King's Kalashnikov Sicilian: A Dynamic Black Repertoire for Club Players 9493257312, 9789493257313

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King’s Kalashnikov Sicilian

Daniel King

King’s Kalashnikov Sicilian

A Dynamic Black Repertoire for Club Players

New In Chess 2022

© 2022 New In Chess

Published by New In Chess, Alkmaar, The Netherlands www.newinchess.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission from the publisher.

Cover design: Buro Blikgoed Chessable cover by Juan Capitoni Supervision: Peter Boel Editing and typesetting: Frank Erwich Proofreading: Jan van de Mortel, Mariska de Mie Production: Anton Schermer

Have you found any errors in this book? Please send your remarks to [email protected]. We will collect all relevant corrections on the Errata page of our website www.newinchess.com and implement them in a possible next edition.

ISBN: 978-94-93257-31-3

Contents Explanation of symbols

Introduction

Part I Model Games

Part II The Kalashnikov Repertoire

Chapter 1 A misplaced knight: 5. ♘ b3

Chapter 2 The unassuming 5. ♘ f3

Chapter 3 The ugly 5. ♘ xc6

Chapter 4 Menacing...? 5. ♘ f5

Chapter 5 Too sophisticated: 5. ♘ e2

Chapter 6 The pragmatic 5. ♘ b5 d6 6.a4

Chapter 7 A bad Sveshnikov: 5. ♘ b5 d6 6. ♗ e3

Chapter 8 A traffic jam: 5. ♘ b5 d6 6. ♗ c4

Chapter 9 A mini traffic jam: 5. ♘ b5 d6 6. ♘ 5c3

Chapter 10 The gentle 5. ♘ b5 d6 6.g3

Chapter 11 The modest 5. ♘ b5 d6 6. ♗ e2

Chapter 12 The terrible 5. ♘ b5 d6 6. ♗ g5

Chapter 13 Sound development: 5. ♘ b5 d6 6. ♘ 1c3

Chapter 14 A careless fianchetto: 8.g3

Chapter 15 A move with potential: 8. ♗ e3

Chapter 16 Main line 8. ♘ c4: minor 10th moves

Chapter 17 Main line with 10.g3 h5

Chapter 18 Main line with 10.g3 0-0

Chapter 19 6.c4: main line with 7. ♘ 1c3

Chapter 20 6.c4: main line with 7. ♗ d3

Index of variations

Index of names

Explanation of symbols

The chessboard with its coordinates:

♔ ♕ ♖ ♗ ♘

+– –+ = ! !! ? ?? !? ?! # ch zt izt ct tt ol m cr

White to move Black to move King Queen Rook Bishop Knight White stands slightly better Black stands slightly better White stands better Black stands better decisive advantage for White decisive advantage for Black balanced position good move excellent move bad move blunder interesting move dubious move mate championship zonal tournament interzonal tournament candidates tournament team tournament olympiad match correspondence

Introduction 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 was one of the first serious openings that I played with Black, under the tutelage of my coach at the time, International Master Nigel Povah. I must have been about 12 years old, and it was an exciting initiation into the mysteries of the Sicilian Defence. I didn’t realise it, but this was a great place to start as the variations, at least for a couple of moves, are forcing, and decent options for White are surprisingly limited. After 4...e5 White has the choice of six moves with the knight, and five of them give Black an easy game. The odds were already in my favour!

The best move is 5.♘b5 and at that time the only acceptable way for Black to play the opening was 5...a6 6.♘d6+ ♗xd6 7.♕xd6 ♕f6. This is the socalled Löwenthal Variation, named after Johann Jacob Löwenthal, one of the strongest players of the mid-19th century. Since that time it has had little bursts of popularity – until players of the white pieces remember what to do and it shuffles off again to the dusty pages of an old text book. In the late 1980s, the reputation of the opening changed when Evgeny Sveshnikov – he of the Sveshnikov Variation – started experimenting with 5.♘b5 d6. In the past this was always frowned upon as it was thought that 6.c4 gave White a significant grip on the position. As we will see, Black has often been able to prove that this is a dangerous over-extension... It is extraordinary that when Sveshnikov began playing 5...d6, it had never been taken too seriously. A few notable players had tried it – I might mention Sultan Khan in 1930, Larry Evans in 1955 and Bent Larsen in 1960 – but according to my database they didn’t explore the system too much in subsequent games. The Austrian International Master Franz Hölzl was an exponent of the system in the late 1970s and 1980s, creating a little trend along with compatriots Walter Wittmann and Alexander Fauland. But it was when Evgeny Sveshnikov came on board that it became a serious weapon. As with so many openings, he was a formidable creator and flag bearer. Following him, there were players like Smbat Lputian, John van der Wiel and Ketevan Arakhamia who incorporated the opening into their repertoire. Latterly, it has achieved a high mark of respectability as Magnus Carlsen has employed it with some success, if only in rapid and blitz games. Perhaps the strongest adherents of the opening these days are Teimour Radjabov and the Iranian Parham Maghsoodloo; but as you will see from the games in the book, there is a stellar line-up of players who on occasion like to load up the Kalashnikov.

Why should you play the Kalashnikov? See my first paragraph! At club level, in my experience as a teenager, many players already got it wrong on the fifth

move and failed to play 5.♘b5. This is borne out by the games of my current students: somehow players at a certain level are unsure when it comes to moving the knight out towards the edge of the board. Actually, it is very understandable that the thought of 5.♘b5 causes nervousness. After 5...d6 it will take some time before the knight re-routes to a better location, and this forms the basis of a lot of the subsequent play. Black has a lead in development and White has two main tasks to handle: bringing the knight back into play as well as completing development, not to mention looking up occasionally to see what Black is doing.

I recommend the Kalashnikov to my students for practical reasons. In most of the variations after 5.♘b5 d6, the pawn structure is fixed. Pawn structure determines strategy, and if one can rely on the structure as a constant, then it is easier to get a handle on middlegame strategy.

In the Kalashnikov there are fewer sharp lines than in many other openings. In the Najdorf or the Dragon, for example, a good recollection of precise move orders and tricky moves is sometimes required to avoid immediate opening disaster. That is rarely the case with the Kalashnikov. A general understanding of pawn structures, piece placement and strategic ideas will often be sufficient to carry you through the opening – which is why I lay so much emphasis on the Model Games section where the strategy is explained.

This book is based on the online Kalashnikov course that I produced for Chessable. What are the differences? First and foremost, the medium. There is certainly something appealing about the ‘gamification’ of learning an opening that the Chessable format offers. But for an overview, I find it easier to consider a subject in book form, where with a quick flick of the page one can appreciate how the material is laid out and how much attention is devoted to different sections. I have simplified some sections, improved some variations based on feedback (and my revisions), included a few theoretically significant games that have appeared since the course appeared online, and added a few more model games in the first section.

I have structured the book according to how I learn an opening. First of all, there is the Model games section where I explain opening and middlegame strategy. Only by examining complete games can we get an idea of what an opening is really about. The second section comprises my detailed repertoire for Black, and there you can fill in the gaps of your knowledge. A good way

of learning an opening is to play it first, and to look it up afterwards. This section can be used as a reference manual to do exactly that. I should emphasise that I have not attempted to write a comprehensive survey of the Kalashnikov. In the digital age, we are bombarded by masses of information, and selecting what is relevant becomes increasingly difficult. I have simplified matters by providing clear recommendations of practical variations. For example, the main line of the Kalashnikov used to be 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 b5, but instead I have gone with 7...♗e7 which was originally the choice of the formidable Ukrainians Pavel Eljanov and Alexander Moiseenko, and has also been give the seal of approval by Magnus Carlsen. Occasionally, I have offered a choice of variations, notably in the main line where the path splits between the more orthodox 10...0-0 and the enterprising 10...h5.

And finally, why is the opening named after the most notorious automatic rifle in the world? It is certainly fitting that Kalashnikov rhymes with ‘Sveshnikov’ as the two systems are closely related and Evgeny Sveshnikov developed many of the key ideas. But who actually coined the name? All can be revealed. John van der Wiel, a Dutch Grandmaster who was one of the earliest adopters of the opening in the 1980s boom, introduced the name in the magazine New In Chess – yes, the publisher of this book. As he explained to me: ‘It was an inside joke amongst some players from my region in the Netherlands back then. Something like “a primitive weapon, but it never jams”. To my great surprise, others embraced this name and now it is the “official” name.’ There you have it – from the horse’s mouth, so to speak.

The humour of the name ‘The Kalashnikov’ is dark and for some does not

read well in the context of our troubled times. I considered unilaterally renaming the opening and retitling this book, but that would just be a euphemism. In the chess community, ‘The Kalashnikov Variation of the Sicilian’ is the name that has stuck over decades and that won’t change for a long while. Thankfully, the struggle on the chessboard is unrelated to the painful reality of actual conflicts around the world.

Daniel King, London, April 2022

PART I

Model Games I am first attracted to an opening by strategies – not by examining dry variations. In other words, I will have seen a complete game and will think to myself: that works well, I could do that too! Only afterwards is it time to question the opening moves in detail and to examine specific variations. That’s how I’ve ordered this book: the games first, the variations second.

The following twenty games contain the most important strategies and themes in the Kalashnikov. Having got to know them, and when to apply them, you will have gained a good understanding of the opening, so that even if you can’t recall the exact moves I recommend, you will be able to navigate your way through the middlegame. Let me mention a few of the themes you will be encountering in these games: Liberation Station (the ...d7/6-d5 pawn break); the Steamroller (the e- and f-pawn attack); the Minority Attack; the Bad-Bishop Bounce (...♗e7-d8-b6); the Trojan Horse (throwing the knight onto d4); Hammer Time (attacking White’s pawn chain with ...b7-b5). And much more too... By focusing on these ideas in the context of the games, you will begin to see recurring patterns of play and that’s when your understanding develops.

The games have been selected for their instructive value but, as a bonus, many are beautiful too. My two personal favourites are Tomczak-Shirov (Game 10), a masterful technical performance highlighting the positional

qualities of the Kalashnikov; and Anand-Maghsoodloo (Game 19), demonstrating the counter-attacking, dynamic side of the opening.

Seventeen games were shown in the Chessable course but I have included three more for this book.

Game 1 Mikhail Postupalsky Sergey Burimov 2058

Tula 2005 (4)

In this game we see the ...d7-d5 pawn break. This is perhaps the most common and most important early middlegame strategy in the Kalashnikov. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘f5

This move is not at all challenging and gives Black the opportunity to break in the centre straightaway. 5...d5 All aboard at Liberation Station. The pawn break immediately liberates Black’s pieces. It usually isn’t quite as easy to execute as here! 6.♘g3 A poor move, wasting time. White’s best is 6.♕xd5 ♕xd5 7.exd5 ♗xf5 8.dxc6 bxc6, although as you will see from the repertoire, Black is comfortably placed. 6...♘f6 Black already has a lead in development. 7.exd5 ♕xd5 8.♕xd5 ♘xd5 Black heads into the endgame, confident that he can still use his lead in development and superior pawn structure. After the pawn break, Black has an extra centre pawn (e5) which provides him with greater control in the middle of the board. 9.c3 ♗e6 10.♗e2 ♗e7 11.0-0 0-0 12.♘d2 Evidently, Black’s pieces are well centralised and harmoniously placed. There is nothing to thwart the natural plan of advancing the kingside pawn majority. 12...f5

The Steamroller. This is often an excellent plan when the queens are on the board as it can set up a kingside attack. Even in this endgame, the pawns are dangerous, preventing White’s minor pieces from occupying central squares. 13.♔h1 ♖ad8 14.♘f3 h6 Black is playing tidily, taking away the g5-square from the knight before pushing on. 15.♗c4 e4 16.♖e1 If 16.♘d2, 16...♘e5 17.♗b3 ♘d3.

analysis diagram

A picture of centralisation! 16...♘c7 17.♗xe6+ ♘xe6 18.♘d2 ♘c5 19.♘c4 ♘d3 Many moves ago, White played the pawn to c3 to prevent Black’s knights from moving into the b4- and d4-squares, but it created a huge hole which has been occupied by a rangy octopus knight. What central control! This is a logical consequence of the pawn break at move five. 20.♖f1 b5 21.♘a3 ♗xa3 22.bxa3 ♘ce5 Knight No.2 enters the fray with cover from the central pawns. 23.♗e3 A blunder, but it’s miserable anyway. If instead, 23.♔g1 ♖c8 keeps up the pressure: 24.♗d2 ♘c4 25.♗e1 ♘xa3, for example. 23...f4 0-1 A successful outcome for the Steamroller.

Game 2 Divek Surujhlal Vladimir Belous 2426

Akhisar Manisa ol U16 2009 (10)

1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘xc6 bxc6 This is not the most challenging continuation for Black as it brings the bpawn closer to the centre, covering the all-important d5-square. It’s difficult for White to find good prospects for the knight on c3. Yet this remains a reasonably popular move at club level. 6.♘c3 ♘f6 7.♗d3 ♗b4 In this case, with the c-file closed, I don’t think this bishop move is as effective as in the 5.♘f3 or 5.♘b3 variations. I might prefer to play the bishop to c5 or simply e7. Nevertheless, it is still quite satisfactory for Black. 8.0-0 0-0 9.f4

This is the reason that I selected this game. So many players on the white side of the Sicilian like to advance the f-pawn, the irresistible automatic attacking move, yet it can often do more harm than good. Nevertheless, we need to take it seriously as lines open. 9...d6 10.fxe5 I suspect that White had overlooked Black’s next move. 10.♕f3 is better, but Black is comfortable after 10...exf4 11.♗xf4 ♘g4 and the knight spins back to the e5-square. 10...♘g4

Hitting the h2-pawn (watch out for ...♕h4) and setting up a nasty check from b6. This is a reminder that once the f-pawn advances, it is so often White’s king that becomes weaker. Have a look at the three solid pawns in front of Black’s king. 11.♕e1 Covering the h4- and f2-squares and so averting immediate disaster. If instead 11.exd6 ♗xd6 12.♗f4 (or 12.h3 ♕b6+ 13.♔h1 ♘f2+; and 12.g3 ♘xh2) 12...♗xf4 13.♖xf4 ♕d4+ wins. 11...♘xe5 White has parried the initial threats to his king and so the knight bounces back to this glorious central square, blockading the e-pawn and reaching over at key squares across the central divide. Compare this with White’s knight. Because of the anti-positional exchange, 5.♘xc6, the knight no longer has access to the d5-square and struggles to get into the game. 12.♗d2 ♖e8 A cunning move, stepping opposite the queen, provoking it to move. 13.♕g3 ♖e6

That was the plan! The rook swings across to a dangerous position on the sixth rank and it is Black who takes the initiative on the kingside. 14.♔h1 ♖g6 15.♕e1 ♗g4 A provocative move, hoping perhaps that White will play 16.h3 ♕d7! with dangerous threats on the kingside. 16.♘e2 White decides to relieve some of the pressure by exchanging pieces, but it doesn’t change the fact that Black has a long-term positional advantage in respect of the superior pawn structure and beautiful knight on e5. 16...♗xd2 17.♕xd2 ♕h4 Instead, 17...♗xe2 18.♗xe2 was also promising, when Black has the typical ‘good knight versus bad bishop’. 18.♕f4 ♖h6 19.♖ae1 ♖f6 20.♕g3 ♖xf1+ 21.♖xf1 ♕xg3 22.♘xg3 White has taken the pressure away by exchanging, but has just landed in a poor endgame. 22...g6 23.h3 ♗e6

Compare Black’s bishop and knight with White’s. That’s the difference between the two positions. 24.b3 a5 25.a3 White cracks – a pawn drops. But 25.♗e2 a4 26.♔g1 c5 puts White under sustained pressure. Black has lots of ways to creep forward and White has a long defence ahead. 25...♘xd3 26.cxd3 ♗xb3 The rest is technique. Once the king marches into the position at move 33, it’s game over. 27.♖c1 c5 28.♘f1 ♗a2 29.♖a1 ♗b3 30.♖c1 ♗e6 31.♖b1 ♔g7 32.♖b6 ♔f6 33.♖xd6 ♔e5 34.♖c6 ♔d4 35.♔g1 ♖b8 36.♖a6 c4 37.dxc4 ♖b1 38.g4 ♖xf1+ 39.♔xf1 ♗xc4+ 40.♔e1 ♗xa6 41.♔d2 ♔xe4 42.♔c3 ♔f4 43.♔b3 ♗b5 44.♔c3 ♔g3 45.♔d4 ♔xh3 46.♔e5 ♔xg4 47.♔f6 ♗c4 48.a4 h5 49.♔e5 h4 50.♔e4 h3 51.♔e3 h2 52.♔f2 ♔h3 53.♔e1 g5 54.♔d1 g4 55.♔e1 f5 56.♔f2 f4 57.♔e1 g3 58.♔d1 f3 59.♔e1 f2+ 60.♔d1 g2 61.♔c1 h1♕+ 62.♔d2 g1♕ 63.♔e3 f1♕+ 64.♔d2 ♕c1 checkmate

There are several lessons to draw from this game. 5.♘xc6 is an antipositional move giving Black control over the d5-square. When White advances with f2-f4 one needs to be alert to quick attacks but, if parried successfully, it can simply weaken the position. Although White’s king avoided trouble here, we will see plenty of games where it suffers because of the lack of pawn cover (there are too many to list here!).

Game 3 Dariusz Strejczek 2149

Sergei Zhigalko 2641

Katowice Ech blitz 2017 (4)

1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 ♘f6 Notice that this game starts out as a Sveshnikov Variation, but very quickly transposes into a line of the Kalashnikov which is common at club level. The Kalashnikov move order is 4...e5 5.♘b3 ♘f6 6.♘c3 ♗b4. In general, I believe that if White declines to play ♘b5, then Black has already equalised the position. That is certainly borne out by this game. 5.♘c3 e5 6.♘b3 ♗b4

This is an excellent move, putting immediate pressure on the e4-pawn. 7.♗d3 0-0 In the repertoire, I recommend 7...d5 8.exd5 ♘xd5 9.♗d2 ♘xc3 10.bxc3 ♗d6, which offers Black excellent chances of an advantage. Nevertheless, it is hard to complain about such a natural move as castling. 8.0-0 ♗xc3 9.bxc3 Instead of breaking with ...d7-d5, Black continues with a very different strategy that is also promising: damaging the queenside pawns and setting up a strong pawn chain in the middle (d6 and e5). There are some similarities with Black’s strategy in the Nimzo-Indian Defence. 9...d6 10.h3 ♖e8 Black must have been concerned about White playing f2-f4, but actually the natural developing move 10...♗e6 was fine: 11.f4 exf4 12.♗xf4 ♘e5.

analysis diagram

A beautiful blockading square, shutting out the bishop on d3. If 13.♗g5 (13.♘d4 ♕c7 is also comfortable for Black), 13...♕b6+ 14.♘d4 ♘fd7 escapes the pin with a rock-solid position. 11.♗g5 Instead, 11.f4 exf4 12.♗xf4 ♘xe4 13.♗xe4 ♖xe4 14.♗xd6 ♖e6 is certainly better for Black in view of White’s damaged pawns. 11...h6 12.♗h4

Is the pin problematic? Not at all! 12...g5 This cuts through White’s strategy. Black can get away with this ‘weakening’ of the kingside because the centre is closed, White is unable to open lines on the kingside, and it is impossible for him to transfer minor pieces over to the kingside. More than that, this pawn thrust allows Black to take the initiative on the kingside. 13.♗g3 ♗e6 14.f3 Black has two possible plans: play ...♖c8, move the knight on c6 and target the c3-pawn; or attack on the kingside. 14...♘h5 15.♗f2 ♘f4 16.♗e3 ♖c8 It looks like Black is going to do both! 17.♗xf4 It was difficult for White to find an active plan, but this grants Black an easy attack on the g-file. 17...gxf4 18.♔h2 ♔h7 19.♖g1 ♖g8 20.♘c1 ♕h4 21.♕e1

21...♖g3 21...♖xg2+ wins immediately: 22.♖xg2 (22.♔xg2 ♖g8+ 23.♔f1 ♖xg1+) 22...♕xe1. 22.♕f1 ♖cg8 23.♘e2 ♖3g5 24.♕e1? A blunder in a bad position. 24.♖b1 b6 25.a3 ♖h5 26.♖d1 ♖g3 is a good way to finish off the attack: ...♗xh3 is coming soon. 24...♖xg2+ 0-1 If 25.♖xg2 ♕xh3+ 26.♔g1 ♕xg2#.

In general, the pawn structure that results from the opening is more than fine for Black. However, bear in mind that the dark-squared bishop is White’s only potential asset and that the pin from g5 can be an issue. This game shows that very often the pin can be broken by simply playing ...g7-g5 and there are few consequences – certainly not for Black.

Game 4 Ivica Brkic 2169 Andrey Shariyazdanov 2588

Zadar 1999 (1)

1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 ♘f6 5.♘c3 e5 6.♘b3 Once again, the position on the board has arisen from a Sveshnikov, but it is also a common position in the Kalashnikov after 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b3 ♘f6 6.♘c3, etc. 6...♗b4 That’s the one – and White is struggling to hold the balance. 7.♗d3 d5 7...0-0 was featured in the previous game (3) Strejczek-Zhigalko. Here we see Black go for a different strategy, in fact the one that I recommend in the repertoire.

Liberation Station. It feels so natural to play like this, considering that it frees Black’s pieces and damages White’s pawn structure. 8.exd5 ♘xd5 9.♗d2 ♘xc3 10.bxc3 ♗d6 11.0-0 0-0 Black is ready to play ...f7-f5 and get the kingside Steamroller moving. White pre-empts that, but is still worse. 12.f4 f5 13.fxe5 ♗xe5 14.♕f3 ♗e6 15.♖ae1 ♗d5 16.♕h3 g6 Black has developed well and maintained a sound pawn structure. White might not be getting overrun by the kingside pawns, but his king is weaker as it only has two pawns for cover, and the queenside pawns are as weak as ever. 17.c4 ♗f7 18.♔h1 ♕d6 19.♗e3 ♖fe8 20.♗g1 ♗g7 21.♖d1 ♕c7 22.♗f2 ♗e5 23.c3 ♗g7 24.♗g3 ♘e5

One might question some of Black’s moves – there was a fair amount of toing and froing – but the important thing is that he has maintained the healthy pawn structure and White has not succeeded in generating any counterplay. Notice Black’s solid kingside, packed with pieces, and how the pawn on f5 provides extra control in the centre. With this knight move Black is finally in and once the first pawn disappears, the win is simple. 25.♘d4 ♗xc4 26.♗xc4+ ♕xc4 27.♗xe5 ♖xe5 28.♕f3 ♖e7 29.♖f2 ♖ae8 30.g3 ♖e4 31.♖fd2 ♖e3 32.♕xb7 ♖e1+ 0-1 While White is vainly hanging on to his queenside pawns, Black turns in the other direction and delivers checkmate.

The themes to remember from this game are: shattering White’s queenside pawns gives a long-term advantage; and the kingside pawn majority provides central control and safe cover for the king.

Game 5 B.Lusin Claudia Amura 2380

San Fernando 1993 (1)

This is by no means a perfect game, but I think it is instructive to look at the issues that Black faces in this variation and how they can be managed. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 ♘f6 5.♘c3 e5 6.♘f3

Instead of this, 6 ♘db5 would land Black in a Sveshnikov Variation which is a whole different (and very complex) kettle of fish. However, after 6.♘f3 the game transposes to familiar Kalashnikov lines which could have arisen via 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘f3 ♘f6 6.♘c3, etc. As you will see from the repertoire, these sidelines hold no fear for Black. 6...♗b4

An annoying pin that puts pressure on the e4-pawn and threatens to damage the queenside pawns. White is already struggling to maintain the balance. 7.♗d3 d5 All aboard, we are at Liberation Station again. This is a very straightforward way of playing that guarantees easy development and a pleasant initiative. There is another way to play the position which is similar to (3) StrejczekZhigalko: 7...0-0 8.0-0 ♗xc3 9.bxc3, and now, instead of breaking with ...d7d5, Black just relies on his superior pawn structure: 9...h6 10.♖e1 d6 11.♗a3 ♕c7 12.♗c4 ♖d8 0-1 (41) Andrianirainy-Andrieux, France tt 2008/09. The d6-pawn is easy to protect, and then Black can turn his attention to attacking the c3-pawn. 8.exd5 ♘xd5 9.♗d2 ♘xc3 10.bxc3 ♗e7 After just ten moves Black has achieved a superior pawn structure. The bishop retreated here in order to cover the g5-square. Good idea – that rules out any tricks on the kingside with ♘g5. 11.0-0 0-0 12.♖e1

12...f6 A sound move, securing the kingside pawn majority and preparing to develop and build up pressure on the queenside pawns. There was a way to get in the kingside Steamroller: 12...♗g4 13.h3 ♗xf3 14.♕xf3 f5 15.♕e2 e4 16.♗c4+ ♔h8 17.♖ad1 ♕c7. It’s a pity to give up one of the bishops, but Black’s kingside pawns are impressive and White’s queenside pawns are permanently weak. 13.♗e4 ♘a5 A careless move. Black is looking to attack the weak doubled c-pawns, but this allows a tactic on the kingside. Instead, 13...♔h8 14.♕e2 ♕c7 builds up steadily without allowing tricks.

14.♕e2 A missed chance. 14.♘xe5! fxe5 15.♕h5 forced a draw: 15...♕xd2 (15...g6 16.♗xg6 hxg6 17.♕xg6+ should also end in a draw) 16.♕xh7+ ♔f7 17.♕g6+ ♔g8 18.♕h7+ with a perpetual. In these lines, because White’s pieces are directed towards the kingside, Black just has to be careful for a move or two before commencing operations on the queenside. A draw is a good outcome for White in these lines... 14...♗e6 Normally the bishop would stand well here, but in this case it allows another tactic. Instead, 14...f5 15.♗d3 e4 looks like a powerful Steamroller to me! 15.♗d3 15.♘d4! exploits the pin and gives White more activity than is necessary. For example, 15...exd4?! (15...♗d5 is better) 16.♗d3. 15...♗c5 Another sloppy move! It would have been better to retreat, preventing ♘d4: 15...♘c6. Even though Black has lost time, she is still better because of White’s chronic queenside pawn weaknesses. 16.♗e3 16.♘d4! ♗f7 17.♘b3 ♗b6 18.c4 provides White with activity. 16...♗xe3 17.♕xe3 ♖e8

Now that the bishop is protected, Black is feeling more secure, but White should have continued with activity on the kingside: 18.h4 followed by h4-h5 and ♕e4. Under these circumstances it is still difficult for Black to switch to attacking the queenside pawns and the position is balanced. 18.♕e4 g6 19.♗b5 ♖e7 20.♕b4 This is heading in the wrong direction. Once White starts to defend passively, Black gains control. 20...♖c8 21.♖ad1 ♕c7 22.a4 ♔f7 Now that the rook is protected, Black threatens 23...♕xc3. 23.♖d3 This loses a piece, but 23.♖e3 ♘c4 24.♗xc4 ♕xc4 would just lead to a miserable endgame where all the queenside pawns would be weak. 23...a6 24.♖ed1 axb5 25.axb5 ♗f5 26.b6 ♕c5 27.♖d5 ♕xb4 28.cxb4 ♘c4 White resigned.

The game resumed its normal strategic course after White failed to spot the tactical possibilities on the kingside. White’s queenside pawns are chronically weak in these lines and so long as Black reaches a stable position, the long-term prospects are good.

Game 6 Robert Veress

Peter Horvath

Hungary tt 2014/15 (7)

This game is another example of Liberation Station (the ...d7-d5 pawn break) but this time it takes longer to achieve. A struggle around the d5-square first takes place – a very common scenario – and ultimately Black’s central control allows him to dominate. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7

This is the start of my main line in the course, with 8.♘c4 the most popular move. 8.♗e3 This has also been relatively popular. 8...♘f6 9.♘c4 0-0 9...b5 is my repertoire recommendation, but castling is also quite reasonable. 10.♘b6 ♖b8 11.♗e2 ♗e6 12.0-0 At the moment White has a bind over the b6- and d5-squares and it is hard to imagine that Black will ever break out. Watch this space. 12...♘d7 First the knight on b6 is challenged and this also opens the diagonal for the bishop on e7. 13.♘xd7 13 ♘bd5 would be met by 13...♗g5 and Black gains more freedom after the exchange of bishops. The knight on c6 will be able to occupy the d4-square. 13...♕xd7 14.♘d5 ♗d8

The Bad-Bishop Bounce. A common manoeuvre. In this game the bishop does not stay on the board for much longer, but we can often see that putting it on b6 is another great way for Black to gain more activity and freedom, or simply to exchange off the dark-squared bishops, securing control over the d4-square (for example). Look out for this in several of the model games. 15.♘b6 Instead, if 15.a4, 15...♘e7 would continue to fight against White’s control over the d5-square: 16.♗c4 ♖c8 17.♗b3 ♗xd5 18.exd5 (18.♗xd5 ♘xd5 19.♕xd5 ♖xc2 – that’s why the rook went to c8) 18...f5. The Steamroller appears again! If White blocks with the f-pawn, then 19.f4 exf4 20.♗xf4 ♘g6 21.♗d2 ♘e5 gives Black a wonderful square for the knight on e5. 15...♗xb6 16.♗xb6 This is an important moment strategically. Black has a choice. To break with ...d6-d5 or ...f7-f5 ? Or something else? 16...♘e7 This threatens 17...♕c6. What about 16...f5 ? In this case I would prefer not to move my f-pawn for fear of the long-term weakness of my king (that’s what everyone forgets with this advance) but it is playable: 17.exf5 ♗xf5 18.c4 ♖be8 with decent piece activity. And what if 16...d5 ? Strategic guidelines can be helpful, but each position should be judged on its own merits, and in this case the pawn break is premature: 17.exd5 ♕xd5 18.♕xd5 ♗xd5 19.♖fd1. The bishop on b6 prevents Black’s rooks from occupying the open file and, combined with the two bishops, White has a serious endgame advantage. Definitely no liberation here. 17.f3 ♕c6 18.♗f2 d5

All aboard at Liberation Station: this time we are bound for freedom. 19.exd5 ♘xd5 What a transformation over the last few moves. White’s bind over b6 and d5 has been shaken off and Black controls the centre. The threat is to put a rook on the d-file opposite White’s queen. 20.♗d3 ♘f4 21.♖e1 Instead, 21.♗e4 ♕c7 22.♕d2 f5 23.♗d3 ♖bd8 maintains the pressure. 21...f6 Attempting to push down the board with the e- and f-pawns would not be appropriate, but Black’s extra centre pawn and solid pawn chain give him good control over the centre. This is so often the case after Black breaks with ...d7/6-d5. 22.♗f1 ♖bd8 23.♕c1 ♗f5 24.c4

White is under pressure, but this is a dreadful move, weakening the d3square. Compare this with Game 1 Postupalsky-Burimov, where Black also succeeded in occupying the d3-square. 24...♗d3 25.♕c3 ♗xf1 26.♔xf1 Just as in the first game, it is curious that Black also succeeds in occupying the weakened d3-square. 26...♖d3 26...♘d3 27.♖e3 ♘xf2 28.♔xf2 ♖d4 29.♖c1 ♖fd8 is another way to play, with domination of the d-file. 27.♕c2 ♖fd8 28.♗e3 ♘e6 29.b3 ♕d7

30.♔e2 An awful misjudgement. The king gets cut to shreds in the middle. 30.♔g1 would have kept White in the game, although Black’s superiority is clear after 30...g5. 30...♘d4+ 31.♗xd4 ♕xd4 32.♖ad1 e4 0-1 The position opens and that spells the end for the king.

In this game, the ...d6-d5 break gave Black excellent central control. On this occasion the advance of the e- and f-pawn duo wasn’t possible, but the occupation of the weakened d3-square was once again a theme.

Game 7 Emil Szalanczy 2360 Yury Dokhoian 2550

Cattolica 1993 (9)

Don’t be put off by the move order of this game. The variation can also arise from a Kalashnikov (1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗e3), but most importantly, the themes that arise are common to many Kalashnikov games. This is a great lesson in middlegame play by Garry Kasparov’s former coach.

1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 ♘f6 5.♘c3 d6 6.♗e3 e5 7.♘db5 a6 8.♘a3 b5 9.♘d5 ♖b8 10.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 11.c4 b4 12.♘b1 a5 13.♘d2 ♕g6 14.h4 ♗e7 15.g3 0-0 16.♗g2

It appears as though White has a firm grip over the centre, but there are weaknesses that Black can exploit. 16...♗d8 An excellent example of the Bad-Bishop Bounce. Very often this bishop emerges on g5, which is impossible here. However, there is another route to freedom via d8. There is another good option here: 16...♘d4 – our first sighting of the Trojan Horse. Even if Black has to give up a pawn it will be worth it as the darksquared bishop will scream across the board. 17.0-0 ♗b6 18.♗xb6 ♖xb6 The exchange of bishops will help Black to establish the knight on the monster d4-square. 19.♖c1 ♖d8 19...♘d4 would be inaccurate: 20.♘b3 exchanges off the knight on d4 (or it has to retreat) and Black’s position loses its dynamism. 20.♖e1 ♗g4

An excellent example of the Poke. This simple threat to the queen causes some discomfort. Whichever way White parries involves a compromise. We will encounter exactly this bishop move in several variations and it’s a useful weapon to have ready. 21.♗f3 The bishop is awkwardly placed here. A) Instead, 21.♕a4 leaves the queen offside. Both 21...♖a6 and 21...♘d4!? 22.♕xa5 ♖bb8 leave Black well placed; or B) 21.f3 ♗e6 22.♔h2 ♕h6, looking down an important diagonal and perhaps aiming to play ...g7-g5. 21...♗d7 22.♖e3 ♘d4

The right moment for the Trojan Horse to make its entrance. 23.♗h5 Instead, 23.♘b3 would be met by 23...♗a4. After Black exchanges off the bishop for the knight, the knight on d4 can’t be displaced and strategically Black is in command. 23...♕h6 24.♗g4 ♗xg4 25.♕xg4 ♕e6 26.♕h5 White would have done better to exchange queens as Black manages to develop a fierce attack. 26...♖c6 The rook attacks the pawn on c4 and prevents the knight on b3 from moving. 27.♔g2 ♖f8 Time for the breakthrough. Clearly the d-pawn isn’t going anywhere, but cracking open the f-file is powerful, particularly in combination with the knight on d4. 28.b3 f5

The Freddie Attack. Freddie the f-pawn isn’t that sophisticated, but he can be highly effective, opening up the file for the rook. Often there is some collateral damage. 29.♘f3 29.exf5 ♖xf5 30.♕d1 ♖c8 is very dangerous, and will transpose to the game. 29...fxe4 30.♘d2 30.♘g5 ♕f5 wins. 30...♖f5 31.♕d1 ♖c8 32.♘xe4 ♖cf8 33.♕d3 ♕g6 34.♖d1

34...♕g4?! I can imagine that time pressure was involved as Dokhoian fails to find the right way forward – but he does not spoil his position. Instead, 34...♖5f7 threatens 35...♘f5 and forces the king to a poor square: 35.♔h3 ♖f3 and all the pressure is on White. 35.♖d2 ♕g6 36.♘g5 h6 37.♘e4 ♔h8 38.c5 dxc5 39.♘xc5 ♕c6+ 40.♘e4 ♘f3 41.♕d5 ♕g6 White has finally cracked under the sustained pressure and loses material: both the rook and the pawn on h4 are hanging. 42.♖xf3 ♖xf3 43.♕xe5 ♖3f5 44.♕d4 ♖f4 45.♖e2 ♖e8 46.h5 ♕xh5 47.gxf4 ♕xe2 48.♘g3 ♕b5 49.♕d6 ♕b8 50.♕d7 ♕a8+ 51.f3 ♕d8 52.♕g4 ♕d2+ 53.♔h3 ♕xa2 54.♘h5 ♕a1 55.♕d7 ♖g8 56.f5 a4 57.♘f4 axb3 58.♘g6+ ♔h7 59.♕d3 ♕f6 60.f4 b2 61.♔g4 ♖d8 62.♕e4 ♕d4 63.♕b1 ♕d1+ 0-1

There are many lessons we can draw from this game: the Bad-Bishop Bounce, ...♗e7-d8-b6, exchanged off the dark-squared bishops that in turn enabled the knight to land on the d4-square; the Poke with 20...♗g4 brought White’s bishop to an awkward square; the Freddie Attack – the ...f7-f5-pawn break – opened the f-file for the rooks and created pressure on White’s kingside. A careful perusal of this book will show you that this pawn break can be problematic – sometimes it only weakens Black’s king position. But in this case, with the dominant knight on d4, it is difficult for White to achieve counterplay.

Game 8 Miha Furlan 2340

Oleg Romanishin 2572

Pula 1999 (4)

A word on move order. Here Black plays the Taimanov Sicilian, but the game quickly reaches a position that can arise from the Kalashnikov by transposition. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 ♘c6 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗f4 e5 7.♗e3 a6 8.♘5c3 ♘f6 9.♗g5 ♗e7 10.♗xf6 ♗xf6 11.♗c4 0-0 12.0-0 ♗e6 An excellent square for the bishop, fighting for control over the d5-square. Black does not need to fear 13.♗xe6 fxe6, as White would no longer be able to occupy d5 with the knight. 13.♘d5 This position can arise from two variations of the Kalashnikov: 5.♘b5 d6 6 ♘5c3, as well as 6.♗c4, and this position-type, where White exchanges on f6 and plays the knight to d5, is generic. In other words, it’s worth getting to know the strategic options for Black even if you don’t reach this exact position. 13...♗g5

A good start: the bishop finds an unopposed diagonal. The Breakout Bishop has to be the most common manoeuvre in the Kalashnikov (although watch out for its close relation, the Bad-Bishop Bounce, ...♗e7-d8-b6, which is a bit harder to achieve). 14.♗b3 ♖c8 As in most Sicilians, there could well be some action on the c-file, and this is where the rook belongs. Here is a position where reaching for Freddie would not be so clever: 14...f5 15.exf5 ♖xf5 16.♘e3 ♖f6 17.♗xe6+ ♖xe6 18.♕d5 ♕d7 19.♘c3, and White has established good control over the d5- and e4-squares. If Black cannot compensate this with an attack on the kingside, then advancing the fpawn is a poor strategy. This is worth comparing with Game 7, SzalanczyDokhoian, where Freddie’s appearance was appropriate. 15.♖e1 If White had played instead 15.c3, Black would have chased the bishop anyway with 15...♘a5; and 15 ♘bc3 would be answered by 15...♘d4 – which is very annoying to manage. 15...♘d4 16.c3 ♘xb3 17.axb3 By exchanging off the bishop, Black has succeeded in loosening White’s hold over d5 and e4. 17...f5 Good or bad? In this case, Freddie is welcome as the enemy light-squared bishop has been exchanged, so Black is safe on the b1-h7 diagonal. 18.c4 With hindsight, White should have exchanged: 18.exf5 ♗xf5 19.♘d2 (19.c4 ♕e8 20 ♘bc3 ♕g6 gives Black superb control over the diagonals)

19...♗xd2 (necessary, before the knight blockades on e4. In this case, 19...♕e8 is too slow: 20.♘e4 and White has established control) 20.♕xd2 ♗e6 21.c4 ♖f7. The bishop keeps guard over the knight, and chances are about equal.

18...f4 The Avalanche. Romanishin changes the nature of the position: this looks more like a King’s Indian pawn storm. Here the push is right, for two reasons: White has no significant counterplay in the middle of the board; and, once the light-squared bishop has been exchanged, Black has a good chance of pushing the g-pawn through to the g4-square. Instead, 18...fxe4?! 19.♘bc3 allows White to establish control over the e4square. 19.f3 ♗h4 20.♖e2 g5 21.♘bc3 Instead, 21.♘d2 ♖f7 followed by ...♖g7 and ...h7-h5, and ...g5-g4. Or 21.h3 g4 22.fxg4 h5 (likewise 22.hxg4 h5) 23.gxh5 ♕g5 with a huge attack for Black. 21...g4 22.♔h1 ♔h8 23.♖d2 ♕g5

The attack is raging. Black threatens, among other things, 24...♗g3 and 25...♕h4. This is like a dream King’s Indian Defence. 24.♘e2 gxf3 25.gxf3 ♖g8 26.♘g1 ♖g6 27.♕f1 ♖cg8 Black’s strategy has needed no sophistication: triple on the g-file and see what turns up. White is hanging on by a thread. 28.♘c3 ♕d8 29.♘ge2 ♕b6 The queen bounce! As well as keeping an eye on events on the a7-g1 diagonal, the queen is simply able to snaffle the pawn on b3. Sooner or later, White is going to fall for a tactic. 30.♖ad1 ♕xb3 31.♖xd6 ♕xc4 32.♘d5 ♗h3 33.♕xh3 ♕xe2 0-1 If 34.♘c3 ♖xd6 and mate is not far off. This kind of direct pawn storm with ...f5-f4 and ...g7-g5-g4 is sometimes available to Black: but make sure the g-pawn can be pushed through. If White still has a light-squared bishop, there may well be better strategies.

Game 9 Ismael Molano Lafuente 2101 Vyacheslav Ikonnikov 2556

Barcelona 2009 (1)

This game highlights that the Kalashnikov is often a very strategic opening

and an understanding of pawn structures – what is healthy for my own structure and how can I damage my opponent’s – can bring you a long way. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♘c4 b5 9.♘e3 ♘f6 10.♘ed5 0-0 11.♘xf6+ ♗xf6 12.♘d5 ♗e6 13.c3 ♗g5

The Breakout Bishop. The bad bishop finds an open diagonal. This is perhaps one of the most common and most useful manoeuvres in the Kalashnikov: after the exchange of dark-squared bishops Black gains more freedom to manoeuvre, and sometimes squares such as d4, c5, and b6 are then available. 14.♗e2 ♗xc1 15.♖xc1 ♘e7 The fight for the d5-square is raging. 16.♘xe7+ White has to react. If 16.0-0 ♗xd5 17.exd5 ♕b6, Black has achieved a favourable pawn structure: it is very hard for White to use the queenside pawn majority, the d5-pawn is potentially weak, and Black is ready to steamroller the e- and f-pawns down the board. 16...♕xe7 17.0-0

Having eliminated the knight on d5, Black has already achieved a comfortable position. The question is, what now? Two pawn breaks are possible – with the f-pawn or the d-pawn. In this case, I don’t believe that 17...f5 is effective as White has no weaknesses on the kingside: 18.exf5 ♖xf5 is playable, but after 19.a4 White has a little initiative. And 17...♗xa2? 18.b3 ♕e6 19.c4 leaves the bishop trapped. 17...♖fd8 Black goes for the ...d6-d5 break. The right choice. 18.c4 Instead, 18.♗f3 prevents ...d6-d5, but allows 18...♗xa2 19.b3 ♕e6 and Black keeps the extra pawn. 18...♕b7 An excellent square for the queen, pointing at two key points, b2 and e4. Instead, 18...bxc4 19.♗xc4 would be equal: it is difficult to generate winning chances with the exchange of bishops.

19.♕c2 White has a difficult choice. 19.b3 bxc4 20.bxc4 holds on to all the material as the e-pawn is immune, but Black has managed to isolate the c4-pawn so has a structural advantage. If 19.cxb5 axb5 20.a3 b4 21.axb4 ♕xb4 Black can target the isolated pawn on b2, but the e4-pawn is also a potential target. 19...♖ac8 20.b3 ♖c5 Black’s b-pawn puts serious pressure on the c4-pawn. 21.♕d2 I can understand that White was anxious to step away from the rook, but this blunders a pawn. 21 ♖fd1 was better, but Black can pile up on the c-file: 21...♕c7 with uncomfortable pressure. 21...bxc4 22.♗xc4 ♗xc4 23.♖xc4 ♖xc4 24.bxc4 ♕xe4 Black has won a pawn and secures the win without drama: 25.c5 ♕c6 26.♕a5 ♖c8 27.cxd6 ♕xd6 28.♖e1 g6 29.g3 ♖c5 30.♕a4 ♔g7 31.♖d1 ♕e6 32.♖e1 ♖c4 33.♕b3 ♕d5 34.♖d1 ♕c5 35.♖d2 h5 36.♖e2 ♖c1+ 37.♔g2 ♕c6+ 38.♔h3 ♖g1 39.f3 ♕d7+ 40.♔h4 f6 41.♖e4 ♕d2 0-1

The key moments from this game: Black played the bishop out to g5, relieving pressure; next White’s control over the d5-square was contested with ...♘e7; Black built up pressure on the c4-pawn with a kind of Minority Attack.

We will see an excellent example of this strategy in the very next game.

Game 10 Jacek Tomczak 2554 Alexei Shirov 2691

Trzcianka rapid 2015 (5)

Shirov sometimes plays wildly creative sacrificial attacks, but to say that he only plays in this way would be a gross mischaracterisation. Like all strong players, he can adapt his style according to what appears on the board. This is a masterful positional performance, underpinned by clever tactics. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘5c3 White does not want to move the knight back to a3 so drops back to c3 looking to occupy the d5-square. My repertoire recommendation here is to play the straightforward 6...♘f6, but Shirov’s move is also fine. 6...♗e7 7.♘d5 ♘f6 8.♘xf6+ ♗xf6 9.♘c3 0-0 10.g3 ♗g5

The Breakout Bishop finds an open diagonal and breathes again. 11.♗g2 ♗xc1 12.♖xc1 ♕b6 Shirov exploits the fact that White is a little behind in development to induce a weakness. Black could have played the standard 12...♗e6 with a decent position. 13.b3 It is understandable that White did not want to play 13.♖b1, consigning the rook to the miserable defence of a pawn, but the game continuation gives Black something to play on. 13...♕a5 14.♕d2 ♗e6

15.a4 The normal move 15.0-0 runs into trouble: 15...♘d4 threatening ...♕xc3 and a nasty fork – a common tactic with the knight on d4. If 16.♔h1 ♖ac8 exploits the wobbly position of the knight now that the pawn is no longer on b2: 17.♘b1 ♕xa2... and White is about to drop a second pawn. 15...♖fc8 16.♘b5 ♕xd2+ 17.♔xd2 Tomczak must have imagined that the endgame would bring solace, but Shirov quickly builds pressure on the weakened pawn structure. 17...a6 18.♘c3 ♘d4 If White does nothing, Black will double rooks on the c-file. 19.♘e2 ♘xe2 20.♔xe2

20...b5 Black uses the Minority Attack to create weaknesses. Instead, 20...♖c3 21.♔d2 ♖ac8 looks good, but it is hard for Black to make further progress. 21.axb5 If 21.♖hd1 ♔f8 22.♖xd6 ♗xb3 23.axb5 axb5 24.♔d1 ♗c4 Black has the better bishop and the rooks are well coordinated. 21...axb5 Notice how Black’s one queenside pawn on b5 holds back the b- and cpawns. In other words, it is a classic Minority Attack. 22.♖hd1 ♖a2 23.♖d2 If 23.♖xd6, 23...♗xb3 gives Black the advantage. 23...♔f8 The king runs into the middle to protect the e7-pawn – so often its best position in the endgame, and sometimes even in the middlegame. 24.♗f1 ♔e7

25.c4 White makes a lunge, hoping to break free, but it loses a pawn. However, there weren’t any promising options. For example: A) 25.♔d1 ♗xb3 26.♗xb5 (26.cxb3 ♖xc1+ 27.♔xc1 ♖a1+ 28.♔b2 ♖xf1 with an extra pawn) 26...♗c4 27.♗xc4 ♖xc4 28.f3 ♖c3 29.♖f2 ♖aa3 and the pressure continues; B) Can White sit and wait? With difficulty: 25.f3 ♖c3 26.♗g2 b4 27.♗f1 f5 28.♗g2 fxe4 29.fxe4 ♗g4+ 30.♔e1 ♖e3+ 31.♔f1 ♖xb3; C) Or 25.f4 ♖c3 26.f5 ♗d7 with the idea ...♗c6, attacking the weak epawn. 25...♖a3 26.♔d1 ♖xb3 27.cxb5 ♗g4+ 28.♗e2 ♗xe2+ 29.♖xe2 ♖xc1+ 30.♔xc1 ♖xb5 Black is a pawn up. Such endgames aren’t always easy to win, but Shirov succeeds in creating more targets. 31.♔d1 g5 Now the h-pawn is vulnerable (as well as the e4-pawn). 32.♖a2 ♖b1+ 33.♔e2 ♖h1 34.♔f3 ♖xh2 35.♔g4 ♔f6 36.♖a6 h5+ 37.♔f3 ♔e6 38.♖a8 g4+ 39.♔e2 h4 40.gxh4 g3 41.♖e8+ ♔d7 42.♖g8 gxf2 43.♖h8 d5 44.exd5 e4 45.♖h7 ♔e8 46.d6 e3 47.d7+ ♔d8 48.♖xf7 ♖h1 0-1

This endgame illustrates an important facet of Black’s position in the Kalashnikov: the pawn mass d6, e5, f7, g7, h7 is very healthy. While the aand b-pawns soften White’s queenside pawns, the kingside pawn mass remains firm. Key moments in this game: the bishop emerging on g5 (again!), and Black playing for a Minority Attack on the queenside.

Game 11 Toni Kiroski 2403 Pavel Eljanov 2558

Ohrid Ech 2001 (3)

This game illustrates what happens if White makes a quick raid to take the d6-pawn. Considering that White is usually behind in development in the Kalashnikov, this is a very risky strategy. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♗e3 ♘f6 9.♘c4 0-0 My repertoire recommendation is 9...b5 10.♘b6 ♖b8 11.♘xc8 ♕xc8 which starts the immediate undermining of the pawn on e4. 10.♗b6 ♕d7 11.♗e2 ♖b8 12.♕d2 ♗d8

White has a grip over the b6- and d5-squares which Black wants to loosen by exchanging pieces. The Bad-Bishop Bounce is essential here, otherwise it is very difficult for Black to free his position. 13.♖d1 ♗xb6 14.♘xb6 ♕d8 15.♘xc8 White gets greedy and takes the d-pawn. This is a very risky decision considering that the king is still in the middle. Instead, 15.♘bd5 ♗e6 16.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 17.0-0 ♖bc8 was a quieter way for White to play, but Black is well coordinated. The knight will look beautifully placed on d4. 15...♖xc8 16.♕xd6 ♕b6 If the b-pawn drops, White’s queenside collapses, but defending the pawn is problematic. 17.♕a3 17.b3 would be disastrous: 17...♖fd8 18.♕a3 ♘d4 19.♕b2 ♖xc3 20.♕xc3 ♘xe4 21.♕b2 ♘xc2+ 22.♕xc2 ♕xf2 checkmate – for example! 17...♘d4 As ever, the centralised knight causes havoc. 18.♗d3 ♘g4 A bold thrust. One of the threats is 19...♘xc2+ and 20...♕xf2 mate. 19.0-0

19...♕h6 Swinging the queen over feels very natural, but in fact there was a stronger move which would have won the game. 19...♘xh2! is crushing: A) 20.♔xh2 ♕h6+ 21.♔g1 (21.♔g3 ♕f4+ 22.♔h3 ♖c6 and ...♖h6) 21...♘f3+ 22.gxf3 ♕g5+ 23.♔h2 ♖c6 and ...♖h6; or B) 20.♘d5 ♘hf3+ 21.gxf3 ♕g6+ 22.♔h2 ♕h5+ 23.♔g3 ♕g5+ 24.♔h3 ♖fe8, preventing ♘e7+ with a winning attack; and C) 20.g3 ♕h6 (threatening 21...♘hf3+ and 22...♕h2 mate) 21.♔g2 ♘g4 22.♖h1 ♕f6 23.♖d2 ♘e3+ 24.fxe3 ♕f3+ 25.♔g1 ♕xg3+ 26.♔f1 ♕f3+ 27.♔g1 ♖c6 28.♖hh2 ♕xe3+ 29.♖df2 ♖g6+ 30.♔h1 ♘f3. Notice how in these lines White’s queen is stranded in Siberia, unable to take part in the defence. That is so often a consequence of capturing the pawn on d6. 20.h3 ♘f3+ 21.♔h1 Instead, 21.gxf3 ♕xh3 22.fxg4 ♕xg4+ 23.♔h2 ♖c6 is similar to variations above. 21...♘g5 22.f3 ♘xh3 23.fxg4 ♘f2+ 24.♔g1 ♘xg4

25.♖f5 25.♖f2 ♕h2+ 26.♔f1 ♕h4 27 ♖dd2 gives better chances of a defence according to my machine, but in practice such positions are virtually impossible to handle. 25...♕h2+ 26.♔f1 ♕h1+ 27.♔e2 ♕xg2+ 28.♔e1 ♕g3+ 29.♔e2 g6 30.♖df1 Instead, 30.♖ff1 ♕e3 checkmate is White’s problem. 30...gxf5 31.♘d5 fxe4 32.♘e7+ ♔h8 33.♗xe4 ♕xa3 34.bxa3 ♖c7 35.♘d5 ♖c4 36.♗f5 ♖d8 0-1

There are many positions in the opening where White is able to capture the pawn on d6: it is rarely a good idea. In most cases Black is able to generate a quick attack. It is worth remembering that in many lines White makes multiple knight moves in the Kalashnikov, and is already behind in development. Therefore, capturing a pawn, liberating Black’s pieces, is often a perilous exercise.

Game 12 Fidel Corrales Jimenez 2502 Johan Alvarez Marquez 2413

Havana 2008 (3)

Here is another game where White foolishly captures the pawn on d6 in the opening. The consequences are catastrophic. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♘d5 ♘f6

In the Kalashnikov, the struggle often revolves around the d5-square. Decades ago, in similar positions from the Najdorf, Boleslavsky and Sveshnikov variations of the Sicilian, it used to be thought that the simple occupation of the square conferred an advantage on White, but methods have been found to challenge the knight, or simply to play around it. Just going on general principles, I find it hard to believe that Black can be worse in this position: White has already made four moves with the king’s knight, and now makes a second move with the queen’s knight – which is about to be exchanged off. The upshot is that Black already has a lead in development. In general, this is why I believe that the Kalashnikov is fully playable: White must spend time recycling the knight on a3 to a better position and that gives Black time to develop and fight for those central squares. Playing the knight to f6 prepares castling, but also attacks the e-pawn, so practically guarantees that the knight on d5 will be exchanged. 9.♘xf6+ ♗xf6 10.♘c4 0-0 Black could defend the d-pawn with 10...♗e7, but there is no need. 11.♘xd6 A reckless decision considering that the knight is White’s only piece in play and he has yet to castle. Perhaps it was the lack of a forcing reply that persuaded White that he could get away with it. 11.c3 would have been more prudent.

11...♗e6 Black doesn’t need to go crazy: it is enough to bring some pieces into play. 12.c3 ♕c7 Threatening a pin with a rook. 13.♘f5 ♖fd8 In the repertoire I recommend 13...♖ad8, but the game continuation is also dangerous. 14.♕f3 ♕a5 Excellent move. Black uses the pin to play the knight into the middle. White’s lack of development is shocking. 15.♗e2 ♗xf5 There was another strong continuation: 15...♘d4 16.♘xd4 exd4 17.0-0 dxc3 18.bxc3 ♗xc3 19.♖b1 b5 20.a3 ♗a2 21.♗b2 ♖ac8 22.♖a1 ♗e6 23.♗xc3 ♖xc3 24.♕f4 ♖xa3, winning a pawn. 16.exf5 Instead, 16.♕xf5 ♘d4 hits the queen and threatens a winning check.

16...e4 The bishop is unleashed. 17.♕h5 Alternatively, 17.♕xe4 ♖e8 (17...♗xc3+ 18.♔f1 ♖e8 19.♕c2 ♗f6 20.♗e3 ♖ac8 also gives Black a wonderful initiative) 18.♕b1 ♘d4 19.♗e3 ♘xe2 20.♔xe2 ♕b5+ leaves the king stranded in the middle of the board and the attack rages on. 17...♗xc3+ 18.♔f1 ♗d2 After the exchange of bishops, Black’s rook is able to access the second rank. 19.g3 g6 20.fxg6 ♕xh5 21.♗xh5 hxg6 22.♗d1 ♗xc1 23.♖xc1 ♖d2 Material is even, but the rook on the second cuts through White’s position and the attack persists. 24.♗c2 e3 25.fxe3 ♘e5 26.♗e4 ♖ad8 27.h3 ♖xb2 28.♖g1 ♘c4 White resigned. The knight cannot be taken because of ...♖d1 mate, and there are threats to take on e3 and check on d2.

White’s king never escaped from the middle which meant he could never bring the king’s rook into play – justice after the injudicious pawn grab. For the most part, Black did not need to play any extraordinary moves to exploit his lead in development, although I would mention one that was clever: 14...♕a5, preparing 15...♘d4.

Game 13 Maria Schöne 2163 Ekaterina Kovalevskaya 2403

Germany Frauenbundesliga 2018/19 (1)

In many variations of the Sicilian, it is common for White to attack by advancing the f-pawn – see Game 2 Surujhlal–Belous. There are pros and cons in doing so. If the pawn advances all the way to f6, it can be a dangerous spearhead for an attack; or it might be that the f-file becomes an attacking avenue for the rook. On the other hand, advancing the f-pawn can weaken White’s king along the a7-g1 and a8-h1 diagonals; and don’t forget that the second rank is also more exposed, if Black ever breaks through. The e4-pawn is also in danger of becoming weak as it can no longer be protected by a pawn. All this is very theoretical. Let’s see how this plays out in an actual game. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♘c4 b5 9.♘e3 ♘f6 The main line of my repertoire. Here, 10.g3, 10.♗d3 and 10.♘ed5 are the most popular choices, but the game continuation is a solid alternative. 10.a3 By preventing Black from expanding with ...b5-b4, White attempts to keep control of the position. 10...0-0 11.g3 ♗e6 12.♗g2 ♕d7 In my repertoire, I recommend 12...♖c8, but this is also very sensible, claiming control over an important diagonal and connecting the rooks.

13.0-0 ♖ac8 By the way, instead of this, the Bad-Bishop Bounce comes into consideration here – 13...♗d8. The bishop will find a good spot on b6. 14.f4

Good morning, Freddie. Just because the f-pawn’s advance is common doesn’t mean it is good. Black’s kingside position is strong, there are simply no weaknesses, whereas it is White who is actually running a risk because pawns are disappearing from in front of the king. In short, when playing with Black, hold on to what is good about your position (safe king, wellcoordinated pieces, strong pawn structure) and look forward to a stinging counter-attack. 14...exf4 White had a semi-threat of playing the pawn to f5, creating a pawn wedge on the kingside while also closing the centre. The exchange avoids that and looks forward to when White’s centre will be vulnerable. 15.gxf4 ♗h3 Black had two good alternatives: A) 15...♗d8 – once more the bishop finds its way to b6, taking aim at the kingside, an after 16.f5 ♗c4 the knight finds a great square on e5; B) 15...♖fe8 is also sensible. The bishop can choose whether it dips back to d8 or f8. 16.♖f2 White would have done better to play 16.♕f3 ♗xg2 17.♕xg2 to bring the queen to the kingside. From g2 it also protects the e4-pawn. However, Black’s position is still playable after 17...♖fe8. 16...♖fe8 17.♗xh3 ♕xh3 The queen is a thorn in White’s side. The best White can do is go for an exchange – but that leaves the e4- and c2-pawns as targets. 18.♕d3 ♗d8 19.♘ed5

19.♘f5 is better. 19...♕xd3 20.cxd3 ♘xd5 21.♘xd5 ♘e7

Exchanging off the knight emphasises Black’s lead in development: White’s queenside pieces are still on their starting squares. 22.♘xe7+ ♖xe7 23.♔g2 If 23.♗e3, 23...f5 counter-attacks. 23...♗b6 24.♖e2 ♖ec7 Taking control over the only open file: Black is better. 25.♗e3 ♗xe3 26.♖xe3 ♖c2+ 27.♔g3 ♖xb2 28.d4 ♔f8 29.♖d1 ♖cc2 30.h3 ♖g2+ 31.♔h4 ♖bf2 0-1 White’s pawn weaknesses came home to roost. This final position illustrates one of the problems with moving the f-pawn: there is nothing to block the second rank.

If White advances the f-pawn, the stakes are raised, but have faith. Keep the kingside firm and trust in counter-attacking moves rather than defence. A mistake by White can have fatal consequences.

Game 14 Ian Nepomniachtchi 2773 Magnus Carlsen 2861

Abidjan rapid 2019 (2)

This is a wonderful example of the Steamroller. In the Kalashnikov, White very often plays a knight to d5, it gets exchanged and a pawn takes its place. The resulting pawn structure gives White a queenside pawn majority and Black a kingside pawn majority. That’s where the fun starts. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.g3

White has spent so much time moving the knights that to make a pawn move, which isn’t strictly necessary, feels like too much of a luxury. 8...♘f6 9.♗g2 b5 A decent move, but it was possible to play the Poke: 9...♗g4 – however White responds to the blunt attack on the queen, it involves a compromise. Please see the variations in the repertoire. 10.♘d5 ♘xd5 11.exd5 ♘b8

Here is the reason I wanted to show this game: after the exchange on d5 we have arrived at a position with a very common pawn structure. Instead of a piece, White has a pawn on d5, which changes the nature of the position. This is a very common scenario, as you will see through the repertoire. 12.0-0 ♘d7 13.c4 Pawn structure determines strategy. White has a four versus three majority on the queenside and, typically, that is where White will want to generate play, using the space advantage that the pawn on d5 confers. Black, on the other hand, will want to generate play on the kingside with the four versus three pawn majority. As you can imagine, in such positions, time is of the essence: who will power through first? 13...0-0 Carlsen already recognises the urgency of the situation and prefers to complete his development rather than engage with White’s play. Instead, 13...bxc4 14.♘xc4 a5 (to stop b2-b4 and ♘c4-a5-c6) 15.♗d2 0-0 16.♖c1 feels as though White is developing well on the queenside. 14.cxb5

14...axb5 By the way, Black could also embark on kingside play immediately with 14...f5. If 15.bxa6 ♗xa6 and it will take some time before White is able to get play going on the queenside. 15.♘c2 15.♘xb5 would be met by 15...♗a6, winning material. 15...f5 The Steamroller begins. These pawns have a bright future. 16.♘b4 ♗f6 17.♘c6 ♕e8 18.a4

The position is brewing nicely. Both sides have developed their own play: White can be happy with the knight on c6 and is now opening the queenside; Black tip-toes around the knight and has strong centre pawns. Game on! 18...♘c5 A natural move, but the computer recommends 18...bxa4 19.♖xa4 ♗a6 20.♖e1 ♘c5 21.♖a5 e4, followed by establishing a piece on d3. All Black’s minor pieces stand well. Remember, this was a rapid-play game. 19.♗e3 ♘xa4 20.♕c2 ♗d7 21.b3 f4! 21...♘c5 22.♖xa8 ♕xa8 23.♗xc5 dxc5 24.♕xc5 would have swung the game in White’s favour. 22.bxa4 This is met by an unexpected and spectacular refutation. 22.♗d2! is better, when all bets are off. 22...fxe3 23.axb5 ♖xa1 24.♖xa1

24...♗g5! Threatening to take on f2. 25.b6 Nepo goes all in, backing the b-pawn to run, but allowing Black in on the kingside, to some extent. If instead, 25.fxe3 ♗xe3+ 26.♔h1 ♖f2 27.♕b3 ♗b6.

analysis diagram

The rook is great on f2 and the dark-squared bishop – apparently the ‘bad’ bishop – once more proves what a superb piece it can be, controlling an important diagonal, attacking and defending simultaneously. This is a great example of the Bad-Bishop Bounce, but instead of manoeuvring via d8, the bishop got to b6 via g5 and e3! 25...exf2+ 26.♔h1 ♗c8 27.♖f1 ♕f7 28.♕e2 e4 29.h4 If 29.♗xe4, 29...♗h3 30.♗g2 ♗xg2+ 31.♔xg2 ♕xd5+ wins. White’s best is 29.♕xe4 ♗a6 30.♕e6 ♗xf1 31.♗xf1 ♔h8 and apparently with precise play White can hold, but this is somewhat academic given the rough and tumble nature of a rapid game (and indeed this kind of position).

29...e3!! An extraordinary move. Carlsen has judged that his pawns will be worth a piece. 29...♗h6? 30.♗xe4 ♗h3 31.♘e7+! ♔h8 (31...♕xe7 32.♗xh7+) 32.♗g2 ♗xg2+ 33.♔xg2. In this case the knight on e7 defends the d5-pawn. 30.hxg5 ♖e8 Holding the pawn and preparing to take on g5 with the queen followed by a deadly check on h6. 31.♔h2 ♗g4 32.♕xg4 e2 33.b7 ♕xb7 34.♖xf2 e1♕ Magnus has won the race, but is it a Pyrrhic victory? He still needs to quell White’s pieces on the kingside. 35.♕f5 ♕e3 36.♖f3 ♕e2 37.♘d4 ♕e5 38.♕g4 ♕bxd5 39.♘f5 ♕de6 40.♕h5 ♕g6 41.♕g4 h5 42.♕c4+ d5 43.♕b5 ♕xg5 44.♕d7 h4 45.♖f1 hxg3+ 46.♔g1 g6 47.♗xd5+ ♔h8 The fun is over and White resigned.

This is an excellent example of strategy with such a pawn structure. Both sides were intent on pursuing their own plans and neither blinked. Carlsen strove with all his might to push forward his kingside pawn majority, although sometimes it can be worth pausing and seeing what is happening on the other side of the board (see move 18). It took precise calculation to execute the kingside attack, but in general it is important to recognise the broad thrust of strategy and attempt to advance the e- and f-pawns.

Game 15

Nikola Djukic 2531 Zaur Tekeyev 2384

Chess.com Titled Tuesday blitz 2019 (7)

Forked. This game finishes with a common tactical theme featuring Black’s beautiful knight on d4, but the real story is that White was positionally outplayed and cracked under pressure. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♘c4 b5 9.♘e3 ♘f6 10.g3 0-0 In my repertoire I present this as a calmer alternative to 10...h5. It is very much a question of taste which move you choose. 11.♗g2 b4 12.♘cd5 ♘xd5 13.♘xd5 ♗g5

The Breakout Bishop. Positionally, an excellent move: it makes sense to exchange off the dark-squared bishops as (among other things) it might give Black the chance to occupy the d4-square with the knight. 14.0-0 This natural move gives Black an easy game. As you will see later, 14.♗xg5 ♕xg5 is a little more testing as the queen is pushed offside. 14...♗xc1 15.♖xc1 ♖b8 This rook nudge is very often a useful move in the Kalashnikov, supporting the pawn in case White plays c2-c3. 16.♕d2 a5

17.c3 I can understand why White wanted to fight against Black’s pawn on b4, but it leaves positional weaknesses. Let me point out an alternative idea. If White had played the plausible 17.♖fd1, there is a nice example of the Poke: 17...♗g4. White does not want to play the ugly 18.f3 ♗e6, but 18.♖e1 ♗e6 is annoying for White as the rook has been pushed away from where it wants to be – on d1. Not earthshattering, but a nice finesse. 17...bxc3 White faces something of a dilemma: recapturing with the pawn keeps the d4-square covered, but splits the queenside pawns; recapturing with a piece keeps the queenside pawns together, but cedes control of the d4-square. 18.♖xc3 Compromising with 18.bxc3 was better, although Black is fine after 18...♗e6. 18...♘d4

The Trojan Horse. What a beast! Black already has the advantage. Now it is clear how exchanging the dark-squared bishops can help to secure control of this beautiful outpost. 19.♘e3 ♗e6 20.b3 a4 The Minority Attack comes into play: one pawn breaks up the two pawns, making them easier to target. 21.bxa4 ♕a5 22.♕d3 A blunder, but White would face a hard defence anyway even with best play: 22.♖c2 ♕xa4 and the a2-pawn is about to drop.

22...♕xc3 Ooof. It’s not easy living with a knight on d4. Watch out for this tactic, it occurs with some frequency. Think back to the early stages of the (10) Tomczak-Shirov game where the threat of this tactic was exploited, not to win material, but to gain a positional advantage in the endgame. 23.♕xc3 ♘e2+ 24.♔h1 ♘xc3 0-1

Game 16 Jonah Willow 2343 Nicholas Pert 2563

Torquay ch-GBR 2019 (4)

This is an ingenious attacking game. 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♘c4 b5 9.♘e3 ♘f6 10.g3 h5

The h-pawn attack. This is one of the main lines of the Kalashnikov – see the repertoire. I like the fact that it already presents White with something of a dilemma: should he block the pawn by h2-h3 or h2-h4 ? Or ignore it completely? In this game White went for the latter, but whatever the response, Black gets something to bite on. 11.♗g2 h4 12.0-0 ♖b8 13.♘cd5 ♘xd5 14.exd5 The structure changes, but often this can be favourable for Black: the d5pawn blocks White’s pieces, and the kingside pawn majority is a long-term asset for Black – the king is safe behind the pawns, for example. Instead, 14.♘xd5 would be met by 14...♗e6 followed by ...♕d7. With ...♗h3 a possibility, White’s king is in some danger. 14...♘d4 The knight is able to transfer to the kingside via f5, adding a little fuel to the fire. 15.♕d3 g6 Ensuring that the f5-square is still available for the knight and, as we will see, the g7-square comes in very handy a little later. 16.c3 ♘f5 17.a4

17...hxg3 In the repertoire, I recommend 17...bxa4 18.♖xa4 ♘xe3 19.♕xe3 ♗d7 20.♖a3 ♕c8, protecting the a-pawn and controlling the important c8-h3 diagonal, but in this game Black also gains the initiative and succeeds in exploiting the attack on the h-file in style. 18.hxg3 It is always difficult for White to know which way to recapture: f- or h-pawn? 18.fxg3 leaves the a7-g1 diagonal open and Black has more control in the centre. The e5-pawn cannot be challenged, for example: 18...♘xe3 19.♕xe3 bxa4 20.♖xa4 ♕d7 21.♖a3 ♗d8. A beautiful example of the Bad-Bishop Bounce! 18...♔f8 Very sneaky. There is no need to castle: the king finds a safe square on g7 and the rook remains on the h-file. 19.axb5 axb5 20.♘c2 ♔g7 21.♘b4

21...♕g8 A rare manoeuvre, but very cool! 22.♘c6 ♕h7 Right from the opening White’s king is under pressure. Mate in one is threatened. With best play White should still be able to hold the position, but it is frightening to play with the queen at such close quarters. 23.♖e1 ♖b7 24.♕f3 ♗f6 25.♖a8 ♘e7 26.♗e3 The computer thinks that White is in the game after 26.♔f1 ♕h2 27.g4, but to my human eyes, it still looks very scary after 27...♕h4 28.♖e4 ♗g5. 26...♕h2+ 27.♔f1 ♗f5 Threatening a devastating check on d3. 28.♖ea1 ♖xa8 29.♖xa8 ♗d3+ 30.♔e1 e4 31.♕f4 g5 32.♕g4 ♕xg2 Game over. 33.♘xe7 ♕h1+ 34.♔d2 ♖xe7 35.♗xg5 e3+ 36.♗xe3+ ♗g6 37.♕c8 ♕xd5+ 38.♔c1 ♕h1+ 39.♔d2 ♕d5+ 40.♔c1 ♕h1+ 41.♔d2 ♖xe3 0-1

10...h5 is worth checking carefully, looking not just at this game, but also at White’s responses 11.h3 and 11.h4. But remember that if the character of these lines isn’t to your taste, then 10...0-0 is a playable alternative.

The remaining four model games feature 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.c4. This is a relatively common option for White, but it’s one that offers Black excellent counter-chances. Setting up a big pawn

centre weakens all the squares behind it. Watch out for the Trojan Horse (playing the knight into d4, sometimes at the cost of a pawn) and the Hammer (advancing the pawn from b7 to b5 to strike at White’s pawn chain).

Game 17 Giga Quparadze 2506 Richard Rapport 2707

Riyadh Wch Blitz 2017 (16)

The opening starts out as a Sicilian Taimanov, but soon transposes into a normal 6.c4 Kalashnikov. The normal move order is 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.c4 ♗e6, etc. 1.e4 c5 2.♘e2 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e6 5.♘b5 d6 6.c4 a6 7.♘5c3 g6 8.♗f4 ♘f6 9.♗e2 e5 10.♗e3 ♗e6 We are back on familiar territory. You will find this position in the repertoire. 11.♘d5 ♗xd5 12.cxd5

An important moment in the game. This is a common scenario: White plays the knight to d5, Black exchanges, the pawn recaptures and the knight on c6 has a choice: forward or back? It is possible to play 12...♘e7, which is satisfactory, but there is a danger that White will be able to use the space advantage and the bishop pair in the long term. In short, it’s a bit passive. Leaping forward is more provocative: White has difficult questions to answer. 12...♘d4 The Trojan Horse appears again. It is a very common motif in this 6.c4 line as the d4-square cannot be protected by a pawn. 13.♗xd4 exd4 14.♕xd4 ♗g7 What has Black got for the pawn? Dark squares! That wonderful bishop on g7 has no opponent. And don’t forget the open e- and c-files. 15.♘c3 0-0 16.0-0 ♖e8 The first threat: 17...♘xe4. 17.♕d3 ♕b6 Another threat: the pawn on b2. It’s not just the bishop on g7 that has a free run on the dark squares now that one of the bishops has disappeared from the board. 18.♖ab1 ♖ac8 19.a3 ♘d7

The final piece spins into battle. It is already clear that Black has more than ample compensation for the pawn. 20.♗g4 ♘e5 21.♕d1 ♖c4 22.♗e2 ♖d4 23.♕c2 ♘d7 24.b4 ♖c8 25.♕b3 ♖d2 26.♘a4 ♕d4 27.♗g4 f5 28.♗h3 ♖cc2 Total domination. It is fitting that the breakthrough occurs on a dark square. 29.♖bd1 ♕xf2+ 30.♔h1 Or 30.♖xf2 ♖xd1+ 31.♖f1 ♗d4+ 32.♔h1 ♖xf1 checkmate. 30...♖xd1 31.♖xd1 b5 32.exf5 gxf5 33.♕d3 ♘e5 34.♕xf5 bxa4 35.♕e6+ ♔h8 36.♕xd6 ♖e2 37.♕c5 ♖e1+ 38.♖xe1 ♕xe1+ 39.♕g1 ♕xg1+ 40.♔xg1 ♗f8 41.♗c8 ♗xb4 42.♗xa6 ♗xa3 43.♔f2 ♗c5+ 44.♔e2 a3 0-1

Prepare to be bold in the Kalashnikov. Sacrificing a pawn with ...♘d4 can be wonderful if White’s dark-squared bishop drops in the process.

Game 18 Nitzan Steinberg 2553 Ivan Cheparinov 2688

Tornelo Ech qual 2020 (8)

1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.c4 ♗e6 7.♘1c3 a6 8.♘a3 g6 9.♗e2 ♗g7 10.♘c2 ♖c8 11.b3 ♘f6 12.0-0 0-0 13.♗e3

Black’s set-up is my main recommendation against the Maroczy Bind with 6.c4. At the moment, White’s position appears holy and wholesome, but in response Black’s next move is pure evil. 13...b5 It’s Hammer Time. This pawn break is a crucial move in the battle against White’s Maroczy Bind, and is effective in other positions too – see Game 10, for example. If White does not react, an exchange will leave the c4-pawn isolated and weak. If the pawn is captured, the c-file opens and Black will have the option to break with ...d6-d5. 14.cxb5 axb5 15.♗xb5 If 15.♘xb5 ♘xe4 16.f3 ♘f6 17.♘xd6 ♖a8 gives Black excellent compensation for the pawn in view of the extra centre pawn on e5 and the pent-up kingside pieces waiting to join the struggle. 15...♘e7 In the repertoire I recommend 15...♘a7, but this is also dangerous, as the game continuation demonstrates. White’s knights on c3 and c2 are lined up beautifully for the rook on c8. It is difficult for White to control the tactics in such a position. 16.♘a4 If instead White plays the ‘natural’ move 16.♕d2, Black wins a piece with 16...♕c7!. That’s a neat trick. Once that c4-pawn disappears, White’s pieces on the c-file are exposed and vulnerable. 16...♕a5 Another option is to break immediately with 16...d5 17.exd5 ♘exd5. What a transformation. Which side now controls the centre? Once again, we see how the ...d6-d5 pawn break liberates Black’s pieces.

17.♗d3 d5

All aboard at Liberation Station. 18.exd5 ♘exd5 19.♗d2 ♕a7 Black dominates the centre. That’s partly to do with the extra centre pawn on e5, but also the superb minor pieces. White’s extra pawn on the queenside plays no meaningful role in the game. 20.♘e3 ♘f4 Controlling the centre allows you to turn towards the kingside. 21.♗c4 ♖fd8 According to my computer, 21...♘e4 is even stronger, with the idea 22.♗xe6 fxe6!? bringing the king’s rook into play on the f-file. It looks ugly to break the pawns in this way, but the computer lines convince me of the power of Black’s pieces. 22.♕c2 22.♗xe6 ♘xe6 would have been a better way for White to play, although there is still pressure. 22...♕b7 So often a wonderful diagonal for the queen in the Kalashnikov. 23.f3 e4 Open the diagonals! 24.♖ae1 ♘d3 Always good to see an octopus knight causing terror in White’s camp. 25.♖e2 exf3 26.♖xf3 ♘e5 27.♖f1 ♘xc4 28.bxc4 ♘e4 29.♗c1 ♕c6

30.♗b2 ♗h6 31.♘c3

In his eagerness to bring the knight back from the edge, White allows a tactic. 31...♖d2 32.♕b3 Instead, 32.♖xd2 ♗xe3+ 33.♖df2 ♘xf2 34.♖xf2 ♕xc4. Pieces will drop. 32...♘c5 33.♕b5 ♕xb5 34.cxb5 ♖xe2 35.♘xe2 ♗xe3+ 36.♔h1 ♘d3 0-1 Black is a piece up with a continuing initiative. Time for White to bow out.

It is fitting that even at the end Black’s pieces dominate the middle of the board. This game is a wonderful lesson in how Black is able to break down White’s centre with two powerful pawn breaks: ...b7-b5 and ...d6-d5.

Game 19 Viswanathan Anand 2753 Parham Maghsoodloo 2676

Online ol Div Top-A rapid 2020 (5)

1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.c4 ♗e6 7.♘1c3 a6 8.♘a3 g6 9.♘c2 ♗g7 10.♗e3 ♘f6 11.♗e2 ♖c8 12.b3 0-0 13.0-0 b5 Hammer Time. That move! It is so important to break down White’s pawn structure. 14.cxb5

14...♘e7 Another testing continuation for White to handle. 14...axb5 15.♗xb5 ♘e7 was played in Steinberg-Cheparinov (see the previous model game), while 15...♘a7 was my repertoire recommendation (see later on in the book). 15.♗d2 axb5 16.♗xb5 ♕b6 17.♘a3

17...♖xc3 Very bold. Black sacrifices the exchange and wipes out the pawn on e4. 17...d5 18.exd5 ♘fxd5 is also a strong way for Black to play, taking control of the centre very much in the way that Cheparinov did. 18.♗xc3 ♘xe4 19.♗b2 d5 A powerful centre. Black’s plan is to roll them down the board and then turn towards White’s king. 20.♗e2 d4 There are pros and cons to this move. For Anand, the opportunity to bring the knight in from the cold must have been welcome. 20...♘d6 was an alternative strategy, and only then roll the d-pawn. 21.♘c4 ♗xc4 22.♗xc4 ♘d6 23.♗a3 ♘ef5 24.♖c1 e4

25.♗c5 ♕d8 26.♖e1 ♖e8 27.b4 ♘xc4 28.♖xc4 e3 White’s kingside opens. 29.fxe3 ♘xe3 30.♕a4 ♖e6 31.♖cc1 ♕d5 32.♖e2

32...d3? A tempting move, but not best. This was an online rapid game, so blunders, particularly at this stage of the game, are to be expected. Instead, after 32...h5 the machine thinks the position is balanced, for what it is worth. Which colour would you pick? 33.♖d2? Anand is convinced that his position is bad. The correct move was 33.♖xe3! when 33...♗d4 looks like it is winning, but White has an unusual defence that flips the game: 34.♕a7!. 33...♗d4 Black dominates the centre and the game now resumes its course: White cannot withstand the kingside attack. 34.♔h1 ♘xg2 35.♕b3 Instead, 35.♖xg2 ♖e2 and wins. 35...♕a8 It is telling that a player as strong as Anand was unable to control the tactics in such a position. 36.♗xd4 ♘h4+ 37.♔g1 ♘f3+ 0-1

Take a look at the position after 24...e4. Black’s pawns dominate the centre – not exactly what White had in mind when he played 6.c4. Maghsoodloo used the central control to turn towards White’s king and, although there was a hiccough along the way, justice was done.

Game 20 Alan Pichot Anish Giri

FTX Crypto Cup rapid prel 2021 (1)

1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.c4 g6 7.♘1c3 a6 8.♘a3 ♗g7 9.♘c2 ♘f6 10.♗e2 0-0 11.♗e3 ♗e6 12.0-0 ♖c8 13.f3 The e-pawn gets some extra support, but it allows a new possibility for Black. 13.b3 is covered in the previous two games in this chapter, SteinbergCheparinov and Anand-Maghsoodloo. 13...♘h5 14.♘d5 If 14.♕d2, 14...♘f4 comes anyway, as 15.♗xf4 exf4 rips open the long diagonal for the bishop, and don’t forget the check on b6. Conclusion: White should not give up the dark-squared bishop.

14...♗xd5 Giri makes a practical choice and eliminates the knight immediately; however, 14...♘f4 also came strongly into consideration. Another Trojan Horse! A) If 15.♖e1 ♘xe2+ 16.♕xe2 f5 (16...♘d4 is also interesting) 17.exf5 gxf5 18.♖ad1 f4 19.♗f2 ♕e8 and Black has carved out significant territory in the middle and kingside; B) Or 15.♘xf4 exf4 16.♗xf4 ♕b6+ 17.♖f2 ♕xb2 gives Black’s pieces plenty of play. 15.♕xd5 A mistake. 15.cxd5 would have been better when the Trojan Horse pawn sacrifice 15...♘d4 is the boldest response: 16.♘xd4 exd4 17.♗xd4 ♗xd4+ 18.♕xd4 ♘f4 19.♖f2 h5 (19...♕g5 20.♔h1 ♘xe2 21.♖xe2 ♖c1+ 22.♖xc1 ♕xc1+ 23.♕g1 ♖c8 is a good alternative. Controlling the only open file, Black cannot be worse) 20.♔h1 h4 gives good play for the pawn. See Model Game 17 Quparadze-Rapport for another example of the ...♘d4pawn sacrifice. 15...♘d4

The Trojan Horse – I think you got the idea by now. Once again, the knight hits the outpost, supported by the bishop on g7. In this case, White’s queen finds itself in trouble. 16.♗d3 A furious attack is unleashed after 16.♘xd4? exd4 17.♗d2 (if 17.♗xd4, 17...♘f4 wins) 17...♖c5 18.♕xb7 d3 19.♗xd3 ♗d4+ 20.♔h1 (20.♖f2 ♕h4 21.♖af1 ♘g3 22.♗c3 ♖h5 23.h3 ♗e3 24.♗e1 ♕f4 25.♕xa6 ♘xf1 26.♗xf1 ♕g3 wins) 20...♘g3+ 21.hxg3 ♖h5 checkmate. 16...b5!

Hammer Time. Cuts off the queen’s path to a5 and as a bonus breaks down the c4-pawn, as we have seen in other Maroczy games. 17.♘xd4 If 17.b3, 17...♕d7 followed by 18...♖c5 traps the queen. 17...exd4 18.♗g5 18.♗xd4 ♘f4 wins material. 18...♕b6 Covering b7, so that 19...♖c5 is a threat. 19.cxb5 ♖c5 20.♕b3 ♖xg5 21.bxa6 ♕xb3 22.axb3

Black has won a piece, but must still play energetically to bring the point home. 22...♘f4 The knight comes in from the cold and plays a crucial role. 23.♗c4 ♖xg2+ 24.♔h1 ♖xb2 25.♖fb1 ♖c2 26.♖c1 d3 27.♖xc2 ♗xa1 28.♖c1 ♗d4 29.♖d1 ♗c5 30.h4 ♔g7 31.♔h2 ♔f6 32.♔g3 ♔e5 0-1 The knight is held on f4 and the extra piece is secure. Black can force a win by opening the g-file and beginning a checkmating attack with the rook and the minor pieces.

The key points to remember from this game: the outposts on f4 and d4 are ready for Black’s knights.

I could have selected one hundred more games to consider in this section, but it’s time for you to get acquainted with the repertoire.

PART II

The Kalashnikov Repertoire In this section you can find a ready-made template of Kalashnikov variations to follow, saving you the laborious task of researching the raw games and deciding what is good and bad. I point out what is rare, what is common, what one might reasonably expect to face with Black, and at the end of each chapter there is a short evaluation of the merits of the variation in question. That will help you decide which lines to devote most study time to. Naturally, these are my personal recommendations and if something isn’t to your taste and style, then that is quite normal. In fact, it would be odd if everything were to your taste: as you will discover, very often I mention alternative lines and you will have to make your own decision as to which way to go. I am hoping that this book will provoke you into your own way of thinking about the opening.

If you go through the repertoire page by page, variation by variation, move by move, then in my experience you will be unique. At first, most concentrate on studying a few main variations, put those into practice, then use the book as a reference work, looking up the details of variations after playing. That’s the best way: learning by doing.

This repertoire is based on the one that I recommended in my online Chessable course. For those of you that have already been there and are here for this handy physical version, I should mention that minor changes have been made: a few simplifications of variations and a couple of updates, but it

is essentially the same.

CHAPTER 1

A misplaced knight: 5.♘b3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b3

In my experience, this is a common move. I have a feeling that many players have seen in other Sicilian positions that the knight ends up on b3, and so plonk it there through learned habit. In fact, in this case, the knight is somewhat misplaced and Black is able to develop easily and even take over the initiative (if White is careless).

5...♘f6 At this point White has three ways of defending the e-pawn: A) 6.♘c3 B) 6.♗g5 C) 6.♗d3 I will examine them each in turn. 6.♘c3 is the most common move, so that comes first, but 6.♗g5 is better, while 6.♗d3 isn’t very good at all.

A) 6.♘c3 This natural move, played by the vast majority, gives Black a very easy game.

6...♗b4 That’s why Black has no difficulties. There are three ideas behind this move: the e-pawn is threatened; Black threatens to exchange on c3 damaging the structure; and it might be possible to advance the d7-pawn to d5 as Black has neutralised the knight. After this, White is struggling to equalise the position – after just six ‘normal’ moves!

A1) 7.♗d3 This is the move that I often faced in club chess when I was a teenager. In this position, Black has decent prospects if he plays positionally with 7...♗xc3+ 8.bxc3 d6. Perhaps this is just a matter of taste. But I prefer the more straightforward and thematic pawn break: 7...d5

A11) 8.0-0 This looks a bit strange and hasn’t done well in practice. 8...d4 This gives Black a pleasant space advantage. Instead, at first glance 8...♗xc3 looks strong, but White flicks in 9.exd5 ♕xd5 10.bxc3 and in this open position the two bishops compensate for the damaged pawns. Black’s position is, nevertheless, eminently playable. 9.♘e2 0-0 One might imagine that White can attack on the kingside, but that is often counter-productive. 10.f4 1) 10.♘g3 a5 (let’s start some initiative on the queenside. If 11.a4, the bishop can sit happily on b4) 11.a3 ♗d6 12.h3 ♗e6 13.♘d2 ♘d7 followed by ...♘c5, with excellent play on the queenside; 2) 10.c3 dxc3 11.♘xc3 ♗e6. Black is ahead in development and therefore has the better prospects. 10...exf4 11.♗xf4 ♖e8 12.♘g3 Instead, if 12.♗g5 ♗e7 13.♘g3 ♘g4 and the knight may land on e5 or e3 depending on how White plays. 12...♗g4 13.♕c1 ♘d7 The knight will sit on e5 and Black has a positional advantage.

A12) 8.exd5

All my opponents played this – even though it is not the best move. 8...♘xd5 Threatening to take the knight on c3. White should defend the knight. 9.♗d2 ♘xc3 Damaging White’s pawn structure. 10.bxc3 White gains a little time by pushing the bishop back. 10...♗d6 The bishop drops back to an active square and can be supported by the queen on c7, with pressure on the diagonal. Incidentally, instead of the eminently sensible 10...♗d6, my computer recommends the outlandish 10...♗a3. No thank you: I am not a number, I am a human being. 1) 11.♕h5.

analysis diagram

Discouraging Black from castling. 11...g6 (no problem, we can push the queen away and ...g7-g6 is a useful move anyway as it blocks out the lightsquared bishop) 12.♕h6 (White is playing tough, preventing castling. No problem...) 12...♗f8 (pushing the queen away) 13.♕e3 ♗g7 (the bishop has found another excellent post, supporting the centre and even strengthening the kingside) 14.♕c5 (the only thing White can attempt to do is prevent castling, but Black counters this simply. The pseudo-aggressive 14.h4 will rebound on White: 14...h5 – blocking the pawn, that’s the end of White’s fun: 15.♕g3 0-0 16.0-0 ♘e7. The knight spins round to attack the queen from f5. Black already has the initiative) 14...♕e7. Black stands better in the endgame because of White’s chronic queenside pawn weaknesses; 2) 11.0-0 0-0.

analysis diagram

With both sides castled and the middlegame about to begin, we can take stock of the position: what an outcome for Black! White’s queenside pawns are chronically weak. Black has a greater share of the centre with the pawn on e5, and there is a chance to roll down the board with the e- and f-pawns together attacking White’s king. There are over 70 games in my database (November 2021) that start from this position with results massively in Black’s favour. 2a) The queen cannot do much on its own: 12.♕h5 g6 13.♕h6 ♗e6 (before launching the f-pawn forward, it is best to develop the queenside and coordinate. This bishop prevents White’s ♗c4) 14.♖ae1 ♕c7 (Black is ready to advance the f-pawn, with a distinct space advantage. There is no rush in these kind of positions, first control events. White’s queenside pawn weaknesses cannot fix themselves; 2b) 12.f4 f5, preventing White’s f-pawn from advancing, closing the bishop’s diagonal towards h7, and claiming some important central control. Black can look forward to the middlegame, and indeed the endgame, with confidence. This was the continuation of Brkic-Shariyazdanov, Zadar 1999 – see the Model Games section.

A2) 7.♗g5

As Black’s bishop has developed actively, White takes the chance to pin, but this can be dealt with very easily. 7...h6 Problem solved! 8.♗xf6 Exchanging is best, but that is an admission of failure for White’s strategy; 8.♗h4 (inadvisable) 8...g5 (back you go...) 9.♗g3 ♘xe4 (a pawn returns to the bag) 10.♕d3 d5. Black is a pawn up and dominates the centre. Yes please. 8...♗xc3+ Let’s exchange while we get the chance. It is worth damaging White’s queenside pawns. 9.bxc3 ♕xf6 10.♗e2 0-0 11.0-0 d6

If White doesn’t create some action, then Black will play the bishop to e6, put the rooks on the c- and d-files and eventually arrange to attack the doubled c-pawns. Then again, if White does stir up the position, it often rebounds. 12.♕d2 ♖d8 Protecting the d-pawn before playing ...♗e6. What can White do? Pressing the d-pawn gets nowhere. Advancing the queenside pawns doesn’t achieve anything. I know what aggressive players like to do – fling the f-pawn! 13.f4 Are we worried? Not at all! White has just damaged his pawn structure and provided an excellent square for the knight on e5. 13...exf4 14.♖xf4 ♕e7 White’s pawn structure is ragged. That is the real difference between the two positions. 15.♘d4 ♘e5 The knight holds Black’s position together, guarding the f7-pawn and looking at g4, f3, d3, and c4. It is very difficult for White to mobilise an attack on the kingside while avoiding the tricky beast. 16.♖af1 ♗e6 When White’s queenside pawns are split, Black’s plan is usually going to be ...♖ac8 and ... ♕c7 to attack them. 17.♘f5 ♗xf5 We shouldn’t have to live with that dangerous knight. 18.exf5

The best chance. Instead, 18.♖xf5 ♖ac8 and White has no counterplay. 18...♕f6 Securely blockading the f-pawn. Black is almost ready to attack the pawn on c3 with ...♖ac8 and White has to be careful not to fall into a passive position.

A3) 7.♗c4

Rapid development to the most active square is, as usual, the most testing. Having said that, if played correctly, Black has a more than satisfactory position. 7...0-0 Let’s keep things simple and castle. In fact, it is possible to capture on e4. The main line runs 7...♘xe4 8.♗xf7+ ♔xf7 9.♕d5+ ♔e8 10.♕xe4 d5 11.♕e2 d4 12.a3 ♗e7 13.♘e4 ♗f5 which is roughly level. Which option you go for at this point is more a question of taste than anything else. I am recommending castling because it keeps more tension in the position. 8.0-0 8.♗g5 is similar to 7.♗g5 on the previous turn, but there are a couple of nuances that we need to be aware of.

analysis diagram

8...h6 9.♗h4 (instead, 9.♗xf6 ♗xc3+ 10.bxc3 and in my opinion, White is already fighting for equality) 9...♗xc3+ (for the moment, we should resist advancing the g-pawn: 9... g5?! 10.♗g3 ♘xe4 11.♕d3 ♘f6?! 12.♕g6+ – oops. That’s a position Black should avoid. But that’s no problem, we can fall back on our strategy of calmly developing the queenside) 10.bxc3 d6 11.♕d3 (the e-pawn needed protecting; if instead, 11.0-0 g5 12.♗g3 ♘xe4 is a safe extra pawn) 11...♕e7 (so that the rook can move to d8 if necessary) 12.0-0 g5 (Black can safely advance because White cannot bring any pieces to attack on the kingside) 13.♗g3 ♗e6. Black is in control of the game with chances to attack on the kingside or queenside depending on how White plays. 8...♗xc3 That’s the last chance to damage the pawns before the knight hops into d5. 9.bxc3 At this point, Black has a fundamental decision to make: hold the structure with 9...d6 and look long-term to play against White’s damaged queenside pawns, or grab the pawn in the middle. Once again, I think this is a question of taste – both are objectively fine – but I am going to recommend ambitious pawn grabbing! 9...♘xe4

Not only is Black a pawn up, but White’s queenside pawns are shattered. White has some piece play (the bishops look good), but if Black can consolidate, the future looks good. 10.♗a3 The bishops sear across the position: they need to be neutralised. 10...d6 11.♕d3 This is the most common move played here. The knight should retreat, but that is okay: it returns to a solid square. After 11.♕e1 Black will have a little defending to do: 11...♘f6 (a necessary retreat) 12.♖d1 ♖e8.

analysis diagram

Black could retreat the knight to e8 to defend the d-pawn, but I prefer not to go backwards. The aim is to quell White’s activity, and exploit the superior pawn structure. 1) 13.♗xd6 ♗f5 (threatening the pawn on c2; Black develops with tempo) 14.♕e2 a6 (threatening to drive away the bishop with 15...b5; if 15.♗xe5, 15...♕b6 wins a piece because of the pin on the e-file) 15.a4 (luring the apawn up the board is a cute idea: on a4 it is more of a target later on in the game) 15...♕c8 (the queen steps away from the line of White’s rook and sets up the threat of 16...♘e4) 16.h3 (instead, 16.f3 e4 17.fxe4? ♗g4 is winning for Black) 16...♘e4 17.♕e3 ♘xd6 18.♖xd6 ♕c7. Every exchange eases the pressure and with his superior pawn structure Black stands better; 2) 13.♖xd6 ♕c7 14.♕e2 ♗f5, threatening to drive back the rook with 15...♘e4. White’s activity has come to nothing and it is Black who takes over the initiative as development is completed. 11...♘f6 A solid square. 12.♗xd6 Looks frightening at first sight, but Black is actually doing well. Alternatively, the endgame after 12.♕xd6 ♕xd6 13.♗xd6 ♖d8 14.♗a3 ♘d5 is comfortably better for Black because of White’s damaged queenside pawns. 12...♗f5 A little tactic that simplifies the position. If 13.♕d2 ♘e4 wins material; and on 13.♕d1, 13...♗xc2 wins a pawn.

13.♕xf5 ♕xd6

With one of White’s bishops exchanged, life is a lot easier for Black. His superior pawn structure gives him the better chances. The shattered queenside pawns are the big problem for White in this line: once the initiative disappears, Black will always stand better in the endgames.

B) 6.♗g5

6...♗e7 Breaking the pin and preparing to castle. I am recommending this move as it is the simplest response, but for those of you who would like an interesting alternative, 6...♗b4+ is worth investigating. If 7.c3 then the bishop retreats: 7...♗e7 and White can no longer play the knight to c3. 7.♘c3 0-0 Safe and sound. Incidentally, 7...♘xe4 is a mistake in this position: 8.♘xe4 ♗xg5 9.♘d6+ ♔f8 10.♗c4, and Black can barely move. 8.♗xf6 White takes control over the d5-square. No problem! We are used to that in the Kalashnikov. In return we get the two bishops. This exchange is played at the right moment – before Black gets a chance with a trick. 8.♗c4 looks normal, but in fact it allows a trick: 8...♘xe4!.

analysis diagram

A standard tactical ploy. 1) 9.♗xe7 ♘xc3 (Black has to keep taking – the knight attacks the queen) 10.♗xd8 (instead, 10.bxc3 ♕xe7 gives Black a clear extra pawn) 10...♘xd1 11.♖xd1 (11.♗c7 ♘xb2 gives Black two extra pawns) 11...♖xd8 12.♖d6. This is the only way for White to get compensation for the pawn: Black is a bit bottled up, but it is possible to lift the blockade. Enter the king: 12...♔f8 13.0-0 ♔e7 14.♖fd1 (the rook has to be supported; if 14.♖d2 d6 and Black is a pawn up with a good position). 14...f6 (this prepares to break the blockade. Black needs a strong pawn chain in order to set up the trick) 15.c3 ♘d4 (there it is; the connection between the rooks is broken) 16.♘xd4 ♔xd6 17.♘e6+ ♔e7 18.♘xd8 ♔xd8. After that forced sequence, Black still has the extra pawn! With a little bit of care it can be converted into a win; 2) 9.♘xe4 ♗xg5 10.♘d6. Black has won a pawn, but White has managed to bring the knight to a strong position. The good news is that Black can get rid of this beast! 10...♕b6 (the idea of this is that 11.♕d5 can be strongly met by 11...♘b4) 11.0-0 ♗e7

analysis diagram

12.♘xc8 (by this stage, White should grab the pawn back. Instead, 12.c3 ♕c7! 13.♘xc8 ♖axc8, or 12.♕d2 ♘d4! – that move again – 13.♘xd4 ♕xd6 14.♘f3 ♕xd2 15.♘xd2 d6, in both cases with a clear extra pawn). 12...♖axc8 13.♕xd7 (White has won back the pawn, but Black is better developed and can take the initiative) 13...♖cd8 14.♕h3 g6. Black’s plan is to play ...♔g7 and ...f7-f5, exploiting the kingside pawn majority. 8...♗xf6 9.♘d5 d6

Here is a big divide. What does White do with the king’s bishop? 10.♗c4 Supporting the knight. I think this is White’s best move here. 1) 10.♗e2 is too modest: 10...♗g5 11.0-0 (11.♗g4 ♗e6 12.0-0. Up until this moment, we have been following the game Radjabov-Ding Liren, World Cup (blitz) 2019 – a high-powered game – where the Chinese player went 12...g6. But he could have played much more actively: 12...b5! followed by ...a7-a5 and Black has a strong queenside initiative) 11...♗e6 12.♕d3 ♖c8 13.c3 ♘e7 (this highlights the problem with playing the bishop to e2: Black is able to challenge the knight on d5) 14.c4 ♘xd5 15.cxd5 ♗d7 and Black already had the advantage in Gunbayar-Paragua, Tagaytay City 2013. With the bishop controlling the c1-square, Black is in control of the open file and stands better; 2) 10.c3 can be a useful move for White, taking away the d4-square from the knight. It is also sometimes played as a waiting move, preparing some kingside aggression. 10...♗g5. As usual we need to activate the bishop and it moves out of the range of the knight. Here, 11.♗c4 is normal, but occasionally White is tempted to attack: 11.h4. When I see my opponents play like this, I start to cheer inside! In the end, such uncalled-for aggression only harms White’s position: 11...♗h6 (nice and calm; if 11...♗xh4, 12.♕h5 wins – obviously) and what has the pawn advance achieved? Not a lot, though it does make it harder for White to castle: 12.g4. Let’s assume White is going to follow up consistently and throw pawn number 2 up the board. Really? 12...f6 (12...♗f4 is also fine) 13.♖g1 ♗e6. I don’t see how White can make a successful breakthrough and what exactly is to be done with the king in the middle? 10...♗g5 The bishop moves to a strong diagonal. 11.0-0 ♔h8

The king steps away from the bishop on c4. This means that the pawn break ...f7-f5 becomes a possibility (but be careful with this push, it can harm Black’s position by spoiling the pawn structure). The position is very similar to Sveshnikov positions, except that White’s knight stands on b3 rather than a3. 12.♕e2 f5 Black can also play more calmly with ...♗e6 and ...♖c8, but here I feel that the aggression is appropriate. 13.c3 Instead, exchanging avoids the pawn storm with ...f5-f4, but allows Black excellent piece activity: 13.exf5 ♗xf5 (look at those beautiful bishops!) 14.♖ad1 ♘e7 (exchanging off the knight will allow Black’s queen to reach the b6-square – a very tasty spot looking at b2 and f2) 15.♘xe7 ♕xe7 16.♗d5 ♕c7 17.c3 ♕b6. White’s problem is that the knight on b3 is poorly placed. Given time, Black would like to double rooks on the f-file to increase the pressure on f2. 13...f4 Dangerous! Black sets up a kingside pawn wedge, very much like in King’s Indian positions. 14.f3 14.♘d2 f3 15.♘xf3 ♗g4. After exchanging on f3, Black has decent compensation for the pawn by occupying the f4-square. 14...♗h4 With the idea ...g7-g5, ...♖g8 and ...g5-g4. The white king should watch out!

C) 6.♗d3

This is included for the sake of completeness, but moving the bishop out and failing to keep control over the d5-square is obviously inaccurate. 6...d5 If Black can get in this break successfully – great. 7.exd5 ♘xd5 Black has more control of the centre and has a kingside pawn majority that is potentially mobile (after developing and castling, the e- and f-pawns will be itching to advance). 8.0-0 ♗e6 As well as being a sound developing move, this puts a question to the opposition. How exactly is White going to develop his queenside pieces? The knight on d5 makes life problematic: if it goes to c3, it will be exchanged off, damaging the structure. If 9.c4, 9...♘db4 hits too many sensitive spots. 9.♕e2 ♕c7 10.♗d2 ♗d6 11.♘c3 ♘xc3 12.♗xc3 0-0 Black’s plan is clear: to play ...f7-f5, controlling the centre, and to advance the e-pawn.

Conclusion In my experience, most of those playing 5.♘b3 are surprised when Black suddenly seizes the initiative after 5...♘f6 6.♘c3 ♗b4. This line is pleasant for Black. 6.♗g5 is stronger (although far rarer) but these positions are worth examining as exchanging bishop for knight on f6 and establishing the knight on d5 is a common scenario in many lines of the Kalashnikov. For example, knowing whether to play for ...f7-f5 or on the queenside is an important decision.

CHAPTER 2

The unassuming 5.♘f3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘f3

This is not the most threatening reply. Where can the knight go from here? In fact, because it is now Black’s move, it is possible to take the initiative straightaway.

5...♘f6 Simple chess. The knight develops to its best square and attacks the e-pawn. Black is already ahead in the race to develop. White has several ways of dealing with the threat to the e-pawn: A) 6.♘c3 B) 6.♗g5 C) 6.♗d3 D) 6.♗c4 E) ♘bd2 In all cases Black’s position is fully satisfactory.

A) 6.♘c3

A common position. In my opinion Black has good prospects of gaining the advantage. It’s worth comparing these lines with 5.♘b3 ♘f6 6.♘c3 ♗b4 which are also promising for Black. With the knight on f3 White’s chances of gaining counterplay are perhaps even more limited. 6...♗b4 Threatening to take on e4. Black is already seizing the initiative. 7.♗d3 7.♗c4 0-0 (once the bishop moves to c4, it’s important to take the king out of the middle and protect the f7-square; instead, 7...♘xe4 8.♕d5 ♘d6 9.♗b3 gives White too much play. It isn’t worth taking the pawn if the smooth flow of development is spoiled) 8.♗g5 h6 (as usual, it is worth including this pawn move to drive the bishop away from the queenside) 9.♗h4 (9.♗xf6 ♗xc3+ 10.bxc3 ♕xf6 is more than fine for Black: the queen is well placed on f6 and White has nothing to compensate for his poor pawn structure) 9...♗xc3+ 10.bxc3 d6 11.0-0 (11.♕d3 ♘a5 12.♗b3 ♕e7 13.0-0 ♖d8; the d-pawn is easily defended, then Black can follow with all the usual moves: ...♗e6, ...♖ac8, with pressure on the pawns) 11...♘a5 12.♗b3 b6 13.♖e1 ♕e7 14.♘d2 g5 15.♗g3 ♗e6 (when the knight moves from f3, that’s the time to drive the bishop away) 16.♘f1 ♖ac8 17.♕d3 ♖c6, followed by ...♖fc8 and pressure on the c3-pawn. Black has a rock-solid pawn structure and it is hard to see how White can generate counterplay. 7...0-0 Black can also play 7...d5 – see Lusin-Amura in the Model Games section – but I like the flexibility of castling. The d-pawn might well advance two squares, but there is also another plan available, namely exchanging on c3, then playing ...d7-d6 and exploiting the weak doubled c-pawns. Let’s see how White plays and react accordingly.

8.0-0 1) Instead, 8.♗g5 ♗xc3+ 9.bxc3 d6 should transpose to the line that starts with 8.0-0; 2) What about preventing the pawns getting damaged with 8.♗d2 ? Fair enough, but it is passive. Break-out time: 8...d5 (boom! Doesn’t that look good? White’s king is still in the middle – let’s give the bottle a shake) 9.exd5 ♘xd5 10.0-0 (or 10.♘xd5 ♕xd5 11.♗xb4 (instead, 11.0-0 e4 wins a piece for Black) 11...♘xb4 (the knight defends the queen so no discovered check) 12.♗e2 ♕e4 13.0-0 ♗g4 and Black already stands better; the threat is 14...♖ad8) 10...♘xc3 11.bxc3 ♗e7. Black has succeeded in damaging White’s pawn structure and the bishop can happily retreat. From e7 it covers the g5-square, preventing any quick attacks. Black can develop easily, and has a clear plan to advance the e- and f-pawns down the board in tandem. These positions are a lot of fun to play! 8...♗xc3 9.bxc3 d6 I like this simple move. Black has the superior pawn structure and intends to play on the weak c-pawns. Black’s results from this position are excellent. It is also possible to play 9...d5, but in this case 10.exd5 ♕xd5 11.♘g5 is a bit tricky.

10.♗g5 This pin is the only move that could possibly upset Black’s set-up, but in fact it can be dealt with easily: 10...h6 It is useful to flick in this move as the bishop must commit to a diagonal. From h4 it no longer has any influence on the queenside. 11.♗h4 ♘a5 Let’s be direct. Black is either going to attack the pawn on c3 or station the knight on c4. The natural 11...♗e6 also confirms Black’s positional advantage. By the way, don’t play 11...g5. The sacrifice 12.♘xg5 hxg5 13.♗xg5 gives White more play than he deserves. 12.♘d2 The knight isn’t doing much on f3, so it moves, looking for a better circuit. 12...♗e6 13.♖e1 White’s options are limited. If 13.f4 exf4 14.♖xf4 g5 wins a piece.

13...g5 Now that the knight has moved from f3 this advance is possible. 14.♗g3 ♕c7 After the bishop is driven away, the queen is free to move. 15.h4 ♔g7 16.♘f1 ♕xc3 Black is a pawn up and has a safe position. White’s kingside aggression could easily rebound as the rooks can transfer to h8 and g8 very easily.

B) 6.♗g5

The old maxim says, ‘knights before bishops’ in the opening, and I believe it. This bishop move feels premature. Black could just respond with 6...♗e7, but I feel that more aggressive development is in order. 6...♗c5 That’s a nice diagonal for the bishop, looking at the f2-square. White must take care! 7.♗d3 This isn’t really where the bishop wants to be – it’s rather a passive square – but on 7.♗c4, 7...♗xf2+ would win a pawn. 7.♘c3 also runs into trouble: 7...♕b6!. Two pawns are attacked and White must play very carefully:

analysis diagram

1) If 8.♗xf6, 8...♗xf2+ 9.♔d2 ♕e3 is checkmate!; 2) 8.♕d2 ♗xf2+ (Black wins a pawn with a little trick) 9.♕xf2 (instead, if 9.♔d1 ♗c5 10.♘a4 ♕b4 keeps the extra pawn) 9...♕xb2 (Black wins back the piece with a simple double attack) 10.♖c1 ♕xc3+ 11.♗d2 ♕a3, Black is two pawns to the good; 3) Or 8.♗c4 ♕xb2! (can Black get away with this? Definitely! The tactics work as White’s king is still in the middle and the minor pieces on c3 and c4 are loose) 9.♗d2 ♕b6 (the queen MUST get back to safety) 10.0-0 (10.♘a4 is a mistake – it might win a piece, but it leaves White with a wretched position: 10...♗xf2+ 11.♔f1 ♕c7 12.♔xf2 ♘xe4+ 13.♔f1 ♘e7 – gaining a tempo against the bishop on c4 – 14.♕e2 ♘xd2+ 15.♘xd2 d5 16.♗b3 0-0. For the piece Black has three pawns, a great centre and the chance to attack the displaced king on f1. My computer believes that Black already has a winning advantage, and I am inclined to believe it) 10...♕d8. The queen safely heads back home with the extra pawn. Black is better. 7...h6

8.♗xf6 The most prudent option. 8.♗h4 feels dubious as it invites Black to push his pawns forward on the kingside: 8...d6 (no need to rush, let’s wait and see for a moment) 1) 9.♘c3 ♗b4 (the tempo loss doesn’t matter at all: doubling the c-pawns will bring a huge positional advantage) 10.♘d2 (10.♕d2 ♗g4 – the queen protects one knight, but leaves the other, which this move exploits immediately. Black stands better) 10...♗xc3 11.bxc3 ♗e6 12.0-0.g5 13.♗g3 ♕c7. Depending on how White plays, Black has a number of different options: ...♘c6-e7-g6, preparing a kingside assault with ...h6-h5. Or ...♘a5, attacking the doubled c-pawns. Black’s king also has options: considering that the centre is relatively stable and closed, life on e7 probably isn’t bad. Black can also choose to castle in either direction; 2) If White commits the king, 9.0-0 g5! is just right: 10.♗g3 0-0 11.h4 (a crude attempt to attack which completely rebounds, but it is hard for White to find a good plan) 11...♘h5 12.♔h1 (instead, 12.♗h2 g4 13 ♘fd2 ♕xh4 is already winning for Black) 12...♗g4 13 ♘bd2 ♘f4 14.♕e1 ♘xd3 15.cxd3 ♖c8 and Black controls both sides of the board. 8...♕xf6 9.0-0 d6 10.♘c3 White develops in the most straightforward way, playing the knight into d5. 10...♗e6 11.♘d5

11...♕d8 The retreat is best, covering the c7-square. Normally I would strongly consider exchanging on d5 considering that White has to recapture with the pawn (this pawn structure can be favourable for Black) but there is a problem here: 11...♗xd5 12.exd5 ♘e7 13.♘d2 exploits the positioning of the queen and bishop. 12.♗c4 0-0 13.c3 a5 The bishop on c5 is secure on the a7-g1 diagonal and Black has several plausible plans: ...♘e7, contesting the knight on d5, or ...♔h8 followed by ...f7-f5.

C) 6.♗d3

This is a passive stance for the bishop. I am amazed to see from my database that it has been played dozens of times. Any sensible development will give Black a satisfactory game, for example: 6...♗b4+, 6...♗c5, 6...♗e7, but given the opportunity, I believe Black should strike in the middle with the thematic push: 6...d5 7.exd5 ♘xd5 I think this is the simplest move, although 7...♕xd5 is possible with the idea of castling queenside. 8.♗e4 Instead, after 8.0-0 ♘db4 (threatens to take the bishop) 9.♗e4 ♕xd1 10.♖xd1 ♗g4 (Black is ready to play ...f7-f5; if 11.♖e1 0-0-0) 11.a3 f5 (that is the little tactic that justifies Black’s play) 12.axb4 fxe4 13.h3 ♗xf3 14.gxf3 ♗xb4 15.fxe4 ♗c5 the endgame is roughly level. 8 ...♗e6 9.♘g5 ♘c7 10.♕xd8+ ♖xd8 11.♘xe6 ♘xe6 Although Black has jettisoned one of the bishops, the control of the centre and lead in development give him reasons to be optimistic. The threat is ...g7g6 and ...f7-f5.

D) 6.♗c4

White forgot to defend the e-pawn! 6...♘xe4 Take it! White has two ways to try to exploit the loose knight, neither are successful:

D1) 7.♗xf7+ Wins the pawn back but gives Black an excellent position. 7...♔xf7 8.♕d5+ ♔e8 9.♕xe4 d5 10.♕e2 ♗g4 Black has two bishops and a strong centre. Unfortunately he is unable to castle! So we have to tread a little carefully, but rest assured, this is a promising position. 11.h3 ♗h5

Keep that bishop and maintain the pin. 12.0-0 12.g4 was played in an email correspondence game, Shim Ng MinPepermans, LSS email 2014, but it did not turn out well for White: 12...♗g6 13.♘xe5 (this is a blunder! 13.0-0 is relatively better, but doesn’t fit well with the weakening 12.g4: 13...e4 gives Black a promising attack) 13...♘d4 14.♕d1 ♘xc2+ 15.♔f1 ♖c8! (15...♘xa1 would be a mistake: 16.♕a4+ ♔e7 17.♗g5+) 16.♘c3 ♘xa1 (now it is safe to grab the rook) 17.♕a4+ ♖c6 18.♘xc6 bxc6 19.♕xc6+ ♕d7 20.♕a8+ ♔f7. The knight in the corner will emerge and Black is a safe piece up. 12...e4 13.♕e3 ♕f6 This applies more pressure to the knight on f3. Don’t forget that Black can’t castle. 14.♘bd2 ♗e7 15.♘e1 b6 Threatening 16...♗c5. 16.♘b3 ♔d7 The queen’s rook enters the game, probably on f8, and the king can slide gently to the queenside. With the centre and the bishops, Black stands better.

D2) 7.♕d5

That looks serious – but don’t panic! Black has a couple of options, but I believe simplifying into an endgame is the most prudent. 7...♕a5+ This is a matter of taste, but I would prefer to return the pawn and achieve a decent position rather than hang on to my booty and risk all. But if the latter is your thing, then please go ahead with 7...♘d6 8.♗b3 f6 9.0-0.b6 10.♘c3 ♗b7. White obviously has compensation for the pawn by occupying d5, and for a time the king must remain in the centre, but the computer assesses this position as better for Black. 8.♕xa5 ♘xa5 9.♘xe5 ♘xc4 10.♘xc4 d5 11.♘cd2 ♗e6 Material is now level, but with the two bishops and easy development, Black can look forward with confidence.

E) 6.♘bd2

I’m only including this timid move as it gives me a chance to refer to one of my own games. Presumably my opponent was worried about the pin if the knight had gone to c3 – fair enough, but this move, blocking the queen’s bishop, allows Black to take the initiative. I’m not sure why I didn’t play the bishop to c5, it’s a great diagonal, but everything turned out well anyway: 6...♗e7 7.c3 0-0 8.♗e2 d5 At least I understood that I should make this break. Black controls the centre. 9.exd5 ♘xd5 10.0-0 ♘f4

With a strong initiative that I managed to convert into a win in Thorpe-King, London 1975.

Conclusion 5.♘f3 is similar to 5.♘b3 in that Black can achieve a comfortable position after 5...♘f6. If 6.♘c3 ♗b4, with two ideas, either breaking with ...d7-d5 (straightforward) or exchanging bishop for knight on c3 and playing against the doubled pawns. If White plays with 6.♗c4 or 7.♗c4, think carefully whether it is worth taking the pawn on e4.

CHAPTER 3

The ugly 5.♘xc6 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘xc6

My database indicates that this is the fourth most popular move at this juncture, not far behind 5.♘b3 and 5.♘f3. I am amazed! What an ugly move! In general, this exchange is beneficial for Black in the Sicilian, and this position is no exception. Black recaptures with the b-pawn, controlling the crucial d5-square and as a bonus enabling Black to operate on the semiopen b-file. The central pawn majority is a very real asset for Black, not just in the middlegame, but in the endgame too. I only ever faced this early on in my chess career when I encountered players as bad as I was. Of course, the exchange isn’t disastrous for White, but you can already start to question your opponent’s positional understanding ⩲.

5...bxc6 Capturing towards the centre is such a positionally desirable and therefore automatic choice that I have never seriously considered the alternative, but there is nothing wrong with 5...dxc6 6.♕xd8+ ♔xd8. Yes, White has a little initiative after 7.♗c4, but I’m not convinced it is that bad for Black. With so many pieces still on the board, all three results are possible. In fact, my database indicates that those who have headed into the endgame have actually scored well. How you recapture on c6 is simply a question of taste. If you like endgames, recapture with the d-pawn; if you prefer more complexity, pick up the bpawn. Here I’m going to look at five continuations for White: A) 6.♗c4 B) 6.♘c3 C) 6.♗d3 D) 6.c4

E) 6.♕h5

A) 6.♗c4

Classical development. Does White really imagine he is going to deliver checkmate on f7? Probably not, but it is a good diagonal for the bishop and Black’s central pawn push ...d7-d5 has been prevented. 6...♘f6 Simple and strong development is in order. Black doesn’t need to play outlandishly to secure a decent position. 6...♗a6 can also be considered. It would probably come as quite a surprise for many playing this variation. If White reacts timidly then Black can reach a pleasant position. However, playing for the attack is much stronger: 7.♗xa6 ♕a5+ 8.♘c3 ♕xa6 9.♕h5! (9.♕e2 ♕xe2+ 10.♔xe2 ♗b4 followed by ...♘f6 and ...♔e7 is a pleasant endgame considering that Black has a central pawn majority) 9...d6 10.♗g5 ♖b8 11.0-0-0 gives White the initiative, and there is no need for Black to play like this. 7.♘c3 White should protect the e-pawn. 1) Alternatively, 7.0-0 invites Black to ‘risk’ taking the central pawn.

analysis diagram

Invitation accepted: 7...♘xe4 8.♖e1 ♘f6 (8...d5 has been recommended by some, but I will spare you the complicated variations. When the alternative is so good, why bother?) 9.♖xe5+ ♗e7 10.♗d3 d5. This reminds me of the Scotch Four Knights where the pawn structure is exactly the same. But considering Black’s lead in development, this is an improved version.

analysis diagram

1a) 11.♘d2 (White does best to catch up with development) 11...0-0 12.♘f3 ♗d6 13.♖e1 ♗g4. Black has easy development and a strong centre; 1b) 11.♕e2 aims to keep Black’s king in the middle but the plan is easy to thwart. 11...♗e6 will do, but I prefer to push the rook offside: 11...♘g4 12.♖h5 g6 (the rook gets pushed to a really poor square) 13.♖h4 h5 (the knight needs to be defended) 14.♗g5 ♗e6 15.♗xe7 ♕xe7 16.♖h3 0-0. The rook is poorly placed on h3 and Black controls the centre; 1c) 11.♕e1 has a similar aim and allows the rook to drop back to e2 if attacked: 11...♗e6 (because Black controls the centre, it is easy to block the e-file) 12.♗f4 0-0 13.♘d2 ♔h8 (Black would like to play 13...♗d6, but that would allow 14.♖xe6. However, after the king move, the bishop move is a threat, so the rook has to drop back) 14.♖e2 ♗d6 (in any case, this is a useful exchange for Black, giving the major pieces more freedom) 15.♗xd6 (15.♗g5? ♗xh2+ 16.♔xh2 ♘g4+ wins a pawn) 15...♕xd6. Black controls the centre and has easy play. 2) 7.♗g5.

analysis diagram

The bishop move isn’t particularly effective. In many lines White will have to give up the bishop for the knight in order to prevent Black from pushing with ...d7-d5: 7...♗e7 8.♘c3 0-0 9.0-0 h6 10.♗h4 (10.♗xf6 ♗xf6 11.♕d6 ♕e7 – this gets rid of White’s queen or reduces to a favourable endgame for Black (bishops and strong centre pawns). 12 ♖ad1 ♕xd6 13.♖xd6 ♖b8 14.b3 ♗e7 15.♖d3 d6 Junior-Fier, Americana 2012. Notice how White’s knight struggles to find a good square as Black’s pawns cover all the crucial points. A good plan for Black is ...g7-g6, ...♔g7 and ...f7-f5) 10...d6 11.♕e2 ♘d7 (Black has several decent continuations. I like the idea of repositioning the knight and exchanging off bishops to ease the congestion in Black’s position) 12.♗xe7 (12.♗g3 makes life easier for Black: 12...♘b6 (forcing the bishop to a poor square) 13.♗d3 (13.♗b3 a5 is awkward for White as Black has two threats) 13...♗e6 gives Black very easy development) 12...♕xe7 13.♖ad1 ♖d8. I like this flexible move. Depending on how White plays, the knight will move to f8, f6, c5 or b6. In some positions it can be nice to station the knight on e6, looking at the d4- and f4-squares. Finding an active plan for White is difficult considering that the f-pawn’s advance will only weaken the e-pawn and ultimately the kingside.

position after 6.♗c4 ♘f6 7.♘c3

7...♗b4 The most testing move, although there is nothing wrong with 7...♗e7 and 7...♗c5. White has to deal with the threat to the e4-pawn, not to mention the d5-pawn advance. 8.0-0 White has several alternatives at this moment: 1) 8.♗d2 (preventing the pawns from being doubled, but much too meek) 8...d5 9.exd5 cxd5 10.♗b5+ (10.♘xd5? ♘xd5 11.♗xd5 ♕xd5 12.♗xb4 ♕e4+ wins the bishop) 10...♗d7 11.♕e2 0-0 12.♗xd7 ♕xd7 gave Black a splendid centre and excellent prospects in the game Schweitzer-Ragger, Jenbach 2009; 2) 8.♗g5 is an inaccuracy. With 8...h6 Black forces White into exchanging off the bishop.

analysis diagram

2a) 9.♗h4 g5 and after this, the next series of moves is basically forced: 10.♗g3 ♘xe4 (taking the important centre pawn) 11.♗xe5 (White has to even the score, but that opens the e-file) 11...♕e7 12.♕d4 (12.♗xh8? ♘xc3+) 12...f6 (the bishop on e5 cannot move, so White must exchange pieces) 13.♕xe4 ♕xe5 14.♕xe5+ fxe5 and with such a strong pawn centre Black has the better prospects; 2b) 9.♗xf6 ♕xf6 (Black can already be content that the bishop pair has been bagged) 10.0-0 0-0 11.♕d3

analysis diagram

11...♕d6 (a finesse. The endgame is better for Black, and in order to decline, White must move the queen to an inferior square. Instead 11...d6 and 11...♖d8 were also fine) 12.♕g3 (12.♕xd6 ♗xd6 13.♖ad1 ♗c7 followed by ...d7-d6, ...g7-g6, ...♔g7 and ...f7-f5, in some order. Because Black is so compact, it is hard for White to counter this idea) 12...♕e7 13.♖ad1 (if 13.f4?, 13...♕c5+ wins the bishop) 13...♔h8 with the idea ...f7-f5, and the centre pawns, backed up by the bishops, are ready to roll. 3) 8.♕f3 d5.

analysis diagram

Black plays the principled move and claims the centre. White can only avoid a disadvantage by playing precisely: 9.exd5 cxd5 10.♗g5 (this is the best move – and manages to keep the position level; instead, 10.♗b5+ ♗d7 11.♗xd7+ ♕xd7 12.0-0 0-0 leaves Black with a great centre. Or 10.♗b3 ♗g4 11.♕d3 0-0 12.0-0 d4 13.♘e4 ♗f5 and Black dominates the centre) 10...e4 11.♗b5+ ♗d7 12.♗xd7+ ♕xd7 13.♕f4 ♕e6 14.♗xf6 gxf6 15.0-0 ♗xc3 16.bxc3 ♖c8. The position is roughly level. Such major piece endgames often burn out to a draw. 8...♗xc3 I think this is the clearest way to play although I should add that I see nothing wrong with 8...0-0. 9.bxc3 0-0 1) 9...♘xe4?! is a bit greedy. Black’s king is still in the middle of the board! 10.♗a3 d5 11.♗d3 ♗e6 12.♗xe4 dxe4 13.♕h5 and White has enough compensation; 2) 9...d5?! is in this case premature: 10.exd5 cxd5 11.♗b5+ ♗d7 12.♗xd7+ ♕xd7 13.♗a3 prevents Black from castling.

10.♖e1 1) 10.♗a3?! ♖e8 11.♖e1 (defending the e-pawn) 11...d5. What a beautiful centre! White should never have exchanged on c6...; 2) 10.♗g5 h6 11.♗h4 g5! (Black can get away with this advance as White is unable to break open the kingside) 12.♗g3 ♕e7 13.♕d3 ♖d8 (sometimes it might be useful to push with ...d7-d5, but in any case the rook will solidly support the pawn on d6) 14.♖fe1 ♖b8. Black has a pleasant positional advantage. The next moves could be ...d7-d6, ...♔g7, ...♘f6-h5-f4. It is hard for White to find a plan. 10...d5 This equalises immediately, but if you want to keep more tension in the position, then 10...d6 is fine. Black will follow with ...♗e6 and has the superior pawn structure. The centre pawns are strong! 11.exd5 cxd5 12.♗b3 ♕c7

Black has established an impressive centre and looks to be better. White should tackle it straightaway and force exchanges. 13.♗g5 13.♗xd5?! is not as accurate: 13...♖d8 and now: 1) 14.c4 ♘xd5 15.cxd5 ♗e6 16.c4 (the best move, leading to simplifications) 16...♕xc4 17.♖xe5 ♗xd5. Black has the more active pieces. White might make a draw – if he plays well; 2) 14.♗xa8?! is tempting, but actually quite risky for White: 14...♖xd1 15.♖xd1 ♗g4 (this is a destabilising move. However White responds, Black has a line of attack) 16.f3 (16.♖e1 can be met by 16...♕c8 and the bishop’s retreats are all problematic) 16...h6 (before pursuing the attack, Black first secures an escape square for the king).

analysis diagram

This is a tricky position. According to the machines, 17.c4 is the best move (alternatively, taking the bishop is risky: 17.fxg4 ♘xg4 18.♖f1 ♕xc3 19.h3 ♕xa1 20.hxg4 ♕d4+ 21.♔h2 ♕xg4 and Black stands better; or 17.♔h1 ♕c8 18.fxg4 ♘xg4 is also promising): 17...♕c5+ 18.♔h1 ♗e6. Black’s well-coordinated pieces give him the better chances. And if you didn’t like any of that, 13...♗g4 is a reliable alternative: 14.♗f3 ♖ad8 15.♕e2 ♗xf3 16.♕xf3 ♘d5 17.h3 f6. Black has the superior pawn structure, although White should equalise. 13...♘e4 Attacking the bishop on g5 as well as the pawn on c3. White has to simplify. 14.♗xd5 ♘xc3 15.♕d3 ♘xd5 Black has nothing better than to exchange pieces. 16.♕xd5 ♗e6 17.♕xe5 ♕xc2 The position is roughly level. White has escaped!

B) 6.♘c3

6...♘f6 This will most likely transpose to one of the lines examined under 6.♗c4 (for example, here 7.♗c4 ♗b4 is a direct transposition). But there are independent lines; for example, in this position White can pin with the bishop: 7.♗g5 Instead of this, Surujhlal-Belous, Akhisar Manisa U16 ol 2009, went 7.♗d3 ♗b4 8.0-0 0-0 9.f4 – see the Model Games section for a fine example of how Black’s superior pawn structure helped to win the day. 7...♖b8 Good move, exploiting the early development of the queen’s bishop and already forcing a small concession from White. 8.♖b1 8.♗c4? ♖xb2 (the pawn can be safely taken as the attempt to win the rook backfires completely) 9.♗b3 ♕a5 10.♗d2 ♗b4 11.♕f3 ♗a6. White is prevented from castling and Black has every prospect of scoring an early victory. 8...h6

A crafty little move forcing another concession. 9.♗xf6 Maintaining the pin with 9.♗h4? falls into Black’s trap: 9...♕a5. All of a sudden, White is vulnerable on the a5-e1 diagonal. There are two threats, 10...♘xe4 and 10...♖xb2. With the bishop on h4, White is unable to reply with 10.♗d2, so: 10.♗xf6 (Black also wins material after 10.♕f3: 10...♘xe4 11.♗c4 (11.♕xe4 ♖xb2 12.♖xb2 ♕xc3+ 13.♔e2 ♕xb2 wins material with a dangerous attack to boot) 11...d5 12.0-0 ♘d2) 10...♖xb2 11.♔d2 ♗b4. Black wins material. 9...♕xf6 10.♗c4 ♗c5 11.0-0 0-0 With the two bishops and sound pawn structure Black can look to the future with confidence.

C) 6.♗d3

This is a passive square for the bishop. 6...♘f6 7.0-0 ♗e7 7...♗c5 is also good, but 7...d5 is premature: 8.exd5 cxd5 9.♖e1 and it is difficult to hold on to those pawns with the king still in the middle. 8.f4 This is just the kind of advance that I like to see when playing with Black – White thinks he is being aggressive but, in reality, only his own kingside is weakened. Alternatively, 8.♘c3 0-0 9.♖e1 d6 and Black can play ...♗e6 and ...♘d7 to prepare the pawn breaks ...d6-d5 or ...f7-f5. 8...exf4 9.♗xf4 d5 9...♕b6+ 10.♔h1 ♕xb2 11.♘d2 gives White a bit of play for the pawn. 10.exd5 10.e5 ♘g4 11.♕f3 ♗e6 12.♘d2 g5 13.♗g3 h5 with ...♕b6+ to follow, Black has a splendid initiative. 10...♘xd5 11.♗d2 0-0 With the safer king, Black’s position is more pleasant to play than White’s.

D) 6.c4

It looks as though White traded on c6, then realised ‘Oh no – that makes it easier for Black to get in ...d7-d5!’ and plays this panicky move to suppress Black’s centre. The problem is that this pawn move weakens the dark squares (notably d4). 6...♗c5 This bishop move immediately highlights the drawback of White’s pawn advance: there is a beautiful gaping hole on d4 that the bishop can potentially occupy. 7.♘c3 ♘f6 8.♗e2 0-0 9.0-0 ♗d4 10.♕c2 d6 Black has a nice future ahead of him. One possible plan is to play ...♗d7, ...c6-c5, and ...a7-a5. Another idea is ...a7-a5 followed by ...♘f6-d7-c5. One could also go for ...♗e6 and ...d6-d5. All depending on White’s development and your mood!

E) 6.♕h5

A viewer on my YouTube channel suggested this enthusiastically. I can understand the heightened emotion when one goes for a direct attack, but it is hard to fight against the deficiencies of Black’s pawn structure. Besides, there isn’t much for the queen to attack. 6...♕c7 The queen defends the e5-pawn. If 7.♗c4 d5 8.exd5 ♘f6 followed by recapturing on d5. 7.♗g5 ♗e7 Simple development is in order.

8.♗xe7 ♘xe7 8.♗c4 g6 9.♕f3 d5 10.♗xe7 ♘xe7 11.♗b3 0-0 leaves Black with a strong centre. 9.♘c3 0-0 10.0-0-0 d6 This is an orthodox way of playing, but one might also consider 10...d5 11.exd5 cxd5 12.♘xd5 ♘xd5 13.♖xd5 f6 followed by ...♗e6 and Black has a fine queenside initiative. 10...♗b7 is also good, aiming for ...d7-d5. 11.♗c4 ♗e6 12.♗xe6 fxe6 With a rock-solid centre.

Conclusion In these lines, White sometimes gains a little initiative at the start of the game. However, that is usually easy to quell, and then one can enjoy the long-term benefits of possessing a powerful pawn centre. The great advantage of having a pawn on c6 is that it covers the d5-square, so the knight on c3 is unable to leap forward. See Surujhlal-Belous in the Model Games section for a demonstration of the advantages of Black’s pawn structure over White’s.

CHAPTER 4

Menacing...? 5.♘f5 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘f5

Doesn’t this look menacing? Yes! Is it good? No! In a just world, we would applaud moving the knight to this excellent outpost, but instead we can snigger at this futile attempt to upset Black. Launch the d-pawn! Two squares!

5...d5 We can immediately undermine the position of the knight and at a stroke liberate Black’s pieces. With best play from both sides, the position is still roughly balanced, but I suspect that this move is often overlooked, and the shock causes White to make errors. Essentially, White has three options on this turn: A) 6.♕xd5 B) 6.exd5 C) 6.♘g3

A) 6.♕xd5

This is the best move for White, leading to an endgame that is roughly level. 6...♕xd5 7.exd5 ♗xf5 8.dxc6 bxc6 By capturing with the queen on d5, White retains the right to castle. Then again, the threat to the c-pawn must be addressed. 9.♗d3 This is probably the most sensible way of dealing with the threat. White is prepared to compromise the pawn structure in order to relieve the pressure. Instead, 9.c3 is quite an ugly move, taking away the c3-square from the knight and weakening d3. Black should simply develop normally afterwards: 9...♘f6. 9.♗a6 also doesn’t improve the position: 9...♖b8 just means that the bishop on c1 cannot develop.

9...♗xd3 Losing no time and damaging White’s pawn structure. Black can also play 9...♗b4+ 10.♗d2 ♗xd3 11.cxd3 a5 and chances are balanced. I don’t like 9...e4 10.♗c4 which leaves the bishop on f5 blocked. 10.cxd3 ♘f6 Let’s keep things simple: develop the knight and think about the other pieces afterwards. 11.♘c3 ♘d5 The knight stands well in the middle of the board. 12.♘xd5 cxd5 leaves Black with greater central control. If 12.0-0, 12...0-0-0 gives Black potential pressure against the d3-pawn. By the way, instead of 11...♘d5, Black could also choose 11...♗c5 and 11...♔d7, for example. That’s an indication that Black’s position is comfortable. 12.♔e2 Alternatively, if 12.0-0, 12...0-0-0 applies pressure to the d3-pawn. That’s why White’s king should remain in the middle. 12...♔d7 13.♗e3 ♖b8 Black has some pressure on the b-file, a little space advantage, and there is still plenty of play left in this endgame.

B) 6.exd5?!

This is the worst of the two captures. 6...♗xf5 7.dxc6 ♕xd1+ 8.♔xd1 bxc6

White can probably still equalise if he is careful, but with the king stuck in the middle of the board, even without queens, the odds are in Black’s favour. 9.♗d3 A pragmatic move, attempting to cover the king. The alternatives don’t fully solve White’s problems: 1) 9.♗a6 ♖d8+ 10.♗d2 ♘e7 11.♘c3 f6 12.♖e1 ♔f7. Black has a stable centre and a safe king position here. The knight will move to d5, then the f8bishop enters the game. White’s development is far less straightforward; 2) 9.♗e3 prepares ♘d2, but the bishop is vulnerable: 9...♘f6 10.♘d2 ♘d5 and Black will gain the bishop pair and has a slight advantage. 9...e4 Instead, 9...♗xd3 10.cxd3 is roughly level, but I think Black should press for more. 10.♗c4 After 10.♖e1, 10...0-0-0 wins for Black! 10...0-0-0+ 11.♔e2 ♗g4+ White’s king is caught in a storm of checks and the position opens. 12.f3 exf3+ 13.gxf3 ♗h5 14.♘c3 ♗c5 If White isn’t careful, his king will be caught in a crossfire. Black can attack without pressure – after all, these developing moves are very natural – and even if it doesn’t come off, he has lost nothing as his pawn structure is perfectly sound. Watch out for ...♘f6 and ...♖he8+; or simply ...♖e8+ straightaway.

C) 6.♘g3

Not a move that should have us quaking in our boots. I encountered this in one of my first games with the opening, as a pre-teenager. White loses time and fails to challenge Black’s centre. 6...dxe4 Looking at the game a few decades later, I find this a surprising choice. Nowadays I would play 6...♘f6 without thinking, when Black can be happy to have a lead in development. In fact, this position arose in one of the model games: Postupalsky-Burimov, an excellent example of how to use the black kingside pawn majority. 7.♘xe4 Why didn’t White exchange queens himself? 7.♕xd8+ ♔xd8!. This is the most dangerous move, leaving the knight on c6 so that either ...♘d4 or ...♘b4 remain options. Black’s king is safe in the middle: 8.♘xe4 h6 9.f3 (natural development with 9 ♘bc3 runs into 9...♘b4) 9...f5! 10.♘ec3 ♘f6 11.♗e3 ♗e6 12.a3 ♔e8 13.♘d2 ♔f7. Black controls the centre and is ready to develop with ...♗e7 and rooks to the d- and c-files. 7...♕xd1+ 8.♔xd1 ♗f5 9.♘g3 0-0-0+ 10.♗d2 ♗g6 11.♗b5

This is a blunder, but in any case, White’s king is already under serious pressure. 11...♗xc2+ Winning a pawn, and eventually the game, Dimock-King, London 1975.

Conclusion I suspect that most of those playing 5.♘f5 simply don’t anticipate 5...d5, and while objectively the position still isn’t bad for White, the surprise is often too much and mistakes follow. This is not a variation that should detain us for too long.

CHAPTER 5

Too sophisticated: 5.♘e2 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘e2

This is too sophisticated. Blocking the king’s bishop can’t be a good idea. Did the player of the white pieces never learn that time is of the essence in the opening? By contrast, Black’s development is classical and straightforward.

5...♘f6 Threatening the e-pawn. A good start. Black is already ahead in development. There are three reasonable ways of defending the e-pawn: A) 6.♘bc3 B) 6.♘ec3 C) 6.♘g3

A) 6.♘bc3 White defends the e-pawn and takes a little control over the d5-square. There is no immediate pressure on Black’s position, which allows a choice of where to place the king’s bishop.

6...♗c5 6...♗b4 is also possible, but playing the bishop to c5 is the most dangerous, looking down at one of the weakest squares on the board. I sense tricks. 7.♘g3 White had better hurry up and clear the traffic jam. Instead, 7.g3 allows 7... ♘g4 – winning! 7...0-0 8.♗c4 d6

9.0-0 Watch out for 9.♘a4. Exchanging off the powerful bishop would help White’s cause, but the move is fraught with danger: 9...♕a5+! 10.c3 (at this stage, there is no turning back: 10.♘c3? ♘g4! 11.0-0 ♘xf2 12.♖xf2 ♗xf2+ 13.♔xf2 ♕c5+ wins material) 10...b5. The next few moves are forced: 11.♘xc5 bxc4 12.♕xd6 ♕b5 (the knight on c5 is in danger of being trapped) 13.a4 (White has to lash out) 13...♕b6 14.a5 ♘xa5 (14...♕b5 15.♘a4 ♖d8 16.♕c5 is playable for White) 15.♕xe5 (this is a brave move, but it is for the best. Instead, 15.♕xb6 axb6 16.♘a4 ♘b3 wins for Black) 15...♖e8 (the queen is hounded) 16.♕d4 ♘c6 17.♕e3 (necessary; if 17.♕xc4 ♘e5 18.♕d4 ♕xc5) 17...♘g4 18.♘a4 ♕xe3+ 19.♗xe3 ♘xe3 20.fxe3 ♖b8. White has managed to survive the early assault, but Black still has the advantage as the knight on a4 is so poorly placed.

position after 9.0-0

At this juncture, Black has a pleasant choice. 9...a6 is sensible, ensuring that the bishop has a safe place to retreat if attacked by ♘a4. 9...♗e6 is also sound, contesting the d5-square. In both cases, chances are balanced. But there is also a tricky move that heaps the pressure on your opponent. Precise play is needed in order to hold the position: 9...♘g4 Black attacks! The queen is on the way to h4... 10.h3 Hoping the knight will drop back, but a little surprise is in store. Alternatively, 10.♘a4? (White doesn’t have time to eliminate the bishop!) 10...♕h4 (BOOM; mate threatened) 11.h3 ♘xf2 (crash! By the way, 11...♗xf2+ also works) 12.♖xf2 ♗xf2+ 13.♔xf2 ♗e6 (Black wants to open up the f-file which will prove fatal to White’s king) 14.♗b3 ♗xb3 15.axb3 f5 (Black has two threats: pawn takes e4 and also pawn to f4. In both cases the knight on g3 drops) 16.exf5 ♖xf5+ 17.♔g1 ♕xg3 with a winning material advantage. 10...♕h4

11.♕f3 There are two alternatives to this move: 1) 11.hxg4 ♕xg3 12.♗e2 ♕h4. White’s kingside is a little loose, although he can survive: 13.♘a4 (eliminating this bishop is important, otherwise Black’s kingside initiative is too strong) 13...♖d8. Chances are balanced (according to the computer) although in practice I would say White has a few problems to solve considering that Black’s queen is so active; 2) 11.♘ce2?! (defending the knight on g3, but this does not work out well) 11...♘f6 (attacks the e-pawn) 12.♗e3 (instead, 12.♕d3 simply loses a pawn: 12...♘b4 13.♕f3 ♘xc2) 12...♘xe4 13.♗xc5 ♘xc5 14.f4 ♖d8. Black has maintained his extra pawn and has the advantage. If White moves the f-pawn again, the bishop drops. 11...♘d4 12.♕d3 ♗e6

Some development is in order. White has to tread carefully to avoid a swift loss. It is crunch time. Should White take the bishop or the knight? Or something else? 1) 13.♗b3 (a very risky move!) 13...♘xb3 14.axb3 ♘xf2 (having gone forward, Black should not retreat. Besides, this results in a very wild position) 15.♖xf2 f5 16.exf5 (16.♘d1 f4 17.♘f5 ♕g5 is crazy. Black’s pawn on f4 restricts White’s pieces and allows him to pursue the attack, in spite of the material disadvantage) 16...♗xf5 17.♕d5+ ♔h8 18.♕xc5 dxc5 19.♘xf5 ♕h5 20.♘g3 ♕g6. Both sides have chances, but I would prefer to play with the queen: one powerful unit is easier to control than three minor pieces!; 2) 13.♗xe6? would lose! Opening the f-file for Black’s rook is a huge mistake: 13...fxe6 14.hxg4 ♘f3+ 15.gxf3 ♕xg3+ 16.♔h1 ♕h3+ 17.♔g1 ♖xf3. White has to give up the queen or it’s checkmate. 13.hxg4 This is the most prudent and will end in a draw in short order. 13...♗xc4 14.♕xc4 ♘f3+ Black is a piece down and has to force a perpetual check. 15.gxf3 ♕xg3+ 16.♔h1 ♕h3+ 17.♔g1 ♕g3+ There is nothing better, Black has to make a draw.

B) 6.♘ec3

I understand White’s desire to free the bishop on f1, but moving this knight to c3 just creates another traffic jam. 6...♗c5 The bishop hits an excellent diagonal, pointing at f2. This is particularly strong now that there aren’t many defenders on the kingside. 7.♗c4 d6

8.0-0 The careless move 8.a3 was played in Weenink-Sultan Khan, Hamburg 1930. White has taken his queenside footling to extremes. 8...♘g4 (this early attack is incredibly powerful. If 9.0-0, 9...♕h4 attacks h2 and f2, winning) 9.♗e3. Black has a pleasant choice of captures: 9...♗xe3 (this is the best move, although a few tactics have to be negotiated; instead, 9...♘xe3 is the simplest way to play, winning a pawn for nothing: 10.fxe3 ♕g5 11.♕f3 ♕xe3+ 12.♕xe3 ♗xe3 was played in the game, and slowly but surely Black won with his extra pawn) 10.fxe3 ♘xe3 11.♗xf7+. This is White’s only chance to muddy the waters (11.♕d3 ♘d4, attacking c2, is tremendous for Black). 11...♔f8 (11...♔xf7 12.♕f3+ isn’t quite as clear as one would wish) 12.♕d2 (instead, 12.♕f3 ♘d4 13.♕f2 ♘exc2+ 14.♔d2 ♘xa1 leaves Black a rook up – there is no decent discovered check for White) 12...♕h4+ 13.g3 ♕h6 (securing the octopus knight on e3! Black threatens to take the bishop) 14.♗b3 ♘d4 and Black’s position is already overwhelming. 8...♗e6

This is the way to deal with a bishop on c4: offer an exchange that will improve Black’s pawn structure. The bishop also covers the d5-square. 9.♘d2 9.♗xe6 fxe6 would be pleasant for Black as Black can use the semi-open ffile, and can also push forward in the centre with the d-pawn. 9...a6 This ensures that the bishop remains on this excellent diagonal: if the knight goes to a4, the bishop drops back to a7. Apart from that, it may be a good idea to expand on the queenside with ...b7-b5 at some later stage. 10.♗b3 0-0 11.♘f3 h6

An optically normal position has arisen, but the white knights have taken four moves to get to squares they can normally get to in one jump! With two extra tempi, Black’s position is more than satisfactory. Naturally, one has to take into account White’s moves, but as Black I would be considering plans such as ...♖c8, ...b7-b5, ...♘a5 in some order. Or ...♕c7, ...♖fd8. For White, development isn’t so simple.

C) 6.♘g3

The knight protects the e-pawn and the bishop on f1 can enter the game, but this allows Black to liberate himself immediately with the pawn break which should be second nature to every Kalashnikov player! 6...d5 A glance is enough to show us that Black is more than fine. Two words: centre and development! 7.exd5 ♕xd5 Recapturing with the knight is good, but I like the endgame: Black has easier development and greater control of the centre than White. 8.♕xd5 ♘xd5

What’s the plan? Put the bishops on e6 and e7, castle (either kingside or queenside), then advance the e- and f-pawns. White has many possible moves in this position, but rather than look at them individually, examining a complete game is, I believe, the most instructive way to understand this kind of position. Please turn to the Model Games section for a fine victory starting from this position (Postupalsky-Burimov, Tula 2005).

Conclusion 5.♘e2 looks so ugly that it is hard to imagine anyone wilfully playing in this way. Indeed, when I was playing 4...e5 as a teenager, I never faced 5.♘e2. If Black develops sensibly, it is easy to equalise. Given the rarity of 5.♘e2, don’t spend too long over these pages.

CHAPTER 6

The pragmatic 5.♘b5 d6 6.a4 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.a4

A pragmatic move. Black is going to drive away the knight with ...a7-a6 and often follows by advancing the pawn to b5. White’s a-pawn prevents that advance. But the move neglects development and White often gets caught by an early break or a tactic because his king is still in the middle of the board. More than that, very often Black is able to station a knight to good effect on the weakened b4-square.

6...♘f6 7.♘1c3 Overwhelmingly the most popular move at this juncture. According to my database, the move 7.♗g5 occurs less than 10% of the time here. No wonder: it is a curious mix of systems. Basically, it is a Sveshnikov where White has substituted the knight on c3 for the pawn on a4. That gives Black more options than usual. 7...a6 8.♗xf6 (this is quite risky! The most sensible continuation for White is 8.♘5c3 ♗e7 9.♗xf6 ♗xf6 10.♘d5 0-0 11.♗c4 ♗g5 12.0-0 ♗e6, transposing to a system that is covered in Chapter 8 on 6.♗c4) 8...gxf6 9.♘5c3 f5 (this must be the best Sveshnikov I have ever seen! Normally White’s knight is already on d5. In this version Black has far greater freedom of action) 10.♗c4 (‘normal’ moves such as 10.exf5 ♗xf5 and 10.♘d5 fxe4 11.♘bc3 ♗g7 12.♘xe4 0-0 give Black very easy play: two bishops and a strong pawn centre) 10...♕g5 11.0-0 ♗e6 12.♘d2 0-0-0. Tasty! An option which is normally unavailable in the Sveshnikov. Black is massing for an attack on the g-file, has two bishops and a potentially mobile centre. 7...a6 8.♘a3 The knight has been driven back to a3, which means that White needs time to re-route it to a better square. In the meantime Black can develop smoothly. Several standard moves are available to Black at this point, for example, 8...♗e7 and 8...♗e6. But I am going to recommend a finesse that introduces a new tactical possibility.

8...♗g4 This is an excellent example of the Poke. You will find this theme in many different variations of the Kalashnikov and it is a neat weapon to have in your armoury. Compare with Szalanczy-Dokhoian in the Model Games section. White can deal with the attack to his queen in several different ways, but they all involve a compromise, either moving the queen to a poor square, or blocking with either pawn or bishop. We can discount 9.♕d3 and 9.♕d2 as they both block bishops, impeding development, so essentially White has two decent moves: A) 9.f3 B) 9.♗e2

A) 9.f3

A simple block, forcing the bishop to retreat, but this is what Black wants: the a7-g1 diagonal is weak and that can have serious strategic and tactical consequences for White. 9...♗e6 The bishop returns to its best square. What was the point of that little exercise? The a7-g1 diagonal has opened and so often tactical tricks arise because of a check on b6 or c5 (once White has castled). 10.♗c4 White wants to castle and challenges the strong bishop on e6. 10.♘c4 is the alternative, returning the knight to the centre of the board, but, as so often in the Kalashnikov, it is time consuming. Black can equalise immediately with 10...d5, but that leads to exchanges. I think it is more promising to keep some juice in the position: 10...♘b4.

analysis diagram

Once White has played the pawn to a4, the b4-square is available for the knight and this is a great position, looking at c2 and the important d5-square. The c-file is also cleared for action. 11.a5 (White secures a square for the knight on b6) 11...♕c7 (the queen attacks the knight, prepares to activate on the c-file and makes room for the rook on d8) 12.♘b6 ♖d8 (the rook moves to an active square opposite the queen; the pawn break ...d6-d5 gains in power) 13.♗g5 (13.♗d3 d5 would let loose Black’s pieces. The pawn on f3 makes life even more difficult for White as the a7-g1 diagonal is weak: 14.exd5 ♘fxd5 15.♘bxd5 ♗xd5 16.♘xd5 ♖xd5 17.0-0 ♗c5+ 18.♔h1 0-0. Black prepares to bring the rook to d8 and has a beautiful position) 13...♗e7 14.♗xf6 (White does best to exchange off bishop for knight, even though the dark squares are now very weak; instead, 14.♗e2 d5! unleashes fury) 14...♗xf6 15.♘cd5 (instead, 15.♗e2 ♕c5! makes it difficult for White to castle) 15...♗xd5 16.♘xd5 ♘xd5 (the exchange is necessary; instead, if 16...♘xc2+? 17.♔d2 wins a piece). 17.exd5 (instead, 17.♕xd5 ♕xc2 wins a pawn) 17...0-0 (Black has achieved the typical favourable pawn structure: if White has to recapture on d5 with the pawn, there is no pressure on d6, and there is a healthy kingside pawn majority to push – and don’t forget the weak dark squares) 18.c3 (otherwise Black busts open the long diagonal with ...e5e4) 18...♗g5. Because we have induced the pawn move f2-f3, the dark squares are very weak in White’s camp. There is an inviting square for the bishop on e3, and don’t forget the f-pawn is ready to fly up the board. Black already has the advantage. 10...♖c8

The rook hits the semi-open c-file, which is the usual place for it in the Sicilian, and particularly good here as we would like to discourage the knight on a3 from returning to a sensible square. There is no need to exchange bishops on c4 – that would only bring the knight on a3 into the game. 11.0-0 White has two alternatives here – 11.♘d5 and 11.♗g5: 1) 11.♘d5.

analysis diagram

This provokes a fierce battle for the d5-square. Black should respond with 11...♘e7!. Black can get away with this as White’s knight on a3 is out of play and there are tricks along the a7-g1 diagonal. Now White has three options: 1a) 12.♘xf6+ gxf6 13.♗xe6 fxe6 (these exchanges only serve to strengthen Black’s centre) 14.0-0 d5 (centre pawns count! Control the centre and you control the board) 15.c3 ♕b6+ 16.♔h1 ♗g7 17.♕e2 0-0. Black’s pieces are well placed, the centre is strong, and soon a further advance with ...f6-f5 could lead to a kingside attack. The knight on a3 is out of play; 1b) 12.♘xe7 ♗xe7 (the exchange has straightened out Black’s pieces, making for easy development) 13.♗xe6 fxe6 (the exchange of bishops on e6 is often beneficial to Black: the pawn advance ...d6-d5 is easy to implement and White has lost control over the centre) 14.0-0 d5 15.exd5 exd5 16.c3 ♕b6+ 17.♔h1 0-0. Black has a strong pawn centre and the better development; 1c) 12.0-0 ♗xd5 (12...♘exd5 13.exd5 ♗f5 is also possible here – and transposes to the main line).

analysis diagram

White will end up with a pawn on d5, giving Black a favourable pawn structure. Now: 1ci) 13.♗xd5 ♘exd5 14.exd5 ♗e7. (develop and castle) 15.♗e3 0-0 16.♕d2 ♘d7.

analysis diagram

The knight drops back, making room for the f-pawn to advance. The key squares c5 and b6 are covered, making it very difficult for White to advance the queenside pawns; 1cii) Alternatively, 13.exd5 leaves the bishop blocked in and gives Black excellent chances to set up a kingside attack: 13...g6 (preparing to develop the bishop and then to castle; Black is very solid on the kingside) 14.♗e3 h5 (in fact, Black is so packed with pieces that it is possible to start aggressive action immediately. Naturally, standard development with ...♗g7 and ...0-0 was also reasonable) 15.♗b3 ♘f5 16.♗f2 h4 (this is fun! Black claims ground and prepares for an attack) 17.♖e1 ♘h5 (the knight heads for the f4square and clears the way for the queen to enter the attack) 18.♘c4 ♘f4 19.♘e3 ♕g5 20.♘g4 ♗e7. The knight will move back to g7, then the fpawn can advance to drive away the knight from g4. 2) 11.♗g5.

analysis diagram

White continues the fight for the d5-square, but it is difficult to control the tactics: 11...♕a5! (sliding out of the pin and highlighting that White is weak on the a7-g1 diagonal: 12.0-0 ♕c5+ wins a piece) 12.♕d2 (exchanges only strengthen Black’s centre) 12...♗e7 13.♗xf6 gxf6 (necessary, as if 13...♗xf6 14.♗xe6 fxe6 15.♘c4 wins. But the doubled f-pawns don’t harm Black’s position. On the contrary: the f5-pawn advance will put pressure on White’s centre) 14.♗d5 (White tries to keep control of the centre, but as he has given up the dark-squared bishop, Black has plenty of counterplay) 14...♘d4 (all the pressure is on White, and there are plenty of ways to go wrong. For example, 15.♗xb7 ♖b8 16.♗d5 ♖g8 is already very difficult for White to meet; or also 15.0-0 ♕b6 16.♔h1 ♕xb2) 15.♘e2 ♕xd2+ 16.♔xd2 ♘xe2 17.♔xe2 ♗xd5 18.exd5 f5. With the strong central pawn mass, play on the g-file and better minor piece, Black can look forward to this endgame with confidence. 11...♘b4

When White plays the pawn to a4, the b4-square becomes available for Black’s knight. This is an important manoeuvre in this variation. The knight puts pressure on the c2-pawn, and covers the crucial d5-square. More than that, the rook now attacks the bishop on c4. 12.♘d5 This variation has occurred in quite a few games. 12.♗xe6 falls in with Black’s plans: 12...fxe6.

analysis diagram

This exchange is usually favourable for Black as the d5-square is covered. Not only can White no longer land a piece there, but the ...d6-d5 break becomes an option: 1) 13.f4 ♗e7 (Black does not fear the endgame) 14.fxe5 dxe5 15.♕xd8+ ♗xd8 (the Bad-Bishop Bounce!) 16.♗d2 ♗b6+ 17.♔h1 0-0. Black has the better chances because of the more active pieces. The doubled e-pawns are strong: the e6-pawn controls d5 and f5 preventing White occupying them with a knight. The e5-pawn could provide good support for a knight or bishop; 2) 13.♗g5 ♗e7 14.♕d2 0-0 (the king is safe and now we are ready for action) 15.♖ad1 d5 16.♗xf6 gxf6 (that is a strong pawn centre. Don’t worry, Black’s king cannot be attacked) 17.exd5 ♕b6+ (that useful check!) 18.♔h1 ♖fd8 (Black recovers the pawn and is well coordinated) 19.♕e2 exd5. The opening has been a triumph for Black: the pawns dominate the centre, the pieces are well coordinated and White’s knight has been sidelined on a3. 12...♘bxd5 After the exchanges on d5, White will be left with a pawn there – not a piece – and that is favourable for Black. 13.exd5

At this point, all the games that reached this point continued with 13...♗d7 – with decent results for Black. But I prefer the bishop on f5. 13...♗f5 The d7-square is reserved for the knight. 14.♗e3 ♗e7 Black hastens to castle. 15.♗b3 0-0 16.♘c4 The knight finally returns to a decent square, but Black is ready for it. 16...♘d7 The knight covers the b6-square and opens the diagonal for the bishop on e7. 17.a5 ♗g6 The bishop steps backwards, pre-empting a possible f3-f4 and making way for the f-pawn to advance. White has a clamp on the queenside but can’t do much with it. The queenside pawn majority isn’t threatening.

B) 9.♗e2

This is a safer move than blocking with f2-f3, but it does allow Black to break out with ...d6-d5. 9...♗xe2 10.♕xe2 d5 The standard pawn break, and it already feels as though Black has the initiative. 11.♗g5 White attempts to hold ground in the middle, but it doesn’t last. The position after 11.exd5 ♘xd5 12.♘xd5 ♕xd5 13.0-0 has occurred in a few dozen games and Black has amassed a big plus score. How and why? Usually by advancing the e- and f-pawns later in the middlegame or endgame and squashing White. Black has several decent continuations: 13...♗xa3 14.♖xa3 0-0; 13...♗c5; 13...♗e7. In all cases the position is more comfortable for Black, and that is borne out by the results. Let’s follow the most aggressive move, pushing White backwards: 13...♘d4 14.♕d1 ♖d8 (supporting the queen means that 15.c3 can be answered by 15...♘b3) 15.♗e3 ♗c5 16.♗xd4 (White has to give up this bishop in order to develop) 16...♗xd4 17.♕e2 0-0 18.c3 ♗c5 19.♖fd1 ♕e6 with greater control in the centre; Black has the slightly better chances.

11...dxe4 This is the most straightforward way to play: Black will develop speedily. 12.♘xe4 ♕a5+ Slipping out of the pin with a check, and perhaps looking to take the pawn on a4. 13.c3 Instead, 13.♗d2 ♕xa4 is a sound extra pawn for Black. 13...♘xe4 The knight was threatened: 13...♕xa4? 14.♗xf6 would have been catastrophic for Black. 14.♕xe4 ♗xa3 Before the knight gets a chance to enter the game on c4, it is eliminated, and White’s rook is displaced at the edge of the board. 15.♖xa3 0-0 16.0-0 f5 The Steamroller – see numerous examples in the Model Games section. Black goes on the attack with the e- and f-pawns leading the way – a common and successful strategy in the Kalashnikov. 17.♕c4+ ♔h8 18.b4 ♕c7 Black can look forward with confidence as he controls the centre and has a strong attack.

Conclusion

6.a4 is an attempt to gain some positional control over the queenside, but 6...♘f6 7.♘1c3 a6 8.♘a3 ♗g4! exploits the slow nature of White’s strategy and introduces the possibility of the dynamic pawn break ...d6-d5, and lively piece play – the c6-knight often ends up on d4 or b4. These lines are good fun for Black.

CHAPTER 7

A bad Sveshnikov: 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗e3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗e3

According to my database (November 2021), 6.♗e3 has only been played 386 times: quite rare compared to 6.♘1c3 (10,148) and 6.c4 (5,882). Yet, from the Taimanov Sicilian, this position is relatively common: 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 e6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 ♘c6 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗f4 e5 7.♗e3. Same position, but with an extra move for both sides! In any case, I don’t believe this line is troublesome for Black as White often moves the bishop again to g5 and that is time-consuming. Speedy development is of the essence in the opening (or it should be).

6...♘f6 Threatening the e-pawn. 7.♗g5 Instead, 7.♘1c3 leads to a normal Sveshnikov position except that White’s bishop is on e3 rather than g5. That can only help Black: 7...a6 8.♘5a3 b5 9.♘d5 (Black would like to play 9...♘xe4, but then 10.♗b6 and 11.♘c7+) 9...♖b8.

analysis diagram

The rook covers the b6-square and now ...♘xe4 is threatened. 10.♘xf6+ (instead, 10.♗g5 ♗e7 and White is a whole tempo down on a Sveshnikov. In this case 10...♖b8 is the extra move – which is very useful!) 10....♕xf6

analysis diagram

Quite a few games have reached this position with 11.♗e2 being the main move. 1) Alternatively, if 11.c4 b4 12.♘c2 (12.♘b1 you will find in the Model Games section – Szalanczy-Dokhoian), 12...♕g6 seizes the initiative for Black. The queen attacks the e-pawn and keeps an eye on g2, hindering White’s development: 13.f3 ♗e7. Black follows by castling and already has a little initiative; 2) 11.♗e2. Unpretentious development. One could respond in kind with 11...♗e7, ...♗e6, ...0-0, with a wholly satisfactory position, but let’s be a little more ambitious: 11...♘d4. The aim is simple: to gain the bishop pair. The only downside to this move is that kingside development is neglected. But White has also taken liberties and isn’t in a position to exploit this foray: 12.♗xd4 (12.♗g4? ♕g6 is great for Black; and 12.0-0 ♘xe2+ 13.♕xe2 ♕g6 14.f3 ♗e7, followed by ...0-0 and if possible ...f7-f5, is also satisfactory) 12...exd4 13.0-0 g6.

analysis diagram

This gives Black the option to play the bishop to g7 or h6, depending on circumstances. White struggles to find a good plan here for two reasons: the knight needs to be brought back into play and that costs time; if the position opens, Black’s bishop pair will fly. 14.♗d3 (blockading the d-pawn is the most prudent, otherwise ...d4-d3 and breaking through on b2 is a permanent option) 14...♗g7 15.f4 (Black should not panic about this advance. If the pawn advances to f5, the e5- and e3-squares become available for Black. White’s lack of a dark-squared bishop makes itself felt) 15...0-0 16.♘b1 (White does best to bring the knight into play. If 16.f5 gxf5 17.exf5 ♗h6!; one bishop lands on e3, the other on the long diagonal, and White’s kingside gets cut to shreds) 16...♖e8 17.♘d2 ♗d7. Black’s next moves will be to double rooks on the e-file and play the bishop to c6. A tense situation has arisen where White has to take care not to open the position. 7...♗e6 At this point White has three main continuations: A) 8.♘d2 B) 8.c4 C) 8.♗xf6

A) 8.♘d2

This is the main idea of the variation: instead of playing the knight to c3 which means that the knight on b5 has to retreat to the poor square a3, the knight moves to d2, leaving the c3-square free. Very neat, but considering the number of knight moves White has made, not to mention ♗c1-e3-g5, this is hardly the most efficient method of development. Just by way of comparison, if instead 8.♘1c3 a6 9.♘a3 b5 10.♘d5, White is a whole tempo down on a normal Sveshnikov position (Black’s bishop on e6 is the extra move). 8...♗e7 9.♗xf6 If White does not exchange, Black has a very easy game. For example, if 9.♗c4, 9...d5 equalises immediately. 9...♗xf6 10.♘c4

This has been a fairly popular line (in my database there were around 30 games that reached this position). The d-pawn is doomed, but count how many knight moves White has made to reach this position – five. That is out of balance with the natural laws of the game and Black, with a lead in development and two beautiful bishops, can gain excellent compensation. In fact, given the risks that White is taking, it’s a mystery to me why this has been so popular. 10...0-0 Black’s king is safe – unlike its counterpart. 11.♕xd6 Instead, 11.♘bxd6 ♕e7 (threatening 12...♖d8) 12.♘f5 ♗xf5 13.exf5 ♖ad8 14.♕g4 e4, with the idea ...♕b4+ (among others) is good for Black. And 11.♘cxd6 ♕b6 is even worse. 11...♕c8 This is the most dangerous way to play, stepping aside so that the rook can come to d8 to attack the queen. White must already take great care if he is to emerge unscathed from the opening. 12.c3 This is necessary. Instead, if White plays a ‘normal’ developing move such as 12.♗d3, then 12...♗xc4 13.♗xc4 a6 14.♘a3 ♖d8 15.♕c5 ♗e7 16.♕e3 ♘d4 gives Black a dangerous initiative. 12...♖d8 12...♗e7 has also been played here, and the lines often transpose. Playing the rook to d8 gives White fewer options as the queen should move to c7. 13.♕c7

13.♕c5? is a mistake: 13...♗e7 14.♕e3 ♘b4. The lines are opening and Black has a beautiful attack. White’s king will do well to survive.

13...♗e7 Playing the bishop back appears odd, but it blocks the seventh rank and prepares to exchange on c4. 14.♕xc8 This is a prudent choice. White needs to reduce the danger. Having said that, even without queens, the situation is perilous. 14.♗e2?! is a mistake: 14...♗xc4 15.♗xc4 a6. In this case, everything works for Black because the seventh rank is blocked, so White cannot capture on f7: 16.♕xc8 ♖axc8 17.♘a3 ♗xa3 (17...♘d4 is also promising) 18.bxa3 ♘d4 19.♗xf7+ (instead, 19.cxd4 ♖xc4 is even worse for White) 19...♔xf7 20.cxd4 ♖xd4 21.0-0 ♖xe4. The active rooks give Black a clear advantage in the endgame. 14...♖axc8 15.♘ba3 Retreating isn’t very desirable, particularly when White hasn’t yet developed, but this is necessary. Instead, if 15.♘e3, 15...a6 16.♘a3 ♗xa3 17.bxa3 ♘a5 regains the pawn with interest.

15...♘b8 A remarkably cool move, and I must admit this is a computer suggestion. Instead, the more straightforward 15...♘d4 has been played, which certainly presents White with some difficult questions to answer. However, with best play White should survive (I’ll leave that to you to investigate on your own!). 16.♗e2 Finally, White starts to develop his kingside. Instead, 16.♘xe5 ♗xa3 17.bxa3 ♖xc3 and Black will get the pawn back (at least). 16...f6 Another cool move. White cannot bring the king to safety, so Black can take time to make some solid moves before driving forward. If 17.0-0, 17...♗xa3 18.♘xa3 ♖d2 is better for Black. In which case, what can White do? On the other hand, Black can improve gradually: ...♘d7, then ...a7-a6 and ...b7-b5, and if possible ...♘c5. It is not easy for White to develop properly without dropping a pawn, and that would spell trouble.

B) 8.c4

I find the combination of c2-c4 and ♗g5 odd. If White is going to exchange the bishop for knight on f6, then there is a massive gaping hole ready for Black’s knight to leap into. 8...♗e7 There is no need to push the knight yet. 9.♘1c3 It is wise for White to avoid the exchange on f6. But that does mean that the foray with the bishop to g5 was ineffective. As usual, the early pawn grab by White is inadvisable: 9.♗xf6 ♗xf6.

analysis diagram

There is no need to damage the structure. In fact, White is taking quite a risk by grabbing the d-pawn considering that it gives Black a huge lead in development and the dark squares are chronically weak. 10.♕xd6 (10.♘xd6+ would be worse: 10...♔e7 11.♘b5 ♕xd1+ 12.♔xd1 ♖ad8+ 13.♔c2 ♗g5, and White’s development is not simple) 10...♕xd6 11.♘xd6+ ♔e7 12.♘b5 (why did the c-pawn advance? Look how Black can use those weakened squares on b4, d4, not to mention d2) 12...♘b4 13.♘1a3 ♖ad8 14.♘c3 (14.♘xa7 ♖d4 15.f3 ♗g5, followed by ...♖d2, is too dangerous for White) 14...♖d4 15.♗e2 ♖hd8 (notice how Black’s pieces are operating on the dark squares – a consequence of White exchanging off the dark-squared bishop a long time ago) 16.0-0 (instead, if 16.♘d5+ ♗xd5 17.exd5 a6 it is still very difficult to shake Black’s grip) 16...♖d2. Black has good compensation for the pawn. 9...0-0 10.♗e2 a6 11.♘a3 We are following a game Leko-Grischuk, Beijing blitz 2013. In this position the Russian exploited a typical tactical weakness of the bishop on g5: 11...♘xe4 12.♗xe7 White is in trouble. Instead, 12.♘xe4 ♗xg5 13.♘xd6 ♕a5+ followed by 14...♖fd8 wins for Black. Or 13.♕xd6 ♕a5+ 14.♔f1 ♗e7 15.♕d2 ♗b4 gives Black a tremendous initiative. 12...♘xc3 13.♗xd8 ♘xd1 14.♗c7 ♘xb2 15.♗xd6 ♖fd8 16.c5 ♘a4 With a clear extra pawn for Black.

C) 8.♗xf6

White breaks up Black’s pawns, but do not fear! The centre pawns are a great asset, and don’t forget those fantastic bishops too. 8...gxf6 9.♘d2 a6 10.♘c3 f5

Comparing this with similar Sveshnikov positions, White’s pieces are more modestly placed and Black hasn’t compromised his queenside pawns. 11.exf5 Alternatively, 11.♗c4: Black’s bishop pair is a potent long-term asset, so exchanging the bishops looks to be a prudent course of action. However, it gives Black the opportunity to take the initiative: 11...♕g5 (attacking the gpawn and preparing to castle queenside) 12.0-0 0-0-0. With kings on opposite wings, a full-blooded fight is in store. 11...♗xf5 12.♘d5 ♗g7 Don’t those bishops look good? 13.♘c4 0-0 14.c3 ♗e6 The bishop pre-empts an attack with ♘e3, challenges the knight, and makes way for the f-pawn. Strangely, if 14...b5 15 ♘ce3 ♗e6 there is a transposition to a line of the Sveshnikov where hundreds of games have been played (and it also has a good reputation for Black!). However, I see no reason to push White’s knight to a better square. 15.♘cb6 ♖b8 16.♗c4 e4 Making room for the knight to move to e5. Instead, 16...f5 17.♘e3 allows Black to exchange bishops and puts pressure on the d6-pawn. 17.0-0 ♘e5 That knight has great range, looking at different parts of the board and, crucially, the kingside. 18.♗b3 ♕h4

Black has the makings of a strong attack on the kingside.

Conclusion 6.♗e3 is a rare move, and with good reason. To my eyes it feels like an inferior version of the Sveshnikov for White. All the usual rules apply: develop quickly and hope that your opponent grabs the d6-pawn!

CHAPTER 8

A traffic jam: 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗c4 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗c4

A classical move. The diagonal is open and the bishop occupies it. White also prepares to castle at the earliest opportunity. All very straightforward: he is not going to get caught with the king in the middle as in other variations. However, there is a drawback.

6...a6 Pushing the knight back immediately creates a traffic jam. White’s pieces tread on each other’s toes. 7.♘5c3 ♘f6 8.♗g5 White needs to occupy the d5-square with the knight to unblock his minor pieces. Therefore the knight on f6 gets exchanged off. 8...♗e7 The bishop develops and Black prepares to castle. All as normal. 9.♗xf6 White could castle first, but this is the most consistent, looking to occupy d5 immediately. In fact, after 9.0-0 0-0 10.♗xf6 we would transpose to our main line. 9...♗xf6

10.0-0 Move order here is flexible. I am going to take 10.0-0 as the main move, but naturally White could play 10.♘d5 first. In the vast majority of cases, a transposition occurs as White has to castle kingside. 10.♘d5 0-0 11.a3. Castling would transpose into our main line, but Nigel Short once played this plan of tucking away the bishop on a2. 11...♗g5 (the bishop cannot be challenged on this diagonal, so this is a powerful piece) 12.0-0 ♗e6 (starting the process of challenging the knight on d5) 13.♘d2 ♖c8 (the rook moves to the semi-open file which practically forces the bishop back to the side of the board) 14.♗a2

analysis diagram

14...♔h8 (instead, in the game Short-Ivanchuk, Monaco rapid 1993, Black played 14...♗xd2 15.♕xd2 ♘e7 16.c3 ♗xd5 17.♗xd5 ♘xd5 18.♕xd5 ♕b6, which is a level position. A very responsible way of playing, but Black can play more ambitiously) 15.c3 g6 (preparing to advance the f-pawn; we want to have the option of recapturing with the g-pawn) 16.♘f3 ♗h6 (that’s an important piece, we should remove it from the range of the knight) 17.♖e1 f5. Black has pressure on the centre and potential to attack on the kingside. 10...0-0 11.♘d5 ♗g5

This is an important moment in the variation when White has to decide what to do on the queenside. Although White has firm control over the d5-square, the problem is that it is too firm! The knight on d5 actually blocks the other two minor pieces. Black’s bishop on g5 plays a key role in this position: it is unopposed and controls important squares in the heart of White’s position. 12.a4 Preventing expansion with ...b7-b5 and preparing a home for the bishop on a2. Here’s what happens if White decides not to move the a-pawn: 12.♘bc3 b5! (White has carelessly allowed Black to expand on the queenside; this is classic Sicilian play, beginning an attack on the c-file) 13.♗b3 ♗e6 (we shouldn’t forget our development) 14.♕d3 ♖c8 (play starts on the c-file) 15.♖ad1 ♘a5. The knight has the option to exchange on b3 or hop into c4 with excellent counterplay. 12...♗e6 Sound development, putting pressure on the knight and preparing ...♖c8. 13.♘bc3 ♖c8 Rooks belong on open files (and semi-open files, but that’s less catchy). 14.♗a2 The bishop moves away from the rook. 14...♔h8 The first step in preparing to advance the f-pawn. The king moves away from the beam of the bishop on a2, avoiding tactics. 15.♕d3 ♗h6

This pre-empts White’s f-pawn advance and gives Black’s queen a route to the kingside. 16.♖ad1 g6 This aims to support the pawn push ...f7-f5 – Black would like to recapture on f5 with the g-pawn to preserve a strong centre. 17.♘e2 Preventing Black’s knight from leaping into d4. 17...♕h4

The queen is an irritant for White. There is a bit of pressure on the e4- and f2pawns and attacking the queen with g2-g3 weakens the kingside. The pawn advance ...f7-f5 is finally ready, with good counterplay.

Conclusion Moving the bishop to c4 looks sound, but it creates a traffic jam: the two knights and the bishop get in each other’s way and it isn’t easy for White to attack the d6-pawn. In this main line Black can achieve good counterplay with the two bishops and there is potential to attack on the kingside. However, resist playing ...f7-f5 too early as that gives White’s minor pieces something to do!

CHAPTER 9

A mini traffic jam: 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘5c3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘5c3

White aims to get the knight to d5, but in so doing creates a mini traffic jam. Moving this knight again is very time-consuming and therefore, just on general opening principles, it is not the most challenging variation. Black’s strategy is often very similar to 6.♗c4 and 6.a4 and play can indeed transpose to those lines.

6...♘f6 There is no need for Black to be too creative here. A normal developing move is in order and the knight move does prevent White playing 7.♘d5? because of 7...♘xe4. Therefore 7.♗g5 is necessary. 7.♗g5 ♗e7 Breaking the pin and preparing to castle. 8.♗xf6 Instead, 8.♗c4 0-0 9.♗xf6 ♗xf6 10.♘d5 will transpose to line C below. 8...♗xf6 9.♘d5

White carries through the plan of establishing the knight on d5 and clears the blockage of pieces on the queenside. 9...0-0 10.♘bc3 ♗e6 This move order is precise. I instinctively want to move the bishop to g5, but playing it there before White has castled invites pawn to h4. We are also setting a trap for White: want to grab a pawn? If not, then White has to decide how to develop the king’s bishop. Moving to d3 blocks the d-file. Moving to e2 is in range of the knight moving to d4. So here are the three main options: A) 11.♘xf6+ B) 11.g3 C) 11.♗c4

A) 11.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 12.♕xd6

As is so often the case, this early snaffle is perilous. 12...♖fd8 Hit! 13.♕c5 ♘d4 Hit! 14.♗d3 Instead, 14.♖c1 ♕f4 already wins for Black! 14...b6 Hit! I’m sure you get the idea by now. With every move Black gains time by attacking. 15.♕b4 ♕g5

Black has several strong moves, but this is the most direct. 1) If 16.0-0, 16...♘f3+ 17.♔h1 ♕h5 forces checkmate; or 2) 16.g3 ♘f3+ 17.♔e2 ♖xd3 18.cxd3 ♘d4+ and Black wins; 3) 16.h4 ♘xc2+ 17.♗xc2 ♕d2+ 18.♔f1 ♕xc2 gives Black a winning initiative. 16.♔f1 An unpleasant move to have to make, but actually the best. Because of the displaced king, Black has more than enough compensation for the pawn. 16...♖ac8 Breaking free from this position is very difficult for White: the queen is out of play, the rooks are split, and the king is vulnerable. For example, if 17.h4 ♕f6 18.♔g1 ♘xc2 19.♗xc2 ♖d2, Black wins back the piece with a huge advantage.

B) 11.g3

Considering that White has already taken so much time playing around with the knights, spending another move (without reason) to bring the bishop into play is pushing the rules. 11...♘d4 The knight covers the d-file and starts to target the c2-square. Black can take the initiative as White is still concerned with his development. 12.♗g2 ♖c8 The c3-knight is nailed to its spot. 13.0-0 ♗xd5 White is unable to recapture with the knight because the c2-pawn hangs (14.♘xd5 ♖xc2). 14.exd5 This is the pawn structure that we want to see when playing with Black: the pressure is off the pawn on d6 and White can no longer use the d5 outpost for a piece. 14...g6 Black already has the better chances. The bishop steps safely back to g7, and then Black has a choice whether to pursue an attack on the kingside with ...f7-f5, or on the queenside with ...b7-b5.

C) 11.♗c4

Standard development is best. 11...♖c8 Aiming at the bishop and setting up pressure on the c-file. 12.0-0 a6 Threatening to expand on the queenside. White should close down that possibility. There is another promising continuation: Diaz Diaz-Imanaliev, Frunze 1989, continued 12...♗g5 (it is hard to resist a Breakout Bishop) 13.♕d3? ♘b4! (if 14.♕e2, 14...♘xc2 wins a pawn) 14.♘xb4 ♗xc4 15.♕d1 ♗xf1 16.♕xf1 ♕b6 and White was down an exchange with a poor position. Instead, 13.♗b3 a6 14.a4 ♘d4 with the initiative. 13.a4 Or 13.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 14.♗xe6 fxe6 (covering the d5-square, so White’s knight has no forward option; if 15.♕d3 ♘d4) 15.♕xd6 ♖cd8 16.♕c5 ♖d2 gives Black a strong initiative. 13...♗g5 This position can also be reached via the 6.♗c4 variation and I refer you to the previous chapter to see how play might develop. But to sum up, with the two bishops and an active position Black is comfortable.

Conclusion 6.♘5c3 will not give you sleepless nights. Lines are often similar to those arising from 6.a4 and 6.♗c4. Move order for both sides is flexible, therefore memorising variations becomes difficult and perhaps not that helpful. Instead, I recommend building an understanding of the key ideas, particularly

in the positions where White exchanges his bishop for the knight on f6 so as to plant the knight on d5. This situation is played out in the Kalashnikov very often.

CHAPTER 10

The gentle 5.♘b5 d6 6.g3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.g3

A gentle continuation. Whether the bishop is well placed on g2 is debatable. But one thing is certain: to get it there takes a pawn move, and that slows up White’s development. Combined with the errant knight on b5, it feels as though too many liberties are being taken. Black has a wide choice of options, but I favour one that tries to exploit White’s lag in development.

6...♗e7 This comes first. Instead, if 6...♘f6, 7.♗g5 is a bit annoying. 7.♗g2 ♘f6 Standard development. The knight is on its best square, fighting for control over e4 and d5. I am going to take the natural move 8.0-0 as the main line, but for the sake of completeness, we should consider a couple of alternatives: 8.h3 and 8.c4. If you actually get one of these in a game it will be miraculous, but let’s look at them anyway: the range of strategies available to Black is noteworthy.

A) 8.h3

Preventing ...♗g4 (see the main line). A tidy move, but another pawn move, meaning that White falls a little further behind in development. Black can use the time to expand on the queenside: 8...a6 9.♘5c3 b5 This expansion feels appropriate considering that White has consumed so much time (g2-g3, ♗g2, h2-h3), and also that the king’s bishop no longer stands on the f1-a6 diagonal. 10.0-0 0-0 11.♗e3 The bishop is able to develop to this stable square as ...♘g4 is no longer possible. 11...♘a5

We can see how the absence of the bishop on the f1-a6 diagonal allows Black to generate counterplay on the queenside. 12.♘d2 Covering the c4-square. 12...♗b7 Putting pressure on e4 and covering the d5-square. 13.a3 Instead, 13.♘d5 ♘xd5 14.exd5 f5, and White is coming under pressure all over the board. 13...♖c8 14.♕e2 d5 White has been so slow with his development that Black achieves this break with ease. 15.exd5 ♘xd5 16.♘xd5 ♗xd5 17.c3 ♗xg2 18.♔xg2 f5 Black carries his opening initiative into the middlegame, flexing the kingside pawn majority.

B) 8.c4

This could easily transpose to one of the lines with 6.c4 (which are certainly not bad for Black), but before White settles Black has the opportunity to disrupt development. 8...♗g4 Once more, the Poke in action! See Szalanczy-Dokhoian in the Model Games section for a good example of this – as well as the 6.a4 chapter. This is an awkward threat for White. Either the queen moves to a poor square, or the pawn block opens the a7-g1 diagonal. 9.♕d3 Instead, 9.f3 ♗e6 (attacking the c4-pawn – I told you it was a mistake to move the bishop from f1 to g2!) 10.♘1a3 0-0. White has played a very odd mix of systems and there are already tactics in the air because of the weaknesses created by advancing the pawn to f3: 11.♘c3 (11.0-0 would be a mistake: 11...♕b6+ 12.♔h1 ♗xc4 13.♘xc4 ♕xb5 and Black has won a pawn) 11...♖c8 12.0-0 ♘d4 (threatening the pawn on c4) 13.b3 a6 (aiming for ...b7-b5; given the exposed king on g1, there are plenty of tactics in the air) 14.♘e2 (instead, 14.♗e3 ♕a5 15.♘ab1 b5 puts White under considerable pressure; likewise 14.♗b2 b5 as 15.cxb5 axb5 16.♘axb5 ♘xb5 17.♘xb5 ♕b6+ wins a piece) 14...♘xe2+ 15.♕xe2 b5 (more tactics! If 16.cxb5 d5 17.bxa6 ♖xc1 and 18...♗xa3, a classic Kalashnikov barrage) 16.♗b2 ♕a5 (Black can use piece activity to weaken White’s pawn structure) 17.♔h1 bxc4 18.♘xc4 ♗xc4 19.bxc4 ♖c7. Black has the superior pawn structure and can create pressure on White’s queenside. 9...a6 10.♘5c3 b5 No messing about. This destroys the illusion that White controls the centre. The real story is that he is struggling to control Black’s aggression. 11.cxb5 axb5 12.♕xb5 Instead, 12.♘xb5 ♘b4 13.♕d2 ♖xa2 14.♖xa2 ♘xa2 is better for Black as

White has the worse pawn structure (the isolated pawn on b2 is a liability). 12...♕c8 13.0-0 0-0 With excellent compensation for the pawn. Black will play the knight to d4, move the queen, then swing over the second rook to the queenside. White is poorly developed and under pressure.

C) 8.0-0

8...♗g4 The Poke! I like this move, sneakily disrupting the flow of White’s development. Blocking the bishop’s attack with f2-f3 is ugly, but the queen moves open tactical ideas for Black. By the way, let’s rule out 9.♗f3. Black responds with 9...h5 and White is already struggling with a weak kingside and a weak e-pawn. At this juncture we need to consider three moves: C1) 9.♕d3 C2) 9.♕d2 C3) 9.f3

C1) 9.♕d3

If White develops successfully, then the queen will be reasonably placed, but in the meantime Black can exploit its vulnerable position. 9...♖c8 The rook belongs on the c-file, and in this case it gets there with gain of time as 10...♘b4 is threatened. 10.c4 This is risky. Not only will Black be able to sink the knight into d4, but the c4-pawn is also vulnerable. 10.c3 is perhaps the most prudent choice as it prevents the knight moving to b4 or d4. Nevertheless, Black can develop smoothly, and it feels as though White has wasted too much time with his pawns (c2-c3 and g2-g3): 10...0-0 11.♗g5 (instead, 11.h3 ♗e6 would encourage Black to break with ...d6-d5) 11...♕d7 (taking control over the c8-h3 diagonal) 12.♘d2 (taking the dpawn by 12.♗xf6 ♗xf6 13.♕xd6 (instead, 13.♘xd6 loses a piece) is risky as White is behind in development. Black gets excellent compensation: 13...♖fd8 14.♕xd7 ♖xd7 15.♘5a3 ♖cd8 16.♘c2 ♗g5. Black controls the only open file and the two bishops are a tremendous asset) 12...♖fd8 (the rook supports a potential break with ...d6-d5) 13.♘a3 (the knight cannot do much on b5, so redeploys) 13...h6 (it’s nice to claim the two bishops. If the bishop retreats, 14.♗e3, then Black breaks with 14...d5, with the advantage) 14.♗xf6 ♗xf6 15.♘dc4 ♘e7 16.♘e3 ♗e6.

analysis diagram

The game is balanced. I would like to improve the position of the darksquared bishop with ...g7-g6 and ...♗g7, and later ...h6-h5 and ...♗h6. There is also potential to expand on the queenside with ...a7-a6 and ...b7-b5. 10...a6 11.♘5a3 The knight has to retreat to this poor square. Instead, 11.♘5c3? ♘b4 12.♕d2 ♖xc4 loses a pawn. 11...♘d4

A tricky move. White has to take great care. 12.♘c3 This normal developing move gets hit by a beautiful pawn break. Black also does well against the alternatives: 1) 12.♖e1 h5 (Black could play in a more conventional manner with 12...♘d7, but advancing the h-pawn is more testing) 13.h3 (13.♗e3 h4 14.♗xd4 exd4 15.♕xd4 ♕a5 16.♘c3 hxg3 17.hxg3 ♕h5 with the attack!) 13...♗e6 14.♗e3 ♕d7 (this standard attack on the h-pawn is rather tricky for White) 15.h4 (15.♔h2? ♗xh3 16.♗xd4 (if 16.♗xh3, 16...♘f3+ 17.♔g2 ♘xe1+ wins) 16...♘g4+ 17.♔g1 ♗xg2 18.♗b6 ♖c6 19.♔xg2 ♖xb6 followed by ...h5-h4 gives Black a winning position; or 15.♗xd4 exd4 16.♔h2 ♕c7 and White’s king is still not safe) 15...♘g4 16.♘c3 ♘xe3 17.fxe3 ♘c6 18.♘d5 ♕d8. Guarding against ♘b6. Black has the better pawn structure and, having grabbed the dark-squared bishop, has a long-term positional advantage; 2) 12.f3 is the move that Black wants to provoke as the weakness of the a7g1 diagonal creates all kinds of tactical possibilities: 12...♗e6 13.♗e3 0-0 14.♘c3 (instead, 14.♗xd4 exd4 15.♕xd4 d5 would be inadvisable for White. The lack of a dark-squared bishop can have fatal consequences) 14...b5 (when White plays c2-c4, if possible it is a good idea to break down the pawn centre) 15.cxb5 d5.

analysis diagram

Black already threatens 16...♗xa3 and 17...♖xc3 – a familiar Kalashnikov tactic, see Djukic-Tekeyev in the Model Games section. White will struggle to contain the initiative. 12...d5

Unleashing Black’s pieces. 13.exd5 Instead, 13.cxd5 ♗xa3 14.bxa3 ♖xc3 15.♕xc3 ♘e2+ wins the queen – déjà vu. If 13.♘xd5, 13...♗e2 also wins material. 13...♗f5 This presents White with a big problem. It takes enormous skill to tread the narrow path towards relative safety. 14.♘e4 14.♕e3 threatens the e-pawn, so it is necessary to play the knight to g4 before winning back the pawn: 14...♘g4 15.♕d2 ♗xa3 16.bxa3 ♖xc4 17.♗b2 0-0. Black has better pieces and better pawns than White. Or 14.♕d2 ♗xa3 15.bxa3 ♖xc4, recovering the pawn with a positional advantage: Black’s pieces are active and his pawn structure is superior to White’s. 14...♘xe4 15.♗xe4 ♗xe4 16.♕xe4 0-0 ... followed by ...f7-f5, gives Black a tremendous initiative. White’s development is poor and the knight on a3 miserable.

C2) 9.♕d2

The queen is in a slightly odd position, making it difficult for White to develop properly. 9...♖c8 10.h3 ♗h5 11.♘1c3 a6 12.♘a3 ♘d4 This prevents White from developing normally. How does the knight on a3 get back into the game? Watch out for the tactics: 13.b3 loses to 13...♖xc3. 13.g4 ♗g6 14.f4 This is a desperate lunge and Black has two good responses: 14...b5 or 14...d5. 14...d5 15.♘xd5 Instead, 15.fxe5 ♘xe4 16.♘xe4 dxe4 is good for Black; or 15.f5 ♗xa3 16.fxg6 hxg6 17.bxa3? ♖xc3! and the rook cannot be captured because of the knight fork on e2. 15...♗xa3 Bang. 16.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 17.bxa3 exf4 Watch out for the loose rook on a1. 18.c3 ♘e6 White’s pawn structure is a wreck and Black has a clear advantage.

C3) 9.f3

This is exactly what Black is hoping for: the bishop on g2 no longer has any influence over the d5-square and the a7-g1 diagonal has opened. There is no need to check yet: 9...♕b6+ 10.♔h1 ♕xb5 11.fxg4 is fine for White. 9...♗e6 Now 10...♕b6+ is a threat. 10.♘5c3 d5

Liberation. The crucial pawn break in the Kalashnikov. 11.exd5 ♘xd5 12.♘xd5 ♗xd5 13.♗e3 0-0 Black has greater control of the centre and better pieces than White.

Conclusion 6.g3 is a time-consuming method of developing. White has already taken liberties with the king’s knight and it is unsurprising that in these variations Black is often able to seize the initiative. 8...♗g4 is a clever move that disrupts White’s development. After just a few moves it is White who struggles to equalise the position.

CHAPTER 11

The modest 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗e2 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗e2

A modest response to Black’s opening and one that does not cause difficulties.

6...♘f6 I prefer this to 6...♗e7 as White would still have the option to play 7.c4, transposing to the Maroczy Bind – as you will see from my repertoire, I would like the bishop to move to g7 against that set-up. 7.♗g5 Instead, immediately dropping back with the knight feels odd: 7.♘5c3 (the fourth move with this knight; on general principles, White’s play cannot be recommended) 7...♗e7 8.♗g5. White wants to take on f6 and play the knight into d5 – we will see this idea in many Kalashnikov lines. Black could fall in with that by playing 8...0-0 9.♗xf6 ♗xf6 10.♘d5 ♗e6, which is fine. But at this moment there is a chance to cut across White’s plan. Whether you do this is perhaps a question of taste: 8...♘xe4 (a standard tactic when the bishop is on g5. Naturally, in each case, the consequences of this strike need to be calculated carefully, but let me save you the time: this results in a position where Black is very comfortable) 9.♘xe4 (instead, 9.♗xe7 ♘xc3 10.♗xd8 ♘xd1 11.♗c7 ♘xb2 12.♗xd6 ♗e6 leaves Black a safe pawn up) 9...♗xg5 10.♘xd6+ ♔e7 (White recovers the pawn, but the knight cannot be maintained on the d6-square) 11.♘xc8+ (it is best for White to simplify) 11...♖xc8 12.♘c3 ♕xd1+ (given that Black’s king is in the middle of the board, exchanging queens is the best policy) 13.♖xd1 ♖hd8. With the extra centre pawn on e5, Black looks better, but with a few precise moves White should equalise. 7...a6 The big divide. At this moment White can exchange on f6, damaging (or perhaps improving?) Black’s pawn structure – 8.♗xf6; or retreat the knight immediately and attempt to play more positionally – 8.♘5c3.

A) 8.♗xf6

8...gxf6 Black is forced to recapture with the g-pawn, but this results in an excellent type of Sveshnikov Variation where White’s centre comes under immediate pressure, only without the compensating piece activity. 9.♘5c3 f5 The key move. Knocking out the e-pawn will allow the second f-pawn to advance. 10.0-0 ♗g7 Black wants to castle, exchange pawns on e4 and then either advance ...d6-d5 or ...f7-f5. 11.exf5 ♗xf5 12.♘d5 0-0 13.c3 ♗e6 This is the kind of position that can arise from the Sveshnikov Variation, but with a couple of differences that favour Black. First, White is behind in development, and that helps Black when he is attacking the centre. Second, the b-pawn remains on b7, depriving White of a source of counterplay (in the Sveshnikov, the pawn on b5 is often attacked by pawn to a4). Black has two bishops and a strong pawn centre, and White is therefore struggling to equalise! 14.♘a3 ♘e7 White struggles to hold on to the pivotal d5-square. 15.♗f3 Instead, if 15.♘xe7+ ♕xe7 16.♗c4 ♖ac8! 17.♗d5 ♖c5! (a typical manoeuvre fighting for control over d5) 18.♗xe6 ♕xe6. Black is ready to push either his d- or his f-pawn and has a clear positional advantage. 15...♖c8 16.♘c2 ♖c5

This manoeuvre again. Black is ready to follow up with pawn to f5 and shake White’s central control.

B) 8.♘5c3

This leads the game back into fairly standard Kalashnikov positions where White’s bishop stands modestly on e2. 8...♗e7 9.♗xf6 White continues logically, eliminating Black’s knight and enabling the knight on c3 to move forward, which in turn gives more space to manoeuvre. White could also play 9.0-0 first, to which Black would answer 9...0-0, and then White has nothing better than to exchange on f6, transposing to our main line here. 9...♗xf6 10.♘d5 ♗e6 By playing the bishop to e6 immediately, Black discourages White from playing 11.♘d2. In that case Black could play 11...♗xd5 12.exd5 ♘e7, achieving a favourable pawn structure. 11.0-0 Instead, grabbing the pawn would be a mistake: 11.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 12.♕xd6 ♕g5 13.0-0 ♘d4 14.♘c3 ♗h3, winning material. 11...0-0 We can still tempt White into taking that pawn on d6, and it is still a mistake to take: 12.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 13.♕xd6 ♖fd8 14.♕a4 ♘d4 with a wonderful initiative. Here, it looks obvious that White is suffering, but in such situations so many players get greedy! 12.c3 Preventing the knight from hopping into d4. 12...♗g5 The bishop finds a fine vista.

13.♘a3 b5

This leads into a variation of the Sveshnikov which is perfectly satisfactory for Black. Why the change in strategy? Why advance the b-pawn at this stage? 13...♘e7 is also possible, but that would encourage the bishop to move to c4, giving White’s pieces a little more freedom. 14.♘c2 My database shows that well over one hundred serious classical games have arrived at this position, mainly through a Sveshnikov move order. Do not fear that you are getting embroiled in an intense and intricate theoretical debate. Without going into too many details, this line is fine for Black as ...♖b8 has not been included, so the central point on d5 can be contested immediately. 14...♘e7 This is by far the best strategy. Don’t push the f-pawn! That will not lead to an attack on White’s king – the opposite, in fact: in the long term Black’s kingside is damaged. 15.♘cb4 Instead, 15.♘xe7+ ♕xe7 16.♘b4 a5 17.♘d5 ♕b7 leads to the same position. Or 15.♘ce3 ♗xe3 16.♘xe3 d5, and Black liberates. 15...a5 16.♘xe7+ ♕xe7 17.♘d5 ♕b7! With this move, increasing the pressure on the d5-square, Black ensures that the knight will be exchanged, leaving a pawn on d5. 18.♕d3 ♗xd5 19.♕xd5 ♕xd5 20.exd5 ♖ab8

We have been following the game Dervishi-Krasenkow, Ohrid 2001. Black has achieved a favourable pawn structure: White cannot exploit the queenside majority, but Black’s kingside majority is mobile and dangerous. As the opposite-coloured bishops cannot be exchanged, Black has a long-term initiative. In fact, very long- term: Black won in 97 moves.

Conclusion 6.♗e2 is unpretentious but timid. Play often transposes to a favourable variation of the Sveshnikov. The endgame reached in the game DervishiKrasenkow (see above) is particularly worthy of study as this pawn structure with a white pawn on d5 and a kingside pawn majority for Black arises quite frequently in the Kalashnikov.

CHAPTER 12

The terrible 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗g5 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♗g5

This looks terrible – and it is terrible. Take it!

6...♕xg5 7.♘c7+ ♔d8 8.♘xa8

For the moment, White is the exchange up, but that knight in the corner is trapped, and if it is taken, the material balance will tip the other way. Besides, Black already has a lead in development and that isn’t easy for White to manage. 8...♘f6 Black develops with gain of tempo. 9.♘c3 ♘d4 The knight on a8 cannot run away, but before scooping it up, let’s make it as difficult as possible for White to develop. Normally I wouldn’t recommend that a piece moves twice in the opening, but in this particular position Black is able to go on the offensive immediately. White must already tread carefully to avoid losing on the spot. At this point there are three moves to consider: A) 10.g3 B) 10.♕d3 C) 10.h4

A) 10.g3

White would like to bring out the king’s bishop, but this is a terrible mistake. 10...♗g4 Exploiting the weakness of the f3-square. Another Poke! This is a very a common idea in the Kalashnikov. At this point 11.♘e2 ♘f3 checkmate is not recommended. 11.♕d3 ♘f3+ Displacing White’s king. No more castling for you. 12.♔d1 ♘d4+ 13.♗e2 ♗xe2+ 14.♘xe2 ♕g4 Black threatens to exchange off on e2, then play ...♗e7, ...♔d7 and capture the knight in the corner without drama. The endgame with bishop and knight against rook is winning for Black. 15.♖e1 ♘f3 Black has a wonderful attacking position, and the knight in the corner is also waiting to be taken. This is a winning position.

B) 10.♕d3

10...d5 Very bold! White is under massive pressure. 11.exd5 Instead, 11.♘xd5 ♘xd5 12.exd5 ♗f5 and 13...♘xc2+ wins for Black. 11...♗f5 That’s the point. Black is breaking through to the king. 12.♕c4 ♘xc2+ 13.♔d1 ♕g4+ Black could play 13...♗d6 (with a winning position), but exchanging queens is a practical choice: less can go wrong. 14.♔d2 ♕xc4 15.♗xc4 ♘xa1 Taking the rook is also a good practical choice... 16.♖xa1 ♗d6 The king will move to e7 and then rook takes knight. Black has an extra piece.

C) 10.h4

A vain attempt to drive away the queen. 10...♕f4 The queen remains active, attacking the e-pawn. 11.♗d3 ♗e6 There is no need for Black to rush: simple development will suffice. The threat is to play ...♗e7, ...♔d7 and ... ♖xa8 when Black will have a material advantage – as well as the attack. White cannot do much to cross this. 12.a4 If 12.g3, 12...♕g4 and Black remains in control. 12...♗e7 13.♘b5 An attempt to rescue the stranded knight – which fails miserably. 13...♘xe4 Threatening the pawn on f2. 14.0-0 Out of the frying pan and into the fire. The f2-square has been defended and immediate danger averted, but the king faces a lethal assault in its new location. 14...♗g4 15.f3 ♕e3+ 16.♔h2 ♗xh4 17.♗xe4 ♕h6

I’ll allow you to analyse the details of this position yourself, but suffice to say that Black has a winning attack.

Conclusion 6.♗g5 is a move suitable for a blitz game when White merely wishes to sow confusion. However, even under those circumstances, this move cannot be recommended as it actually gives Black the initiative.

CHAPTER 13

Sound development: 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3

Sound development. This is the most popular line at master level – but in my experience it does not occur with the same frequency in club chess. At this point Black can play 6...♘f6 and transpose into a Sveshnikov, but we want to keep the game along pure Kalashnikov lines. 6...a6 7.♘a3 That already looks pleasant from Black’s viewpoint. The knight has been sent back to a poor position. Much of the subsequent opening and middlegame struggle will focus on whether that knight should transfer to a better square, and if that consumes too much time. 7...♗e7 This simple developing move has been played by Carlsen, Nakamura, Radjabov, Ivanchuk, Shirov and many other luminaries of the chess world. In recent times it has been the move of choice for most strong players, but 7...b5 used to be the most popular continuation. That is certainly worth looking at, but a bit too committal for my taste. I think it is better to hang back with the b-pawn for the moment. 7...♗e6 is also worth investigating, and finally 7...♘f6 will probably transpose back into a Sveshnikov after 8.♗g5. In fact, that gives us a clue as to why 7...♗e7 is played: White is unable to play 8.♗g5, so Black is hoping to retain more control over d5. At this point 8.♘c4 is the main line and is dealt with in detail in later chapters. However, at this point there are several valid alternatives that need examining. 8.♘d5

This is the second most popular move (after 8.♘c4) and looks logical: the knight occupies a fine square in the middle of the board. Nevertheless, there is a big drawback to the move.

8...♘f6 This simple developing move demonstrates the problem with White’s last move: the knight on d5 is challenged and the e-pawn threatened, inducing a compromise. At this point, White has several continuations: A) 9.♘xf6+ B) 9.♘xe7 C) 9.♗e3

In my opinion, none of the moves gives an advantage, and in several cases White has to struggle to avoid falling into a poor position. By the way, we can dismiss 9.♗d3 because of 9...♘xd5 10.exd5 ♕a5+ 11.c3 ♕xd5, winning a pawn – thank you. A) 9.♘xf6+ Although this is probably White’s best move, I count this as a success for Black: the knight has already moved twice and there is nothing better than to exchange it off! That means Black has a lead in development which can be put to good use. 9...♗xf6 10.♘c4 0-0 Black could protect the d-pawn, but let’s not mess around! We might be able to catch White’s king in the centre: there are plenty of opportunities for our opponent to go wrong. I’m going into some detail here. It’s fun to analyse

when Black has the initiative. There are four moves to consider: A1) 11.c3 A2) 11.♕xd6 A3) 11.♘xd6 A4) 11.♗e3

A1) 11.c3

This is the best move and it also has the best results in my database (50%). Nevertheless, White has to take care if he is to escape unscathed; after all, the king has yet to castle. 11...b5 Black could simply defend the d-pawn with the bishop, but this bold pawn sacrifice, keeping White busy, is far more attractive. 12.♘xd6 ♗e6 Sound development. White will not be able to maintain the knight on d6. Black wants to move the queen out of the way and put a rook on d8. 13.♘f5 The best move, although it is still not easy for White. 13.♗e3 is a risky move. White is neglecting kingside development: 13...♕c7 14.♘f5 ♖fd8 15.♕c1 (15.♕f3 was played in Milov-Feicht, Heusenstamm 2016, and here Black could have got a bone-crushing attack with 15...b4, for example: 16.♗e2 bxc3 17.bxc3 ♗xf5 18.♕xf5 ♘e7, followed by taking the pawn on c3) 15...♗xf5 16.exf5 and now 16...♕b7 sets up an evil hit: 17.♗e2 (with the idea of castling, but Black gets in there first) 17...♘d4 (BOOM) 18.cxd4 ♕xg2 19.♖f1 exd4 20.♗f4 d3. White’s king will not get out alive. 13...♕a5

As well as making way for the rook to come to d8, the pin sets up the tactical possibility of the knight moving into d4. White has to pay attention or there could be massive trouble. 14.♘e3 This is the only move that gives White a route to safety. The standard developing move 14.♗e2 is a mistake. Black starts the middlegame while White is still in the opening: 14...♖fd8 15.♕c2 (if 15.♗d2, 15...♗xf5 16.exf5 ♗g5 wins material) 15...♘d4 (a huge hit!) 16.♘xd4 exd4 17.♗d2 dxc3. With the following exchanges Black succeeds in isolating White’s queenside pawns: 18.♗xc3 ♗xc3+ 19.bxc3 ♖ac8 20 00 (White has to simply abandon the c3-pawn as 20.♖c1 b4 makes things even worse) 20...♖xc3 21.♕b2 ♖a3 wins a pawn with a winning endgame. The a- and b-pawns should decide. 14...♖fd8 15.♘d5 This is the most prudent choice, returning the pawn in order to bring the king to safety. Self-pinning with 15.♗d2 is risky. Black has good compensation for the pawn after any of these moves: 15...♖d6, 15...♗g5, or 15...♕c7. 15.♕c2 is asking for trouble. The best reply is 15...♖ac8 and something nasty is about to happen involving ...♘d4 or ...b5-b4, depending on White’s response. 15...♗xd5 With this Black regains the pawn. 16.exd5 ♘e7 17.♕c2 The queen steps out of the way of the rook.

17...♘xd5 18.♗d3 g6 Blocking out the bishop. If one wanted to be adventurous (and also take a risk) then 18...b4 is possible. 19.0-0 ♖ac8 The position is roughly level. Black will probably play for ...b5-b4 to force c3-c4 so that the d4-square can be occupied by the knight spinning round via e7 and c6.

A2) 11.♕xd6

Taking the pawn is risky. Black has some hits while White’s king is still loitering in the middle of the board. 11...♕xd6 12.♘xd6 ♘b4 Hitting White where it hurts. 13.♗d3 ♖d8 14.♘c4 With this accurate move, White can still maintain the balance. 14.♘xc8 ♖axc8 is worse, when Black will recover the pawn with wonderful activity for the rooks. 14...b5 Alternatively, 14...♘xd3+ 15.cxd3 ♖xd3 16.♔e2 ♖d4 17.♘b6 ♖b8 18.♔f3 ♗e6 19.♗e3 ♖d6 20.♖hc1 is roughly level. White’s well- placed minor pieces balance Black’s two bishops. I would love to be able to claim that Black can get the advantage in one of these endgames, but the truth is that White can still hold the balance. Still, this is quite a good theoretical outcome from the opening when playing with the black pieces! 15.♘b6 ♖b8 16.♗e3 16.♘xc8 ♖bxc8 would give Black an excellent endgame. 16...♗e6 17.0-0-0 ♖d6 This forces the knight back and Black regains the pawn 18.♘d5 ♘xd5 19.exd5 ♗xd5 The endgame is roughly level if White starts exchanging pieces with 20.♗e4.

A3) 11.♘xd6

Risky, considering that White is so far behind in development. 11...♗e6 The position is tricky for White. Black just wants to move the queen and put a rook on d8. 12.c3 Watch out for the traps: 12.♘xb7? ♕e7 traps the knight; 12.♗e2? ♕e7 followed by ...♖fd8 leaves White’s queen in trouble. 12...♕c7 Instead, 12...b5 would transpose to the main line and is quite playable, but moving the queen away directly is even more dangerous. White has to tread carefully. 13.♘c4 Instead, 13.♘f5 ♖ad8 14.♕g4.

analysis diagram

Black has so many pieces in play, it must be possible to cause White some trouble: 14...♕a5 (we see this idea in several different positions in this line; Black wants to use the pin to create trouble for the king) 15.♗e2 (White has to hurry to bring his king to safety; everything else is just BAD) 15...♘d4 16.♗d1 ♘xf5 17.exf5. Black has the choice of two testing continuations at this point. I like the exchange sacrifice, but if that isn’t your cup of tea, then 17...♖d4 is worth investigating: 17...♖xd1+ 18.♕xd1 (18.♔xd1? h5 19.♕xh5 ♗c4 is even worse) 18...♗c4. Black has excellent compensation for the exchange. How does the white king escape from the middle? 13...♖fd8 14.♕c2 b5 15.♘e3 ♖ac8 Over the last few moves Black has brought his pieces into play and at the same time attacked White’s pieces. He has a significant lead in development. 16.♗e2 ♕a5 17.♗d2 White would like to castle 17.0-0, but that leads to disaster: 17...♘d4 18.♕d1 ♘f3+ wins the queen. 17...♗g5 Often the right square for the bishop in the Kalashnikov. The pressure increases. 18.0-0 b4 Black has a strong initiative, though White can hold the position with accurate play.

A4) 11.♗e3

At this point, 11...♘d4 is the most popular move, but I prefer to develop another piece: 11...♗e6 Simple and strong. The bishop comes into the game onto its usual excellent square and White is under pressure: he is behind in development and the best continuation is far from obvious. There are four moves to consider: A41) 12.♘b6 A42) 12.♕xd6 A43) 12.♗b6 A44) 12.♘xd6

A41) 12.♘b6

12...♖b8 13.♘d5 Normally I would exchange off the dark-squared bishop with 13...♗g5 – which is also fine for Black – but there is a chance to seize the initiative: 13...♗xd5 14.♕xd5 14.exd5 ♘e7 gives Black the better pawn structure and there is a threat to play 15...♕a5+, winning the d-pawn. 14...♗g5 Exchanging the dark-squared bishops allows Black’s queen to enter the game. White is lagging in development and has yet to bring his king to safety. 15.♗xg5 ♕xg5 16.c3 The knight is prevented from reaching d4 and b4. Incidentally, 16.♕xd6 ♖fd8 wins. 16...♘e7 Battling for control over d5. Once again the d6-pawn is immune. 17.♕d2 ♕xd2+ 18.♔xd2 b5 Preventing the bishop from reaching c4 and beginning the typical Sicilian Minority Attack: two pawns attack three, with the aim of opening lines and isolating a pawn. 19.♗d3 a5 Computers think this position is roughly level, but in human terms, Black has the initiative: three potential pawn breaks are available: ...b5-b4, ...d6-d5, and ...g7-g6 followed by ...f7-f5.

A42) 12.♕xd6

This is a hot pawn to take considering that White’s king is still in the middle of the board. Care is needed or Black will take over the initiative. 12...♕e8 The queen steps aside so that the rook can join in the fun. Although computers assess the position as roughly level, I believe this is far more difficult for White: he has to play exactly to manage Black’s initiative. 13.♘b6 ♖d8 14.♕c7 ♗h4

A tricky move, giving White the chance to go wrong. There are three moves to look at here: 15.g3, 15.♗c4, and 15.♖d1. 1) 15.g3 (mistake!) 15...f5 16.gxh4 ♖f7 (leaving White’s queen in trouble) 17.♘d7 ♖fxd7 18.♕b6 f4 19.♗c5 ♕h5. Black has a blistering attack. White’s king doesn’t have a safe haven; 2) 15.♗c4 ♗xc4 16.♘xc4 ♕e6 (16...b5 leads to more exchanges and perhaps makes it easier for White to equalise the position: 17.♘d6 ♕e6 18.♕xc6 ♖xd6 19.♕c3 ♖c8 20.♕b3 ♕g6. Black’s piece activity translates into regaining the pawn, but not more. 21.0-0 ♕xe4 is also about level: while Black’s pieces are more active, White has no weaknesses in his pawn structure, so it is hard for either side to claim the advantage) 17.♘d2 ♘b4 (this forces a breakthrough on c2) 18.0-0 (the king has to escape) 18...♖c8 19.♕xb7 ♘xc2 20.♖ac1 ♖b8 (with this, Black recovers the pawn and gets the rook to the second rank) 21.♕d5 ♖xb2. White still has to find a few decent moves to equalise but the game should end in a draw; 3) 15.♖d1 f5 (Black is starting the middlegame while White has yet to emerge from the opening! By the way, 15...♖xd1+ 16.♔xd1 looks attractive, but the king can step to c1 and is safe enough) 16.♖xd8 ♗xd8 17.♕d6 ♗xb6 18.♗xb6 fxe4 (Black has recovered the pawn and still has active pieces, but White can hold the position together: the bishop on b6 is well placed, covering the sensitive f2-square and d4 too) 19.♗e2 ♖f7 (the queen on d6 is too strong and needs to be expelled) 20.0-0 ♖d7 21.♕c5 ♘d4. The position is balanced – if White plays well! In general, enemy activity is hard to handle.

A43) 12.♗b6

A tricky move, but objectively not very good. 12...♕e8! This seems an unlikely square, but it is the best. Instead, 12...♕d7 would be met by 13.♕xd6, gaining time by threatening a queen exchange. 13.♕xd6 Instead, 13.♘xd6 ♕e7! (Black threatens to pin with the rook on d8; instead, 13...♕d7? 14.♘c4 gets the knight out of trouble and threatens to exchange queens, gaining time). 14.c4 (the knight could not move because of the check on b4, winning the bishop, so it has to be protected by the pawn) 14...♕d7. (very delicate! The knight can no longer step back to c4 so the queen steps aside to make room for the bishop) 15.c5 ♗d8 16.♗xd8 ♖axd8 (exchanging off bishops has allowed the rook to enter the game. Black threatens to play ...b7-b6, undermining the knight) 17.♗c4 ♗xc4 18.♘xc4 ♕c7 19.♘d6 b6 (this undermines the knight’s support) 20.♕a4 bxc5 21.♘c4 ♖d4. Black has a pleasant initiative. 13...♗d8 Threatening to win material with 14...♗xc4. Far from grovelling, Black’s pieces are about to boomerang back into White’s position with great effect. 14.♗xd8 ♖xd8 One threat. 15.♕c5 ♘d4 Two threats. 16.♘e3 ♖c8 Three threats.

17.♕xe5 ♕a4 Four threats. White will do well to survive the onslaught.

A44) 12.♘xd6?

12...♕e7 13.c4 ♖fd8 14.c5 b6 The knight is getting undermined and White has to step out of the pin – and his king is still in the middle. Black is having all the fun here. B) 9.♘xe7

Is it problematic if White takes the bishop? No. Black’s development accelerates and in general it looks odd for White to exchange off the knight which has made so many moves. A glance at the board tells us that Black has more pieces in play than White. 9...♘xe7 Recapturing with the queen is also fine, but the text has done slightly better in practice. 10.♗d3 Instead, 10.♘c4 ♘xe4 (we should take the centre pawn – they are precious!) 11.f3 (with this White wins the pawn back; if 11.♗d3 ♕c7 12.b3 d5 13.♗xe4 dxc4) 11...b5 12.fxe4 bxc4 13.♗xc4 ♗b7 14.0-0 0-0 15.♕e2. Both sides have completed their development, and now it is time to break in the centre: 15...d5 16.exd5 ♗xd5 and I prefer Black because of the centre pawns. Strategically, this is why we play the Sicilian! 10...d5 With this standard pawn break, Black gains control of the centre (incidentally, Magnus Carlsen once played 10...0-0 here, which is also fine). 11.exd5 ♘exd5 12.0-0 0-0

The pawn on e5 gives Black a greater share of the centre and easy development. 13.♖e1 Instead, the pin 13.♗g5 doesn’t help White: 13...h6 14.♗h4 ♘f4 and Black already had a pleasant initiative in the game Warakomska-Sadzikowski, London 2016. The knight can be supported with ...g7-g5 and Black has easy development with the bishop moving to e6. 13...♕c7 14.♕f3 It feels right to bring the wayward knight back into play, but that would only help Black to rush forward. For example: 14.♘c4 e4 15.♗f1 ♖d8 and White is already under massive pressure. A discovered attack is in the air and if 16.♕e2, 16...b5 17.♘e3 ♘f4 wins the queen! Not forced, but an indication that ‘natural’ moves don’t solve the problems. 14...♗d7 The rooks are ready to activate and the bishop can move to a strong post on c6. In practical terms, White is in a difficult situation considering the poor position of the knight on a3.

C) 9.♗e3

Threatening to play a piece into b6, but Black can simply exchange off the knight on d5. As White has neglected his kingside development and the knight on a3 is poorly placed, there is potential for Black to cause an upset. 9...♘xd5 10.exd5 ♘d4 Black could play 10...♘b8 which transposes into a Sveshnikov Variation (1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 ♘f6 5.♘c3 e5 6.♘db5 d6 7.♘d5 ♘xd5 8.exd5 ♘b8 9.♗e3 a6 10.♘a3 ♗e7). This is a decent continuation for Black, but there is no need to retreat!

11.♗d3 11.♗xd4 would be an error. Exchanging off bishop for knight is a fundamental mistake, giving Black excellent play on the dark squares. White’s pawn on d5 is also weak: 11...exd4 12.♘c4 (12.♕xd4 0-0 13.0-0-0 (after 13.♗e2 ♗f6 14.♕b4 ♖e8 it will be difficult for White to bring the king to safety) 13...♗f6 14.♕d2 b5 gives Black a fantastic attack on the queenside). The knight ought to be brought back into the game, but White is going to lose the d-pawn and stands worse: 12...b5 13.♘d2 ♗b7. White has problems holding on to this pawn. 11...0-0 12.0-0 Instead, Polgar-Radjabov, Rishon-Le-Ziyyon blitz 2006, continued 12.♘c4 b5 13.♘d2 ♘f5!, forcing White to give up one of the bishops. Black has a clear advantage. 12...♘f5 13.♗d2 ♘h4 14.♘c4 f5

Black has a powerful kingside attack.

Conclusion There are a lot of variations to work through here and it all may seem bewildering. If it is any consolation, I too will be struggling to remember the detail once I have turned the page of the book. No matter. The important point to remember is that if White captures the d-pawn in any of these lines, there will be a way to find compensation using Black’s lead in development. In practice, Black scores very well when White is too greedy.

CHAPTER 14

A careless fianchetto: 8.g3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.g3

The fianchetto in this position is a fairly rare move – and with good reason. White has already spent four turns moving the king’s knight and leaves it on the poor a3-square. Black is already ahead in development, so time is of the essence. In that case, why make another pawn move? Just a reminder that instead of this, the main line is 8.♘c4.

8...♘f6 9.♗g2 ♗g4! A wonderful example of the Poke (see the Model Games section). This simple threat causes serious disruption in White’s camp. By the way, instead of this, Carlsen once chose to play 9...b5 (also good) in a rapid-play game against Nepomniachtchi and won brilliantly. I have included this in the Model Games section as it is an outstanding example of Kalashnikov strategy.

Nevertheless, 9...♗g4 sets immediate problems and I believe it is stronger. Let’s consider all four ways of dealing with the threat: A) 10.♕d3 B) 10.♕d2 C) 10.f3 D) 10.♗f3

A) 10.♕d3

Comparatively best. 10...♖c8 The pitiful knight on a3 is still the problem for White: it cannot get back into play. 11.♘c4 loses to 11...♘b4. 11.♗e3 Preventing the knight from moving to d4. 11...0-0 12.0-0 b5 One could also play more slowly with 12...♕d7, but I think it makes sense to maintain the pressure with a threat. 13.♘d5 ♘xd5 14.exd5 ♘a5 The knight prevents White from playing the pawn to c4. 15.b3 Preventing Black from using the c4-square, but it leaves chronic weaknesses in White’s structure. 15...f5

Black’s central pawn duo and potential pressure on the c-file are strong. Neither knight stands well, but later ...♘a5-b7-c5 is a distinct possibility.

B) 10.♕d2

10...♘d4 Threatens 11...♘f3+. 11.0-0 ♖c8 Preventing the knight on a3 from returning to play. 12.f3 ♗d7 The bishop has been driven back, but White’s position is still a bit of a mess: how is the knight on a3 going to come back into play?

C) 10.f3

10...♗e6 Threatening to break with 11...d5. 11.0-0 Instead, 11.♘d5 ♘xd5 12.exd5 ♕a5+ 13.c3 ♕xd5 wins a pawn. It was worth blocking the bishop on g2... 11...d5 12.exd5 ♗c5+ A cute zwischenzug: the bishop claims the diagonal before White’s bishop gets to e3. 13.♔h1 ♘xd5 14.♘xd5 ♗xd5 Black dominates the centre and can look forward with confidence. Depending on White’s next move, Black can choose between castling kingside or advancing the h-pawn.

D) 10.♗f3

The worst of all the options. 10...♗xf3 11.♕xf3 ♘d4 12.♕d3 d5 Strike fast! The liberating pawn break sets enormous difficulties for White. 1) If 13.exd5? ♘xd5 Black will already win material; or 2) 13.0-0 ♖c8! with the familiar threat of 13...♗xa3 and 14...♖xc3; and 3) 13.♗e3 ♕a5 is also painful.

Conclusion This variation is an excellent illustration of what happens when White tarries with development. 9...♗g4 sets difficult questions and White must play accurately just to hold the balance.

CHAPTER 15

A move with potential: 8.♗e3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♗e3

This is the third most popular move in the position after 8.♘c4 and 8.♘d5. It seems to me that ensuring the knights find decent squares is more pressing than this, but the bishop move is popular enough, and has had reasonable results. Let’s give the move some credit: the bishop is stationed on an influential diagonal and covers the important d4-square.

8...♘f6 The knight can develop to its best square with a clear conscience, no longer fearing that the bishop will move to g5 (wasting a tempo really wouldn’t make sense for White). 9.♘c4 The knight returns to the fray, and now we can see the point of playing the bishop to e3: the knight is looking to land on b6. 9...b5 9...♗e6 is a good alternative, likewise 9...0-0 – see Veress-Horvath in the Model Games section. But I like advancing the b-pawn as it forces exchanges, and that speeds up Black’s development. 10.♘b6 ♖b8 11.♘xc8 11.♘cd5 looks way too convoluted from White’s viewpoint. Black could simply reply 11...0-0 or 11...♗e6, but why don’t we grab the pawn?

analysis diagram

11...♘xe4. White’s pieces are active, but Black should not encounter difficulties: 12.a4 ♗g5 (bringing the bishop away from danger and undermining the knight on b6) 13.♘xc8 (instead, 13.axb5 ♗xe3 14.fxe3 ♖xb6 15.bxc6 ♖xc6 leaves Black with an extra pawn) 13...♕xc8 14.axb5 axb5 15.♗d3.

analysis diagram

Just for a moment, Black’s pieces are awkwardly placed, but exchanging relieves the difficulties: 15...♗xe3 16.fxe3 (16.♗xe4 ♗c5 would leave the bishop on an excellent diagonal) 16...♘c5. White has a little compensation for the pawn in the form of the knight on d5, but once the bishop on d3 is exchanged there isn’t too much danger. 11...♕xc8

From a strictly positional viewpoint, we can say that White has gained something by exchanging off the light-squared bishop. However, Black’s development is now more advanced than White’s, and that balances out matters. 12.♗e2 0-0 13.0-0 13.a3 is a sound alternative. In the game Saric-Miton, Germany Bundesliga 2019/20, Black was slowly outplayed after 13...h6 14.0-0 ♕b7 15.♘d5 ♘xd5 16.exd5 ♘a5 17.b3. Black’s knight is misplaced. It is better to play 13...b4 14.axb4 ♘xb4 (the knight controls the d5-square) 15.0-0 d5 16.exd5 ♖d8. Black will soon recapture on d5 and chances are equal. 13...b4 Black attacks the knight and wins the e-pawn. 13...♖d8 is a decent alternative, with a similar idea to the variation above: 14.a4 d5 15.♘xd5 ♘xd5 16.exd5 ♘b4 wins back the d-pawn. 14.♘d5 ♘xe4 15.a3

This is the most critical move: White seeks to open the queenside, using the range of the bishops to create trouble. Don’t panic! You are still a pawn up! 15...♗d8 The bishop removes itself from trouble. This is often a key manoeuvre in the Kalashnikov: the bishop covers important squares from here, and can often bounce out to b6 and an excellent diagonal at a later stage. White can win back the pawn, but only by exchanging pieces, which frees Black’s game. 16.axb4 ♘xb4 17.♘xb4 ♖xb4 18.♗xa6 ♕c6

The position is balanced. If 19.b3, 19...♘c3 blockades the queenside pawns. Dominguez-Nakamura, Khanty-Mansiysk 2015, continued: 19.♗d3 ♖xb2 20.♖a6 ♕b7 21.♖a7 ♕c6 22.♖a6 ♕b7 23.♖a7 ♕c6 and a draw by repetition.

Conclusion Black’s lead in development on the queenside guarantees decent counterplay. However, precision is needed: White’s two bishops have long-term potential, so take care.

CHAPTER 16

Main line 8.♘c4: minor 10th moves 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♘c4 Redeploying the wayward knight is the best policy. 8.♘d5, 8.♗e3 and 8.g3 are the alternatives and were considered in previous chapters. 8...b5 Forcing the knight to move again and gaining territory on the queenside. This is overwhelmingly the most popular move here. Instead, 8...♘f6 runs into 9.♗g5 with the threat to take on f6. 9.♘e3 From White’s viewpoint, the position has improved as the errant knight on a3 has succeeded in finding a better home on e3. But Black can also be content: the knight manoeuvres have cost White considerable time. 9...♘f6

This is the starting point of the main line of the 7...♗e7 variation. Here the most popular move is 10.g3, and that is examined in Chapters 17 and 18. This chapter is devoted to: A) 10.a3 B) 10.♘ed5 C) 10.♗d3

A) 10.a3

A slow move, containing the queenside expansion, but in reality, playing ...b5-b4 wasn’t a priority for Black. The pressure is off and there is a wide choice of decent responses: 10...0-0 I also like 10...♘d4 11.g3 ♗b7 12.♗g2 a5, initiating play on the queenside. Your choice! 11.g3 ♗e6 12.♗g2 ♖c8 Black starts counterplay on the c-file. Instead, Hikaru Nakamura once played 12...♕d7, which is sensible, connecting the rooks. Frankly, it is a question of taste, both moves are fine. 13.0-0 ♘a5 14.f4 The most challenging move. 14...exf4 Black opens the centre so as to get counterplay against White’s king. Another way of playing is 14...♘c4 15.f5 ♘xe3 16.♗xe3 ♗d7 with the idea of putting pressure on the e4-pawn with a combination of ...♖c4, ...♕a8 and ...♗c6, depending on how White plays. 15.gxf4 ♘c4 16.♔h1 ♖e8 Black is set to drop the bishop back to f8, covering the kingside and preparing pressure on the e-file. In these kind of positions White will find it difficult to connect the queenside pieces to the kingside. Although White’s centre appears impressive, the difficulty is that if either pawn moves, weaknesses are created. King safety is also an important factor: at the moment everything seems fine, but if the centre breaks, White’s king, with less pawn cover, can feel the heat. This is the kind of counter-attacking position I love playing with Black.

B) 10.♘ed5

The seventh move with this knight in the first ten moves! Considering that Black has done nothing wrong and has continued developing sensibly, the position MUST be fine for the good guys. 10...0-0 Black’s king is already safe while White’s is still in the middle. That provides tasty opportunities to attack. White has quite a few options at this point, although most lead to typically generic Kalashnikov middlegame positions. 11.♘xf6+ A solid option. White has several alternatives at this point. In turn, let’s consider 11.♗d3, 11.♘xe7+, 11.♗e2: 1) 11.♗d3 ♘xd5 12.♘xd5 ♗g5 (this manoeuvre to free the bishop should be second nature to us) 13.0-0 ♗xc1 14.♕xc1 ♗e6. Black is successfully contesting the knight on d5. There is a positional threat of exchanging on d5 to get a superior pawn structure; 2) 11.♘xe7+ ♘xe7. The exchange makes it much easier for Black to achieve the ...d6-d5 pawn break – good news! 2a) 12.♗g5 b4! – this provokes a little crisis and gives Black a comfortable game: 13.♗xf6 (if 13.♘d5, 13...♘fxd5 14.exd5 f6 15.♗e3 ♕a5 16.♗c4 ♗b7 wins a pawn) 13...bxc3 14.♗xe7 ♕xe7 15.bxc3 ♗b7 (this is the most fun; Black could play sensibly with 15...♕c7 and ...♗e6 and pick up the pawn on c3, but if White is prudent, he should hold the position) 16.♗d3 f5. Let’s go! White has yet to castle and there is already pressure; 2b) 12.♗d3 b4 13.♘e2 ♗b7 14.♘g3 d5. Black gets in the pawn break and White is under presssure. For example, if 15.exd5 ♘exd5 16.0-0 ♘f4, with the attack. 3) 11.♗e2 ♘d4. Let’s get frisky and hassle the bishop. Black could exchange on d5 and play ...♗g5 – as in so many other lines – and that is sensible, but I’d like to show that there are other options:

3a) 12.♘xe7+ ♕xe7 13.♗g5 ♗b7 14.0-0 ♖ac8 (threatening to push with ...b5-b4) 15.a3 h6 (this forces White to exchange on f6 as 16.♗h4 is met by 16...g5 and ...♘xe4) 16.♗xf6 ♕xf6. It is difficult for White to relieve the pressure on c2. Black is going to follow up by doubling rooks on the c-file; 3b) 12.♗d3 ♘xd5 13.♘xd5 ♗g5.

analysis diagram

Exchanging off the ‘bad bishop’ allows Black’s queen to enter the game. 14.♗xg5 (if White does not exchange, Black will play ...♗b7 anyway) 14...♕xg5 15.0-0 ♗b7 (in this case the bishop is best placed on the long diagonal rather than e6 – that square is needed for the knight) 16.c3 ♘e6. The knight stands well on e6, looking at the dangerous f4-square. 11...♗xf6 12.♘d5 White has achieved the goal of planting the knight on d5, but only by neglecting development. Besides, the knight can be challenged very easily by playing ...♗e6 and ...♘e7. In short, I’m not impressed by White’s manoeuvrings! 12...♗e6

13.c3 The most prudent move, cutting out the knight from the d4-square. It might be tempting to exchange off one of the bishops, but it gives Black much freedom of movement and White could well get caught. For example: 13.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 1) 14.♕xd6? ♘d4 15.♗d3 ♖fd8 16.♕b6 ♕g6 and already White is helpless against Black’s attack; 2) Or 14.♗e2? d5! (the blockade on d5 has been removed and Black seizes the opportunity to break free) 15.exd5 ♖ad8 (pin and win; Black’s pieces flow into action) 16.♗f3 ♗f5 17.c3 (else Black’s knight hops into d4 with terrible consequences) 17...e4 18.♗e2 ♕g6 (forcing a weakness as 19.0-0 loses material after 19...♗h3) 19.g3 ♘e5 (the knight looks at two key squares: d3 and f3) 20.0-0.♗e6. Black picks up the pawn on d5 with the rook and can then decide where to move the knight. The attack on the weakened light squares is potent; 3) 14.♗d3 is the best, although still not completely satisfactory for White: 14...d5. With this break Black equalises. White even has to be careful not to fall into trouble. For example, 15.exd5 ♗xd5 16 ♗xh7+ ♔xh7 17.♕xd5 ♘d4 and there is pressure. 13...♗g5 The standard Kalashnikov manoeuvre to improve the position of the bishop. 14.♗e2 ♗xc1 15.♖xc1 ♘e7 Black continues the battle for the d5-square. White cannot keep control. 16.♘xe7+ 16.0-0 would be a strategic mistake: 16...♗xd5 17.exd5. Black has the superior pawn structure: the d5-pawn is potentially weak (watch out for ...♖a8-c8-c5, or ...♕d8-b6-b7) and the kingside pawn majority, the f- and e-

pawns, are ready to roll down the board. 16...♕xe7 17.0-0 ♖fd8 With the intention of playing ...d6-d5. Black’s strategy of contesting the d5square has worked well and he is already calling the shots, Molano LafuenteIkonnikov, Barcelona 2009. I have included this game in the Model Games section.

C) 10.♗d3

White develops solidly, protecting the e-pawn and preparing to plant one of the knights on d5. 10...0-0 11.0-0 Both sides have castled and the middlegame begins. Black has already gained space on the queenside with the advance of the b-pawn and in an ideal world would like to build pressure on the c-file with ...♗e6 and ...♖c8. For the time being, that will have to wait. Let’s hassle the bishop first. 11...♘b4

Exchanging off the light-squared bishop is desirable for Black: key squares in this position are d5, f5, e4, and c2 – all light squares. 12.♗e2 The best move: in principle White needs to retain that bishop. If 12.a3 ♘xd3 13.♕xd3 ♗e6 it is very hard for White to win undisputed control over the d5-square: 1) 14.♘cd5 ♘xd5 15.♘xd5 ♖c8 (threatens to exchange on d5) 16.c3 f5 (this is a good moment to strike as White is not yet fully developed) 17.exf5 ♖xf5 18.♗e3 ♗f8 (the bishop is passive for the moment, but it protects important pawns on g7 and d6 and covers e7. Now Black’s queen has the freedom to move to a light square – f7, c6 or b7 – to put more pressure on the knight) 19.f3 ♕e8 and the position is balanced; 2) 14.♖d1 ♖c8. After this it is very hard for White to occupy the d5-square successfully. 2a) 15.♘cd5?! is exactly what Black wants: 15...♘xd5 16.♘xd5 ♗xd5 17.exd5 (in order for this idea to work, White really needs to be able to occupy the d5-square with a piece, but in this case the c2-pawn hangs: 17.♕xd5 ♖xc2 is better for Black) 17...f5. This is a great outcome for Black: there is pressure down the c-file and the kingside pawn majority is rolling) 2b) For the moment, White should play modestly: 15.♗d2 ♕b6 and Black is comfortably placed as it is difficult for White to undertake significant action. 12...♗e6 13.a3 ♘c6

14.♘ed5 By the way, if 14.♘cd5?, 14...♘xe4 wins a pawn. White could stubbornly return the bishop: 14.♗d3 ♘d7 (a common and effective manoeuvre in the Kalashnikov: the knight makes room for the bishop to emerge on g5, and the knight may return to f6 to continue the fight for the d5-square, or swing round to b6 or c5) 15.♘cd5 ♗g5 (the pressure grows on e3 and d5; notice how it is Black who decides when to exchange) 16.c3 ♘e7 (Black continues the fight for the d5-square. The aim is to exchange so that White ends up with a pawn on d5, giving Black his favoured kingside pawn majority) 17.♗c2. The queen covers the d5-square. Black has a wide choice of plans here. One can exchange on e3 or d5, but it seems to me that Black can happily wait and improve the position of the queen’s rook: 17...♖c8 with chances for both sides. 14...♘d4 This is a busy piece! The bishop is a prize worth chasing. 15.♗d3 15.♘xe7+ clears the back rank for Black, connecting the rooks: 15...♕xe7 16.♗d3 h6. We are following a game Korneev-Cornette, Metz 2012, where Black swiftly broke in the centre and achieved success by advancing the kingside pawn majority: 17.♗e3 ♘c6 18.h3 ♖ad8 19.♕f3 d5 20.exd5 ♘xd5 21.♘xd5 ♗xd5 22.♕f5 g6 23.♕g4 ♔g7 24.b4 f5. White is already getting pressed back. 15...♘xd5 The exchange of knights allows Black’s e7-bishop into the game. 16.♘xd5 16.exd5 ♗d7 would give Black the desired kingside pawn structure.

16...♗g5 The bishop can breathe again. 16...♗xd5? would be a mistake: 17.exd5. Black is struggling to meet c2-c3, trapping the knight. 17.c3 ♗xc1 18.♖xc1 ♘c6

Black threatens to exchange on d5, when White must recapture with the pawn. If 19.♘e3 ♕b6 followed by ...♖fd8, securing the d-pawn. Black can consider playing ...a6-a5 and ...b5-b4 to break up White’s queenside pawns. If 19.♗c2, Black plays 19...♘a5, looking to get in on c4.

Conclusion None of these tenth-move alternatives are concerning for Black. They are solid options that give White reasonable positions, deferring the main struggle to the middlegame. Of the three moves, I believe 10.♗d3 makes the most sense as it develops a piece and prepares to castle. These lines aren’t particularly forcing, so memorising variations isn’t easy, and perhaps at first not very helpful. However, ideas and themes are important: the struggle for the d5-square, understanding which pieces to exchange, and, of course, getting a feel for pawn structure. The Breakout Bishop – moving to g5 to gain more freedom is a common idea throughout the Kalashnikov, but particularly in these variations. I recommend a viewing of Molano Lafuente-Ikonnikov, Barcelona 2009, in the Model Games section, that draws together many of the key ideas.

CHAPTER 17

Main line with 10.g3 h5 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♘c4 b5 9.♘e3 ♘f6 10.g3 According to my database, this is the most popular tenth move. The bishop prepares to develop to g2, solidly protecting the e-pawn. From that square it won’t be hassled by Black’s queen’s knight (that’s one of the drawbacks of moving the bishop to d3 or e2 in other variations) and tucking the bishop out of the way gives White’s queen more scope. Black can choose between two continuations that take the game in quite different directions. In the next chapter I consider the orthodox 10...0-0 (which in practice has been the most popular choice), but here I look at the more adventurous... 10...h5.

Let’s go. This has been played by Carlsen and is a speciality of Alexander Moiseenko, one of the most renowned experts on the Kalashnikov. The trademark Kalashnikov pawns on d6 and e5 provide sufficient central stability to allow this flight of fancy on the flank. Advancing the rook’s pawn is all the rage these days – 1.d4 ♘f6 2.c4 g6 3.h4 is, at the time of writing, the latest visitation that has crossed from the fringes of lines considered ‘outrageous’ to mainstream. Some credit AlphaZero with this trend, but many of us were playing like this a long time before AZ was a twinkle in Demis Hassabis’s eye. Incidentally, the machines actually approve of 10...h5, if that provides any reassurance, but the reason I like the move is that it already puts White in something of a dilemma: should the advance be blocked with h2-h3 or h2-h4, or just ignored? The moves we need to consider are: A) 11.♗g2 B) 11.h3 C) 11.h4 D) 11.a4

A) 11.♗g2

White is unimpressed and continues with development. This is by far the most popular response to 10...h5. 11...h4 12.0-0 There is a difference of opinion among Kalashnikov players at this moment. The most popular moves are 12...h3 and 12...♘d4, but I like keeping options open with 12...♖b8. By the way, it’s best to avoid 12...hxg3 13.fxg3!, opening the f-file, which gives White play on the kingside. 12...♖b8 A mysterious move. The rook often belongs here in the Kalashnikov. When the knight lands on d5 there is always a danger of a knight fork on b6 or c7, and this takes away some of that jeopardy. The rook also supports the bpawn, making it easier to advance or perhaps even capture if White advances the a-pawn. It is also a waiting move: White can’t do much else here than plant the knight on d5, and we want to be able to exchange that off. That’s why the ‘natural’ 12...♗e6 isn’t appropriate here – after 13.♘cd5 we would lose a piece after 13...♘xd5 14.exd5. Notice that in these lines Black holds back with the h-pawn: later on, it might advance to h3, but exchanging is also an option. Let’s see how White reacts first. That’s also the reason that Black is delaying castling: the rook could still prove useful on h8. With the centre relatively closed, the king can live in the middle for the moment. 13.♘cd5 It is difficult to think of another move for White. The knight lands on the destined square. 13...♘xd5

Let’s exchange and find out which way White is going to recapture. They might get it wrong! 14.♘xd5 In principle, from Black’s viewpoint, 14.exd5?! is the recapture we welcome: I would much rather see a dead pawn on d5 than a knight looming over the ramparts (although we have ways of dealing with that). 14...♘d4. The knight leaps to a beautiful outpost. Is it in danger of getting trapped here? 1) 15.g4 (a wild attempt to trap the knight by taking away the f5-square, but White’s kingside is severely weakened) 15...h3 (after this the g4-pawn looks even more exposed, and who knows when that h3-pawn could help in a mating net – hehe) 16.♗e4 (White threatens to trap the knight with pawn to c3) 16...b4 (making room for the knight on b5) 17.c3 ♘b5 (better than exchanging on c3 as White is unable to push the knight away with a2-a4 as it can simply be captured en passant. This is a familiar idea in these lines) 18.cxb4 ♗g5 (highlighting the drawbacks of advancing with g3-g4: the f4square is weak. By the way, there is no need for Black to castle at the moment: the rook is doing a good job supporting the h-pawn and the king is safe enough as the centre is closed) 19.♔h1 ♘d4. Black has excellent compensation for the pawn in the form of strong pieces and White’s ragged kingside; 2) 15.♕d3 (the queen covers the f5-square, so 16.c3, trapping the knight, is threatened) 15...g6 16.c3 (we are following the game Willow-Pert, British Championship 2019. I feature this in the Model Games section) 16...♘f5 (a safe and strong position for the knight) 17.a4.

analysis diagram

At this moment in the game Pert exchanged on g3, and won a fine game, but there was something even stronger: 17...bxa4! 18.♖xa4 ♘xe3 19.♕xe3 (recapturing with the queen looks awkward, but the bishop has to protect the b2-pawn) 19...♗d7 20.♖a3 ♕c8 (taking control of the c8-h3 diagonal and perhaps preparing ...♗h3. The h-file beckons for the queen! There is also another devilish point to the queen move. And, more prosaically, the a-pawn is defended) 21.b3 ♗d8.

analysis diagram

I love this manoeuvre! We frequently see the Bad-Bishop Bounce in the Kalashnikov, but this one is very special. The bishop hits b6 and can play a direct role in the attack on White’s king. It also enables Black to play pawn to a5, securing the queenside and fixing the b3-pawn as a target. Don’t forget that ...♗h3 is also a possibility. Black has a strong initiative. 14...♗e6 The bishop moves to its best square, pressing the knight on d5 and preparing to play ...♕d7. 15.c3 ♕d7 16.♗e3 Instead, 16.♘xe7 ♔xe7 is more than fine for Black: the king is safe in the middle, it performs an important function in protecting the d-pawn, and the rooks are connected. 16...♗d8 This fine manoeuvre again. The bishop covers the b6-square and the knight can move to e7 to tackle White’s knight on d5. The bishop also supports the pawn push to a5 in the event of White opening the queenside with a2-a4. Chances are balanced. By the way, Black should not play 16...♗h3? in this particular position because of 17.♗xh3 ♕xh3 18.g4 and Black’s queen is stuck.

B) 11.h3

This is a well-motivated move. White prevents the h-pawn advancing all the way to h3, and at the same time covers the g4-square. There is, however, a drawback and Black can nevertheless weaken the enemy kingside. Very few have risked playing in this way with White. 11...h4 Step one: provoke the g-pawn to advance. 12.g4 White should make this advance, keeping the h-file closed. 12...0-0 13.♗g2 b4 Black provokes again while White’s king is still in the middle – that’s good strategy. 14.♘cd5 ♘xd5

White now has a big decision: gain a tempo by attacking the knight (but changing the pawn structure) or stick to the tried and tested recapture with the knight. 15.exd5 15.♘xd5 ♗g5 (as usual in the Kalashnikov, the bishop is destined for this square and in this case it is extra secure as the f4-square has been ‘softened’ by the advance of the h-pawn) 16.♗xg5 ♕xg5 17.0-0. A rich middlegame is in prospect. Black can choose between several different plans: 17...a5 18.a3 ♖b8 19.axb4 axb4 and then ...♗e6; or the immediate 17...♗e6 with the idea of exchanging and manoeuvring the knight around to f4. 17...♗b7 is also an option with a later ...♘d4. But personally I would go for 17...♖b8 to discourage a2-a3. Your choice! 15...♘d4 Black is getting ready to open the kingside with ...f7-f5, so White should push away the knight. 16.c3 ♘b5 This is more canny than exchanging pawns: 16...bxc3 17.bxc3 ♘b5 when the knight can be forced back with 18.a4. With the pawn on b4, playing 17.a4 makes no sense as it can simply be captured en passant. 17.cxb4 a5 This is a great way to open lines and get the queen into the game. 18.bxa5 ♕xa5+ 19.♗d2 ♕a7 This is often a key diagonal in the Kalashnikov. 20.0-0 ♘d4 Black has sacrificed a pawn for tremendous activity. Depending on how

White plays, the bishop might well land on g5. Perhaps bishop to d7 (or a6) and ...♖fb8 to press on the a- and b-files. And, of course, let’s not forget the pawn break ...f7-f5, opening up the kingside.

C) 11.h4

A trenchant move – the pawn shall go no further! While it solidly blocks the h-pawn, the drawback is that the g4-square can potentially be used by Black. This has been played in very few games, although So-Carlsen, Abidjan blitz 2019, was a notable encounter. 11...♘d4 This is the most testing move for White, attacking key squares in the enemy camp. 12.♗g2 b4 Taking the fight to White. 12...♗e6 was played in the game by the World Champion, who got a reasonable position, but I prefer the push. 13.♘cd5 13.♘e2 ♘xe2 14.♕xe2 a5 will force a concession from White as 15...♗a6 is an unpleasant threat. 15.c4 bxc3 16.bxc3 is obviously not ideal for White as the c-pawn is now isolated. 13...♘xd5 14.♘xd5 14.exd5 ♗d7 is comfortable for Black. Remember, we are usually happy to see a white pawn on d5 as it blocks White’s pieces and gives Black a potentially powerful kingside pawn majority. 14...♗g4

There we go, the g4-square can be used! As usual, the Poke is an upsetting move for White: the queen can’t move, so the pawn has to block, and that weakens White’s kingside. 15.f3 Forced. This is not really the move White wants to make considering that it blocks in the bishop and weakens the g3-pawn. 15.♕d3 is a mistake: 15...♗e2! (a surprising refutation) 16.♕d2 ♖c8 17.c3 ♘f3+ 18.♗xf3 ♗xf3 19.0-0 ♗xe4 with a clear advantage. 15...♗e6

This is a tricky position for White with plenty of opportunities to go wrong. 16.♗e3 There are a couple of alternatives: 1) 16.♘xb4 provides a good example of the potential dangers for White. Black gains a potent initiative: 16...a5 17.♘d3 (or 17.♘d5 ♗xd5 18.exd5 ♘f5! – a nice trap! – 19.♖h3 ♘xg3 20.♖xg3 ♗xh4 21.♔f2 ♕b6+ 22.♗e3 ♗xg3+, winning material) 17...d5. Let’s go! Black has good compensation for the pawn considering White’s weakened kingside; 2) 16.♘xe7 ♕xe7 (a glance at the position tells us that Black is more active. White has to play with care) 17.♗e3 ♖c8 (the pressure on c2 induces White to exchange off the bishop. If 18.♖c1 0-0 19.0-0 d5 gives Black the initiative) 18.♗xd4 exd4 19.0-0 g5 (the true spirit of the Kalashnikov! Black exploits the weakness of the g3-square) 20.♕xd4 ♖g8 21.♖f2 (protecting the c2-pawn) 21...gxh4 22.gxh4 ♗h3 with pressure on g2, and threats to the pawns on c2 and h4; Black has sufficient compensation for the pawn. 16...♗xd5 17.exd5 0-0 I think Black should exit straightaway, but it is also possible to move the knight away with 17...♘f5. 18.0-0 ♕c7 Black has pressure on the c-file, and if the position ever pops open, White’s king feels like it’s in a shaky position with all the pawn advances. As an alternative, one could also keep the knight on the board: 18...♘f5 19.♗f2 g6 20.♗h3 ♘g7 with the idea ...f7-f5 and Black can look forward to a kingside attack.

D) 11.a4

This is a rare move: my database indicates that only two games have taken this path but one of the games was played by the England no.1 Michael Adams, so we should pay attention. However, Black can look forward to all the usual play and there is plenty of opportunity to stir up trouble. Troublemakers, follow me... 11...b4 Keeping the queenside closed and pushing the knight. 12.♘cd5 h4 Let’s be consistent and keep pushing. Already White has a dilemma in how to deal with this. Instead, 12...♘xe4?! 13.♗g2 f5 14.0-0 is a bit too risky for Black. The centre is opening and usually one would want to get castled quickly – but the h-pawn is hanging to the queen on d1.

13.♘xf6+ 1) Alternatively, 13.♘xe7 is dubious: 13...♘xe7 (Black is getting ready for ...d6-d5 and will take the initiative) 14.♗g2 ♗b7 (threatening the e4-pawn) 15.♕d3 d5 16.exd5 ♘exd5. White is under serious pressure; 2) 13.♗g2 is better: 13...♖b8 (ideally Black would like to play 13...h3 14.♗f3 ♘d4, hitting the bishop, but that would allow 15.♘xb4. That’s why the rook moves to b8, covering the b-pawn. It’s a useful move anyway, covering b6 and later on avoiding a potential knight fork on c7) 14.0-0 h3 15.♗h1 (15.♗f3?! ♘d4 gains time or a bishop) 15...0-0 16.♘xf6+ ♗xf6 17.♘d5 ♗e6 18.♗e3 a5.

analysis diagram

Chances are balanced. The pawn on h3 adds a little spice to the position: tactically White must always be very careful (think back rank as well as a queen landing on g2. It’s good to dream!). I wonder how many players would be tempted to grab the d-pawn at this moment? However, 19.♘xf6+ ♕xf6 20.♕xd6 ♖bc8 with ideas of ...♖fd8 and ...♘d4 gives Black tremendous play. 13...♗xf6

14.♗c4 We are following the game Adams-Pert, Hastings online rapid 2021. This is a pragmatic choice: instead of moving to g2 and getting hassled, the bishop switches plans and lands on the traditional c4-square. 1) Instead, 14.♗g2 h3!. In this case, Black can take the initiative by hounding the bishop: 15.♗f3 ♘d4; or 2) 14.♘d5 ♖b8 (protecting the b-pawn and preparing to throw the knight into d4) 15.♗e3 hxg3 16.fxg3 ♗g5 17.♗f2 ♘e7. Black has more centre pawns and has made a positional gain. 14...hxg3 Black takes the initiative. In the game, Nick Pert played 14...♗e6, and, after lots of ups and downs, Adams won the game. Exchanging on g3 is stronger. 15.fxg3 ♗h3

Preventing White castling. To follow, Black may throw the knight into d4, and play ...♗g5. For White the options are not as straightforward.

Conclusion To be able to fight for the initiative at an early stage of the game with Black is unusual; what’s more, it is sound. This line is great fun, but a word of caution: it raises the stakes. The king remains in the middle, and one must judge carefully how long it remains there and when and if to castle. If these lines don’t suit you, take a look at the next chapter with a calmer alternative: 10...0-0.

CHAPTER 18

Main line with 10.g3 0-0 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7 8.♘c4 b5 9.♘e3 ♘f6 10.g3 If the aggression of 10...h5 in the previous chapter isn’t to your taste, then there is a more solid option that has fared decently for Black: 10...0-0

Databases show that 10.0-0 has been played more often than 10...h5.

11.♗g2 b4 This is by far the most popular move at this point. Black aims to exchange pieces, which will free his game. One could also develop in a different way: 11...♗e6 12.0-0 ♖c8 13.♘cd5 ♘a5 which has given Black reasonable results. 12.♘cd5 ♘xd5 13.♘xd5 Instead, 13.exd5 ♘d4 and the knight safely hops into a menacing square. 13...♗g5

White has established the knight on d5, but it has taken some time to get there, and that gives Black the opportunity to exchange off the ‘bad bishop’. Here I am dividing variations into two parts: A) 14.♗xg5 B) 14.0-0

The first move can lead to much sharper positions where White goes on the attack. The second is much calmer and runs very much along standard Kalashnikov strategic lines.

A) 14.♗xg5 ♕xg5

In principle, the exchange is desirable for Black – it’s good to get rid of the ‘bad’ bishop, and the knight might be able to occupy the d4-square at a later stage. However, for the moment the queen is offside – there is no way to attack White’s solid kingside position – so in most cases it needs to redeploy via d8. 15.0-0 ♖b8 Covering the advanced b-pawn pre-empts White’s attack with a2-a3, and rules out an attack with ♘c7. I bet that 9 out of 10 players would reach for the f-pawn here: 16.f4. They think: ‘That’s the move we always play in the Sicilian; and there’s a bonus: we can play it with tempo!’ Not so fast. Remember that advancing the f-pawn is a double-edged sword. Ask yourself: whose king has more pawn cover at this moment? Before we examine 16.f4 (A3), let’s take a look at two calmer alternatives, 16.♕d3 and 16.a3.

A1) 16.♕d3

16...a5 This is a multi-purpose move: the b-pawn is supported and a Minority Attack could later be possible; and the a-pawn is taken away from the beam of White’s queen so that ...♗e6 becomes an option. 17.c3 ♕d8 The queen wasn’t doing a great deal on g5, and there is more prospect of coming into play from d8 (once the d5-knight is exchanged). 18.♖fd1 ♗e6 A typical Kalashnikov position has been reached from the opening. White must be careful not to give away the d4-square for Black’s knight (exchanging on b4 would be a mistake, for example). Black shouldn’t simplify too quickly and can sometimes consider ...a5-a4-a3. It can also be useful to throw in ...h7-h6 or ...h7-h5 – not as an attacking gesture, but to give the king a flight square from the back rank anticipating the opening of the position. If White exchanges pawns – 19.cxb4 axb4 – the d4-square is available for Black’s knight. Now we can see the benefits of exchanging the dark-squared bishops.

A2) 16.a3

This doesn’t make much sense when Black’s rook is positioned on b8, but let’s take a look anyway. 16...bxa3 White cannot recapture with the rook as the b2-pawn is en prise. Recapturing with the b-pawn splits the queenside pawns. Therefore White’s next move is necessary, but it all feels rather time-consuming. 17.b3 This secures the b-pawn. White would like to recapture with the rook on a3 and then apply pressure to the lone a-pawn, but in the meantime Black can generate counterplay. 17...♗g4

Once more, this delightfully disruptive move, inducing a less-than-desirable block or pushing the queen to a tactically sensitive square. Let’s look at three moves in turn: 18.♕d3, 18.♗f3 and 18.f3:

A21) 18.♕d3 ♘d4 It is difficult to shift this knight, considering that moving the pawn to c3 drops the b3-pawn. 19.f3 Defending against 19...♗e2. If 19.♖fe1 f5. 19...♗e6 20.f4 White should advance this pawn so that the bishop on g2 has more influence. 20...♕d8 The queen will probably activate on b6 after the knight on d5 is exchanged off. 21.♖xa3 ♗xd5 Remove the knight before it drops back to e3. 22.exd5 a5 Black will follow up with ...♕b6 and most likely ...♖fc8 to put pressure on the c-file.

A22) 18.♗f3 ♗h3 Black does best to keep up the pressure, although 18...♗xf3 19.♕xf3 ♖fc8

is also playable. 19.♖e1 A more prudent choice is 19.♗g2 ♗g4 which repeats the position. 19...f5 Black takes the initiative on the kingside. Advancing the pawn, followed, potentially, by ...♖b8-b7-f7, is uncomfortable for White.

A23) 18.f3 Blocking the bishop, as well as opening the a7-g1 diagonal, is not good strategy. 18...♗e6 19.f4 The pawn should not remain on f3. 19...exf4 20.gxf4 White does best to retain control over the e5-square. 20...♕d8 21.♖xa3 ♗xd5 Getting rid of the knight allows Black’s queen to get back into the game. 22.exd5 Instead, 22.♕xd5 ♕b6+ 23.♔h1 ♘d4 isn’t bad for White, but more accuracy is needed than in the other line. 22...♕b6+ 23.♖f2 ♘d4 Black has decent counterplay with the rooks coming to c8 and e8. They will be far better placed than White’s split rooks. The computer believes that the

position is equal, and we must bow to its superior knowledge, but thankfully chess is still played between humans and I would back Black.

A3) 16.f4

16...♕d8 The queen steps back, but its day will come again. It’s best not to exchange pawns: 16...exf4 17.gxf4 ♕d8 18.♕d3 and the queen can easily swing over to g3 with an attack on the g-file. 17.f5 Having said ‘A’, White should also say ‘B’. Apart from the obvious attacking intent, the f-pawn prevents Black from playing ...♗e6 to exchange off the knight on d5. Black has to pay attention to the threats on the kingside, but they are transparent, and once they’ve been dealt with, it will be time to counter-attack through the middle. By the way, instead of pushing, 17.fxe5 ♘xe5 gives Black a wonderful square for the knight. 17...♘e7

It is essential to challenge the knight on d5. Once it is exchanged off, the force of White’s attack diminishes. Interestingly, if you put a computer to work on this position, the longer it thinks, the more optimistically it views Black’s chances. White has three plausible possibilities: 18.♘e3, 18.♘xe7+, 18.f6.

A31) 18.♘e3 ♕b6 Gaining a tempo. 19.♕d2 f6 Shutting down the possibility of f5-f6. The struggle now revolves around the centre of the board. 20.♔h1 Sooner or later the king must step away from the queen’s beam. 20...♗b7 21.♖fd1 ♖fd8 Black will follow with ...♗c6 and ...♕b7 to put pressure on the e4-pawn. Chances are about equal.

A32) 18.♘xe7+ This makes life easy for Black as it is difficult to generate any attack on the kingside once the knight has disappeared. Let me drill down deeply into this position to demonstrate the inherent strength of Black’s set-up. 18...♕xe7

1) If 19.♕d2 f6 (ruling out f5-f6 forever enables Black to develop on the queenside with a clear conscience) 20.♖fd1 ♖d8 chances are balanced. In the game Carstens-Bronznik, Germany tt 2018/19, White quickly went wrong: 21.♕e3 a5 22.♖d2 d5 23.exd5 ♗xf5, and Black blockaded the dpawn, pressed down the c-file, and ultimately pushed the central pawns to victory; 2) 19.f6 gxf6 (it is best to eliminate the outrider) 20.♕h5 ♗e6 (keep developing; there is no need to over-react as White struggles to bring any pieces over to support the queen) 21.♕h6 ♖fc8 (the counter-attack begins) 22.♖f2 (22.♖xf6 ♖xc2) 22...♕a7 (threatening the pawn on c2 again and bringing the queen into the game) 23.♖c1 ♖c4. Black’s next move will be to double rooks on the c-file. 24.♕xf6 ♕e3 is better for Black.

A33) 18.f6 White continues headlong on the kingside but in fact this is bluster. Once the knights are exchanged there isn’t much of an attack. 18...♘xd5

1) 19.fxg7 ♔xg7 20.♕xd5 (20.exd5 f5, controlling the centre; Black is already very comfortable) 20...♕b6+ (Black is able to bring the queen into play with tempo) 21.♔h1 ♗e6 (the bishop also develops with tempo) 22.♕d2 f6. Preventing the check on g5 and therefore securing the kingside. Black will follow by playing ...♖bc8 and putting pressure down the c-file; 2) Alternatively, 19.exd5 is a slightly different attempt to batter through on the kingside, but Black can survive: 19...gxf6 20.♕h5 f5 (preventing 21.♗e4) 21.♗h3 f4 (at first this looks a bit crazy, but the aim is to open up White’s king) 22.gxf4 ♗xh3 23.♕xh3 ♕b6+ (the queen charges into the position to counter-attack White’s king; in fact 23...f6 is solid enough) 24.♔h1 ♕d4 25.♖g1+ ♔h8 26.♕h6

analysis diagram

26...exf4. What a cool defence! The queen controls the diagonal covering the all-important g7 and f6-squares (instead, 26...♕e4+ 27.♖g2 would lose on the spot). White has no more than a draw here, for example: 27.♖ad1 ♕e5 28.♖d3 ♕e4+ (28...♖g8 29.♕xh7+ ♔xh7 30.♖h3+ ♕h5 31.♖xh5#) 29.♖g2 ♕e1+ 30.♖g1 ♕e4+ with a repetition; 3) 19.♕xd5 is also fine for Black: 19...gxf6 20.♖f2 (the best that White can do is pile up on the doubled f-pawns) 20...♗e6 21.♕d2 ♔g7 22.♖af1. Black has several decent moves (22...♗c4, 22...a5 for example) but let’s concentrate on 22...♕b6, pinning the rook so White has to side-step: 23.♔h1 ♕d4. The endgame is about equal, or White can go for a forced draw by swinging over to the kingside: 24.♕e2 ♗c4 25.♕g4+ ♔h8 26.♕h4 ♗xf1 27.♕xf6+ ♔g8 28.♕g5+ ♔h8 and so on. White has nothing better.

B) 14.0-0

This gives Black a comfortable game. 14...♗xc1 Black carries through the plan of exchanging off the bishops. 15.♖xc1 ♗e6

Pressure is brought to bear on the knight on d5. 16.f4 I see this move played so often in Sicilian positions. Far from fearing this advance, I think we should welcome it. While computers believe the position is still balanced, in practice it is more difficult for White to play because their king is more open. A couple of alternatives: 1) 16.♕d2 ♕a5 (putting pressure on the knight on d5 and the pawn on a2. Naturally the more standard 16...a5 and 16...♖b8 are perfectly acceptable alternatives) 17.♖fd1 (17.♖a1 ♗xd5 18.exd5 ♘d4 19.c3? bxc3 20.bxc3 ♕xc3 21.♕xc3 ♘e2+) 17...♕xa2 (plunging in leads to exchanges) 18.♘xb4 ♘xb4 19.♕xb4 a5 20.♕a3 (20.♕xd6 ♕xb2 21.c4 a4) 20...♕xa3 21.bxa3 ♖fd8. Black has the slightly better chances due to White’s split pawns; 2) With 16.c3 White brings the rook on c1 into play, but there are positional drawbacks to this move: 16...bxc3 and now: 2a) If 17.♖xc3 ♘d4 Black’s knight on d4 is a superb piece – it cannot be driven away and it is difficult to exchange off: 18.f4 ♗xd5 (this exchange leaves Black with the classic good knight against bad bishop position) 19.exd5 ♕b6 20.♖f2 f5. Black has a potent kingside pawn majority, there is potential for a Minority Attack with ...a6-a5-a4 to press the queenside pawns, and White has to constantly step around that beautiful knight in the middle of the board; 2b) 17.bxc3

analysis diagram

This keeps the d4-square covered, but White’s queenside pawns are split and there are some weak squares to occupy. 17...♕a5. Black has in mind exchanging on d5 then repositioning the knight to c5 via b8 and d7. Instead of this, 17...♘a5 is an excellent alternative, looking to station the knight on c4, or if that proves impossible, on c5 (via b7). 16...exf4 17.gxf4 If 17.♖xf4 ♘e5 the knight stands beautifully on e5, blockading the e4-pawn and therefore making the bishop on g2 redundant. 17...♖c8

18.f5 Not the best move, but the most aggressive, so it should always be considered. 18.♖f2 is the most prudent: 18...♗xd5 (exchanging off the knight gives Black’s queen more freedom) 19.♕xd5 ♕b6 (quite an irritating pin for White) 20.♖d1 ♖fe8. The position is still balanced, but Black is ready to pounce if White makes a slip. 18...♗xd5 19.♕xd5 Instead, 19.exd5 ♘e5.

analysis diagram

The dream square for the knight: it cannot be pushed away by a pawn and cannot be exchanged off by another minor piece. 20.f6 ♖c4 (the rook sweeps forward, and White has to be very careful not to fall prey to a vicious counter-attack) 21.fxg7 ♔xg7. Black’s pieces are ready to switch to the kingside and White is under pressure. 19...♕f6 Blockading the f-pawn and taking control of an important diagonal. 20.c3 ♘e5 That’s where the knight belongs! Black already stands well. By the way, this move sets an evil trap: if 21.cxb4? ♘f3+!, winning: 1) 22.♗xf3 ♕g5, double attack!; 2) Or 22.♔h1 ♖xc1 23.♖xc1 ♕h6, double attack! 3) And finally... 22.♔f2 ♕xb2+, double attack!

Conclusion It isn’t easy to see the wood for the trees in all the branches of variations. Let me cut through. 14.♗xg5 followed by the f-pawn advance is at first sight troubling, but after the knight on d5 is challenged with 17...♘e7, the attack can be withstood and Black has good counterplay. I went into some detail in the variations in order to demonstrate the soundness of Black’s position. It is worth remembering that White’s king often has less pawn cover than Black’s and can suffer if the

attack falters. 14.0-0 presents no difficulties for Black. In the variations I’ve given, look how often White falls into positions where Black exchanges bishop for knight and achieves a position with good knight against bad bishop. Djukic-Tekeyev in the Model Games section also shows how White can get pulled apart positionally. Whether you go for 10.g3 h5 or for 10.g3 0-0 depends on the kind of positions you feel most comfortable playing. The former could turn out to be a bit random, the latter will depend on your counter-attacking and positional skills.

CHAPTER 19

6.c4: main line with 7.♘1c3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.c4

In the ChessBase online database, the position after 6.♘1c3 has been played in serious games on more than 12,000 occasions. 6.c4 is the second most popular move and has been played on more than 7,000 occasions. This line deserves special attention as the pawn structure, with the pawn on c4 rather than c2, is slightly different from most others in the Kalashnikov. Remember, pawn structure determines strategy, so Black needs to think about the position in a different way. White clamps the middle of the board and hopes to squash Black’s standard Kalashnikov pawn break ...d6-d5. But don’t be too alarmed. In fact, Black has devilishly dynamic chances and in the main line, the ...d6-d5 break is precisely the pawn move we will be looking to unleash. There is also a big downside to advancing the pawn to c4: the d4square can no longer be protected by a pawn, which means that a knight can very often move there unopposed, sometimes as a pawn sacrifice to open the position. That said, one should not underestimate this version of the Maroczy Bind: it is important we understand how to create counterplay or Black will get smothered. In this chapter I am looking at what happens when White develops in an orthodox manner: bishops to e2 and e3, knights on c3 and c2. In the next chapter I will consider positions where White plays the bishop to d3. Move order is flexible for both sides in these lines. 6...♗e6 As usual, this is an excellent square for the bishop, covering the d5-square and also looking at the c4-pawn. The older way of playing this position was 6...♗e7 7.♘1c3 a6 8.♘a3 ♗e6 9.♘c2 ♗g5 10.♗e2 ♗xc1 11.♖xc1. While it is positionally sound to exchange off these bishops, I feel it loses too much time, allowing White to develop rapidly and establish strong control in the centre. For reference, I invite you to look up the game Carlsen-Hou Yifan, Wijk aan Zee 2015, where Black was reduced to passivity.

7.♘1c3 The vast majority bring out the knight here, conforming to standard opening principles. However, bishops can be developed at different times to e2 or e3 (and occasionally to g2). The move 7.♗d3 is examined in the next chapter. If 7.♗e2 immediately, the position will probably transpose back into the main line later, but Black does have some additional possibilities, for example 7...a6 8.♘5c3 ♘d4, looking to exchange off the bishop on e2 straightaway. Also see Quparadze-Rapport in the Model Games section for another early ...♘d4. 7...a6 The knight is pushed away to a poor square. It is going to take a long time for White to recycle the poor beast to a better location, and in the meantime Black can stir up trouble. 8.♘a3 g6

In the early days of the Kalashnikov, most players developed their bishop to e7, but the fianchetto is far more dynamic. This has been championed by Parham Maghsoodloo. 9.♘c2 Most players like to play the knight to c2 to cover the d4-square – and I think that is the most sensible. Others prefer to develop with 9.♗e3 or 9.♗e2. Very often these lines transpose. I will point out where these variations have independent significance. From Black’s viewpoint, matters are much clearer: in most cases the next moves will be ...♗g7, ...♘f6, ...0-0 – and then let’s think again. Alternatively, let’s see what happens if White refuses to play the knight back and just continues developing on the kingside: 9.♗e2 ♗g7 10.0-0 ♘f6 11.♗e3 0-0 (at any time over the last few moves, White could have played ♘c2, transposing to the main line) 12.♕d2. If White doesn’t want to prevent Black’s knight coming in to d4, then we should oblige: 12...♘d4.

analysis diagram

Yes! That’s the move that every Kalashnikov player dreams of! 13.♖ad1 (13.♗xd4? exd4 14.♕xd4 ♘d5 (unleashing the dark-squared bishop) 15.♕d3 ♘xc3 16.bxc3 ♖c8; Black’s bishops are superb, White’s c-pawns are weak and the knight on a3 is poorly placed) 13...♖c8 (increasing the pressure on the c4-pawn. Now it is getting tricky for White) 14.b3 (this seemingly natural move falls right into Black’s plans. Instead, 14.f3 transposes back into one of the main lines: 14...♘h5 and Black has excellent play – see later on) 14...b5 (White is in trouble! The simple threat is pawn to b4, winning a piece) 15.♘c2 (15.cxb5? loses a piece to 15...♖xc3) 15...♘xe2+ 16.♕xe2 bxc4 17.b4 ♘h5 with the idea ...♘f4 and a kingside attack. Black is a pawn up with the initiative. 9...♗g7 10.♗e3 ♘f6 This is the best square for the knight, putting pressure on the e4-pawn, looking at the g4-square, perhaps moving to h5, and covering the d5-square. In the old days of this variation, Black automatically put the knight on e7, but it is far less effective there as it cannot find another good square to move to. 11.♗e2 The bishop prevents the knight from moving to g4 and h5. 11...0-0 12.0-0 Both sides have developed sensibly and brought their kings to safety. Let the middlegame battle begin. 12...♖c8

This is where the rook belongs. The c-file is going to be a great source of counterplay for Black. In the past, such positions were thought to be better for White because of the supposedly weak pawn on d6. Let’s reframe our thinking. This is a kind of Hedgehog position where with a couple of pawn breaks Black’s pieces will be unleashed. White will attempt to complete development while retaining control over the centre and queenside; Black must attempt to shake that grip. This is an important moment and worth examining in detail. There are three plausible moves to consider: A) 13.b3 B) 13.♕d2 C) 13.f3

Black’s response will have to be tailored according to each.

A) 13.b3

An attempt to bolster the Maroczy structure. This position was reached in two important games: Steinberg-Cheparinov 2020 and Anand-Maghsoodloo 2020 (see the Model Games section). Both ended in spectacular victories for Black. This is an important moment. White will be in control of the position if the centre can be held together, but Black can hit out at the enemy structure immediately: 13...b5 This pawn break will be familiar to anyone that plays the Hedgehog. Getting rid of the c4-pawn opens up the c-file and the rook on c8 menaces White’s knights. More than that, the d6-d5 pawn break is coming soon to let loose Black’s pieces. 14.cxb5 If White does not take, then the c4-pawn will become isolated. 14...axb5 This is the most accurate move, although there is an interesting alternative, 14...♘e7, played in the fascinating game Anand-Maghsoodloo. This is examined in the Model Games section. 15.♗xb5 If 15.♘xb5 ♘xe4 (a good trade: Black gives up a side pawn – or two – for a centre pawn) 16.f3 ♘f6 (the knight has to retreat) 17.♘xd6 (White has managed to grab the important d-pawn, but Black has excellent compensation) 17...♖a8 (a good square for the rook, putting pressure on the a2-pawn) 18.♘e4 (the knight blocks the e-pawn from advancing) 18...♕c7 (preparing to bring a rook in to the middle to attack the queen) 19.♕e1 ♘xe4 20.fxe4 ♘d4. Black has the superior pawn structure, active pieces and a safer king than White. In other words, excellent compensation for the pawn.

15...♘a7! The strongest move. Black threatens the knight on c3 as well as the bishop on b5. Instead of this, in the game Steinberg-Cheparinov, Ech qual Internet 2020, Black played 15...♘e7 and managed to win an excellent game, although at this point 16.♗d2 would have been stronger than the game continuation. 16.♗c4 A prudent move, exchanging off a pair of pieces and taking the edge off Black’s initiative. 16.♗xa7 is a mistake: 16...♖xc3 (all White’s minor pieces are loose, which means that there are lots of tactics in the air) 17.♗d3 ♕a8 (another weak point targeted) 18.♗e3 ♘xe4. White’s pawn centre has been destroyed and Black has the more active pieces. A good outcome! 16...♗xc4 17.bxc4 ♖xc4 Black has won the pawn back and still has the initiative. 18.♘d5 The knight is on a good location, so it needs to be eliminated. 18.♗xa7 ♖xc3 (threatening 19...♕c7, so White retreats the loose bishop) 19.♗e3 ♘xe4. Black is a pawn up with good central control. Where is White’s centre now? 18...♘xd5 19.♕xd5 19.exd5 ♖a4 is better for Black as White has two isolated pawns. 19...♖xc2 20.♗xa7 ♕a8 With precise play White can equalise but, at the moment, Black has the

initiative as the a2-pawn is vulnerable.

B) 13.♕d2

A sensible developing move, connecting the rooks. It is essential that Black plays actively before White has a chance to take a grip over the centre. 13...♘e7 Retreating the knight looks unlikely, but it’s all about putting pressure on the c4-pawn and the knights behind it. White has a few ways to deal with the threat:

B1) 14.b3

The most obvious move, firmly protecting the c-pawn, but Black can still break free: 14...b5 Throwing a huge rock at White’s outer wall. This move is absolutely essential or Black will be pressed back with no counterplay. 15.cxb5 Look at those knights lined up opposite Black’s rook. Time for tactics! Instead, 15.♘b4 bxc4 16.bxc4 ♗xc4 17.♗xc4 ♖xc4 18.♘bd5 ♘exd5 19.♘xd5 ♖xe4. At the moment White is two pawns down and will have to work hard to make a draw. 15...♕a5 Attacking the knight on c3. This is a finesse. The more ‘natural’ 15...♕c7 runs into 16.♗c4 ♗xc4 17.b6 ♕b7 18.bxc4 ♖xc4 19.♖ac1 and the pawn on b6 is difficult to handle. By throwing in 15...♕a5, Black tempts the b-pawn forward. Incidentally, instead of 15...♕a5 there is another way for Black to play which deserves attention: 15...axb5. If 16.♗xb5, 16...♕c7 wins material. Therefore 16.♘b4, and now the exchange sacrifice 16...♖xc3 17.♕xc3 ♘xe4, followed by ...d6-d5, with an impressive centre as compensation for the sacrificed material. In some ways this is simpler to play than the main line that I’m offering, but of course it is a question of taste. I leave it up to you which you go for.

16.b4 Instead, 16.♘d5 is a familiar tactical device: the diagonal is opened so that the queens oppose each other. The next few moves are forced: 16...♕xd2 17.♘xe7+ (an in-between check before recapturing the queen) 17...♔h8 18.♗xd2 ♖xc2 19.♖fd1 ♘xe4.

analysis diagram

This looks tremendous for Black, but the tactical sequence isn’t yet at an end: 20.♗d3 (as the rook and knight are simultaneously attacked, Black has to roll with the punches – the bishop on d2 must be taken) 20...♖xd2 21.♗xe4 ♖xd1+ (this buys Black time to recover the pawn on b5) 22.♖xd1 axb5 23.♖xd6 (the position has finally settled and material is even; Black needs to activate) 23...♗f6 (pushing the knight away allows Black to activate the rook and the king now has a safe square on g7) 24.♘d5 ♖c8 (activating the rook by threatening mate) 25.♔f1 ♗g5. Black’s king has a safe square on g7 and the rook will activate by checking on c1 and then in all likelihood swinging to a1. The f-pawn may be called upon to advance given the opportunity. A draw is the probable outcome, but there is still play left in the position. 16...♕c7 The queen drops back to c7, skewering the knights on the c-file. In this case, because the b-pawn has been tempted forward, White is unable to play the bishop to c4 and loses a piece. 17.bxa6 ♕xc3 18.♕xc3 ♖xc3 19.♖fc1 d5

A crazy position. Black has won a piece but has to contend with the faradvanced a- and b-pawns. I will leave you to analyse this one out, but just to say that the omnipotent engines think that with best play the position should end in a draw. By the way, with 19...d5, Black aims to bring pieces over towards the queenside as quickly as possible.

B2) 14.♖fd1

White plays for activity and generously gives Black a pawn. 14...♗xc4 Thank you. It would be impolite to decline the offer. 15.♗xc4 ♖xc4 Not only is Black a pawn up, but there is also pressure on the c-file and the e4-pawn. 16.♕xd6 ♕xd6 17.♖xd6 ♘xe4 18.♘xe4 ♖xe4 More or less a forced sequence. White can recover the pawn. 19.♖d7 ♘f5 20.♖xb7 a5 Black has active pieces and the rook on f8 is ready to join the battle, and White has a weak back rank. The pawn structure is favourable too: the kingside pawn majority provides central control and the Minority Attack on the queenside should not be underestimated. In the game ReprunY.Naiditsch, Jerusalem 2021, Black succeeded in winning.

B3) 14.♘a3

The knight returns to the side of the board: it’s not the best location but it does hold the centre together. 14...♘c6 The knight returns, looking at the d4-square.

B31) 15.f3

Super-solid – seemingly. This is the kind of move that is often automatically played to secure the centre. But watch out... 15...♘d4 With the knight away from c2, we seize the chance to throw the knight into the middle. 16.♖ad1 Instead, 16.♗xd4 is a big positional mistake: 16...exd4 17.♘d5 (17.♕xd4 fails tactically: 17...♘xe4 – discovered attack on the queen – 18.♕xe4 ♕b6+ 19.♔h1 ♕xb2, recovering the piece with a tremendous position. The unopposed bishop on g7 has turned into a monster) 17...♘d7 (the knight swings round to e5 or c5 and the bishop on g7 comes into play) 18.♖ad1 ♗xd5 19.cxd5 ♘c5.

analysis diagram

Depending on how White plays, Black has several active plans: 1) ...♘a4 and ...b7-b5 to tie White down to the defence of the queenside; 2) Advancing the h-pawn to cramp the enemy king; 3) Play ...f7-f5 to open the e-file. 16...♘h5

The knight looks to activate by jumping in to the f4-square. 17.♖fe1 Instead, 17.g3 weakens the kingside. In this case it is appropriate for Black to attack: 17...f5. White is under pressure, and it doesn’t help that the knight on a3 plays no active part in the game. 17...♘xe2+ By eliminating the bishop, the c4-pawn becomes more vulnerable. Black also gains time by attacking the queen. 18.♕xe2 Maintaining the protection of the c4-pawn. 18...♘f4 19.♕f1 Instead, 19.♗xf4 exf4 is exactly what Black wants: the bishops are like laser beams and White’s queenside pawns are vulnerable. 19...h5 The pawn would like to advance as far as possible to support the knight. White is under serious pressure. 20.g3 ♗h3 21.♕f2 ♘e6 The knight has been pushed back but finds a new outpost on d4. Black is ready to advance the f-pawn to attack White’s weak kingside.

B32) 15.♖fd1 ♘d4!

That is the move! Under no circumstances should Black meekly defend the dpawn. Activity is everything! 16.♖ac1 Again, 16.♗xd4, exchanging off the dark-squared bishop, is a positional and tactical mistake: 16...exd4 17.♕xd4 ♘d5 (a crunching discovered attack) 18.♕d2 ♘xc3 19.bxc3 ♕a5 (attacking the woeful knight as well as the c3pawn; White has to scramble to avoid material loss) 20.♘b1 (not exactly what White wants) 20...♗xc4. With the knight stuck defending on b1, this is an utterly miserable position for White to play. 16...♘g4 It’s good to take one of the bishops, but not if we have to give up the pride of the position, the knight on d4. We want to move the king’s knight anyway, to let the bishop on g7 into the game and potentially free the f-pawn. Let’s start some action on the kingside. By the way, the more standard 16...♘d7 is also a sound move. 17.♗xg4 ♗xg4 18.♖e1 Instead, if 18.f3?, 18...♗xf3 wins material. Sneaky. 18...♕h4

Increasing the pressure on the kingside. It’s easy for White to go wrong... 19.♗xd4 Exchanging is White’s best option in this situation, although parting with the dark-squared bishop is not an easy decision to make. Instead, 19.♘d5? ♘f3+ wins for Black! 20.gxf3 ♗xf3 (threatening 21...♕g4+ and mate) 21.♗f4 ♕h3 22.♘e3 exf4, winning material and getting close to checkmate. We can safely close the variation here. 19...exd4 20.♘d5 ♖fe8 With the two bishops, rooks on the semi-open files and potential to attack on the kingside, Black can look forward with confidence.

B33) 15.♘c2 ♘e7

You may have noticed that we have repeated the position! I believe this is Black’s best policy here. I find it unlikely that many players of the white pieces would want to go in for a draw at such an early stage, this opening is essentially uncompromising for both players, but I need to point out that this outcome is possible.

B4) 14.♗g5

With this move, White offers a pawn and aims to gain positional compensation by exchanging off bishop for knight and occupying the d5square. 14...♗xc4 Thank you very much, all donations gratefully received. 15.♗xc4 ♖xc4 In reality, it is not easy for White to get a grip on the d5-square because Black has counterplay on the c-file. 16.♕d3 ♕c7 Maintaining the rook on this active square is the best way to ensure Black has counterplay. 17.♖ad1 Instead, the simplistic attempt 17.♗xf6 ♗xf6 to gain control over the d5square gives Black the better position. That bad bishop can turn into a great supporter of Black’s rooks. 18.♘e3 ♖d4 (that’s why it was a good idea to maintain the rook on c4: it finds a strong outpost here) 19.♕e2 ♗g5 (if you realised this move was coming, award yourself a medal: you are becoming a Kalashnikov expert! Black threatens to exchange off the bishop for the knight when White will be unable to occupy the d5-square successfully) 20.♘ed5 ♘xd5 21.♘xd5 (the knight has reached the dream square – but his position has turned into a nightmare. Black’s major pieces dominate, supported by that fantastic bishop controlling key squares on d2 and c1) 21...♕c4 (establishing further control of the c-file and targeting the e4-pawn) 22.♕xc4 ♖xc4 (notice how White is unable to challenge the rook on the c-file because of the bishop on g5) 23.f3 f5. Breaking down White’s centre. Black is a pawn up with the better position.

17...♖c8 Instead of passively defending the d-pawn, Black strives for activity on the cfile. 18.♗xf6 ♗xf6 19.♕xd6 ♕xd6 20.♖xd6 ♗g5 The bishop emerges into the daylight. 21.♖fd1 b5 Threatening pawn to b4. 22.a3 Stopping the advance. 22...♘c6 Preventing the rook capturing on a6, but also preventing White’s knight from moving to b4. The knight may one day leap into the d4-square. Chances are balanced.

C) 13.f3

This was played in a game Pichot-Giri, FTX Crypto Cup rapid 2021. By supporting the e4-pawn, White hopes to play ♘d5. 13...♘h5 This highlights the drawback of White’s move. This knight can create counterplay by landing on f4. More than that, the bishop on g7 sees a little more light and can support the other knight on d4. 14.♘d5 ♗xd5 In this case, giving up the light-squared bishop is a good idea as Black can strike back immediately. 14...♘f4 is a good alternative – another version of the Trojan Knight. 15.cxd5 In the game Pichot-Giri, 15.♕xd5 was played which led to a quick defeat. I go through this in the Model Games section. 15...♘d4

Throwing the knight forward creates complications. White does not need to accept the pawn, but one needs strong nerves to leave the knight in the middle. If 16.♗d3, 16...f5 maintains activity. If 16.♘xd4 exd4 17.♗xd4 ♗xd4+ 18.♕xd4 the knight has been cleared and a pawn won, but White will come under pressure: 18...♘f4 (the second knight joins the action) 19.♖f2 h5 (this pawn advance aims to secure the position of the knight on f4 and I think is the most interesting way to play. There is another, simpler way of playing which gives enough compensation for the pawn: 19...♕g5 20.♔h1 ♘xe2 21.♖xe2 ♖c1+ 22.♖xc1 ♕xc1+ 23.♕g1 ♖c8, and it is difficult for White to break free from this bind) 20.♔h1 h4. Black controls the c-file and wants to follow up with ...♕g5. It is not easy for White to keep control of the position.

Conclusion I would strongly recommend looking through all the model games that feature 6.c4: Quparadze-Rapport, Steinberg-Cheparinov, AnandMaghsoodloo, Pichot-Giri. Because move order is flexible in this variation, having a good understanding of the ideas is important: in many cases you will have to judge whether to go for the ...b7-b5 break, when to leap into d4 with the knight, or when to play ...♘h5. Having said that, the position after 12...♖c8 can be reached via various move orders, is therefore the most likely to appear on the board, and for that reason is worth studying, if only to get a feel for the various plans available.

CHAPTER 20

6.c4: main line with 7.♗d3 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5 5.♘b5 d6 6.c4 ♗e6 In the previous chapter, we looked at variations in which White played the bishop to e2. This time the other bishop move is under examination. Just before we move on to the main subject of this chapter, let me mention another move: 7.♘5c3. Several people discussed this on the Chessable Kalashnikov forum, in spite of it being an incredibly rare move: out of tens of thousands of games on the ChessBase online database there were precisely 13 with this. Then I saw that Stockfish approves and obviously those people had been using the engine as their guide through the opening. Certainly, retreating the knight immediately doesn’t feel like a very human move. The game Van Foreest-Anton, Wijk aan Zee 2020, continued 7...g6 8.♗e2 ♗g7 9.♗e3 ♘ge7 10.♘d5 0-0 11.♘bc3 ♘d4 12.0-0 ♘xd5 (12...♘ec6!?) 13.♘xd5 ♗xd5 14.cxd5 ♘xe2+ 15.♕xe2 f5 16.f3 ♕h4 and Black had equalised. 7.♗d3

Common enough, although I should mention that in the vast majority of games White plays the standard developing move 7.♘1c3. Move order is flexible, so variations often transpose and therefore a good knowledge of general strategy is important. One advantage of playing the bishop to d3 is that it won’t be in the range of Black’s knight if it should land on d4. Another point is that the e4-pawn is protected, making it easier for the knight to hop to d5. A disadvantage is that applying pressure to the d6-pawn is less easy, and it can also be easier for Black to establish a knight on d4.

7...♘f6 For the sake of simplicity, I am recommending playing in the same way as in the ♗e2 variations, but 7...g6 is also possible, with the idea of ...♗g7 and then ...♘ge7, so that the knight on d4 is protected. 8.0-0 If White ever plays 8.♘1c3, then push back the knight: 8...a6! 9.♘a3. We will deal with this possibility (by transposition) in a couple of moves. 8...g6 I like the fianchetto: on the long diagonal the bishop offers dynamic counterchances.

A) 9.b3

Once White plays b2-b3, Black has to watch out for the bishop emerging on a3, attacking the d6-pawn. Therefore, at this moment the knight should be pushed back. 9...a6 With this, the pressure on the d6-pawn is removed. 10.♘5c3 ♗g7

It is easy to see how the bishop can support the knight jumping into the d4square. This highlights the disadvantage of the 6.c4 variation. Yes, the cpawn gives White a clamp on the d5-square, but it comes at a price: there is a big hole on d4. Besides, there are ways to chip away at White’s centre. 11.♘d5 The most straightforward move. Alternatively, 11.♗b2 0-0 (time to bring the king to safety) 12.♘d2 ♘d7 (the knight clears out of the way of the bishop on g7 which can, if necessary, support the knight moving into d4) 13.♘d5 ♘c5 (Black takes the initiative) 14.♗c2 b5. White’s development has not been effective. Look at the bishops, locked in by pawns. That gives Black the freedom to strike out at the c4pawn. 11...♗xd5 Let’s get rid of that knight immediately and see how White intends recapturing. 12.cxd5 12.exd5 ♘d4 (with the bishop on g7 to support the knight, this feels very natural. But 12...♘e7 is also fine, intending to move the f6-knight out of the way and then push the f-pawn) 13.♘c3 0-0 (it is high time to get castled) 14.♗e3 ♘d7. Black is ready to attack on the kingside with ...f7-f5. White’s queenside pawn majority, on the other hand, is under control. 12...♘d4 The knight in the middle of the board is irritating for White: it cannot be left there, it must be exchanged off or Black will simply stand better.

A1) 13.♘c3

13...0-0 Now we have time to bring the king to safety. 14.♗b2 1) 14.♘e2 (White is in a hurry to get rid of the knight on d4, but it allows a typical tactic) 14...♘xe2+ 15.♕xe2 ♘xd5 (unleashing the potential of the bishop on g7) 16.exd5 e4 (if the e4-pawn is taken, Black would capture the rook in the corner) 17.♖b1. A draw was agreed here in Fier-Pavlidis, Chania 2019, but Black has a little more activity: 17...exd3 18.♕xd3 ♖e8 19.♗e3 ♖c8. Objectively the position is balanced, but Black has been the first to get his rooks to the open files; 2) 14.♗e3 ♖c8 (rook to the open file and attack the knight) 15.♖c1 ♕a5 (attack the knight again) 16.♕d2 ♘d7. Black has plenty of activity: the knight may come to c5 and perhaps capture on b3. There is pawn to b5, and there is the pawn break ...f7-f5. This is a difficult position for White, particularly with the tricky knight on d4. 14...♘d7 This is a key move in the Kalashnikov, particularly in the variations with 6.c4. The knight allows the bishop on g7 to have more influence on the game and can jump to c5. Sometimes, it might also be possible to throw the f-pawn up the board, although that can rebound on Black, so prepare this carefully. 15.♘e2 ♘xe2+ The knight has done its job and it can return to the box with a clear conscience. 16.♕xe2 ♘c5 I think it is best to secure the position of the knight before advancing on the kingside.

17.♗c2 a5 Preventing White from pushing away the knight with b3-b4. Black can combine play on both sides of the board: ....♖c8, ...♗h6, and if the circumstances are right, perhaps ...f7-f5.

A2) 13.♗e3 ♘d7

The knight clears the path for the bishop to protect the Trojan Horse and potentially swings round to c5. 14.♘d2 Instead, 14.♗xd4, exchanging off the bishop, is a mistake. Black gets tremendous play on the dark squares: 14...exd4 15.♘d2 ♘c5 (attacking the bishop; White is under pressure!) 16.♘f3 0-0. The rooks will arrive on c8 or e8. It could be very nice to plant the rook on c3, having moved the knight first. Depending on circumstances, the queen could land on a5, b6 or f6 to support the initiative. Black has options! 14...♘c5 The knights keep White busy. 15.♗c2 a5 Preventing b3-b4 and securing the knight on c5. 16.♖c1 0-0 It’s about time Black castled. 17.♗b1 ♖c8 Rook to the open file, looks good. 18.♘f3 ♕f6 Supporting the knight on d4. Black keeps an active position and chances are balanced.

A3) 13.♘d2 0-0

Time to castle. 14.♗a3 Alternatively, 14.♘f3 would be a mistake: 14...♘xf3+ 15.♕xf3 ♘xd5 and the bishop on g7 enters the game. Black wins a pawn: 16.exd5? (a mistake, of course; White should reconcile himself to being a pawn down) 16...e4. The bishop picks up the rook in the corner. Or 14.♗b2 ♘d7, followed by ...♘c5 and ...♖c8, is fine for Black. 14...♗h6 If White isn’t putting pressure on the d4-knight, then the bishop can take up a more active stance. After this it is harder for White to challenge rooks on the c-file.

B) 9.♘1c3

This blocks out the other knight on b5. 9...a6 Good move. The knight is pushed to the poor square a3. 10.♘a3 ♗g7 Sound development. 11.♘c2 The knight redeploys to a better square. 11...0-0

Both sides have developed in a sensible way and the middlegame can begin. I find it encouraging that Black has several different plans available, depending on how White plays. For example:

B1) 12.h3 Preparing to play ♗e3 – otherwise the bishop will be hit by ...♘g4. 12...♖c8 The white knight wasn’t well placed on a3 – true. But moving away leaves the c4-pawn vulnerable. 13.b3 13.♗e3 (White is unaware of the danger) 13...♘a5 (White has to defend the c-pawn with the pawn) 14.b3 b5, exploiting the loose knight on c3. This is a typical tactic in this line: it’s one of the reasons the rook is played to c8. 13...♘h5 The knight may be able to land on the f4-square, the queen’s path to the kingside is opened, and the f-pawn is waiting for the moment to fly into the game. 14.♘d5 ♕h4 White has to contend with a strong kingside initiative.

B2) 12.♖e1 ♖c8 13.♘d5 ♘d7 14.♗f1 f5 15.exf5 gxf5 Herb-Libiszewski, France tt 2021, with a promising attacking position for Black.

C) 9.♘5c3

With this move White avoids the problem of the knight being side-lined on a3. Then again, as the knight will not move to c2, then it becomes much easier for Black to establish a knight on d4. 9...♗g7 10.♘d5 ♘d7 Avoiding the ♗g5 pin and allowing the bishop to support the knight on d4. Instead of this, Black could play 10...♗xd5 11.cxd5 ♘d4, followed by ...♘d7 to make sure the knight is supported, but the main line keeps more tension. 11.♘bc3 0-0 The middlegame is about to begin. 12.♗e3 ♘d4 With the knight on d4, Black can look forward to the future with confidence. White will have to either live with it, or exchange it off, in which case Black’s bishop on g7 will come into play.

Conclusion I have given a range of lines here to illustrate the most common ideas. If you attempt to memorise variations, you might well struggle: they are similar yet subtly different. Therefore, understanding the ideas – when to play the knight into d4, when to push ...f7-f5 – will be more useful. In these lines, advancing the f-pawn in the style of the King’s Indian comes into play more often than in other positions – see the game Herb-Libiszewski.

Index of variations 1.e4 c5 2.♘f3 ♘c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.♘xd4 e5

5.♘b3 – Chapter 1 5.♘f3 – Chapter 2 5.♘xc6 – Chapter 3 5.♘f5 – Chapter 4 5.♘e2 – Chapter 5

5.♘b5 d6

6.a4 – Chapter 6 6.♗e3 – Chapter 7 6.♗c4 – Chapter 8 6.♘5c3 – Chapter 9 6.g3 – Chapter 10 6.♗e2 – Chapter 11 6.♗g5 – Chapter 12 6.c4 ♗e6 7.♘1c3 – Chapter 19 7.♗d3 – Chapter 20

6.♘1c3 a6 7.♘a3 ♗e7

8.♘d5 – Chapter 13 8.g3 – Chapter 14 8.♗e3 – Chapter 15

8.♘c4 b5 9.♘e3 ♘f6

10.a3 – Chapter 16 10.♘ed5 – Chapter 16 10.♗d3 – Chapter 16 10.g3

10...h5 – Chapter 17 10...0-0 – Chapter 18

Index of names (numbers refer to pages)

A

Adams 161-162

AlphaZero 154

Alvarez 35

Amura 19, 67

Anand 11, 50-52, 175, 184

Andrianirainy 20

Andrieux 20

Anton 185

Arakhamia 8

B

Belous 13, 37, 80, 83

Brkic 18, 58

Bronznik 167

Burimov 12, 24, 87, 93

C

Carlsen 8, 10, 39, 40, 42, 130, 139, 141, 154, 159, 173

Carstens 167

Cheparinov 48, 50, 52, 175-176, 184

Cornette 152

Corrales 35

D

Dervishi 126

Diaz Diaz 114

Dimock 87

Ding Liren 63

Djukic 43, 121, 171

Dokhoian 24, 26, 28, 95, 103, 117

Dominguez 146

E

Eljanov 10, 33

Evans 8

F

Fauland 8

Feicht 132

Fier 76, 187

Furlan 27

G

Giri 51-52, 183-184

Grischuk 107

Gunbayar 64

H

Hassabis 154

Herb 190

Hölzl 8

Horvath 21, 144

Hou Yifan 173

I

Ikonnikov 29, 151, 153

Imanaliev 114

Ivanchuk 110, 130

J

Junior 76

K

Kasparov 24

Khan 8, 91

King 73, 87

Kiroski 33

Korneev 152

Kovalevskaya 37

Krasenkow 126

L

Lafuente 29

Larsen 8

Leko 107

Libiszewski 190

Löwenthal 7

Lputian 8

Lusin 19, 67

M

Maghsoodloo 8, 11, 51-52, 173, 175, 184

Milov 132

Miton 145

Moiseenko 10, 154

Molano 151, 153

N

Naiditsch 179

Nakamura 130, 146, 148

Nepomniachtchi 39, 141

P

Paragua 64

Pavlidis 187

Pepermans 72

Pert 44, 156-157, 162

Pichot 51, 183-184

Polgar 140

Postupalsky 12, 23, 87, 93

Povah 7

Q

Quparadze 46, 52, 173, 184

R

Radjabov 8, 63, 130, 140

Ragger 77

Rapport 46, 52, 173, 184

Reprun 179

Romanishin 27, 28

S

Sadzikowski 139

Saric 145

Schöne 37

Schweitzer 77

Shariyazdanov 18, 58

Shim Ng Min 72

Shirov 11, 31-33, 44, 130

Short 110

So 159

Steinberg 48, 50, 52, 175-176, 184

Strejczek 16, 18-19

Sultan 8, 91

Surujhlal 13, 37, 80, 83

Sveshnikov 7-8, 10

Szalanczy 24, 28, 95, 103, 117

T

Tekeyev 43, 121, 171

Thorpe 73

Tomczak 11, 31, 32, 44

V

Van der Wiel 8, 10

Van Foreest 185

Veress 21, 144

W

Warakomska 139

Weenink 91

Willow 44, 156

Wittmann 8

Z

Zhigalko 16, 18-19