m e n t . ( 8...Bxc2 directions: GM Baadur Jobava: 'The
9.Qd2 The piece is stuck behind arising complications are analyzed
enemy lines, and I don't believe Black in the theoretical section.' 8...c5!
can get compensation for the missing This is Black's clearest continuation.
piece.; 8...Nxd4? Probably Luca was Also, 8...b5 was fine for the engine,
relying on this move, but it is a but that leads to a more uncertain
blunder due to 9.0-0-0+- Both pieces position.
are hanging and White wins.; 8...Nb4!? [ 8...b5 9.Rc1 b4 10.Nb5 ( 10.Rxc2
is an interesting try. But I guess I bxc3= ) 10...a6 11.Rxc2 axb5 12.b3
have some good responses, for I like White from a positional point of
example 9.0-0-0 and after Bxc2 view. We can continue with e3-Ne2-
10.Rd2 Black still experiences Nc1-Nd3-Be2-Kf2. For the engine, this
 54

is close to equal, but it's something 31 7.0-0-0 The most common move.
new, and we have a clear plan in mind, Now Black has a very strong
so we will definitely have good continuation. 7...c5! 8.dxc5 Qa5
practical chances. ] In the past, I stopped the analysis
9.e3 Nc6! Black needs to be very well here, but now I see that the engine
prepared to play this. is suggesting an interesting
[ 9...c4?! In the only game where the direction which I wanted to share
move 7.f3 was played, Black played with you 9.Nxd5!? Qxa2 10.Qc3
here 9...c4, which is already an At first glance, it seems that Black
inaccuracy that doesn't allow him to is super fine. Then I started to
equalize. You can see yourself how doubt, but this line will not be my
eas y i t i s to go wro ng wi th Bla ck : main suggestion because of
10.Rc1 Bd3 11.Bxd3 cxd3 12.Nh3 10...Kh6!! The position is objectively
Nf2-Nxd3 next. Bakalchuk-Ushenina. equal, and I think this is Black's
The point is that White has a more strongest move because it forces a
harmonious setup in this move repetition.
symmetrical structure + Qh6 doesn't [ 10...Be6 This is Black's most human
allow him to castle. ] move. 11.Nxf6 exf6 12.Nf3
10.Rc1 cxd4 11.exd4 Nxd4 12.Nb5 A) 12...Rc8 13.Nd4 Nd7 14.Qa3!!
g5! This is Black's safest continuation to Nxc5! ( 14...Qxa3?? 15.Nxe6+
ensure a draw. fxe6 16.Rxd7++- ) 15.Qxa2 Bxa2
[ 12...Ne6 This continuation is also 16.Kd2= but playable.;
fine, but it leads to more uncertain B) 12...Nc6 13.e3 Rfd8 14.Bd3 ]
positions, where it's difficult to say if [ 10...Qa1+ 11.Kd2 Qa4 12.b3 Qc6
Black has equalized or not. 13.Rxc2 13.Kc1 Be6 14.Nxf6 exf6 15.Nf3
a6 14.Na3 I think that Black is fine Na6 16.Nd4 Qxc5 17.Qxc5 Nxc5
objectively, but the position is very 18.g3 ]
rich and certainly playable. ] 11.Qd2+
13.Nxd4 [ 11.b3?! Rd8 12.e4 Nc6
[ 13.Qxg5? Ne6 Ne6 is coming with Can be very dangerous for White. ]
tempo against our queen. Black can 11...Kg7 12.Qc3=
play Bg6 on the next move. ]
13...Qa5+ 14.Ke2 Qa6+ 15.Ke1 32
7...Nbd7 Usually Black plays this
[ 15.Kf2?? Nxg4+-+ ] move when he wants to play e7-e5.
15...Qa5+= And it's a draw by repetition. There is no point in playing it if he
wants to play c7-c5, as then the
30
6.h4?! As I have said at the start, knight on d7 will be misplaced. Also,
we are not going to play the Qd2- 7...Nd7 is better than 7...Nc6
Bh6 plan in order to attack later, but because Black keeps the option to
we wa n t t o p l a y i t p o s i t i o n a l l y. play c7-c6 to defend his pawn on
6...c5! 7.Bxg7 Kxg7 8.e3 cxd4 9.exd4 d5. 8.h3!? Anyway, we will go for
h5 the h3-g4 plan, as in the main line.
8...c6
 55

[ 8...e5? This move is premature now. our next move will be.
9.dxe5 Nxe5 Now White doesn't need [ 8.dxc5 is how I used to play all of my
anymore to play g2-g4 but can instead life, but positions are balanced after
focus against Black's d5 pawn. Qa5= ]
10.0-0-0 c6 11.e4 ] 8...Nc6 This is an automatic move in my
9.g4 opinion. Black can also play 8...
[ 9.0-0-0?! Long castle is premature cxd4 9.exd4 Nc6, but after 10.g4 it
now. b5 Black can start a fast transposes to 8...Nc6 9.g4 cxd4 10.
queenside attack. ] exd4. 9.g4!? This is a new idea of
9...e5 If Black wants to play e7-e5, then mine. It's a prophylactical move
this is the best moment for him to because we are preventing Bf5, a
do it. strategic move because we play for
[ 9...b5!? 10.g5 Ne8 Black is kingside space and restricting
transferring his knight to d6. 11.h4 Black's knight on f6, and also a
Nd6 12.f4 Very complicated position. concrete move because sometimes
We are ready for h5-Qh2 ideas. we will threat g4-g5, where Black's
( 12.f3!? might also be interesting, but pawn on d5 might be hanging.
then you are allowing 12...e5. e5 )] 9...cxd4 This capture is a very standard
10.dxe5 Nxe5 11.0-0-0 We are ready continuation for Black.
for f4-g5-Nf3. 11...Qe7 12.f4 Ned7 [ 9...e5? Very often our opponent will
13.g5 Black now has a choice, and it's play such moves that are seemingly
ve r y e a s y f o r h i m t o g o wr o n g . active but objectively bad. There are
13...Nh5! t wo p o s s i b l e r e a s o n s b e h i n d t h e
[ 13...Ne4?! 14.Nxe4 Qxe4 15.Bg2 choice of such moves: - panic reasons
Qe7 16.Nf3 We can continue with ; - trying to punish us because of our
h4-h5. ] non-standard play. 10.dxe5 Nxe5
14.Nf3 We are now threatening Rg1, 11.0-0-0 We can continue with f2-f4
where Black's knight on h5 will be a n d B l a c k ' s p a wn o n d 5 i s we a k .
out of the game. 14...b5! White is better. ]
[ 14...Ng3 This is a natural move, but [ 9...h6 This is a logical and human
a n i n a c c u r a c y . 15.Rg1 Nxf1 move because Black is preventing g4-
16.Rdxf1 h4-h5 next. ] g5 ideas. 10.dxc5!? I like this move
15.Nd4 also from a psychological point of
[ 15.Rg1?! b4 ] view: Our opponent will be worried
15...Bb7 because we have taken a pawn and
[ 15...b4? Now it doesn't work for he may start to think that 9...h6 was
t a c t i c a l r e a s o n s . 16.Nxc6 Qc5 an inaccuracy. ( 10.Bg2?! This was
17.Nxd5! Qxc6 18.Qd4+ f6 my first instinct, but engine thinks that
( 18...Kg8?? 19.Ne7# ) 19.Bg2 ] is dubious because of cxd4 11.exd4
16.Be2 Ng3 17.Rhg1 Nxe2+ b5 As we will see, very often b7-b5
18.Ncxe2 Very interesting position, will be a key move for Black.; 10.f4!?
open for three results. This can be an interesting alternative.
8.h3!? Formally not a novelty, but cxd4 11.exd4 White has an
 56

interesting position, thanks to the Qd5+ 17.f3 According to the

extra space on the kingside and engine, Black is fine; in a practical
thanks to the good control on the e5 game I think that White has
square. According to the engine, chances. For example:
Black's best direction is h5 12.f5 B1) 17...Rad8 Black defends the
hxg4 13.hxg4 Rh8 14.Rxh8 Qxh8 d4 pawn and is now ready for
15.0-0-0 Where things are very far Qxc5. 18.Nd6 We are disturbing
from clear, but the evaluation is 0.00. ) Black 's pl ans, as Q xc5 i s no t
A) 10...Qa5 This would be a p o s s i b l e d u e t o N x b 7 . b6!
natural move because Black wants ( 18...Qxc5?? 19.Nxb7+-;
to regain his missing pawn asap. 18...Rd7?! 19.b4 ) 19.b4 bxc5
11.Nge2 Qxc5 12.0-0-0 20.bxc5 Rd7 21.Ng3
It's important to notice that I am not The position is complicated and
hurrying with the move Bg2 interesting. Qxc5?? Would be a
because the bishop can be useful decisive mistake for Black, as
on f1 sometimes. Rd8 13.f4 e5 W hite is winni ng on the spot .
( 13...b5?! typical panic move. 22.Ndf5++-;
14.Nd4 This is a very good B2) 17...Qxc5 18.Nbxd4 Rad8
example that shows why the bishop 19.c3 Now we have an extra
can also be useful on f1: now we pawn, but according to the
are attacking Black's b5 pawn.) engine, Black has some
14.Bg2 Black needs to be precise compensation thanks to the
to maintain the balance. Our idea is potentially weak White's king.
to take on e5 and use the d4 Objectively, the position is
square for our pieces.; balanced; which side you prefer
B) 10...e5 In exchange for the dep en ds o n you r st yle . In my
missing pawn, Black is building a opinion, it is more dangerous to
s t r o n g c e n t e r . 11.Bg2 Be6 play from the Black side in
12.Nge2 d4! Black's best practice because compensation
continuation. ( 12...Qe7 13.0-0-0 can disappear very fast in a
Qxc5 14.f4 GM Baadur Jobava: game... ]
'Once again we are ready for fxe5, [ 9...h5!? This is a very good
conquering the d4 square for our possibility for Black, but nobody will
pieces.'; 12...Qa5 This is a normal play it over the board without knowing
move, and the one that you will i t . G M B a a d u r J o b a va : ' i s a v e r y
m o s t l i k e l y f a c e . 13.f4 Qxc5 principled response and the one Luca
14.0-0-0 Once again we are ready intended to play, but he messed up
for fxe5, conquering the d4 square the move order in the game.' 10.g5
for our pieces.) 13.exd4 exd4 A) 10...Nh7 Black is attacking our
14.Nb5 But now he needs to have g5 pawn. 11.dxc5 Nxg5 ( 11...e6?
calculated very well the variations 12.f4 ) 12.0-0-0 Qa5! It's unlikely
because only one move is good for that your opponent will play like this,
him Bd5! 15.0-0 Bxg2 16.Kxg2 but every engine would do it
 57

( 12...e6?! Black doesn't have time the game will still go on, and we are
for normal play: 13.f4 Nh7 14.Nf3 not talking about the typical Berlin
Nf6 15.Rg1 White can continue defense equality :) . ]
with Bd 3 a nd then do ubl ing th e 10.exd4 Qa5
rooks on the 'g' file, pressuring [ 10...Ne4?! This is a panic move.
Bl ac k 's g6 pa wn t ha t i s we ak e r 11.Nxe4 dxe4 12.d5 Ne5 13.0-0-0
b e c a u s e o f t h e m o v e 9 . . . h 5 .) Black's position is dangerous because
13.Qxd5 Ne6 Black will recover the the pawn on e4 might be weak. Qd6
missing pawn; his position will be 14.Ne2 f5 ( 14...Bd7?! 15.Qd4 f5
fine, but we definitely have a game: 16.gxf5 gxf5 17.Nf4 ) 15.gxf5 Bxf5
14.Qc4 Nxc5 Qxc6 For instance, ( 15...gxf5? 16.Nf4 ) 16.Bg2
this is natural, but a bit dubious Ng3 next, pressuring the e4 pawn.
Qh4 15.a3! We need to play this Eventually, h4-h5 could be a plan. ]
p r o p h y l a c t i c m o v e . ( 15.Bg2? [ 10...e5 Once again, this is a typical
Be6 ) 15...Be6 16.Qf4 Rfd8 p a n i c m o v e . 11.dxe5 Ne4
17.Rxd8 Rxd8 18.Nf3 Balanced ( 11...Nxe5? 12.0-0-0 Black's d5
fighting position, open for three pawn is weak, and we can continue
results.; with f4-Bg2-Nge2.) 12.Qxd5 Nxc3
B) 10...Ne4 This is Black's 13.Qxd8 Rxd8 14.bxc3 Nxe5 15.f4
c l e a n e s t c o n t i n u a t i o n . 11.Nxe4 Our extra pawn is not great, but it's
dxe4 12.d5 Ne5 13.Bg2 still an extra pawn. ]
Usually the e4 pawn can be weak in [ 10...h5 This is the move that Luca
such situations, but here concretely Moroni has played against me in our
we will not have time to play against training rapid game.
it. Bf5 14.f4! Unfortunately, we A) 11.0-0-0?! Rh8! 12.g5 Ne8
need to play this simplifying move. 13.Bg2 Nc7 Jobava-Moroni
( 14.0-0-0?! Would be generally 14.Nf3 Qd6 Luca is playing well so
nice, with the idea to continue with far, and now I went for the wrong
Ne2-Ng3, pressuring Black's e4 plan, and soon got outplayed.
pawn, but here the engine thinks 15.Ne5 It is too tempting to play this
w e a r e n o t i n t i m e a f t e r b5 ) move, ...Nxe5 opens up my pieces,
14...exf3 ( 14...Nd7?! This is a slow but I forgot Black can just ignore it
move because now for sure we can with ( 15.Ne2 was a better choice
play 15.Ne2 ) 15.Nxf3 We might and try to exchange queens on f4,
have Qc 3 i de as . Nxf3+ 16.Bxf3 but objectively Black has a good
Qd6 17.0-0-0= The position is position. ) 15...Bf5 Last chance to
equal. Our plan is to play e4, salvage was 16.h4 to try and
forcing Black's bishop to leave f5, exchange b ishops, bu t I playe d
then we might play h4 to defend the 16.f4 Here position is already
g5 pawn, and then we can slowly critical, and Luca and I both missed
double the rooks on the 'f' file. I that Black has 16...Nb4! very
cannot say that White has higher strong. e6 ( 16...Nb4! The pawn is
chances than Black, but for sure lost. ) 17.Kb1 b5 18.Rc1 Rhc8
 58

19.Nd1 b4 20.Ne3 Nb5 21.Nxf5+ human, not allowing g4-g5 ideas, but
gxf5 22.Qe2 Nc3+ Okay, Luca Black will have a difficult game after
offered draw, he played well this we play 13.f4 ]
game, and I confused something, 13.g5 Nh5 14.Nxd5 Qxd2+ 15.Kxd2
11.Bg2! was the critical try, after 11. If Black has played 12...b5, then he
0-0-0, my position started to drift a h a d t o s e e h e r e 15...Nxd4!
little bit, and I couldn't find a good A tactical idea that allows him to
plan for White. Thank you for the take back the pawn. 16.Nxd4 Bb7
second game! ½-½ (22) Jobava,B- 17.Rhe1 Bxd5 18.Bf1!? I want to keep
Moroni,L [GM Baadur Jobava]; the bishops. According to the
B) 11.Bg2! This was White's engine, this position is equal; in a
strongest continuation. GM Baadur practical game, I would think that I
Jobava: 'with the same idea but am a bit better because of the 3 vs
also to put pressure on d5 and try 2 maj o r it y. E n g in e e q u al i z es i n
to force Black to go ...e6. White different ways, for example:
should maintain the pressure for as 18...Bg2!?
l o n g a s p o s s i b l e . ' 11...Be6 [ 18...Bc4 19.Bxc4 bxc4 20.Kc3
This is Black's most logical move, This looks risky for Black, but
defending the pawn on d5 and not according to the engine, Black is fine
committing for e7-e6. ( 11...hxg4? after Nf4= ]
12.hxg4 Rh8 13.g5+-; 11...Rh8? 19.Bxg2 Rxd4+ 20.Kc3= Once again, I
This is not possible now, because would be a bit worried with Black
G M B a a d u r J o b a v a : ' ? ! ' 12.g5! because of a potential White
G M B a a d u r J o b a v a : ' î € Š ' Ne8 passed pawn on the queenside, but
13.Nxd5; 11...e6 12.Nf3 the computer doesn't believe in this,
Ne5 next. ) 12.Nge2 Qd6 13.0-0-0 so we can assume that Black will
I like White's position. Our idea is be able to equalize here somehow.
now Nf4 and then, eventually, Unit 1 3...g6-Jobava's spirit [GM
gxh5. ] Baadur Jobava]
11.Bg2 Rd8 Black defends the d5 pawn.
12.Nge2 b5! This is Black's only 33
4...c5 GM Baadur Jobava: 'We
continuation if he wants to keep the have already analyzed this position
0.00 evaluation. in Jobava London part 1 while
[ 12...Bd7?! 13.g5 ] speaking about the 3...c5 4.e3 a6
[ 12...Be6 Black's bishop is misplaced move order. I will share the analysis
here. 13.Nf4 ] with you once again.' GM Baadur
[ 12...e6 This is a passive way to Jobava: 'In my opinion, once again
defend the d5 pawn, now after it would have been better for Black
13.Ng3 White has a good initiative; to start with cxd4 followed by exd4,
he can continue with 14.g5, where because now White can try' 5.dxc5!
Black cannot play Nh5 anymore, and GM Baadur Jobava: '!?' GM Baadur
then the h4-h5 plan looks good. ] Jobava: 'And it's not trivial to play
[ 12...h6 This is a normal move for a from the Black side.' 5...e6
 59

[ 5...Qa5 This is Black's best for concrete reasons: Qa5+ 9.c3

continuation, according to the engine, dxc3 10.b4+- ) 8.b4! Be7
b u t i t i s v e r y r a r e l y p l a y e d . 6.Nf3 This position resembles the Classical
Qxc5 7.Qd2!? We are ready to meet Slav with d4 d5 c4 c6 Nc3 Nf6 Nf3
7. . .B g 4 wit h 8 . Ne 5 ! W e s ti l l d on ' t dxc4 e4 b5. However, in this case, it
know which side we will castle. is White who holds the extra pawn,
( 7.Bd3 Bg4! 8.h3 Bxf3 9.Qxf3 e6= ) and Black must demonstrate
7...e6 ( 7...Bg4? 8.Ne5; 7...Nc6 compen sat ion by l eve rag ing th ei r
In my opinion, it is better for Black to strong center. 9.Nf3 0-0 10.Be2
complete kingside development right White will continue with Na4. In the
away by playing e6, Be7, and 0-0, case of h7-h6, White will respond with
while delaying the development of the Bh4, followed by Bg3, putting
knight to c6 for a bit. 8.Bd3 e6 9.0-0 pressure on the e5 pawn. There are
Be7 10.e4 ) 8.Bd3 Our plan is to too few games in this line to have a
play 00 and then e3-e4. Be7 9.0-0 clear understanding of the position.
0-0 10.e4 ( 10.a3!? It could be a According to my engine, Black's best
clever waiting move, because if move is 12...Qe8, which gives a +0.
Black develops the knight to c6, then 30 evaluation for White. The second-
our e3-e4 push will be stronger best option is 10...Qc7, which already
compared to the main line.) 10...dxe4! gives White a +0.45 edge. I believe
11.Nxe4 Nxe4 12.Bxe4 Nd7! this is more than enough to conclude
This is the reason why I believe 7... that White has a very interesting game,
Nc6 is an inaccuracy. If Black keeps with all the tools to play for a win, and
the knight on b8, they will have the is likely better from an objective
flexibility to choose where to develop standpoint. ]
it later. In this situation, the knight on 6.Na4 White has an interesting position.
f6 seems much more useful than on If you remember, we could also
c6. 13.Bd3 Nf6 14.c4 A balanced reach this line via the 3...c5 4.e3 a6
position where both sides have their move order, which was analyzed in
own chances. ] Jobava London part 1. GM Baadur
[ 5...Nc6 Black's most common Jobava: '!' ''!' Now, Black needs to
continuation. 6.a3! ( 6.Nf3 e6 7.Na4 make concessions if he wants to
Nd7= Nxc5 next, and White cannot r e g a i n t h e p a w n . ' 6...Bxc5
play b2-b4 because Black's knight on Black will restore material equality
c6 is controlling the b4 square.) 6...e5 but at the cost of the bishops pair.
Black builds a strong center, but now [ 6...Nbd7 7.b4 It is not clear for
his d5 pawn will be vulnerable. 7.Bg5 Bla ck h ow t o re co ve r th e mi ss in g
Be6 Black needs to spend a tempo in pawn. ]
d e f e n d i n g t h e d 5 p a wn , a n d n o w 7.Nxc5 Qa5+ 8.c3 Qxc5 9.Nf3
W h i t e wi l l b e a b l e t o p l a y b 2 - b 4 , Bd3-00 next, and White definitely
d e f e n d i n g h i s c 5 p a w n . ( 7...d4?! has a pleasant position thanks to
8.Na4 White is better. It's important the pair of bishops.
to notice that 8...Qa5 is not working 4...b5 This is a thematic move. Now,
 60

we can choose if to play 5.h4 or 5. Black's a6 is not the priority in

a3. GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is an these positions. That's why White
interesting move for Black.' 5.h4 gets an improved version of those
Black's best is 5...e6, which analyzed lines. For example: 5...e6
transposes to the 4...e6 5.h4 b5 This was Black's best conception in
move order. the original line 3...Bf5 4.e3 e6 5.
[ 5.a3!? An interesting strategic idea. Bd3, but here the move a6 is an
Our plan is to play b2-b4, stopping c7- important wasted tempo.
c5. GM Baadur Jobava: 'I always liked [ 5...Bxd3 6.cxd3 Qb3 next. Do you
this idea. You don't have to play it, but remember the Prag-Giri game? Well,
I wanted to share with you my ideas:' here, White has an improved version
Bb7 Black can also start with 5...e6, or because the move a6 was almost a
5...Nbd7, but the type of position will full wasted tempo for Black. e6 7.Qb3
n o t c h a n g e . 6.Nf3 e6 7.b4! b6 8.Nf3 Bd6 9.Bxd6 Qxd6
We play against the c7-c5 idea, and ( 9...cxd6 10.e4 dxe4 11.dxe4 0-0
we are claiming that Black's bishop on 12.0-0 ) 10.e4 ]
b7 is passive. Bd6 8.Bd3 0-0 9.0-0 [ 5...Bg6 This might be Black's best
Nbd7 10.Ne5 I have always liked to continuation because, in the arising
play this kind of position because I positions, move a6 will sometimes be
can press while risking very little. ] useful. 6.h4 e6 7.h5 Bxd3
5...h5?! He has been played by Carlsen, A) 8.cxd3!? IS also an interesting
but it's a bad move: also, he makes continuation. You can definitely try
mistakes! Black's g5 square is too it. h6 ( 8...Bd6?! 9.h6 ) 9.Qb3 b5
weak: 10.a4;
[ 5...h6 Is a popular move for Black, B) 8.Qxd3 At least, White now
but I think that e6 is much more d o e s n ' t h a ve Q b 5 + i d e a s . 8...h6
natural and useful. 6.Bd3 e6 7.Nce2! 9.e4 Black still need to
A typical idea. We want to c5 with c3. demonstrate the equality in this new
Nbd7 8.Nf3 c5 9.c3 Bb7 position. ]
Was played in the game Romabldoni- 6.Bxf5 exf5 7.Bg5 Qf3-h3-g4 next.
Lodici, 2024. 10.Ng3 We control the
important e4 square and eventually 34 5.Nf3 If we just play normal
our knight could jump on h5 one day. developing moves, then after GM
( 10.h5 Was the move chosen by Baadur Jobava: 'We have seen this
White, but I don't think it's a great move in the previous model game
one.; 10.Bc2 Could be an interesting J o b a v a - Z h a o , 2 0 1 4 . ' 5...c5!
prophylactic move. ) 10...Qb6 11.a3 ] Black has a very good position,
6.Bd3 e6 7.Nce2! c5 8.c3 because we have transposed into a
We will continue with Nf3-Ng5. Classical London, where our knight
4...Bf5 5.Bd3 Compared to the 3... i s mi s p l a c e d o n c 3 wi t h o u t a n y
Bf5 4.e3 e6 5.Bd3 variation, which r e a s o n f o r i t . 6.a3 Nc6 7.h3
we have analyzed in "Jobava This move was intended against
London part 1," it is clear that N h 5 i d e a s . 7...b5! This is also a
 61

good move: Black takes some bishops. Objectively, now Black's

space on the queenside and plays b i s h o p o n b 7 i s n o t wo r s e t h a n
ag a i n s t o u r kn i g h t o n c 3 . 8.dxc5 mine on d3.
Sooner or later, we have to play it. [ 18.a4! And it's not so trivial for Black
White's main idea is now to play to equalize. ]
B d 3 - 0 0 - e 4 . 8...Bxc5 9.Bd3 Bb7 18...Qf6 19.Qxf6 gxf6 This is an
10.0-0 My opponent played very well improved endgame for Black
u n t i l t h i s p o i n t . 10...Bd6?! compared to the 15...Qxd1 one.
In my opinion, the exchange of the 20.Nd2 Rac8
dark squares bishops goes in [ 20...Bc6! Was a strong concept for
White's favor. As you have probably Black. The idea is to rotate the knight
noticed, this is a common concept on b7 and then on c5 or d6. ]
in the Jobava London. 21.b4! Now Black will need to make
[ 10...0-0 Was Black's strongest accurate decisions, because his
continuation. Strangely enough, it is position will have a strategic risk.
still a novelty. 11.e4 Rc8 12.exd5 21...Nc4
Nxd5 13.Nxd5 Qxd5 14.Re1 Ne7 [ 21...Nc6 22.Ne4 Nxf6+ is a threat,
15.Qe2 Rfd8= Black cannot be worse and White's idea is Nc5. This position
here. Also White is not worse, and this is unpleasant for Black. ]
is why 5.Nf3 is considered nowadays 22.Nxc4 bxc4 23.Bf1 Black needs to be
a harmless move. ] very accurate. We just need to play
11.Re1 0-0 Red1, and our position will be much
[ 11...Bxf4 Only helps White, because better. 23...Rd2 24.c3 Bd5?
after 12.exf4 We have great control [ 24...Rb2! Black had to place his rook
of the important e5 and d4 squares. ] on b3, from where it makes constant
12.Bxd6 Qxd6 13.e4 Compared to the pressure against the a3 and c3 pawns.
10...00 variation, here e5 is a Fo r a h u m a n , t h i s i s n o t a n e a s y
serious threat. 13...dxe4 14.Nxe4 decision because a normal player
Nxe4 15.Bxe4 Qe7 In a practical game, could be scared that his rook on b3
White is a bit better because of the will get trapped (Bd1 one day, for
more active bishop on e4 and the 3 example) . ]
vs 2 queenside majority. 25.Re2! Rxe2 26.Bxe2 Black's position
[ 15...Qxd1 16.Rexd1!? The endgame is now very hard without his active
is a bit unpleasant for Black. I prefer rook on the second rank. White will
taking with the 'e' rook because have the idea of creating a passed
sometimes I might have a3-a4 ideas. 'a' or 'b' pawn, and in a practical
Rfd8 17.Ne5 ] sense, it's easier for White to win
16.Qd2 t h i s e n d g a me t h a n f o r B l a c k t o
[ 16.Qe2 Was maybe a bit more make a draw. As you can see in the
precise. Rfd8 17.a4 ] pgn file, I have managed to convert
16...Rfd8 17.Qf4 Na5 18.Bd3?! the advantage in a full point.
I am a very ambitious player, so I 26...Kf8 27.Rd1 f5 28.Rd4 Kg7 29.a4
did not want to exchange the Kf6 30.a5 h6 31.g3 Rc7 32.Kf1 Rc8
 62

33.Ke1 Rc7 34.Kd2 Rc8 35.Ke3 Rc7 moves.

36.Bf3 Bxf3 37.Kxf3 Rc6 38.Rd7 h5 [ 6.Qf3? Now Black is better: Bxc3+
39.Ke2 e5 40.Rb7 Ke6 41.h4 Rd6 7.bxc3 c5-+ In the 5.h4 variation, this
42.Rb6 Kd5 43.Rxd6+ Kxd6 44.f3 e4 position is winning for White; here, it
45.Ke3 Kd5 46.Kf4 f6 47.Ke3 exf3 is winning for Black. ]
48.Kxf3 Kd6 49.Kf4 1-0 (49) Jobava,B [ 6.g5? Is a very bad move because of
(2710)-Zhao,X (2567) Wijk aan Zee Ne4 And Black is already better. ]
2014 [GM Baadur Jobava] 6...Nxg4!? This might be Black's easier
5.g4 This move has been played in continuation. This is a serious move
750 games, 5.h4 has been played because the variation is concrete.
in only 6 games! Normally, 5.g4 [ 6...0-0 Black's main move, and a
looks better because we also threat good one. It's a bit risky for him, but if
g5. There is only one drawback: h e k n o w s , h e w i l l b e f i n e . 7.a3
GM Baadur Jobava: '!?' GM Baadur We immediately force Black's bishop
J o b a va : ' I s W h i t e ' s m a i n m o v e to take a decision. Be7 Black's idea is
nowadays, and you will check it in Nxg4. ( 7...Bd6 It is never a good
the theoretical section together with square because the dark squares
my friend GM Pier Luigi Basso.' GM bishop's exchange is in White's favor.
Baadur Jobava: 'Nowadays, 8.Bxd6 Qxd6 9.g5 ) 8.g5
everybody plays 5.g4, and you will No choice, we have to go for it.
c h e c k i t t o g e t h e r wi t h m y g o o d ( 8.Rg1 I don't like this move because
friend GM Pier Luigi Basso. In this Rg1 is not always useful. )
lesson, I want to offer you a new A) 8...Nh5 For the engine, this
and very unknow direction.' 5...Bb4! move is also good, but Black should
This is for sure Black's best move, b e v e r y w e l l p r e p a r e d . 9.h4
and it is much more effective If we can play Bh2, we will be
against 5.g4 than against 5.h4. better. Nxf4 10.Nxf4 With the king
[ 5...c5?! This move is not great now on e8, there would be no problems
because of This move is also dubious. for Black because of the two
6.g5! Nfd7 7.Qf3 We can play with bishops, but here White can play
Qg3-Nf3-000, and White is better. ] for the kingside attack. c5 11.Bd3
[ 5...Bd6?! As it was after 5.h4, also A1) 11...f5!? 12.gxf6 Rxf6
here Bd6 is not a great move for Black. 13.Rg1 We prepare Nh5. Rh6!
In the worst case, you can play 6.h4, Very important prophylactic move
transposing in Jobava's spirit (5.h4 for Black against Nh5. Without it,
Bd6 6.h4) . But maybe you can find a White's position would be
mo r e u s e f u l mo ve l i k e g 5 o r Q f 3 . seriously better. 14.dxc5 Kh8!
Anyway, Bd6 almost never equalizes. Black's only move to equalize.
6.Qf3!? Bxf4 7.Qxf4 Qd6 8.Qxd6 Very difficult to imagine a human
cxd6 9.f3 White can play a long, p l a y i n g l i k e t h i s . ( 14...Bxc5?
slightly-better endgame. ] 15.Rg5 ) 15.Qd2 We want to
6.Nge2 Is White's best continuation. play long castle. For the engine,
Here Black has different good it's 0.00, but for a human, it's
 63

harder to play from the Black 11.Nxf4 Qh4! Qh4 gains a

side.; tempo on our knight, and also
A2) 11...c4 This is a critical prevents moves like Qg4. 12.Qf3
move because now we have to Nc6 13.0-0-0 It's not so easy to
sacrifice. 12.Bxh7+ Only move. play for Black because all the
Kxh7 13.Qh5+ Kg8 14.g6 pieces are passive.;
Black needs to be precise just to B2) 9.h4 We defend the pawn
make a draw, but he will achieve on g5, and we want to continue
it: ( 14.0-0-0 It was never tried with e4 9...c5! Black must play
b e f o r e . M y we a k e n g i n e wa s this move, otherwise he is worse.
showing -2,00, but by strongest 10.Ng1!? I want to improve my
one shows -0,20. Definitely, it k n i g h t o n f 3 . ( 10.e4?
s h o u l d b e i n v e s t i g a t e d . Nd7! Is not good anymore because of
Only move for Black. Otherwise, cxd4 ) 10...Nc6 11.Nf3
White is winning. 15.Rdg1 Qa5! White's knight on f3 stays better
Another only move for Black. You than on e2. This is just an equal
can analyze this position. if you and playable position for both
are sure that in the worst case, sides. Unit 3 3...a6-5.g4 Main
you will have the equality, then line [GM Pier Luigi Basso] ]
you can play it, because also [ 6...Ne4 7.Bg2 Our threat is Bxe4,
Black needs to find a lot of only after which we will be better. Nxc3
moves. For example: 16.g6 Nf6 ( 7...0-0? 8.Bxe4 dxe4 9.a3 Bxc3+
17.Qe5 Bxa3! Only move for 10.Nxc3 Black will lose the pawn on
Black. 18.Nfe2 Now Bb4, or e4. f5? Is even worse. After 11.gxf5
Bxb2. A lot of endless exf5 12.Rg1+- White has an already
variations.) 14...fxg6 15.Nxg6 winning position. ) 8.Nxc3
Rf5! O n l y m o v e . ( 15...Rf6?? A) 8...0-0 9.a3!? Bxc3+ ( 9...Bd6
16.Qh8+ Kf7 17.Ne5# ) 16.Qh8+ White can just ignore it because the
Kf7 17.Qh7 Nc6! Only move for Bxf4-exf4 structure is good for us.
Black. Otherwise, he is worse. 10.h4 h5 next, and Black did not
Now, it's better for White to force comp lete ly e qual ize .) 10.bxc3
a draw immediately. Otherwise, Black plays for the structure; we
things could go out of control, p l a y f o r t h e t w o b i s h o p s . Nd7
a n d we c a n a l s o l o s e . 18.Rg1 Black wants to play Nb6. 11.c4!?
Qg8 19.Nh8+ Kf8 20.Ng6+=; dxc4 12.Qe2 We have a very
B) 8...Nfd7 Black simply wants to good long-term compensation.;
take our pawn on g5. B) 8...Nd7 Black plays against a3.
B1) 9.e4!? If you like adventures, 9.Qd3 We play for long castle, and
this can be an interesting idea. then we push our pawns on th e
Bxg5! ( 9...dxe4?! Now we can kingside. White has some
defend our g5 pawn by playing initiative. ( 9.a3?! Bxc3+ 10.bxc3
10.Qd2 000 next, and White Nb6 Black is already preferable. )]
has the initiative.) 10.Rg1 Bxf4 [ 6...c5? Bad move because of 7.a3!
 64

And Black must exchange his of bishops, but we have the 'g' file
important bishop. Bxc3+ ( 7...Ba5 and better development. 9...Nc6
is not an option because of 8.dxc5; Our pieces are more active; we
7...cxd4 8.axb4 dxc3 9.Nxc3 have the 'g' file, but Black is solid
Much better for White.) 8.Nxc3 and has the pair of bishops. The
We should be very happy because we position is still playable but
have the pair of bishops, and Black objectively balanced. Black
has no compensation for it. ] pr ep ar es e 5 . 10.Nd3 This is my
[ 6...b5 Black wants to develop a recommendation. The idea is to
queenside play (Bb7-Nbd7-Rc8-c5) . play positionally with f2-f4.
7.a3 It is good for us to know [ 10.Nh5 Everybody plays this move,
immediately where Black's bishop but our knight can be misplaced on
wants to go. Be7! Black doesn't want h5. Bd7! 11.Qf3 f5 12.Ng7+ Ke7
to exchange his dark squares bishop. I understand, the knight on g7 looks
8.Nc1 This is my recommendation. nice, but it's very easy also to get
We want to play in a positional way. worse with White. ]
Our knight could go to b3 or d3, and 10...Bd6 11.f4 Black cannot play e5
Qf 3 is a ls o an o pt io n no w. ( 8.g5?! anymore. 11...Bd7 Black plays for
Nh5 9.h4 Nxf4 10.Nxf4 Qd6 Qe7-000. 12.Qe2 Qe7 13.0-0-0
Black is already a bit better because 0-0-0 14.Qf2 Sometimes, we can play
of the pair of bishops and the e3-e4. Black has two bishops, but
potential quick play on the the position is closed, and our
queenside.) 8...0-0 ( 8...c5?! 9.dxc5 knight on d3 is good. I don't think
Bxc5 10.Nb3 Be7 11.g5 Nfd7 we are better, but the position is
12.h4 White has an initiative. e4 still playable.
could be our next move. Bb7 13.e4 5.Qf3 I was the first to introduce
dxe4 14.Bg2; 8...Nbd7?! Is already this move in practice. The idea is to
bad. 9.Nb3! Bb7 10.Na5 ) 9.Bg2 have the queen ready for kingside
Bb7 10.Nb3 Normally, I would think activity while also preparing for the
tha t B lac k i s a bi t wors e, bu t Ne4! long castle. Objectively, this move
Is a critical move, and probably here is not great, but I think it will be
Black is fine. 11.Nxe4 dxe4 12.a4 very useful to understand the
You can still play it, but the position reason. 5...c5?!
is objectively balanced. ] [ 5...b5 This is Black's strongest
7.Rg1 g5! continuation, but it is a novelty, and it
[ 7...Qh4?! 8.Bg3 Qe7 ( 8...Qf6 9.h3 shows that the position is still difficult
Nh6 10.Be5 ) 9.a3 Bxc3+ 10.Nxc3 to understand by the majority of the
f5 11.Qd2 ] players. 6.g4 Is not so strong now,
[ 7...e5?! 8.dxe5 Nc6 9.a3! Bxc3+ because after ( 6.0-0-0 b4 7.Na4
10.Nxc3 d4 11.exd4 Qxd4 12.Qxd4 Bb7 Black has a good chance for a
Nxd4 13.0-0-0+- Fiorito-Fedoseev, q u e e n s i d e a t t a c k .) 6...b4!
2023. ] Black's knight will have the important
8.Rxg4 gxf4 9.Nxf4 Black has the pair e4 square. ]
 65

6.0-0-0? Rb3 24.Rd3 Rab8 25.Rxb3 Rxb3

[ 6.g4! White has very good chances 26.Be2 Rxe3 27.Bd1 g4 28.Kd2 d4
because after g5, Black's knight will 29.Rh1 Re5 30.Bxa4 Rxc5 ½-½ (30)
need to retreat to a more passive Jobava,B (2690)-Berkes,F (2662)
square. ] Villorba 2018 [GM Baadur Jobava]
6...Nc6
[ 6...b5 Black can start an immediate 35
5...Bb4 Is not so good anymore,
queenside attack against our king. because of GM Baadur Jobava:
After this game, I understood that the 'This is Black's best move against 5.
long castle is usually not a great plan g4, but here it is not so effective.'
for W hite in the 3...a6 variation 6.h5! Threatening h6. GM Baadur
because Black is well prepared to play Jobava: 'As a rule, Black should
b5, which creates a queenside never allow h6 because then the
initiative. ] dark-squares would be too weak.'
7.Nge2 6...h6
[ 7.g4! Once again, this was White's [ 6...Ne4 7.Nge2 ]
best continuation. For example: b5 7.Qf3! Do you remember how Black was
8.g5 b4 9.gxf6 bxc3 10.fxg7 cxb2+ playing in the 5.g4 variation? GM
11.Kb1 Bxg7 12.Qg3 Rg8! Baadur Jobava: 'Our idea is to play
The position is complicated, but Black Bd3-Qg3-Nf3. Only after this move
is not worse. ] we are better, so please remember
7...cxd4 it.' 7...Bxc3+ GM Baadur Jobava:
[ 7...b5 Once again, this was Black's 'This is Black's idea when our pawn
strongest continuation. ] is on g4 (in the 5.g4 variation) .'
8.Nxd4 Bb4 9.Nxc6 bxc6 10.Be5 Bd6 8.bxc3 c5 Black was winning there, but
In this case, Black's position is so now White is winning, only because
good that the exchange of the dark of the following detail: GM Baadur
squares bishops cannot make it Jobava: 'In the 5.g4 variation, this
worse. But, once again, this position would be winning for Black,
exchange helps White. but now it is much better for White
[ 10...0-0 Black is still a bit better. ] o n l y b e c a u s e o f ' 9.Qg3+-
11.Bxd6 Qxd6 12.Qg3 Qxg3 13.hxg3= G M B a a d u r J o b a v a : ' ! ' 9...Qa5
The endgame is equal. My 10.Ne2 Nbd7 11.a4 White has a
opponent is a great classical player, strategically winning position.
and he was probably happy to 5...b5 This is a serious move, and
equalize so easily with Black. The we should always check it in the 3...
only thing is that he could have a6 variation. GM Baadur Jobava:
played for more. We have played 'Trans in the main line (4...e6 5.h4
15 moves more, and the game b5 move order) .' 6.g4 We threat
fi n a l l y e n d ed i n a d r a w. 13...Ke7 g5. 6...b4! This might be Black's
14.f3 h6 15.Na4 a5 16.c4 Ba6 17.Nc5 best continuation.
Bc8 18.Rh4 Nd7 19.Nxd7 Bxd7 20.c5 [ 6...c5?! 7.g5 Nfd7 8.Nf3 Nc6
a4 21.a3 Rhb8 22.Rdd4 g5 23.Rxh6 9.Ne2 A typical move. We intend to
 66

play c3, and then we can start playing ( 19...Kc6 ) 20.Rad1 ( 20.e4!
on the kingside. For example: Kf6 21.h5+- ) 20...Bxd1 21.Rxd1
A) 9...Bb7 10.c3 b4 11.Bh3 a5 Nxg6 22.Bxf5+ Kf7 ½-½ (22)
Zhalamakhanov-Kovalev, 2023. Jobava,B-Basso,P [GM Pier Luigi
12.0-0 Basso];
A1) 12...Be7 Would have been a B) 9...Nb6 10.c3 Bd6
standard move for Black. Let's Carlsen-Grandelius, 2020. 11.dxc5
see how the game could Bxc5 12.h5 Ned4 next. ]
develop: 13.Re1 White's plan is [ 6...Bb4 7.g5 Ne4 8.Nge2
Ng3-e4. 0-0 14.Ng3 a4 a 3 n e xt , a n d W h i t e i s b e t t e r . Fo r
Black has to create a fast example: Bb7 9.a3 Bd6 ( 9...Bxc3+
counterplay on the queenside. 10.Nxc3 Nxc3 11.bxc3
( 14...Nb6!? 15.h5 Nc4 16.Rb1 White dominates the position thanks
Is another interesting direction.) to the extra space on the kingside and
15.cxb4! ( 15.a3? This is a to the pair of bishops.) 10.Nxe4 dxe4
p o s i t i o n a l m i s t a k e . b3 11.Bxd6 cxd6 12.Nc3 Qg4 next,
Na5-Nc4 next. Black is better.) difficult to play for Black. ]
15...Nxb4 Black wants a3. [ 6...Bd6 You already know that the
( 15...cxb4? 16.h5 There is no dark squares bishops exchange is
longer tension in the center, and usually good for White. Here is no
White can continue with his exception: 7.g5 Ne4 ( 7...Bxf4 8.exf4
initiative on the king side.) 16.a3 Ne4 9.Qd3 Bb7 10.Qe3
Nc6 17.Rc1 White is better (+0, 000 and Bd3 next. Black has
50 for the engine) , but it's still a p r o b l e m s o n t h e d a r k s q u a r e s .)
fight.; 8.Nxe4 dxe4 9.Bg2 Bb7
A2) 12...h6?! I wanted to create Suyarov-Danielyan, 2024. 10.Qg4 ]
a f ul l f ig ht on a ll si de s o f th e [ 6...h6! This is a better version for
board. Of course, I felt that this Black compared to 5...b5, because
move was dubious, but for a blitz now White cannot play g5. It actually
game, I wanted to create transposes in 5.h4 b5 6.g4 h6,
s o m e t h i n g i n t e r e s t i n g . 13.g6! analyzed in the Jobava spirit chapter.
Using the strength of W hite's 7.Qf3 b4 8.Nce2 Our idea is to play
bishop on h3. f5 If I can play c4, Ng3-Bd3-Nce2. We have a potential
my p o s i t i o n wi l l b e O K . 14.c4! initiative on the kingside, while it's not
Critical: White wants to dismantle clear how to develop for Black an
my pawn structure. dxc4 15.d5 initiative on the queenside. For
Ne7!? 16.dxe6? Was played by example: Bb7 ( 8...Ne4 9.Ng3! Bb7
Baadur, but Black is fine after 10.Bd3 Nxg3 11.Qxg3; 8...c5?! 9.g5
( 16.e4!! Was White's winning Nfd7 10.Bh3 ) 9.Ng3 Nbd7 10.Bd3
continuation: fxe4 17.dxe6 Nf6 c5 11.N1e2!? c4 is not possible
18.Ne5 Qxd1 19.Rfxd1 ) because of Bxc4. ( 11.g5 Ng8 12.c3
16...Bxf3 17.exd7+ Qxd7 I s a l s o a n i n t e r e s t i n g d i r e c t i o n .)
18.Qxd7+ Kxd7 19.Ng3 Ke6? 11...Qb6 12.g5 Ng8 13.c3 ]
 67

7.Na4 Bd7!? Immediately targeting our [ 12...0-0?! 13.Nb6! cxb6 14.Bxd6

knight on a4. Re8 15.Rc1 Unpleasant for Black. ]
[ 7...Bd6 is also possible. 8.g5 Bxf4 13.Rc1 0-0 14.Nc5 Nc6! Maybe Black
9.exf4 Ne4 10.Bd3 Black's position can also play some other moves,
h a s a s t r a t e g i c d a n g e r . Bd7! but this seems like the best one. My
Black's best continuation, intent in showing the following line
immediately challenging our knight on is to make you understand how the
a4. Now, we can choose between two engine equalizes. 15.Bxd6 cxd6!
d i f f e r e n t c o n t i n u a t i o n s . ( 10...Bb7 Black will have a bad structure, but
Would be a natural move, but after he will control the important e5 and
11.a3!? bxa3 12.Rxa3 White has a c5 squares. 16.Nd3 Re8 17.Ndf4
positional plus.) 11.Bxe4!? ( 11.c4 Qa5 18.b3 Rac8
Compared to 7...Bd7, now Black [ 18...Qxa2?! 19.Ra1 Qb2 20.0-0
c a n n o t p l a y d xc 4 . bxc3 12.Nxc3 Black's queen on b2 may be in
Nxc3 13.bxc3 Bb5! 14.h5 danger. ]
O b j e c t i ve l y, B l a c k i s f i n e . S t i l l , I 19.Qd2 Ne7 20.0-0 Nf5 21.Ng2=
would take White because our knight Equal position.
could land on e5 (or c5) and because 5...Bd6?! We already know that
we have a space advantage on the offering the dark squares bishops
kingside. On the other hand, Black is exchange is not Black's best plan.
very solid, so things will not be easy.) 6.g4
11...dxe4 12.Nc5 Bc6 13.Rh3 5...h5 Black stops h5 or g4 ideas,
Objectively, Black is not worse, but but n ow th e g5 squar e is weak .
it's still a fight. ] 6.Nce2!? We can start playing
8.c4! If you check the engine, you will positionally because, at some
see "0.00." But Black's position has moment, the weakness of the g5
a big strategic risk, and he should square might make the difference.
play precisely to equalize. 6...c5 7.c3 Nf3 next, and then we see
[ 8.Nc5?! This would be my first how to pl ay. O f c our se , B lac k' s
instinct, but after Bxc5 9.dxc5 Nc6 position is solid and playable, but
The engine claims that Black is we had achieved something.
better. ]
8...dxc4! 36
6...Qb6!? The following variation is
[ 8...bxc3?! 9.Nxc3 We will have a forced: GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is
good play on the 'c' file, while Black the most natural move, and it leads
doesn't have counterplay. ] to interesting complications.' 7.g5!
9.Bxc4 Bd6 Qxb2
[ 9...Bc6?! 10.Nf3 g5 next, and [ 7...Nh5 Also possible, but less
White is better. ] precise. 8.Qxh5?? Qxb2-+ ]
10.g5 Nd5 11.Bxd5 exd5 12.Ne2 8.Nge2 cxd4 GM Baadur Jobava: '!'
I would think that White is better, [ 8...Nh5 9.Rb1 Qa3 10.Bh2
but the engine finds a precise path Trans in 7...Nh5. Nc6 11.Rb3 Qa5
for Black: 12...Bb5! 12.Bg2 We have a good
 68

compensation for the missing pawn, As you can see, it's very difficult to
and we are also a bit better according play for Black because, very often,
to the engine (+0,30) , but of course, a three-zero evaluation means that
it's a three-results position. ] in a very deep variation, Black has
9.Rb1 Qa3 10.gxf6 dxc3 11.e4! only one move to save.
New, very complicated position. GM 6...Bd6?! As usual, this is a
Baadur Jobava: '  ' GM Baadur dubious move. 7.Bxd6 Qxd6 8.g5
Jobava: 'What is this? :) A Black cannot just play a useful move
completely new position. From here, like 6...Nc6 because after 7.g5!
everything can happen because Black needs to make a concession
both White and Black have a lot of by retreating his knight to a worse
p o s s i b l e mo ve s . I d o n ' t t h i n k i t square.
makes sense to go further, because
it would mean to analyze and 37
8.g5 Ne4 9.Bxe4 dxe4 10.a3!
memorize an endless amount of It's a new interesting position,
va r i a t i o n s i n a c o m p l e t e l y n e w objectively balanced, but with
position for the chess theory. After chances for both sides. Unit 3 3...
all, this is what you are searching in a6-Overview [GM Pier Luigi Basso]
the Jobava London, right? An [ 10.h5 If we just ignore Black's ideas,
interesting new position, which your than cxd4 11.exd4 Ba3
opponent doesn't know. I will just Might become very unpleasant to face.
add some lines that you can check That's why 10.a3 is so important. ]
for your own curiosity.' 11...gxf6 10...cxd4 11.exd4 Strategically, Black is
[ 11...dxe4? 12.fxg7 Bxg7 13.Ng3 doing worse because the pawn on
Nxe4 next or Nh5 and White is e4 is weak. But he can equalize it
already better. ] by p l a yin g d yn ami c mo ve s . Fo r
12.exd5 White's plan may be Rh3-Rxc3. example: 11...e5!?
12...e5 Logical, because Black wants to [ 11...Be7 12.d5!? ( 12.Nge2 0-0
close the center and then develop 13.0-0?! Qf5 ) 12...exd5 13.Qxd5
his pieces. 0-0 14.Qxa5 Nxa5 15.Nd5 Bd8
[ 12...Nd7? 13.dxe6 fxe6 14.Rg1 ] 16.Ne2 I would take White, but
13.Be3 Nd7 objectively the endgame is balanced. ]
[ 13...Bc5!? 14.Rb3 Bxe3! 15.fxe3 12.dxe5 Be6 13.b4 Qb6 14.Nd5 Qd8
( 15.Rxa3 Bd2+= ) 15...Qd6 16.Nxc3 15.c4 a5! 16.b5 Ne7 17.Ne2 Nxd5
f5 17.Bh3 ] 18.cxd5 Qxd5 19.Qxd5 Bxd5 20.Rh3=
[ 13...f5 14.Bh3! And it's difficult for Aroun d equ al e ndgame, even i f
Black's knight on b8 to develop. ] Black is the one who needs to be a
14.Ng3 Bc5 bit more precise. Unit 3 3...a6-5.h4
[ 14...Nc5? 15.Nh5 ] Jobava spirit [GM Baadur Jobava]
15.Bxc5 Nxc5 16.Qf3 Qxa2 17.Rd1
Qxc2 18.Qxf6 Bg4 19.f3 Seems that 38
4.e3 Bb4! It is a very strong move
White is winning, but the engine for Black, which makes his position
finds 19...Qb3= and shows "0.00." already easier to play. Is Black's
 69

strongest move. position. ]

8.Nf3 Bxf4 9.exf4 Qd6 10.Ne5
39
4...Bd6 This is a solid, but passive We can already say that White's
move. 5.Nxd6+ cxd6 6.e3 position is better. Black has a bad
White has a pleasant position, bishop on c8 and a bad knight on
thanks to the pair of bishops. We c7, while our knight on e5 is very
s h o u l d b e ve r y h a p p y wh e n we strong. 10...b6 Logically, Topalov
achieve positions like this without p r e p a r e s B a 6 o r c 5 . 11.Qf3
h a v i n g m a d e a n y e f f o r t . 6...0-0 This move was not the best
7.c3! Our idea is to have Qb3 against be c a us e i t ma d e t h e d 4 sq u a r e
Black's Qb6. more vulnerable.
[ 7.Nf3 Qb6 ] [ 11.g4 Nd7! 12.g5 g6 13.h4 h5 ]
7...Nc6 [ 11.h4! This is White's best move.
[ 7...Qb6 8.Qb3 ] Our idea is to continue with h5-h6.
8.Nf3 Re8 Black plays for e6-e5. 9.h3!? Black will probably need to move his
e5 10.Bh2 Bf5 11.Be2 We can play a pawn on h6 to stop our idea.
l o n g g a m e , wh e r e we a r e a b i t A) 11...h5?! We can play now for
better, thanks to the pawn structure f3-g4. For example: 12.Bd3 Ba6
and to the pair of bishops. 13.Bxa6 Nxa6 14.Qd3 Nc7
15.0-0-0 f3-g4 next.;
40
5.a3 Eight years ago, this was my B) 11...c5 12.g4 Nd7 13.g5 cxd4
idea. I wanted to control the b4 ( 13...g6 14.h5 ) 14.Qxd4 Qc5
square (against Bb4 ideas) . 15.Qd2;
Objectively, 5.e3 is a bit stronger C) 11...Ba6 12.Bxa6 Nxa6
because a3 is useful, but it costs 13.Qf3;
an important tempo. 5...c6 6.Nc3 D) 11...Nd7 12.Qg4 That's why
Bd6?! I don't like this move because the 11.h4 is more precise than 11.g4.
exchange of the dark squares We still have the g4 square
bishops goes in White's favor, as available for our queen. ]
we will see in this game. 11...c5! 12.Nb5
[ 6...Be7! It is better for Black not to [ 12.h4 Was still White's best,
exchange the dark squares bishops. according to the engine. For example:
For example: 7.e3 0-0 8.Nf3 c5 cxd4 13.Nb5 Nxb5 14.Bxb5+ Bd7
Playable position, but Black is fine. ] 15.Nxd7 Nxd7 16.0-0-0 We will take
7.e3! We are happy with the structure back on d4, maintaining an edge. ]
arising after Bxf4-exf4 because we 12...Nxb5 13.Bxb5+ Bd7 14.Nxd7
have great control of the important Nxd7 15.0-0-0 0-0 Black's position is
e5 square. 7...Nc7?! As we will see fine. I can tell you more: if Black
in the theoretical section, Black's can now play Nf6, he might even be
knight on c7 is misplaced. a b i t b e t t e r . 16.Bxd7! This move
[ 7...Bxf4 8.exf4 Qb6 It was Black's was necessary because Black's
best continuation, with the idea to knight had the potential of being
create some discomfort in our better than our bishop. 16...Qxd7
 70

17.f5!? During the game, I felt that this most popular move, but I don't like it.
was the last chance to fight for an In my opinion, he shouldn't rush
initiative. 17...Qe7 Understandably, playing c7-c6.' 6.Nc3 We have the
Topalov prevents f5-f6. But now his positional threat of Bxa6. GM
queen on e7 will be misplaced. Baadur Jobava: 'We can now
[ 17...Rac8 Was the best according to consider the Bxa6 idea because
the engine, but it's very difficult for a then we can play for the c5 square.'
human to allow 18.f6 ] 6...Nc7 Black's most common move, not
18.Rhe1 cxd4 19.Rxd4 Qf6 20.Qf4 allowing Bxa6, the problem is that
Rae8 21.Re5 The material is equal, but the knight on c7 is misplaced. GM
I dominate the center. 21...exf5 Baadur Jobava: 'This is by far
[ 21...g6! It was Black's best Black's most popular continuation. I
continuation, but for a human, it's a don't like it because I think Black's
difficult move because it seems to k n i g h t i s mi s p l a c e d o n c 7 . ' G M
weaken the king. ] B a a d u r J o b a va : ' T h i s i s a ve r y
22.Rdxd5 popular idea for Black, the most
[ 22.Rxf5! Re1+ 23.Kd2 Qe6 common move in the position, but
I was not sure about this position, but personally I don't think it is a good
for the engine everything is easy: idea to commit to c7 so early, Black
24.Rfxd5 Qe2+? ( 24...Rg1!? ) should first develop the kingside.'
25.Kc3 Very happily, the engine [ 6...Bd6 This move is very popular,
claims a big advantage for White. ] but White is better after 7.Bxa6 bxa6
22...Rxe5 23.Rxe5 g6 The position is 8.Na4 We can play a long game
balanced, but in the long term, fighting for the c5 square. ]
White has the chance of creating a [ 6...Bb4 7.Bxa6 bxa6 8.a3!?
passed pawn on the queenside. In I like this move because we don' t
t h e e n d , I m a n a g e d t o wi n t h i s c o m m i t o u r k n i g h t y e t . ( 8.Nge2
game against the legendary Veselin is more natural, but after 0-0 9.a3
Topalov in the 2016 Chess Black can play Be7! And our knight
Olympiad. 24.Re2 Rd8 25.Qe5 would have been better placed on f3
Qc6 26.f3 a5 27.b3 b5 28.Kb2 a4 than on e2. )
29.b4 Qc4 30.Re3 Qf1 31.Re2 Rd1 A) 8...Be7 9.Nf3! White has a very
32.Qxb5 Rb1+ 33.Kc3 Kg7 34.Qe5+ pleasant position, for example: 0-0
Kh6 35.Qe3+ Kg7 36.Qf2 Qh1 10.Ne5 Bb7 ( 10...c5 11.Nc6 Qe8
37.Qd4+ Kh6 38.Re7 Qxg2 39.Qd2+ 12.Nxe7+ Qxe7 13.Bg5 )
Qxd2+ 40.Kxd2 Ra1 41.Re1 Rxa3 11.Na4;
42.b5 1-0 (42) Jobava,B (2665)-Topalov, B) 8...Bxc3+ 9.bxc3 We have a
V (2768) Baku 2016 [GM Baadur better structure because we can
Jobava] consider playing c3-c4 very soon. ]
[ 6...Qb6!? This is Black's best,
41
5...c6 This is not considered a great according to the engine. 7.Rb1 c5
move for Black, because after GM 8.Nf3 Bd7! Black wants to continue
Baadur Jobava: 'This is Black's with Rc8, playing on the 'c' file. 9.Ne5
 71

A) 9...Nb4 Van Foreest-Stearman, mind a very interesting pawn

2024. 10.a3! Nc6 11.dxc5 Bxc5 sacrifice. This position is analyzed
( 11...Qxc5 12.Nxd7 Nxd7 very well in the theory section of
13.Be2 Our idea is 00-Na4-c4.) the course.'
12.Nxd7 Nxd7 13.b4 Be7 14.Na4 [ 7...Bd6?! 8.Ne5 GM Baadur
Qd8 15.c4 dxc4 16.Bxc4; Jobava: '!' GM Baadur Jobava: 'Our
B) 9...Nb8! This is Black's best, but idea is to continue with a kingside
it's a very deep move. The idea is to a t t a c k ( g 4 - h 4 ) . ' 0-0 9.g4
play Nc6 at some point. The It is very difficult to play this position
difference compared with 9...Nb4, is from the Black side. Also according to
that Black can also not hurry the engine, White is already much
playing Nc6, because White doesn't better. ]
have any way to force it. 10.dxc5 [ 7...c5?! 8.g4! Nxg4 9.Rg1 Nf6
Bxc5 11.Bd3 Bd6! 10.dxc5 Black cannot take on c5
Black immediately challenges our because the g7 pawn would be
knight on e5 by playing Bd6-Qc7. hanging. ]
( 11...0-0 12.0-0 Nc6 13.Qf3 ) 8.Bd3 GM Baadur Jobava: 'The position
12.Qf3 Qc7 13.Ng4 Nxg4 i s e q u a l . ' 8...Nb5! GM Baadur
14.Qxg4 0-0 15.Qh4 The position Jobava: 'Anand played a similar
is equal and playable for both sides. i d e a a g a i n s t me b u t i n a wo r s e
My feeling is that it's still easier to version.' GM Baadur Jobava: 'This
play from White's side. ] is the justification of 7...Bb4. Black
7.Nf3 If Black plays normal moves, then wa n t s t o i m p r o ve t h e i r p a s s i ve
we will be better because Black's knight.' 9.0-0! We can sacrifice a
knight on c7 is bad. GM Baadur pawn and play for the initiative. GM
Jobava: 'White can also consider 7. Baadur Jobava: 'We are happy to
a3 or 7.h4.' GM Baadur Jobava: sacrifice a pawn for the
'Here Black has some options, I development.' GM Baadur Jobava:
think 7...Bb4 is the most principled 'This is the idea, White has a big
one, after moves like Be7 or Bd6, advantage in development so the
White has a comfortable game.' compensation is obvious.' 9...Bxc3!
[ 7.a3!? Preventing Bb4, it definitely G M B a a d u r J o b a va : ' i s a m o r e
deserves attention. ] accurate way to continue.'
[ 7.h4!? This move was recently [ 9...Nxc3?! GM Baadur Jobava: 'This
played by Erigaisi, and it also i s a b i t d u b i o u s . ' 10.bxc3 Bxc3
deserves attention. ] 11.Rb1 Black's position is very
7...Bb4! This is Black's best move with dangerous, for example: GM Baadur
the idea of playing Nb5. GM Baadur Jobava: 'The p oint i s that Black' s
Jobava: 'This is Black's only bishop can potentially get in trouble
reasonable continuation. His idea is and also White can create fast play on
Nb5.' GM Baadur Jobava: 'Of the kingside.'
c o u r s e , A l e x e y p l a ys t h e m o s t A) 11...a5 0.42/21 Creative, to try
principled line, but here I have in to es c ap e wi th B b4 - Bd 6 , b ut o f
 72

course Black ignores for too long 17...Qh4 ( 17...exf4 18.Qh5+

h i s d e v e l o p m e n t . 12.Ne5! Kf8 19.Qf7# ) 18.Bg5+-
This feels nice. Just put the knight ( 18.dxe5 Qe1+ 19.Qxe1
on an active square. Qf3-Bg5 can Bxe1+-; 18.Bxe5 Rf8=; 18.dxe5
become a threat, or expanding with Qe1+ 19.Qxe1 Bxe1+-; 18.Bxe5
g4 is also possible. Ne4? 1.72/23 Rf8= );
Alexey was too scared to castle A2) 16...g6
short, but this doesn't improve a lot a b c d e f g h
his position, the king in the center is
also quite weak. ( 12...h6= 0.20/19 8 8

and Black has nothing to worry.) 7 7

13.Bxe4 0.60/20 ( 13.Qh5+-
1.72/23 0-0 14.f3 ) 13...dxe4 14.f3! 6 6
-0.06/20 I open up the f-file and 5 5
Black's lack of development
became a decisive factor in this 4 4
game. White is more active. 3 3
( W h i t e s h o u l d p l a y 14.Rb3
0.72/21 Bb4 15.c4 ) 14...exf3 2 2
1.44/22 ( 14...0-0= -0.06/20 ) 1 1
15.Rxf3 I believe even stronger
a b c d e f g h
than the obvious queen recapture, I
want to place my rook on g3. My D o d g e s Q d 1 - h 5 17.Qd3!
initiative is growing move by move Double attack on the bishop and
and soon I won the game. f6 on the pawn on g6, Black is
a b c d e f g h
collapsing. Ne5xg6 is the strong
threat. Bb4
8 8
a b c d e f g h
7 7
8 8
6 6
7 7
5 5
6 6
4 4
5 5
3 3
4 4
2 2
3 3
1 1
2 2
a b c d e f g h
1 1
16.Rg3!
a b c d e f g h
A1) 16...fxe5? too greedy.
17.Rxg7 ( 17.Bxe5 Rf8 ) 18.Nxg6 hxg6 3.03/21
 73

( 18...Rg8 1.59/22 ) 19.Qxg6++- v e r y s t r o n g . 6.c3 GM Baadur

Kd7 20.Rxb4! Strongly Jobava: '  ' GM Baadur Jobava:
t h r e a t e n i n g Q g 6 - g 7 + . Re8 'White has an excellent knight on b5,
3.83/20 ( 20...Qe7 2.41/21 while Black's knight on a6 is poorly
w a s c a l l e d f o r .) 21.Rb1 placed.' 6...Be7 7.a4 0-0 8.Bd3
Weighted Error Value: White=0. Bd7 9.h4 We immediately start a
21 (precise) /Black=0.57 1-0 (21) kingside play. On the other side of
Jobava,B-Dreev,A [GM Baadur the board, our knight on b5
Jobava]; dominates the queenside. This is a
B) 11...0-0 0.01/19 GM Baadur good examp le of the "Exca libu r
Jobava: '=' GM Baadur Jobava : knight"!
' m i g h t b e s t r o n g e r . ' 12.Bg5
Black's pieces are very far from 42
6.g4?! Ne4! 7.Bd3 Bd7 8.c3
the kingside, and White can Bh4 White should already be careful
develop a quick attack. ] not to get a worse position.
10.bxc3 Nxc3 11.Qe1 Nce4 12.h3!?
This may be a good prophylactic 43
6...Nh5?! Is premature before the
move against the Nh5 idea. 12...c5 castle. 7.Be5 f6 8.g4! fxe5
This is the critical line, according to 9.Nxe5!! The key point. 9...Nf6 10.g5
the engine. We threat gxf6, but also Qh5+ in
[ 12...0-0 13.Ne5 Ne8 Black's idea is case Black decides to move his
t o p l a y f 6 . 14.f3 N4d6 15.a4 f6 knight.
16.Ng4 e4 next. White has a great
compensation for the missing pawn. ] 44
7.Be2 Nh5! Black is at least fine:
13.c3 c4 14.Bc2 Qa5! 15.Rc1 Bd7! 8.Be5 f6 9.Bg3 c6 10.Nc3 c5
Black plans long castling. 16.Bb1 7.Bd3 The bishop on d3 may be
0-0-0 17.Ne5 Nd6 18.f3 e4 next. We misplaced: 7...c6 8.Nc3 Nb4
have a good compensation. Super 7.Ne5 Is intended against Nh5, but
strong engine evaluates +0,10, so it Black can play 7...Ne4! Preparing
is a good evaluation for us. In my f6. 8.f3 White's most logical move.
opinion, the position is very unclear, 8...Nf6! Nh5 becomes again a threat,
with chances for both sides. Unit 2 and W hite's pa wn on f3 may b e
3...e6 4.Nb5 Na6-5.e3 c6 [GM misplaced.
Baadur Jobava] [ 8...Nd6!? Is also fine for Black. ]
5...Bb4+ Black provokes c2-c3, but 7.h3 This is a logical move.
it's not a good idea to give us a free Compared to 7.h4, White wants to
extra tempo: 6.c3 Be7 7.a4 c6 play more positional. GM Baadur
8.Na3 Black is solid, but White's Jobava: 'Is too conservative, in my
position is for sure a bit better . opinion.' 7...c6
Black's typical problem is that his [ 7...Ne4 Is also a good move. After 7.
bishop on c8 is passive. h4 Ne4, White has Ng5!, but here this
5...c5 I don't like this move, idea is not available. ]
because now our knight on b5 is 8.Nc3 c5 Black's position is absolutely
 74

fine. We will see that after 7.h4, [ 20.Qxe6 Nxe5 21.Qxe5 Qxb2= ]
W hit e ca n a t le ast cre ate some 20...Rxd7 21.Rxa7!? Rg8 22.Qf4 Qxb2
kingside play. 23.0-0 Qxc3 24.Rb1 White has enough
7.a3 c5 8.c3 Bd7 compensation for the missing pawn,
[ 8...Nh5! This is Black's best an d t he ga me e nd ed in a d ra w.
continuation, and his position is 24...cxd4 25.exd4 Qc6 26.Rc1 Rf7
immediately fine. That's why 27.Rxc6 Rxf4 28.Rxb7 Rxd4 29.Rxe6
nowadays players are choosing 7.h3 Rg4+ 30.Kh1 Rxg5 31.Rd7 h6 32.f4
or 7.h4. ] Rf5 33.Re5 Rxf4 34.Rexd5 Rff8
9.a4 Nh5 Compared to the immediate 35.Rd1 Kh7 36.Rg1 Rf6 37.Ra7 h5
8...Nh5, the inclusion of Bd7+a4 38.Raa1 Kh6 ½-½ (38) Jobava,B (2687)-
can be an improvement for White. Iturrizaga Bonelli,E (2662) Linares
Still, I think Black's position is fine. 2017 [GM Baadur Jobava]
10.Bd6! This is the reason why Bd7+a4
g o e s i n W h i t e ' s f a v o r . 10...Bxd6 45
7...Ne4 GM Baadur Jobava: '?!' GM
11.Nxd6 Qb6 Black could have also Baadur Jobava: 'Black takes control
tried different moves like 11...cxd4 of t he c 3 sq ua re a nd p la ns c 6. '
or 11...Bc6. Black's position is fine 8.Ng5 We can immediately make a
everywhere. 12.Ne5 Nf6 good use of our pawn on h4. GM
[ 12...Qxd6 13.Qxh5 Visually, it Baadur Jobava: 'Thanks to our last
seems that White has some activity, move 7.h4, we can now challenge
but after c4= We cannot develop our Black's knight on e4. There is no
bishop on d3, and Balck's position is need to play this move, but I like it
fine. ] because if offers attacking chances.
13.Nb5 Bxb5 14.axb5 Nc7 This is a Objectively, 8.Bd3 might be a bit
typical idea: Black takes on b5 and better.'
plays against our b5 pawn. 15.g4! [ 8.Bd3 is also good, for example: Bd7
I threat g5-Nd7. 15...Rfd8 16.Qf3?! ( 8...f5 9.a3 Not allowing Bb4 ideas.
[ 16.g5! Objectively, this was White's c6 10.Nc3 Black feels a lot the bad
best continuation, but it only leads to bishop on c8 and the misplaced knight
equality after Nd7 17.Nxd7 Rxd7 on a6.; 8...c6 9.Nc3 Bb4 10.Bxe4!
18.dxc5 Qxc5 19.Qd4= ] dxe4 11.Nd2 ) 9.Nc3 Nf6 ( 9...f5
16...Nxb5 10.Bxa6 bxa6 11.Ne5 ) 10.g4! Nb4
[ 16...cxd4! Was a good inclusion for 11.Ne5 Nxd3+ 12.Qxd3 ]
Black, because after 17.exd4 Nxb5 8...Nxg5
18.g5 Black has the strong Nxd4! [ 8...f5 9.Nc3 ]
19.cxd4 Ne4 And it's already White 9.hxg5 Bxg5 10.Qf3 We have a good
who needs to think about equality. ] chance of creating an attack on the
17.Bxb5 Qxb5 18.g5 Nd7 19.Qxf7+ 'h' file.
Kh8 Black is fine. The main problem is 7...c5?! We are always happy when
that our king is still in the center. I Black plays c7-c5. Now we have
have played some creative moves, the "Excalibur knight" on b5. 8.c3
but just to hold equality. 20.Nxd7 As a rule, when Black plays c5, we
 75

want to play c3+a4. 8...Bd7 9.a4 games continued with 8...Nc7 played
For Black it is very difficult to play by McShane and 8...Qa5 played by a
against such a knight on b5. 9...c4 FM.' 9.h5! GM Baadur Jobava: 'For
Th i s i s t h e c r i t i c a l mo ve . B l a c k the moment, we ignore what is
plans Bxb5-axb5-Nc7. happening on the queenside and try
[ 9...Ne4?! 10.Bd3 f5 11.h5 to advance the pawn to h6 to weaken
White is better form the positional Black's dark squares around the king.'
point of view. ] A) 9...Bd7? 10.Bxa6 bxa6 11.h6+-
10.b3! Qa5! White already has a winning
[ 10...cxb3 11.Bd3! No need to spend advantage.;
a t e m p o r e t a k i n g t h e p a w n . b2 B) 9...Ne4?! GM Baadur Jobava:
12.Rb1 White has a huge initiative. 'Another creative attempt by Dreev,
Eri ga isi won a br ill ia nt ga me : Ne4 every game so far he surprised me
13.Rxb2 Rc8 14.Ng5! f5 15.Bxe4 in the opening, but now I am sure
fxe4 16.Qh5 h6 17.Qg6+- that this is not a great try.' 10.Nxe4
Erigaisi-Yilmaz, 2022. ] GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is the
11.Nd2 best, the knight was hard to deal
[ 11.bxc4 Bxb5 12.axb5 Qxc3+ with, so I traded it right away.' dxe4
13.Nd2 Nb4 14.Rc1 Nd3+ 15.Bxd3 11.Ne5
Qxd3 16.Qe2= Najer-Sjugirov, 2022. ] B1) 11...f6!? GM Baadur
11...cxb3 Jobava: '?!' GM Baadur Jobava:
[ 11...Bxb5 12.axb5 Qxb5 13.bxc4 ] 'My opponent is allowing me Ng6,
12.Nxb3 Qb6 13.Nd2 Bd3 next, and this looks like a blunder, but the
White is better. c3-c4 might be an refutation is incredible.' 12.Ng6!
idea in the future. cxd4 Jobava-Dreev, training
8.Nc3 GM Baadur Jobava,Minie rapid. GM Baadur Jobava: 'This
Mouse: 'In the second round, my is the point Alexey was relying on,
opponent from Costa Rica played that the queen can enter the
8...Qa5, in the fourth round Luke game via a check on a5, but I
chose another direction. The stopped my calculations too early.
p o s i t i o n i s e q u a l . ' 8...Qa5 ' 13.exd4! GM Baadur Jobava:
This is also a good move for Black ' Th i s wa s wo r k i n g . ' ( 13.Nxe7+
because the queen puts pressure In the game, I got bluffed and
against our knight on c3, and Black settled down for this move. Qxe7
is also preparing Ne4. GM Baadur 14.exd4 Qb4+ It was an intense
Jobava: '8...Qa5, or 8...Qb6 are game, but here already Black is
Black's best moves. Now, the threat fine, and the chances are around
is Ne4.' equal. You can check out the
[ 8...c5 This position was good for rest of the game for yourself.
Black when White's pawn was on h3, 15.c3 Qxb2 16.Bd2 h6 17.Bc4
but here we can overtake the initiative Nc7 18.Rb1 Qa3 19.Rh3 b5
after GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is also 20.Bb3 Kh7 21.Qg4 Qe7
a possible move. The Olympiad 22.Bxh6 Kh8 23.Rg3 gxh6
 76

24.Qf4 Bb7 25.Rg6 Rf7 consolidating moves like 13.c3

26.Rxh6+ Rh7 27.Rxf6 e5 Nd5 14.Bd2 Qe2-000 next. GM
28.dxe5 Bd5 29.Rd1 Rd8 Baadur Jobava: 'with the idea of
30.Rd6 Rf8 31.Rf6 Rd8 32.h6 Qe2 and long castle, White is
It was a very exciting game, in better.';
the end, the time factor is what C) 9...h6 10.g4! With a very
decided the game. I hope you interesting game ahead. Now, you
liked these games against GM better understand the difference
Dreev, it was a close battle and I between 7.h3 and 7.h4.
really enjoyed his creative ideas. C1) 10...Nxg4 11.Rg1 f5
Of course, they were interesting Fiorito-Kashlinsaya, 2023.
games and I hope you will 12.Qd2 Our idea is long castle,
remember how to refute these then we will slowly double the
ideas. See you next time! 1-0 rooks on the 'g' file, and attack
(32) Jobava,B-Dreev,A [GM Black's knight on g4 by playing f3
B a a d u r J o b a v a ]) 13...hxg6 or Ne5.;
( 13...Rf7 14.Nxe7+ Qxe7 C2) 10...Ne4 11.Nxe4 dxe4
15.a3 ) 14.hxg6 Qa5+ 15.c3 12.Ne5 Nb4 ( 12...cxd4
Qf5 GM Baadur Jobava: 'Seems 13.Qxd4 ) 13.c3 Nd5
like White's attack settles down, Matlakov-Azarov, 2021. 14.dxc5!
but we both missed the following Bxc5 15.Bg3 Bg2 next, and
move:' 16.Qh5!! GM Baadur Black's pawn on e4 is weak.;
Jobava: '!' GM Baadur Jobava: C3) 10...Nh7 This move might
'and even in the endgame White be Black's best continuation
is winning because of the h-file.' because it stops g4-g5. 11.Bd3
Qxh5 17.Rxh5+- This position is My idea is to play Bxh7+,
just winning for White. GM followed by g4-g5. According to
Ba a d u r J o b a va : ' A l s o l o o k a t the engine, White is a bit better.
Black's sad knight on a6, it takes Definitely this position should be
too long to come back into the t r i e d i n p r a c t i c e . Ng5!?
game, so Black is not in time to This move p reven ts th e Bxh 7
d e a l wi t h t h e m a t i n g n e t , f o r idea, but now we can switch to a
example:' f5 Black wants to positional game: 12.Bxg5
attack the pawn on g6. 18.Bb5! C3a) 12...Bxg5? 13.Nxg5
Can you guess why here? Rf6 Qxg5 ( 13...hxg5 14.Bxa6
19.Be8! Just in time to defend it, bxa6 15.h6 g6 16.dxc5+- )
and we can follow now with a 14.f4;
king move Rh1 and mate on h8.; C3b) 12...hxg5 13.Bxa6 bxa6
B2) 11...cxd4 GM Baadur 14.Ne5 Qd3-000, and White
Jobava: 'I was expecting this, but is better because the knight on
after' 12.exd4 Nb4 Esipenko- e5 is very strong. ]
Zvjanginsev, 2021. W hite is [ 8...Qb6 This is a good move
better, and it was enough to play because Black immediately creates a
 77

counterplay on the queenside. 9.a3 pieces closer to the kingside.

c5 ( 9...Qxb2?? 10.Na4+- ) 10.Rb1 13.Ne5 I can also see the "0.00"
We have spent two tempi to secure evaluation, but I don't know how
our queenside. ( 10.Bd3? c4 11.Be2 many players would like to play it
Qxb2-+ Na4 is not winning anymore from the Black side. I will
because Black's queen will have the definitely enjoy playing White.;
escaping b5 square.) 10...Bd7 11.Bd3 C) 11...Be8!? My idea was to meet
The position is balanced but Ne5 with Nd7. 12.Ne5 Nd7 13.h5
interesting and playable for both sides. A good move: White takes some
Our idea is to launch a quick attack important space on the kingside.
against Black's king. Nxe5 ( 13...f6? Allows the typical
A) 11...Rfc8? This is a logical idea: 14.Ng6 ) 14.Bxe5 f6 15.Bf4
move but a mistake. Black's rook is Over the board, it feels a bit
useful in the defense in some unpleasant for Black because
variations. For example: 12.g4 Be8 White has Qg4 ideas, and there is
( 12...cxd4 13.exd4 Nxg4? some pressure on the kingside. Still,
14.Bxh7+ Kxh7 15.Ng5+ Kg8 objectively, the position is balanced.
16.Qxg4+- White is winning. If C1) 15...f5 Was better to play it
Black's rook were still on f8, then without capturing on d4. 16.h6
Black would have been winning ( 16.Bxa6!? ) 16...g5! ( 16...g6?!
after f6! ) 13.Rg1 We have a 17.Bxa6 Qxa6 18.dxc5 Bxc5
great kingside attack. We might 19.Nxd5 ) 17.Be5 Bf6 18.Bxf6
play another useful move like Kf1, Rxf6 19.Bxa6 bxa6 ( 19...Qxa6?
and then we will start pushing our 20.dxc5 ) 20.Ne2=;
'g' and 'h' pawns.; C2) 15...cxd4?! Not a great
B) 11...c4 This move is also positional decision made by me.
possible, according to the engine. But, of course, in a blitz game it
But it looks very risky for Black to is difficult to understand all the
close the queenside, because nuances. 16.exd4 f5
White can now develop a I close White's bishop on d3, and
dangerous initiative on the kingside. a l s o I t h r e a t e n Q x d 4 . 17.Ne2
12.Be2 Nb8 I have to rotate my knight to
B1) 12...Nc7?! Erigaisi-Mishra, d7. 18.c3 Logical, but a bit slow.
2023. 13.b3 Nb5 14.Nxb5 ( 18.c4!? I think this was White's
Qa5+! ( 14...Bxb5 15.bxc4 dxc4 most ambitious continuation. 18.
16.Bxc4 Qa5+ 17.Qd2 Qxd2+ R h 3 !? c o u l d h a v e a l s o b e e n
18.Nxd2 Bxc4 19.Nxc4 ) c o n s i d e r e d .) 18...Nd7
15.Qd2 Qxb5 16.0-0 c3!! Now, my position is slightly
17.Qe1 Qa5 18.Ne5 worse but already perfectly
Very dangerous for Black, but playable. 19.Ng1 Baadur wants
still holdable.; to rotate his knight to f3, but it's
B2) 12...Qd8! According to the too slow: Bd6 20.Bxd6 Qxd6
engine, Black should regroup his 21.Nf3 e5! Black solves all the
 78

problems: 22.dxe5 Nxe5 is very strong because it

23.Nxe5 Qxe5+ 24.Kf1 p r e v e n t s Q h 5 . 16.h5
( 24.Qe2 Qf6 If short castle, If you wish, you can further
then the pawn on h5 can be analyze this position. Objectively,
wea k in t he fu tu re .) 24...f4= Black will hold, but I would
The position is balanced, and we definitely prefer to be White. Unit
agreed on a draw. ½-½ (24) 2 3 . . . e 6 4 . Nb 5 Na 6 - 5 . e 3 B e 7
Jobava,B-Basso,P [GM Pier Luigi [GM Baadur Jobava] ( 16.Qh5?
Basso]; f5 )]
D) 11...Rac8 Better than Rac8. [ 8...Nc7?! Was played by Mc Shane
12.Ne5 ( 12.g4 Is not so strong against Baadur in the 2024 Chess
anymore, because in the critical line Olympiad, but it's a bad move
cxd4 13.exd4 Nxg4 14.Bxh7+ because Black's knight on c7 is
Kxh7 15.Ng5+ Kg8 16.Qxg4 f6 always misplaced in this structure.
And Black has the advantage. All GM Baadur Jobava,Minie Mouse: 'I
b e c a u s e t h e r o o k o n g 8 wi l l b e don't know if he was prepared or not
useful: 17.Qh5 fxg5 18.hxg5 Rxf4 for the Jobava London, in general I
19.g6 Bh4! 20.Rxh4 Rxh4 don't believe this move is a scary one
21.Qxh4 Qd8 22.Qh7+ Kf8 to face, because the knight is a bit
23.Qh8+ Ke7 24.Qxg7+ Kd6 misplaced on c7.' GM Baadur Jobava:
25.Qe5+ Kc6 Maybe it's not over 'This was the moved played by Mc
after 26.b4 b5 27.Ne2 But Black Shane against me in the Olympiad. As
is definitely the one fighting for you already know, Nc7 is not a great
the advantage.) 12...Be8 13.g4 move for Black.' GM Baadur Jobava:
This position was only played once 'was McShane's choice, you can also
in an online blitz game. I prefer find my games from the Olympiad
White, but according to the engine, analyzed in the course.'
it's 0.00. Let me mention that 0.00 A) 9.Bd3 Of course, this was the
might mean "equal with the correct most natural way to continue, but I
play," but it doesn't mean that decided that maybe I should try to
Black's position is easy to play. deviate from his preparation. Bb4
Black has a lot of possible moves, ( 9...Nce8 10.h5 h6 11.g4 )
and it's impossible to analyse them 10.0-0 c5 11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.Qe2
all. Let me show you some example e4 next, and it's clear that Black did
variations: not equalize. Once again, the main
D1) 13...Nb8 Black wants to problem is the misplaced knight on
r o t a t e h i s k n i g h t t o c 6 . 14.g5 c7.;
Nfd7 15.h5 Nc6 16.Nxc6 Rxc6 B) 9.h5 0.29/18 is superior.;
17.Rh3 Everything can happen C) 9.Ne2 -0.12/18 This is what I
in a position like this. ( 17.Kf1!? ); came up with, a psychological
D2) 13...Nd7 14.Nxd7 Bxd7 move, first point is that for sure he
15.g5 Qh5 is a big threat, c o u l d n ' t e xp e c t i t , s o h e i s n o t
a c c o r d i n g t o t h e e n g i n e Be8! prepared to face this move, and the
 79

second is that it allows me to maybe stronger, but I didn't want

support the center next with c2-c3 to spoil my structure.) 15...Ne4
and rotate the knight to g3 or f4 to Th e i de a b eh i nd th is mo ve i s
support my kingside attack. 9...c5= s i m p l e , t o p u s h f 6 - e 5 . 16.Bd3
10.c3 b5?! 0.37/20 McShane fell 0.32/19 ( 16.a4 0.76/20 )
f o r m y p o s i t i o n a l t r a p . ( 10...c4= 16...f6! 17.Bxe4 This is what I
-0.13/18 ) 11.dxc5! Counterintui r e l yi n g o n , I g i v e t h e p a i r o f
tive decision, but it has concrete bishop, but I ruin the structure for
r e a s o n s , m y k n i g h t s j u m p wi t h Black, and also don't forget that I
te mp o a n d o c c u py c e n t r a l d a r k h a v e a n e x t r a p a w n . ( 17.a4
squares. Bxc5 12.Ned4 is interesting. e5 18.Nxd5 Nxd5
I attack the pawn with tempo. Bd7 19.Bxe4 Nxf4 20.Nb5 ) 17...dxe4
13.Ne5 The second knight jumps 18.Qb3! And now Bf4xc7 would
and now my opponent has to deal win. Qe8 0.92/20 ( 18...Bxd4
with very unpleasant threats. b4 This was the best try for Black, to
Luke made a practical decision to play with opposite coloured
sacrifice the pawn, in order to get bishops.; 18...Qc8 0.46/23 )
some fast development. a b c d e f g h
C1) 14.Ndc6 0.85/21 This was
maybe what he expected. GM 8 8

Baadur Jobava,Minie Mouse: ' ' 7 7

Bxc6 15.Nxc6 Qd7 16.Nxb4
0.45/20 ( 16.cxb4 1.11/21 6 6
St r on g l y t h re a t en i n g Ra 1- c 1 ! 5 5
Qxc6 17.bxc5 ) 16...Rab8
And Black wants to play for 4 4
compensation on the open b-file 3 3
and also try to push e6-e5.;
C2) 14.Ndc6 0.85/21 Bxc6 2 2
15.Nxc6; 1 1
C3) 14.Nd3! 0.39/20 I believe
a b c d e f g h
the move I played is a stronger
decision, because I get to keep T h i s i s n o t a c c u r a t e . 19.a4!
my strong knight. White is much Now a5 is a threat, and also I
m o r e a c t i v e . 14...Bb6 0.86/21 didn't fall for the trick that Rd1 or
( 14...Bxd4 0.98/22 14...Bc5-b6 0. 0-0-0 runs into Ba4 pin. White is
40 15.cxd4 This position is like o n t h e r o l l . Ba5 1.63/21
an Exchange Slav variation Black stops a5. ( 19...a5
upgraded 100 times, strategically
White is dominating.; 14...Na6! (Diagram)
0.39/20 should be considered.)
15.Nxb4 ( 15.cxb4 20.Nbc2! And now I can capture
Engine suggests that this was the b5 square (I can trade on c7
 80

a b c d e f g h
pawn. GM Baadur Jobava,Minie
Mouse: ' ' GM Baadur Jobava,
8 8 Minie Mouse: 'is a better defense.
7 7 '; 23...Qe7 0.99/20 is a better
defense. ) 24.Nd6 Bxd6 25.Rxd6
6 6 f4 2.55/21 Already desperate try,
5 5
but it fails tactically after
( 25...Rc8 1.58/19 26.a5 h6 )
4 4 26.exf4 Rxf4 27.Qd1!
3 3
Very strong move, anticipating ...
Rh4 as it controls the square on
2 2 h5. Rf7 ( 27...Rxh4? 6.19/20
1 1
2 7 . . . R f 4 - f 7 2 . 7 7 28.Rxd7+- )
28.Qd4 White is winning and you
a b c d e f g h
can check out for yourself how I
and jump Nb5); 19...a5 0.85/21 converted. Weighted Error
20.Nbc2 Rb8 ) 20.0-0+- Rf7 Value: White=0.07 (flawless) /
1.76/22 ( 20...Kh8 1.38/19 Black=0.27 (precise) 1-0 (28)
was worth a try. ) 21.Bxc7 Bxc7 Jobava,B-McShane,L [GM
a b c d e f g h
Baadur Jobava,Minie Mouse] ]
[ 8...Bd7?! Has been played in the
8 8 game Erigaisi-Martirosyan, 2022. It's
7 7 a passive move. 9.Ne5 Be8 10.Bxa6
bxa6 11.Nd3 Na4 next, and we have
6 6 a great control of the c5 square. White
5 5
is already better. ]
9.a3 This is a new and very tricky idea.
4 4 We defend against the Bb4 ideas,
3 3
so Black's logical move would be
GM Baadur Jobava: 'After the game,
2 2 I was prepa ring this line befor e
1 1
playing McShane. It is a very
principled try, and if Black doesn't
a b c d e f g h
know they can get into serious
22.Nb5! Now I didn't find the trouble immediately.' GM Baadur
most accurate 22.Na6, but I was Jobava: 'After my game in the
n o t s u r e a l l t h e w a y . Be5 Olympiad, I have invented this new
23.Rfd1 f5 1.79/19 This was direction.'
another mistake, I get to trade [ 9.Nd2 Was played by Baadur in the
the knight for the bishop. 2024 Olympiad. c5 10.Nb3 Qb6
( 23...Qe7 0.99/20 This was a 11.a4 After this move, my opponent
better try, and Black has some started to think, probably it was not
compensation for the missing the best move, but at least he is out
 81

of preparation. Bb4= You can continue analyzing

A) 11...c4 12.a5 Qc6 This was t h i s , b u t i t wi l l e n d i n a n e q u a l
possible. ( 12...Qb4 13.Ra4 p o s i t i o n . F o r e x a m p l e : 14.Qd1
I suddenly catch his queen.) 13.Nd2 Bxc3+ 15.bxc3 Qxc3+ 16.Bd2
b5 Maybe this was the best way to Qxc2 17.Qxc2 Rxc2 18.hxg7
continue for Black, but it was not Still complicated, but equal
so obvious the position is double according to the engine.;
e d g e d a f t e r 14.Ne2 b4 15.Nf3 B) 12.Bd3 h6 ( 12...c4?! 13.Be2
And Black cannot open the Black doesn't have anymore
queenside, so it carries some counterplay on the 'c' file.) 13.Ne5
strategical risk.; Be8 14.g4 This position was
B) 11...cxd4 My opponent decided never tried in practice, but it's clear
to release the tension in the center. that White has great attacking
12.a5 Qd8 13.exd4 Bd7 chances on the kingside. ]
I a m n o t s u r e a b o u t t h i s mo ve , 10.Bd3 GM Baadur Jobava: 'This is the
because it allowed me to play point, sacrifice the pawn, but get a
( 13...Nb8 Maybe this was a better h u g e a t t a c k i n r e t u r n . ' 10...Nxc3
idea to reroute the knight to c6.) 11.bxc3 Qxc3+ 12.Kf1 If it was our
14.Bxa6 ruining the structure on the mo ve , t h e n e ve n a f t e r a u s e f u l
queenside. bxa6 15.h5 Now h6 is move like Rb1, our position would
v e r y a n n o y i n g . h6 This was be completely winning. Black is
necessary and it was played by my running a big risk, but the engine
opponent. 16.0-0 And here I found shows '0.00', which means that he
this nice idea to transfer the rook to still has some defensive resources.
g3. Qc8 17.Re1 Bb5 18.Re3 Bc4 This position is very interesting and
19.Nd2 Kh8 20.Rg3 of a high practical value, especially
So, we achieved this complicated because it has never been played
position, I think White is slightly before. Unit 2 3...e6 4.Nb5 Na6-
better, you can find the rest of the Overview [GM Pier Luigi Basso] GM
game online, I won in the end, I just Baadur Jobava: 'And this position
wanted to share with you the seems like simply lost for Black, but
opening nuances, hope you they have a miraculous save.
enjoyed and see you next time. 1-0 Anyway, I think for an unprepared
(20) Jobava,B-Cabezas Solano,D player, this is a very unpleasant
[GM Baadur Jobava] ] situation to be in.' GM Baadur
9...Ne4 And now we sacrifice a pawn: Jobava: 'We sacrificed a pawn, but
GM Baadur Jobava: 'Black's most we have great attacking chances on
logical move.' the kingside.' 12...f6! GM Baadur
[ 9...c5 10.Qd2 Ag ai n st Ne 4 . Bd7 Jobava: 'This is Black's best move,
11.h5 Rfc8 ( 11...h6? 12.g4 ) because it controls the important e5
A) 12.h6!? A tricky option, because square and prepares also e6-e5.'
Black should be very precise now. [ 12...h6? 13.g4+- White is already
cxd4 ( 12...g6?! 13.Ne5 ) 13.exd4 winning. ]
 82

[ 12...c5!? My idea was to play c5-c4 could happen, but objectively, the
to force White's bishop on d3 to take position is equal. ½-½ (19)
a d e c i s i o n . 13.Rb1 A very logical Jobava,B-Basso,P [GM Pier Luigi
move. White is preparing Rb3 ideas Basso] ]
that would deviate my queen. 13.Ng5! h6! and the variation continues
( 13.Ng5!? It can also be considered. and it ends in a forced draw.
h6 14.Rb1 ) [ 13...fxg5? Accepting the sacrifice
A) 13...e5!! According to the engine, wo u ld b e a mi s ta k e . 14.hxg5 g6
this is Black's best continuation. Of ( 14...e5 15.Bxh7+ Kf7 16.Bxe5 Bg4
course, it is too difficult for a human, 17.f3! Bxg5 18.Rb1 According to
a n d e s p e c i a l l y f o r m e : ) 14.Bg5 t h e e n g i n e , W h i t e i s w i n n i n g .)
( 14.Rb3 Qa5 15.Bxe5 c4 15.Rxh7+- ]
16.Bxh7+ Kxh7 17.Ng5+ ) 14...f6 14.Qh5
15.dxe5 c4!! 16.exf6 gxf6 [ 14.Rb1!? If you don't want to make a
17.Bxh7+ Kxh7 18.Nd4 Kg7! draw, you can try to analyze this move.
19.Bf4 Very complicated It's a bit risky, but you might have
position.; winning chances. Black's best move
B) 13...c4 This is principled but not now is 14...e5! ]
the best. 14.Bxh7+ Kxh7 15.e4! 14...e5
When Black captures on c2, the [ 14...Qxa1+?! Risky for Black. 15.Ke2
queen will not control the h7 fxg5 ( 15...Qxh1?? 16.Qg6+- )
square. ( 15.Ng5+ Kg8 16.Qh5 16.hxg5 Qxh1 17.Qxh1 ]
Qxc2-+ This is my key defensive 15.Qg6 hxg5 16.Qh7+ Kf7 17.Qg6+
idea; that's why 15.e4! is so Kg8
strong. ) 15...Kg8 Logical move. [ 17...Ke6?? Leads to a beautiful
( 15...Rh8 16.Ne5! Kg8 17.h5+- mate. 18.Bf5+ Kd6 19.Bxe5# ]
is lost for Black, according to the 18.Qh7+= Like in every complicated line
engine. ) nowadays, the engine is able to
B1) 16.Ne5; show a forced draw.
B2) 16.Bd2! Was a strong
intermezzo. Qxa3 17.Ng5 g6 46
GM Baadur Jobava: 'The primitive'
( 17...f6?? 18.Qh5+- ) 18.e5 6.b4? This is very natural, but not good.
h5 next. Black's position is very GM B aa du r J ob ava: ' ? !' ' ?!' G M
dangerous, maybe already lost.; Baadur Jobava: 'doesn't work well
B3) 16.Ng5? Allowed me to because after' GM Baadur Jobava:
save the game: 16...f6 17.Rh3 'doesn't work well, because after'
( 17.Qh5 fxg5 18.hxg5 Qxc2 6...Bb6 7.a4 GM Baadur Jobava: 'Black
This is why 16.Bd2 was stronger: h a s t h e s t r o n g ' 7...a5! Black is
Qxc2 is a very important already better. GM Baadur Jobava:
defensive resource for Black.) '' ''
17...fxg5 18.Rxc3 gxf4 19.Qh5
Nc7 I have three pieces for the 47
6...Bb6? Black's idea is to meet b4
queen. In a game, everything with a5, but of course GM Baadur
 83

Jo b a va : ' ? ? ' 7.a5 is winning. GM B) 10...0-0 f6 or c5 next, and

Baadur Jobava: '+-' Black was fine in Jobava-Dreev,
6...Nh5 played by GM Alexey Dreev training rapid. ]
7.Bd2! White's strongest continuation. [ 10.b4 was another possibility and the
7...c6 one I wanted to play, but I couldn't
[ 7...a6 8.b4 Bxb4 9.cxb4 axb5 assess it correctly during the game.
10.e3 ] Bb6 11.a5 cxb5 12.axb6 Also here
8.e4 Nf6 9.e5! Ne4 White has advantage, pawn down but
[ 9...cxb5 10.exf6 Qxf6 11.axb5 ] the pawn chain is very strong. ]
10.f3! GM Baadur Jobava: 'is the 10...cxb5
refutation of the line, Black cannot [ 10...Nxd2 11.Nd6+ Important
take on d2 as it allows Nd6+! intermezzo. ]
i n t e r me z z o , a n d Q h 4 a l s o i s n ' t [ 10...Qh4+ 11.g3 Nxg3 12.Nd6+ Kf8
working. So in the end, I will end up 13.hxg3 Qxh1 14.Kf2+- ]
with a big center.' 11.Bxb5+ Nc6 12.fxe4 Qh4+ 13.Kf1
[ 10.Na3
A) 10...f6 Targets the pawn chain. 48 7.b4 This is by far White's most
11.Bd3 Let's go for complications, I popular continuation, but Black has
am relying somewhere on Qh5+ a lot of ways to ach ieve a goo d
ideas, otherwise Black has just a position. GM Baadur Jobava: '!?'
comfortable game. Nxd2 12.Kxd2!? GM Baadur Jobava: 'This was my
The position is complex, maybe idea at the time. You need to
close to balanced, so in this understand that this position was
position I offered a draw, but to my never played before, and the move
s u r p r i s e D r e e v r e f u s e d ! fxe5 b2-b4 led to completely unexplored
13.Qh5+ g6 14.Qxe5? This is a positions. Nowadays, it has become
mistake, now Black is very fast in White's most popular move, and, of
opening the center and my king on course, everybody has analyzed it
d 2 i s t o o v u l n e r a b l e . ( 14.Bxg6+ in great detail.' GM Baadur Jobava:
I t wa s n e c e s s a r y t o g o f o r t h i s 'I have played this move in a blitz
move. Kd7 But the position is very game against Boris Gelfand.'
unclear here.) 14...0-0 15.Nf3 c5! 7...Bxb4 May be the easiest. GM Baadur
Black's knight is coming to c6 with Jobava: '!' 'Is Black's critical
tempo, and the position is about to continuation.'
get opened. Alexey won in the end. [ 7...axb5 8.axb5 I remember that
16.Qe3 Nc6 17.Nc2 e5 18.Nxe5 Boris Gelfand was surprised by my
cxd4 19.Nxd4 Nxd4 20.Qxd4 Bb6 moves. Taking also into account that it
21.Qb4 Qg5+ Nice game by Black, was a blitz game, he didn't play in the
I couldn't refute the idea over the m o s t p r e c i s e wa y . b6?! ( 8...c5
board, but in the theory part you will Is another interesting move for
find some analysis on the move 6... Black. ) 9.bxa5 GM Baadur Jobava: ''
Nh5. 0-1 (21) Jobava,B-Dreev,A GM Baadur Jobava: 'Jobava-Gelfand,
[GM Baadur Jobava]; 2016.' bxa5 10.e3 We have the pair
 84

of bishops and a better pawn structure. supporting the knight on e4.

It's clear that White is better. Nbd7 16.Bxe4 fxe4! 17.Nd2 Kf7
11.Nf3 Bb7 12.Bd3 Both sides The big difference is that our knight
played normal, developing moves. now cannot go to d6 via c4.) 16.0-0
No w, G e l f a n d o p t e d f o r a r a d i c a l This was the move I played in the
decision. game. I have already mentioned
A) 12...0-0 Was more testing, in that it was a blitz game, and that's
my opinion. 13.Ne5! ( 13.0-0?! c6! why I have decided to stop here. All
14.bxc6 Bxc6 We are still a bit the tactical nu ances that woul d
better , but Blac k's p ositi on ha s follow have little to do with our path
improved. ) 13...Nxe5 14.dxe5 Nd7 in understanding the Jobava
15.Qh5 g6 16.Qh6 Of course, if London. ( 16.Bxe4! dxe4 17.Nd2
we are allowed to continue with h4- Kf7 18.Nc4+- Our knight will land
h5, our position will be winning. f6! on d6, and we have a winning
Very often, in the Jobava London advantage.) 16...Kf7 17.Bxe4 dxe4
you will face a situation where you 18.Nd2 Nb6 19.c4 Re8 20.Qc2 f5
are better, but you need to play 21.Rfb1 Kg8 22.Bc5 Nd7 23.Bd6
actively. 17.Bxg6! Is it risky for Qc8 24.h3 a4 25.Rb4 Qa6
Black? Of course, but at the same 26.Nb1 Nb6 27.Na3 Nd7 28.Qb2
time, we sacrificed a piece, which Rac8 29.Bg3 h6 30.Nb5 Bxb5
means that we will need to play 31.cxb5 Qb7 32.Rbxa4 Ra8
p r e c i s e l y . hxg6 18.Qxg6+ Kh8 33.Rxa8 Rxa8 34.Rxa8+ Qxa8
19.Ra4! White's rook joins the 35.Qc3 Nb6 36.Qc7 Nd5 37.Qd7
attack. Qe7 20.Bg3 Qg7 21.Qh5+ Kh7 38.Be5 Qg8 39.Kh2 h5
Qh7 22.Qd1!! Only after this move, 40.h4 Kh6 41.g3 g5 42.hxg5+
we are better. This shows the Kxg5 43.Bc7 Kg4 44.Qd8 Qg7
practical strength of 16...f6! It's not 45.Kg2 f4 46.Qh4+ Kf5 47.Qxh5+
guaranteed that all players on the Kf6 48.Bd8+ 1-0 (48) Jobava,B
White side will find it, and some ( 2 6 6 9 ) - G e l f a n d , B ( 2 7 3 4 ) Almaty
may even immediately go for the 2016 [GM Baadur Jobava] ]
threefold repetition after 18.Qxg6+ 8.cxb4
Kh8 19.Qh6+ Kg8.... Qf7 23.exf6 [ 8.Nxc7+?? Qxc7 9.Bxc7 Bxc3+-+ ]
Nxf6 24.Rh4+ Kg8 25.Be5 8...axb5 9.axb5 Rxa1 10.Qxa1 Nh5!
Rh3-Rg3 next, and White is better.; The position is still complicated, but
B) 12...c5 13.bxc6 Bxc6 14.Bd6! Black is not worse for sure. GM
Now, Black has some serious Baadur Jobava: ' ' 'Black forces us
p r o b l e m s w i t h t h e k i n g . Ne4 to choose between allowing the
Gelfand's idea is to play f6 (or f5) exchange of our bishop on f4 or
and Kf7. 15.Ba3 ( 15.Bxe4! dxe4 retreating it to a more passive
16.Nd2 f6 17.Qh5+ g6 18.Qh6 diagonal. In my opinion, Black's
Kf7 19.0-0 f3 next, and Black's position is absolutely fine, and this
position is close to lost.) 15...f6 is the reason why I recommend 7.
( 15...f5! Was a better move, Na 3 . ' G M B a a d u r J o b a va : ' T h e
 85

position is still complicated, but I evaluation is "-0,08". But I can give

think Black's chances are not worse. you my word that this is not how a
' human is playing, even if he knows
the engine's evaluation. It is very
49
7...0-0 For an engine this move is difficult for a human to fully
possible, but a human would be for understand where Black's
s u r e wo r r i e d a b o u t G M B a a d u r compensation is because it's
Jobava: 'Not a bad move, but it has enough one wrong move, and
a strategic risk.' 8.b4 GM Baadur W hite wil l be jus t better . 13...h6!
Jobava: 'î€ ' 8...Bb6 9.a5 Ba7 Only move. Otherwise, W hite is
10.e3 Black's bishop on a7 looks very already a bit better. 14.Bxf6 Qxf6
passive. Black is still s olid, bu t 15.Be2 Rad8 16.0-0 We want to play
White definitely has a game. GM b5 next. Let your opponent show up
Baadur Jobava: '  ' GM Baadur in the game where Black's
Jobava: 'I like our chances. We will compensation is.
continue with Nf3-Bd3-00 and then 7...Ne4!? Leads to very interesting
rotate our a3 knight to d2 (via b1) . complications. 8.e3 You can also
According to the engine, Black's analyze 8.Nf3 or 8.f3. 8...c5!
position is not so bad, but in my [ 8...Nxc3?? 9.Qd2+- ]
opinion, it is very hard to play 9.f3
because both bishops are passive, [ 9.Nf3!? Is another interesting
and it's difficult to push c7-c5.' d i r e c t i o n . Nxc3 10.bxc3 Bxc3+
7...c5! Is Black's best, according to 11.Nd2 cxd4 12.exd4 Bxd4
th e e n gi n e. Bu t i t 's a ver y h a r d 13.Rb1 ]
m o ve t o p l a y f o r a h u m a n . G M 9...Nxc3! 10.bxc3 Bxc3+ 11.Kf2 cxd4
Baadur Jobava: 'According to the 12.exd4 Bxa1 13.Qxa1 White's position
engine, this is Black's strongest has a big potential. We just need
c o n t i n u a t i o n . ' 8.dxc5 Nc6! one tempo to have a great
The engine can see Black's advantage. 13...Bd7! According to
compensation, but for a human, it's the engine, Black's position is fine
not so easy. GM Baadur Jobava: '' ONLY be cau se of thi s c onc ret e
[ 8...Bc7 It was played in the only move.
game that reached this position. 9.e3 [ 13...0-0?! Is Black's most natural
Bxf4 10.exf4 Qc7 Bryakin-Milosevic, move, but after 14.Bd3 White has
2023. 11.Ne2 Qxc5 12.Nc2 0-0 already a big initiative. ]
13.g3 We can continue with Bg2 and 14.Bd3
00. The position is more pleasant for [ 14.Nc2? Qa5 ]
White because we have the e5 and 14...Bxa4!
the d4 squares for our pieces, and it's [ 14...0-0?! 15.Nc2 Qa5 16.Ne2! Rc8
also difficult to see a future for ( 16...Bxa4 17.Bd6 Bb4 or Bxf8
Black's bishop on c8. ] next.; 16...Qxa4 17.Qb2 ) 17.Qb2
9.Nc2 e5 10.Bg5 Be6 11.e3 0-0 12.b4 Bxa4 18.Ra1 b5 19.g4 White has
Bc7 13.Nf3 According to the engine, the great chances for a kingside attack. ]
 86

15.Nb1!? Bc6 16.Ne2 0-0 17.h4 Nd7 from the practical point of view. Still,
18.h5 h6 19.Nbc3 If you put this I would take White, even knowing
position on a super strong engine, it that it will most likely end in a draw.
will show "0.00" evaluation. From a Unit 1 3...e6 4.Nb5 Bb4+ and B-
ma t e r i a l p o i n t o f vi e w, B l a c k i s Jobava spirit [GM Baadur Jobava]
doing great, but we have a good Line Unit 1 3...e6 4.Nb5 Bb4+ and
chance of creating a strong B-Overview/ 2024
kingside attack. The position is
very interesting and offers chances
for both sides to play for a win.
8.e3 We don't need to play b4
because, anyway, Black wants to
play Bc7. 8...0-0 9.Nf3 Difficult for
Black to play with the bishop on a5,
so 9...Bc7 Has to be played sooner
or later. 10.Bd3 Black is solid, but
we have a game. Black's typical
problem in these positions is that
the bishop on c8 is not great.
10...Nbd7 11.0-0 For the engine, the
position is equal, but I don't agree.
Black has a much more passive
bishop on c8, and at least from the
practical point of view, it's, of course,
easier to play from the White side.
F o r e x a m p l e : 11...b6!
Black prepares Bb7-c5.
[ 11...Re8?! Black's most popular
move is not a great one, in my
opinion. 12.Ne5! Nxe5 13.Bxe5
Bxe5 ( 13...Nd7 14.f4 ) 14.dxe5 Nd7
15.f4 Nc5 16.Bc2 ]
12.Nb1!? Our knight is not great on a3
a n ym o r e , s o i t m a k e s s e n s e t o
rotate it to d2. 12...Bb7 13.Nbd2
c5 14.Ne5 We want to continue with
Qf3. 14...Nxe5 15.Bxe5
[ 15.dxe5!? Ne4 16.Bc2 ]
15...Bxe5 16.dxe5 Ne4!
[ 16...Nd7?! 17.f4 ]
17.f4 Nxd2 18.Qxd2 Qe7= Black made
some good moves, and now the
position is closer to equality, also