PLAY THE CATALAN

Vo l u m e 2 - C l osed Va riat i o n a n d
Cata l a n O pe n i n g afte r 1 d4 d5 2 c4
PERGAMON CHESS OPENINGS
Executive Editor: Catherine Shephard

ADORJAN, A. & HORVATH, T.

Sicilian: Sveshnikov Variation

BASMAN, M.
.Play the St George

ESTRIN, Y.B. & GLASKOV, I.B.

Play the King's Gambit
Volume 1 - King's Gambit Accepted
Volume 2- King's Gambit Declined

GLIGORIC, S.
Play the Nimzo-lndian Defence

KOVACS, L.M.
Sicilian: Poisoned Pawn Variation

MAROVIC, D.
Play the King's Indian Defence

SHAMKOVICH, L. & SCHILLER, E.

Play the Tarrasch

TAULBUT, S.
Play the Bogo-lndian

VARNUSZ, E.
Play the Caro-Kann

WATSON, J.L.
Play the French
 PLAY THE CATALAN
Volu m e 2 - C l ose d Va riatio n a n d
Cata l a n O pe n i n g afte r 1 d 4 d 5 2 c4

. by

IAKOV NEISHTADT

Translated by

KENNETH P. NEAT

PERGAMON PRESS
OXFORD • NEW YORK • BEIJING • FRANKFURT
SAO PAULO· SYDNEY· TOKYO· TORONTO
 Co nte nts

Closed Variation - Introduction 1

1. 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 5

2. 6 . .. Nbd7 7 Nc3 38

3. 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nbd2, 7 b3 and 7 Qd3 73

4. 6 ... c6, 6 ... b6 and 6 ... cS 82

S. 4 ... Bb4+ 98

6. 4 ... c6 followed by ... Bd6 1 23

Catalan Opening after 1 d4 d5 2 c4 - Introduction 1 26

7. 4 . .. dxc4 1 28

8. 4 ... cS 1 34

9. 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 g3 and 3 g3 1 60

Illustrative games 1 66

Index of main variations 171

Appendix: recent developments 1 73

vii
 Closed Va ri atio n , o r Cata l a n
G a m b it Dec l i n ed -
I nt ro d u ctio n

1 d4 Nf6 on c4 has been popular of late, and

2 c4 e6 although many books assign this to
3 g3 dS the Bogo-Indian Defence, it is
4 Bg2 Be7(I) covered here in detail in Chapter 5 .
4 . . . c6 usually transposes into
the normal Closed Variation. Of
independent significance are the
plan with the development of the
bishop at d6 followed by ... e5, and
also the exchange cxd5, by which
White counters this set-up. Both
possibilities are combined in Chap­
ter 6.
4 ... cS is employed when Black
wishes to transpose into the Tar­
rasch Defence to the Queen's
Gambit, when he replies to 5 cxd5
with 5 ... exd5. But it seems to us
that 5 ... Nxd5 is also acceptable.
Black defers the capture of the On 6 e4 we suggest 6 ... Nb4, and if
c4 pawn, or else avoids it 7 a3 Qa5 . If instead White plays 6
altogether, basing his play on the Nf3, a position from Chapter 8 is
preparation of ... c7 (c6) -c5 , or in reached, analyzed there under the
some lines ... b7 (b6) -b5 . move order 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3
4 ... Bb4+ without the capture Nf6 4 g3 c5, etc.
1
2 Play the Catalan

The position after 4 ... cS 5 Nf3 is (a) 7 dxc.S 7 0-0 cxd4 8

(after
the main subject of Chapter 8. Nxd4 Nc6 Black has u KutiMfactory
4 ... Nbd7 followed by 5 Nf3 c6 position, Korchnoi-Lcngycl, Hav­
or 5 ... Be7 is not of independent ana Olympiad 1966) 7 .
.. Qa.S +,
significance, as is the case with and now:
4 ... Nc6 5 Nf3 Be7 6 0-0 0-0, (a1) 8 Bd2 Qxc5, and the pin on
which can be found in Chapter 4 the c4 pawn is unpleasant.
under a different move order. (a2) Black also has a good posi­
4 ... b6 is unfavourable. After 5 tion after 8 Nd2 Qxc.S 9 a3 (if 9 0-0
Nc3 Bb7 6 Bg5 Be7 White has the b5) 9 ... a5 10 0-0 (or 10 b4 Qc 7 )
strong 7 Bxf6! Bxf6 8 cxd5 exd5 9 10 ... Nc6 11 Qd3 a4 12cxd.S Qxd5
Qa4+ Bc6 (forced, since 9 ... c6 is 13 Qxd5 Nxd5, with the freer
met by 10 Nxd5) 10 Qb3 Bxd4 11 game.
Nxd5 0-0 12 Rd1 Bc5 13 Nh3, (a3) 8 Qc3 Qxc5, and in Korch­
with an obvious advantage. noi-Tal, Candidates Match, Mos­
For other early alternatives cow 1968, White agreed to comp­
resulting from the Queen's Gambit lete equality after 9 cxd5 Nxd5 10
move order- 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 and Qxc5 Bxc5 11 0-0 Nc6 12 a3 Bd7
now g2-g3 on move 3 or 4 - cf. 13 Nbd2 Nd4 14 Nxd4 Bxd4 15
p. 160. Nf3 Bb6 16 Bd2 Rac8 17 Rfcl
Rxc1 + 18 Rxc1 ReS.
5 Nf3 0-0 (b) 7 cxd5 Nxd5 8 dxc5 Qa5+ 9
6 0-0(5) Bd2 Qxc5 10 Nc3 Nc6 11 Rc1 Nf6
(after 11 ... Ndb412 Qb3 a5 13 a3
Here are some examples where White has the better position) 12
White delays castling: Be3 Qa5 13 0-0 Bd7 14 Rfd1, and
6 Qc2 c5(2). White had the freer position in
Spasov-Oney, Balkaniada 1974.1t
should be mentioned that
10 ... Nc6 came into consideration
(instead of 10 ... b6), and that
Black could have played 7 ... cxd4
8 Nxd4 (8 dxe6 Bxe6) 8 ... Nxd5.
In recent years 6 Qc2 has been
answered by 6 ... dxc4. Let us see if
there is any difference com pared
with the Open Variati on (3 g3 d5 4
Bg2 dxc4 5 N/3 Be7 6 Qc2).
7 Qxc4 a6 8 Bf4 (8 0-0 b5 leads
4 Play the Catalan
when Sosonko-Kupreichik, Reyk­
javik 1 980, continued 7 cxd5 Qxd5
8 Qxd5 exd5 9 Nc3 (9 Bf4 Nb4)
9 ... Bb4 1 0 Bf4 Bg4 1 1 e3 Ne4 1 2
Rc1 Rfe8 1 3 0-0 (13 Bxc7 RacB)
1 3 ... Bxc3 1 4 bxc3 Rac8 1 5 Rfel f6
1 6 h4 Na5 1 7 Nh2 Bd7 1 8 f3 Nd6
1 9 e4 Nac4 20 Nfl (20 exd5 Nb6)
20 ... Re7, with an equal game.
6 b3 aS 7 0-0 a4 occurred by a
slight transposition in Panno­
Geller, Candidates Tournament,
Amsterdam 1 956. The point of the
novel advance of the a-pawn is to 5
weaken White's Q-side pawns or
force his knight to occupy a less Other continuations - 6 ... c6,
active position. After 8 Na3 c6 9 6 ... b6 and 6 ... cS, as well as
Bb2 Nbd7 1 0 e3 Qa5 1 1 Ne5 Nxe5 6 ... Nc6 and 6 ... Ne4, are analyzed
1 2 dxe5 Nd7 13 cxd5 cxd5 both in Chapter 4.
sides had chances. On 14 e4 Black After 6 ... Nbd7 White can
forced an equal ending by 1 4 ... choose one of the following plans:
Nxe51 1 5 exd5 exd5 16 Bxe5 Bxa3 He can play 7 Qc2 followed by
1 7 Qxd5 Qxd5 Bxd5 Ra5 1 9 Rfd 1 , Nbd2 and e2-e4 (immediately or
when a draw was agreed (1 9 ... Be6 after the preparatory b2 -b3 and
20 Bxe6 Rxe5). Bb2) - Chapter 1 .
After 6 Nc3 b6 7 Ne5 Bb7 a He can develop with 7 Nc3,
position from the Queen's Indian without defending his c-pawn -
Defence is reached. Chapter 2 .
(see diagram next column) H e can continue 7 Nbd2 (fol­
The basic position of the Closed lowed by b2-b3, Bb2, Rc1 and
Variation. e2-e3), 7 b3, or 7 Qb3 (or 7 Qd3)
6 ... Nbd7 - Chapter 3 .
 1

6 ... N bd 7 7 Qc2

1 d4 Nte 2 c4 e& 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 ... b6, ... Bb7 and ... Rc8, prepare
••7 B Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 Nbd7 the counter ... c5 (more rarely
Black develops his queen's bishop
7 Qc2(6) at a6, or after ... c6 plays ... b5).
. The play is of a different nature
The most popular. While when Black refrains from ... c6 and
dt•ll'nding his c4 pawn, White pre- plays 7 ... b6 (1 .2), or counter­
pnrl'll e2-e4 by Nbd2 or by Bf4 and attacks the enemy centre with
Nltl2. Also possible is b2-b3 and 7 ... cS ( 1 .3).
Nd, transposing into positions Of the rare continuations we
II 11111 Chapter 2. should mention 7 ... Ne4, a move
which exploits the fact that White
has delayed the deydopment of his
queen's knight. After 8 Nc3 (8
Nbd2 Nxd2 9 Bxd2 is also possible)
White forces the exchange of the
active enemy knight (since after
8 ... Ndf6 9 Ne5 it all the same
cannot be maintained at e4):
8 ... Nxc3 (in the event of 8 ... f5
White has a favourable tactical
possibility 9 cxd5 Nxc3 1 0 dxe6
-

Nxe2 + 1 1 Qxe2 Nb6 12 Bf4 Rf6

13 Ng5 h6 14 Nf7, and after the
queen moves, 15 d5) 9 Qxc3 c6 1 0
6
Bf4, and his position i s preferable.
Black has several possible plans. 7 . . dxc4leads to one of the lines
.

t lc can reinforce his central pawn of the Open Variation.

with 7 c6 (1 . 1), and then, after
... 1.1
5
6 Play the Catalan

7 .. . c6 White) 1 0 ... b4 1 1 Nb3 a5 1 2 Bf4

W hite can continue 8 Nbd2 Qd8 1 3 Rfel Nh5 1 4 Ne5 Bb7 1 5
( 1 . 1 1}, 8 b3 ( 1 . 1 2}, 8 Bf4 ( 1 . 1 3} or e 4 Nxf4 1 6 gxf4 Nf6 1 7 f5 Nxe4 1 8
8 Rdl ( 1 . 1 4}. Bxe4 dxe4 1 9 Qxe4, and White
1.11 gained the advantage in Kirov­
Velikov, Bulgarian C h. 1 970.
8 Nbd2 b6 (b2} 1 0 Nb3 e5 11 Nxe5! Nxe5
Back in the !-F inal of the 1 1th 1 2 Bf4 Nfg4 (I2 ... Nfd7 is strongly
USSR Ch. 1 938, in Botvinnik- met by I3 e4) 1 3 e4 (if 13 h3 g5!)
1. Rabinovich, Black played 8 . . . 1 3 ... dxe4 (I3 ... Be6 is not good
bS. This game was the fore­ because of I4 exd5 Bxd5 I5 Bxd5
runner of the modern idea in­ cxd5 I 6 dxe5 , and if I 6 ... Nxe5 I 7
volving ... b6-b5 or ... b7-b5, seen, Nd4) 1 4 Bxe4 (1 4 Qxe4 Be6 I 5
for example, in Geller-Bisguier Bxe5 Nxe5 I 6 dxe5 Bxb3 I 7 axb3
(p. 48), Geller-Larsen (p. 24) and Bxc5 IB Racl also favours White)
Petrosian-Spassky (p. 49} . The 14 ... f6 (the threat was I5 dxe5
continuation was 9 c5 (7 }. Nxe5 I 6 Nd4 and then I 7 Rfel; if
1 4 ... f5 I5 Bg2 Bd7, then i 6 dxe5
Nxe5 I 7 Nd4 with advantage to
White) 1 5 dxe5 fxe5 1 6 Bxh7+
Kh8 17 Bd2 Be6, Botvinnik-
1. Rabinovich, and now 1 8 f3 Nf6
1 9 Bf5, and if 1 9 ... Bc4 20 Bd3
Be6 21 BaS, would have led to an
advantage for White.
(c) 9 ... Bb7 1 0 e4 Nxe4 1 1 Nxe4
dxe4 1 2 Qxe4 a5 (or I2 ... Nf6 I3
Qe5 Qd5 I4 Qe2 RfdB I 5 Ne5!
7 Qxd4 I 6 Bxc6 with advantage
(a) The immediate 9 ... e5 1 0 to White, Osnos-An. Belyavsky,
dxe5 Ng4 does not work because of Leningrad Ch. 1 964) 1 3 Rei Re8
1 1 Nb3 Ndxe5 1 2 Nxe5 Nxe5 1 3 1 4 Bf4 Nf6 1 5 Qc2 Nd5 1 6 Radl.
Nd4, threatening not only 1 4 f4 or White's position is better, Cherep­
1 4 Bf4, but also 14 e4! kov-Khavsky, Leningrad Ch.
(b) 9 ... Qc7, and now: 1 968.
(b1} 1 0 a4 (IO e4 is also possible, (d) 9 ... Ne8 10 e4 f5 1 1 exf5
and if IO ... e5 I I exd5 Nxd5 I2 exf5 1 2 Rei with advantage to
Rei!, or IO ... a5?! 1 1 Rel ReB I2 White, Ujtelky-Van Sheltinga,
e5! Ng4 13 Nfi with advantage to Beverwijk 1 968.
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 7
8 .. . Re8 is another alternative: 1 0 ... Rb8 his queen has to retreat.
(a) 9 e4 dxe4 1 0 Nxe4 Nxe4 1 1 1.111
Qxe4 c5 1 2 Rd1 with the freer
posi tion for White, Hort ­ 9 e4
Lechtynsky, C� ech Ch. 1 974.
( b ) 9 b3 Bd6 (instead of this Black can reply 9 . . . Bb7
du bi ous plan, 9 ... b5 is preferable, ( 1 . 1 1 1 1), 9 ... dxe4 ( 1 . 1 1 1 2) or
althou gh even then White's posi­ 9 ... Ba6 (1 . 1 1 1 3) .
tioni s better after 10 e4) 10 Bb2 e5 · 9 ... dxc4 1 0 Nxc4 Bb7 1 1 Rd1
11 cxd5 cxd5 1 2 dxe5 Nxe5 1 3 c5 1 2 Nfe5 cx d4 1 3 Rxd4 gave
Rfd1 with advantage to White, White the advantage in Bus­
Oolom bek-S. Szabo, Bucharest layev-Makogonov, Grozny 1 969.
1953. 1.1111
(c ) 9 Rdl ! Qb6 ( if9 ... Qc7 1 0 b3 ,
or 9 ... b 6 1 0 e4) 1 0 e 4 (on 1 0 c5 9 ... Bb7
Black re treats his queen to c7 and 10 b3
then p lays . .. e5) 1 0 ... Nxe4 1 1
Nxe4 dxe4 1 2 Qxe4 c5 1 3 Qc2 Maintainin g the tension in the
cxd414 Nxd4 Nf6 (after 14 ... Nc5 centre, White completes his Q-side
15 Rb1 a5 16 b3 Bf6 1 7 Nb5 RdB development.
/8 Be3 White has the advantag e, 10 eS Ne8 (8) is not dangerous
Alatortse v-Sorokin, 7th USSR for Black:
Ch. 1931 ) 15 h3 e5 16 Nf5 Bxf5 1 7
Qxf.5, and White's positi on is pre­
ferable ( Botvinnik).
After 8 ... aS 9 e4 Nxe4 1 0 Nxe4
dxe4 11 Qxe4 Bf6 1 2 Rd1 a4 1 3
Bf4 Wh ite has the better posi­
tion, Korchnoi-Tseshkovsky,
Sochi 1970.
Whit e now has 9 e4 ( 1 . 1 1 1) or 9
b3 ( 1.112), which is of independent
slanificance if White does not fol­
8
low up wit h e2-e4 (9 b3 Bb7 1 0
Bb2 ReB tr ansposes into lines con­ (a) 1 1 cx d5 cxd5 1 2 Rei (12 Qa4
sidered be low, as does 9 Rd1 Bb7 a5) 1 2 ... Qc7 (12 ... ReB 13 Qd1
10 e4). Qc7 is possible, Adisson­
9 cxd! cxd5 1 0 Qc6 does not Reshevsky, Maribor 1 967, or 13
promise Wh ite anything: after Qa4 Qc7 14 Bf1 a6 15 Bd3 b5 and
8 Play the Catalan
... Qb6) 13 Qxc7 ( avoiding the Nce5 Bxf3 ( on 1 6 ... BaB there fol­
exchange also does not promise lows 1 7 Nxd7 Nxd7 1B Ne5 , while
White an advantage: 13 Qa4 Qc6! if 1 6 ... Be6 1 7 Ng5) 1 7 Bxf3 Nxe5
14 Qb3 Ba6 15 Nf1 Qc4 or 13 Qb3 ( a counter-sacrifice) 1 8 Rxd8
Ba6! 14 N/1 Qc4) 1 3 ... Nxc7 1 4 Nxf3 + 1 9 Kg2 Nh4+ (in order to
Nf l h 6 with an equal game, Net­ spoil White's K-side pawns) 20
torp-Neishtadt, Sweden v. USSR gxh4 Rfxd8, Lein-Bisguier, New
cor r. 1 966-67. York 1 977. Does Black have suffi­
(b) 1 1 b3 ReB 12 Bb2 c5 ( or cient compensation for the queen?
12 ... Nc7 13 Rad1 QeB 14 Rfel h6 Apparently not. After 21 Qe2!
15 Qb1 c5 with equal chances, Nd5 22 Qxb5 Nf4+ 23 Kfl the
Ragozin-Chistyakov, Moscow Ch. chances would have remained with
1 947 ) 1 3 cxd5 cxd4 1 4 Qd1 Bxd5 White.
1 5 Bxd4 Qc7 1 6 Rc1 Qb7 ! 17 Qe2 (b) 1 0 ... Qb8, with the idea of
Nc7 18 Nc4 Ri dS 19 Rfd1 NeB placing the king's rook at c8, e.g.
20 Bb2, Kolterman-Gorenstein, 1 1 e5 (1 1 b3 ReB 12 Bb2 c5)
USSR 1 950. After 20 ... Nc5 1 1 ... NeB 12 cxd5 (12 b3 looks
White has to play very carefully to logical) 1 2 ... cxd5 1 3 Nfl Qc8,
avoid ending up in an unfavourable Shainswit-Trifunovic, Dubrovnik
situation. Olympiad 1 950. Now, instead of
( c) 1 1 Rd1 ReB (1 1 ... f6 comes 1 4 Qxc8 Rxc8 1 5 Nel Nc7, after
into consideration; the position which Black's position was even
after 1 1 ... QbB is analyzed below preferable, correct was 1 4 Qb1 ,
under the move order 1 0 Rd1 QbB with slightly the better chances.
11 e5 NeB) 1 2 Nfl dxc4 13 Qxc4 Other possibilities:
Nc7 with a roughly equal position, 10 exdS cxd5 1 1 b3 ReB 1 2 a4
Pirc-K. Richter, Karlovy Vary dxc4 1 3 bxc4 Nb8 ! , and by actively
1 948. pressurizing the central squares,
( d) 11 Nel Qc7 1 2 f4 dxc4 13 Black gains good counter-play ,
Nxc4 c5 with equal chances, Bron­ Macskasy-Sanguinetti, Lugano
stein-Rabar, Moscow 1 9 6 1 . Olympiad, 1 968.
O n 1 0 Rd1 Black has: 10 Ng5 h6 1 1 Nh3 Rc8 1 2 Nf4 e5
( a) 1 0 ... ReB 1 1 b3 c5 1 2 exd5 13 dxe5 Nxe5 1 4 b3 d4, and
exd5 1 3· Bb2 dxc4 14 Nxc4 b5 1 5 Black's position is preferable,
d5 ! ( an interesting pawn sacrifice, Ivkov-Janosevic, Yugoslav Ch.
leading to great complications; 1 955.
after 15 Nce5 cxd4 the ch ances are 10 NeS ReB 11 Nxd7 ( after 1 1 b3
roughly equal) 1 5 ... Bxd5 ( if c5 12 exd5 exd5 13 Nxd7 Qxd7
15 ... bxc4 16 d6 cxb3 1 7 axb3) 1 6 Black has a slight lead in develop-
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 9
rnen t, Pirtskhalava-Makogonov, 1 8 ... ReS (18 ... Nc5 1 9 Bxc5 bxc5
Ge orgian Ch. 1 941) 1 1 ... Qxd7 1 2 20 Rad1 gives Whi te the better
cS Ne B, and Black's position is not chances) 1 9 Rad 1 , and, in contrast
worse , K ostro-Kolarov, Varna to the above game, Black canno t
( > lymp iad 1 962. reply 1 9 ... e5? because of 20
Rxd4, while 19 ... Qa6 can be met
10 .. . ReS by 20 Qc6. White has the better
chances.
W e also analyze the plan of On 10 ... bS it is advisable for
ex ch anging on e4 followed by ... c5, White, as in the majority of such
whi ch occurs in the most varied positions, to continue 1 1 c5, re­
line s of the Closed Variation: stricting the mobility of the bishop
10 ... dxe4 1 1 Nxe4 c5 1 2 Nxf6+ at b7 and aiming to exploit his
Bxf 6 (in the event of 12 ... Nxf6 13 spatial advantage. Less favourable
Hb2 cxd4 14 Nxd4 Bxg2 15 Kxg2 is 1 1 exd5 exd5 1 2 Ne5 Qb6 1 3 c5,
Qc7 16 Qe2 Bc5 1 7 Rad1 Rad8 18 as in Gheorghiu-Matanovic,
Qf3 in spite of the simplification Rumania v. Yugoslavia 1 969,
Whi t e's position is more promis­ which continued 13 ... Qc7 14
ing, Sajtar-Bondarevsky, Prague Ndf3 Nxe5 15 Nxe5 Nd7 16 Bf4
v. M oscow 1 946) 1 3 Ng5 Bxg5 1 4 Nxe5 1 7 Bxe5 Qd7 1 8 a4 a6, when
Bx b7, and now: White failed to gain any advantage.
(a) 1 4 ... RbB 1 5 Bxg5 Qxg5 1 6 10 ... Qc7 is unfavourable for
B c6 RfdB, and the position is Black in view of 1 1 cxd5.
sli gh t ly preferable for White: after
the exchange ... cxd4 (or dxc5) he 11 Bb2 (9)
wil l have three pawns against two
on t he Q-side. Razuvayev-Yusupov, 47th
(b) 1 4 ... Bf6 (an interesting sac­ USSR Ch. 1 979, went 11 Rel dxe4
rifi ce of the exchange for a pawn) (1 1 ... c5 12 cxd5 cxd4 13 Qd3
1 S B xaB QxaB 1 6 Rel cxd4 1 7 Qe4 exd5 14 e5 is quite good for W hite)
Q cB, when: 1 2 Nxe4 c5 1 3 Nxf6+ Bxf6 14 Ng5
(b 1) 1 B Rd1 e5 1 9 Ba3 ReB 20 Bxg5 15 Bxb7 Rc7 16 dxc5 (this is
R acl Bg5 21 Rc2 Nf6 22 Qe2 Qh3 more promising than 16 Be4 Bxcl
23 Qfl Qf5 24 Qd3 e4 ! (if 25 1 7 Raxcl Nf6) 1 6 ... Bf6 (after
Qxd4 e3!), and Black gained a 16 ... Rxb7 1 7 c6 Rc7 18 Bxg5
win ning position in Razuvayev­ Qxg5 1 9 cxd7 Rxd7 20 Rad1 Rfd8
Iv anov, USSR Ch. !-F inal 1 97 1 . 21 Rxd7 Rxd7 22 Rd1 White's
(b2) Black should have played chances are better) 17 Rb1 (1 7
1 B Ba3 immediately, and if Bb2 Bxb2 18 Qxb2 Rxb7 1 9 c6
10 Play the Catalan
Rc7 20 cxd7 Rxd7 does not prom­ Smyslov-F orintos, Monte Carlo
ise White anything; here 18 ... 1 968.
Nxc5 is unfavourable because of 1 9 (b) 14 ... Qa8 15 c5 ! (position­
Redl ! ) 1 7 ... Rxb7 1 8 c6 Rc7 1 9 ally clearer than 15 Q/4 Rcc8 1 6
cxd7 Rxd7 2 0 Be3 Qc7 2 1 Red 1 , Rfel , when White has the more
with some initiative for White in active position, Langew eg.,- Bo hm,
the ending. Dutch Ch. 1981 ) , when the c-pawn
is immune: 1 5 ... bxc5 1 6 d:x c5
Bxc5? ( or 1 6 ... Nxc5? 1 7 Qe5) 1 7
Rxd7! Rxd7 1 8 Qe5 .
It used to be thought that after
1 1 ... d:x e4 1 2 Nxe4 Black could
play 1 2 ... c5 , without wasting time
on the preparation of this move,
and equalize easily. The basis for
this assessment was the game Bot­
vinnik-O'Kelly, Varna Olympiad
1 962, which continued 13 Nxf6 +
Bxf6 1 4 Ng5 Bxg5 15 Bxb7 Rc7 1 6
Bg2 Bf6 (on 1 7 d5 there follows
1 7 ... Bxb2 18 Qxb2 exd5 1 9 Bxd5
9
Nf6 with equality, while 1 9 cxd5 is
In this position Black has three not good, since 1 9 . . . Nf6 leads to
main continuations: 11 ... dxe4 an advantage for Black) .
( 1 . 1 1 1 1 1 ) , 11 ... cS ( 1 . 1 1 1 1 2) and But White's play can probably
11 .. Qc7 ( 1 . 1 1 1 1 3 ) .
. be improved. In Padevsky­
1.11111 Janosevic, Orense 1 973, he played
1 6 Be4 (instead of 1 6 Bg2 ), and
11 ... dxe4 after 16 ... g6 1 7 d5 exd5 1 8 cxd5
12 N:xe4 cS Bf6 19 d6! he gained the advan­
tage.
Black can exchange twice on e4 In the event of 13 NfgS Nxe4 1 4
-12 ... Nxe4 1 3 Qxe4, and then, to Nxe4 Qc7, F uderer-Germek,
prepare ... c5 , defend his bishop Yugoslav Ch. 1 95 1 , 1 5 d5 exd5 1 6
with 1 3 ... Rc7. After 14 Radl he cxd5 Bxd5 1 7 Qc3 does not work in
has a choice: view of 17 ... Nf6 1 8 Rad1 Bc6.
(a) 14 ... c5 15 Qe2 cxd4 1 6 1.11112
Nxd4 Bxg2 1 7 Kxg2 a6 1 8 Qf3, and
White gained the better chances in 11 ... cS (10)
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 11

Ot her continuations:
( a) 13 ... NxcS 14 Ng5 g6 1 5
Qc3 ! h 6 1 6 Nh3 with an active
position for Whit e. Shamko­
vich-Moiseyev, USSR 1 95 1 .
(b) 13 ... Bxc5 1 4 Qf5 ReS 1 5
Rad1 (Vukic-Knezevic, Yugo­
slavia 1 9S 1 , went 1 5 Rael Qc7 1 6
Nd4 Bb4 1 7 NbS QbB 1 8 Bc3 Bxc3
1 9 Nxc3 dxc4 20 Bxb7 Qxb7 21
Nxc4 Rxel 22 Rxel ReB ; after the
best move 23 Rd1 White's advan­
tage is microscopic) 1 5 ... Qc7 (11 )
.

12 exdS exdS
13 dxcS

1.1 QfS i s p remature in view

ul J.' .. dx c4 1 4 Nxc4 Be4, and if
.

I � 01'4 b5 wi th good counter-p lay

lor Black. F urman-Zagorovsky,
lJSSR 195l,c ont inued 1 6 Ne3 (1 6
N,/(1 llxd6 17 Qx d6 c4 1 8 bxc4
''' 1'4 /IJ Rae/ Nb6 leads to the
11
ht•llcr posi ti on f or Black) 1 6. .. c4!
I 7 hxl·4 bxc41S Rac1 Nb6 1 9 Bh3
(nt'll·r /IJ Ne5 Bxg2 the white (b1 ) 16 Rc1 dxc4 1 7 Nxc4 Be4
-IJIIIII'CN ure we ake ned) 1 9 .. . Rc7
18 Qh3 Bd3?! (1 8 .. . Qb 7 is cor­
.W Nc� N bd5 wit h advantage to
,
rect, with equal chances) 1 9 Rfd1
llllll'k.
Be2 20 Re1 RedS 2 1 Nd4 Bg4 22
1.\ Nh4 cxd 4 1 4 Nf5 is also Qh4 with advantage to White,
unpwmiNing f or White. After Neishtadt-Bakulin, Moscow 1 956.
1·1 .. l{cH 15 Bx d4 Ba6 16 Rfel
(b2) 1 6 cxd5 Bxd5 1 7 Ng5 Bxg2
IUH 17 Rucl g6 1S Rx eS QxeS 1 9 1 8 Kxg2 Qc6+ 19 Kg1 Re2 (here
Nt• \ llxl·4 20 bxc4 B c5 Black had too Black could have avoided
lh,• &ulvnntuge n I U dovcic-Rabar, trouble, if he had driven bac k t he
't'lll&lllllnv C'h. 194S. knight by 1 9 ... h 6) 20 Nde4, and in
Lubensky-Stolyarov, Ukrainian
U .
. . dxc4 Ch. 1 954, White created danger-
12 Play the Catalan
ous threats ( e.g. on 20 ... Rxb2 17 Bxe5 is an interesting attempt
there can follow 21 Rxd7 Nxd7 22 to improve White's play:
Qxh7+ KfB 23 QhB + Ke7 24 (a) 1 7 ... Ng4? 1 8 Rad1 Rd5? ,
Qxg7). and i n Grigorescu-Andersen, corr.
1 98 1 -82, Black's two successive
14 Nxc4 b5 mistakes led to disaster: 1 9 Bxg71
Kxg7 20 Nh4 Bxh4 2 1 Bxd5 Bxd5
This is stronger than 14 ... Be4, 22 Qxg4+ .
as in Lilienthal-Simagin, Moscow (b) 1 7 ... a6 ( or 1 7 ... QaB)
Ch. 1 949. After 1 5 Qe2 Nxc5 1 6 should be played: 1 8 Rad1 Qa8 1 9
Rfd1 Qc7 1 7 Be5 Qb7 1 8 Bxf6 Bd4 Rcc8 2 0 Qxe7 Bxf3 2 1 Bxf3
Black was forced to capture Qxf3 22 Bxf6 gxf6 23 Rd6 Rc6 24
1 8 ... gxf6 (1 B ... Bxf6? 1 9 Nd6, Rfd1 Kg7. It is not easy for White
and 1 9 Nh4 gave White a serious to exploit the deformation of the
advantage. In his notes to the game K-side pawns, since it is dangerous
Simagin suggested that 1 7 ... Qc6 for his rook to leave the back rank
(instead of 1 7 ... Qb7) would have (25 Rxc6 Qxc6 26 Rd4 ReB, or 26
led to a struggle with chances for Rd6 Qf3 , and 2 7 Rxa6? fai ls to
both sides: 1 8 Nd4 Qa8 1 9 Bh3 2 7 ... ReB! 2B Qel RdB).
RedS. However, White's 1 8th and
1 9th moves are not obligatory. 17 ... Bxg2
F irstly, instead of 18 Nd4,
Ravinsky's suggestion of 18 Nd6 After 18 Kxg2 Qd5+ 1 9 Kg1
looks quite good, and secondly, ReS 20 Ng4 a draw was agreed in
after 1 8 Nd4 Qa8 White has avail­ Smyslov-Benko, Monte Carlo
able the strong tactical blow 1 9 1 968. The simplest was 20 ... Nxg4
Nf5 1 ( instead of 1 9 Bh3). 2 1 Qxg4 Bf8, but 20 ... Qe6 was
also quite good (21 Qxe6 fxe6, and
15 Nce5 if 21 Ne5 Rc2).
1.11113
Apart from this move 15 Ne3 has
been recommended, but then 11 ... Qc7
Black plays 1 5 ... Bxc5, after which
1 6 Nf5 is not possible because of Black does not hurry with the
1 6 ... Be4, and otherwise he has a advance ... c5, butai ms first to dep­
good game. loy his forces more comfortably.
With this aim he vacates d8 for a
15 ... Rxc5 rook, and transfers his queen to b8
16 Qe2 Nxe5 (and in some variations to a8) .
17 Nxe5
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 13
12 Radl Andersen-Kottnauer, Tel A� iv
Olymp iad 1 964) 1 5 d5 exd5 1 6
V11rious d ep loyments of the Nc3 ReS 1 7 cxd5 BfS l S Nd2
l'ookN have occurr ed: Rxel+ 19 Rxel a6 20 a4, with the
11 Riel Rfd8 (12 ... dxe4 13 mor e pr omising position for White,
Nn•4 Nxt4 14 Rxe4 c5 1 5 d5 Bf6 Quinter os-O'Kelly, Buenos Air es
I fl Rd I gave White slightly the 1 970.
l'tl'cr g11me in Gheorghiu-Musil, 12 Rfdl RfdS (r egar ding
I .juhljunK 1969) 1 3 Radl (12). 12 ... dxe4 , cf. the note to White's
1 5th move in the main var iation)
1 3 R ac1 QbS (after 13 ... Nxe4 1 4
Nxe4 dxe4 1 5 Qxe4 c5 16 Qe2
White's position is pr efer able,
Smyslov-Platz, Budapest 1 952):
(a) 1 4 Qb1 aS (not 14 ... Qa8?
in view of 1 5 c5! bxc5 1 6 Ba3) 1 5
Ne5 QaS 1 6 a3 dxe4 1 7 Nxe4
c5, Benko-Pachman, Budapest
1 94S, and now:
(al) l S Nxf6+ Nxf6 1 9 Bxb7
u Qxb7, and the game is level.
(a2) l S Nxd7 Rxd7 1 9 d5 Nxe4
(11) 1:1
... Q b8 14 Q bl (14 Ne5 20 Bxe4 g6 21 Qc21 (21 Rei exd5
11/14 /.� Nxd7 Rxd7 16 Bc3 Bxc3 allows White to win the exchange
17 (}xd com es in to consider­ - 22 Bf5 Rcd8 23 Bxd7 Rxd7, but
nllon --White's posi tion is prefer­ the weakness of the h1-aS
nhll', K uch lev Kar a klajic, Reggio diagonal gives Black attacking
-

l1.mUin 1980 ) 14 aS (after chan ces; 21 Qc2 has the aim of

...

/-I (}aH IJ a3 a5?/ 16 Ng5 h6 1 7 exploiting the weakness of the

...

Nll.t N:u4 18 Nxt4 dxe4 1 9 Qxe4 al-hS diagonal and the pins along
Njfl 10 Qt2 Whi te g ained the the c4-gS diagonal and the d-file)
ndvnnlna&e In Oolom be k-Miiller, 2 1 ... RedS (after 21 ... exd5 22
Vrnkr 19�0; H ... dxe 4 16 Nxe4 cxd5 Black cannot play 22 ...
r, I• more loalcal, wi th equal Bxd5? in view of 23 Qc3 f6 24
dtnm·r•) I� Na� Nf8 with chances Rxd5! Rxd5 25 Qc4 Rcd8 26 Rd1 )
f111 holh •ide•, Oh eorg hiu -Ciric, 22 Rd3 1 exd5 23 cx d5, and if
M�tl hm•kr l.aazna 1962. 23 ... Bxd5 2 4 Qc3 f6 25 Rcdl b5
(h) 1.\ Llxe4 14 Nxe4 c5 (or (26 Rxd5 Rxd5 2 7 Qc4 was
...

I-I... N�r•-1 H Qxt4 c5 16 d5 with thr eatened) 26 Q d2 Bxe42 7 Rxd7

lhl' lwllrl po11ltlun for Whi te , B. Rxd7 2S Qxd7 Bhl 29 Qe6+ KfS
14 Play the Catalan
30 Kfl with advantage to White. 14 Qxe4 cS
(b) 14 e5 NeB cxd5 cxd5 1 6
Qd3, Cortlever-Rabar, Dubrovnik If Black continues 14 ... Nf6, and
Olympiad 1 950. After exchanges on 1 5 Qc2 h6, Wh ite gains the
along the c-file the game is level. better game by 1 6 c5.
(c) 14 Nel Qa8 15 Nd3 dxe4 1 6
Nxe4 c 5 with equal chances, Naj­ 14 dS (14)
dorf-Rossetto, Buenos Aires
1 970. 15 Qe2 comes into considera­
(d) 14 Qd3. This move meets tion.
with an energetic rejoinder: (a) 1 5 ... cxd4 1 6 Nxd4 Bxg2 1 7
14 ... Nc5 ! 1 5 dxc5 dxe4 1 6 Qe2 Kxg2 Qb7+ (or 1 7 ... Bf6 18 Nb5
exf3 17 Qxf3 bxc5 , and for the Qb7+ 1 9 Qf3!, Kovacevic-Osto­
sacrificed pawn White has insuffi­ jic, Yugoslav Ch. 1 978) 1 8 Qf3 !
cient compensation. (stronger than 18 f3 Nf6 1 9 Rd3
Rfd8 , when Black equalizes, Ber­
12 ... dxe4 tok-Ciric, Yugoslav Ch. 1 96 1 )
1 8 . . . Qxf3+ 1 9 Kxf3, and the end­
12 ... Qb8 1 3 Rfel Qa8 comes ing favours White.
into consideration (13 ... Rfd8 (b) 15 ... Bf6 16 Rd2 Rfd8 1 7
leads to a position examined in the Rfdl Nf8 (neither now nor later
previous note). At any rate, after does the exchanging operation give
14 Ne5 RedS 1 5 Re2 Nxe5 1 6 dxe5 Black equality: 1 7 ... cxd4 18 Bxd4
Nxe4 1 7 Nxe4 dxe4 1 8 Bxe4 Bxd4 1 9 Nxd4 Bxg2 20 Kxg2 Nc5
Rxdl + 19 Qxdl Rd8 20 Rd2 21 Qf3!) 1 8 h4! cxd4 1 9 Bxd4
Rxd2 21 Qxd2 c5 White did not Bxd4 20 Nxd4 Bxg2 21 Kxg2 a6
achieve anything in Gheorghiu­ (21 ... Qb7+ is more accurate, but
Reshevsky, Buenos Aires 1 970. even then 22 Qf3 gives White the
better chances) 22 Qe4! , Ber­
13 Nxe4 Nxe4 tok-Musil, Yugoslavia 1 969.
In the note to White's 1 2th move
13 ... Rfd8 1 4 N c3 c5 does not we analyzed 12 Rfdl , but omitted
promise B lack equality. After 1 5 the possible exchange on e4. We
d 5 exd5 1 6 Rfel Bf8 1 7 Nxd5 now have a convenient opportunity
Nxd5 1 8 cxd5 White's position is to rearrange the rooks (instead of
better, R. Garcia-R ase, Pan Rad1 play Rfd1 ) and see how this
A merican Games 1 973. affects the subsequent play. Thus
13 ... cS 1 4 d5 exd5 1 5 Nxf6+ the position in questi on is reached
Nxf6 or 1 5 ... Bxf6 leads to a posi­ after 1 1 ... Qc7 1 2 Rfdl dxe4 1 3
tion from the main variation. Nxe4 Nxe4 1 4 Qxe4 c 5 (13) .
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 15

Ng4 24 Bd4. Th e ending is rather

more favou rable for White (ana­
lysis by Savon).
Let us return to the main varia­
tion.

13

I "t ()d cxd4 16 Nx d4 Bx g2 (if

In ... 11M 17 Nxe6!, or 1 6 ... Bf6
I 7 N/1.� w ith advan tag e to White,
whll,• In ... Nf6 d oe s not work
hr&'llllflll' of 17 Nb5 Qb8 18 Be5
U11H IV llxh7 Qxb7 20 Bxf6 Bxf6?
.'I Ncln - in these va riations the
&IIHrtrn�.·r in the pla ci ng of the 14
whllr mnk11 is m i ma terial) 1 7
Nu•t•l (hut here is a difference: 15 . .. Nf6 1 6 Qc2 exd5 17 Be5
wllh lhr rook a t f1 this ta ctical blow (on the immediate 1 7 Ng5 there
r .. u. to 17 ... Bxfl) 17 ... Qc6 (if follows 1 7 . . . d4), and now:
I 7 ... ()/17, then 18 Nxg7! Bf6 1 9 (a) 1 7 ... Qd8 1 8 Ng5 g6 (in the
Nf'l (){I 20 Qxf3 Bxf3 2 1 Bxf6) event of 1 8 ... h6 White wins a
I H NI I -I ()r4 19 Re1 , an d n ow: pawn: 1 9 Bxd5! Bxd5 20 Rxd5
(11) 111 ... UfM 20 Qxe4 Bx e4 21 Qe8 21 Bxf6 hxg5 22 Bxg5) 1 9 h4,
lhr4 Nl'.'\ l 2 Re2 Rfe8 2 3 Rae 1 with two examples:
lh&• •1 �" lhr2 a6? ( fo r the assess­ (a1) 1 9 ... Nh5 20 Bx d5 Bxd5 21
"' '' "' or thr v u r l a tion this m istake Rxd5 Qe8 22 Rel Qc6 (22 ... f6 23
hn• no Importance - Bl ack is Bd6) 23 Bb2 Rfe8 (if 23 . .. Bf6
llh&••uly 11 pnwn do wn ) 2.5N f51, a nd White strikes at h7, as in the game)
In /.hhlkov Uukhtln, USSR1 977, 24 Nxh71 , and White mounted a
lhr II""'" wncludcd. decisive offensive, Geller-Ciric,
(h) I 'J . N (tt Ia th e bes t solu tion European Team Ch. 1 96 1 .
( 11111 I u .. Nc· � In view of 20 Qh5 (a2) 1 9 ... Bd6 2 0 B a t Re8 2 1
Ul•! J I N I'�), onabllna Black to cxd5 Be5 2 2 Ne61 Q d6 23 Bxe5
"'1111111 hh• pnwn: 20 f3 Bxf3 21 Qx e5 24 Rfel Qf52 5 Qx f5 gxf5 26
I hi I I hi I J.' Nlli'J Bc5+ 23 Kg2 Nf4, and although Black has
t6 Play the Catalan
avoided an attack, White has an
undisputed positional advantage,
Geller-Lutikov, USSR t 966.
(b) t7 ... Qd7. In Ivkov-Nei,
played in th e same year, t 966, at
Beverwijk, the players agreed a
draw after this move, and one can
only guess at the variations on
which they based their decision.
After t 8 Ng5 g6 the bishop at b7 is
defended, a nd on t 9 h4 Black has a 15
sound reply t 9 ... d4. But White is
not obliged to follow the Geller­ ition of t 7 dx e6! gave White the
Ciric game. The fate of t 7 ... Qd7 advantage . in Lengyel-Sliwa,
(and with it the 15 ... Nf6 varia­ Polanica Zdroj t 966 ( cf. Game
tion) depends on the assessment of No. t , p. t 66).
the following two continuations: (b) t 6 ... ex d5 t 7 cx d5 Bx b2 (the
(bt) t9 Bh3 . This is unfavour­ blockading 1 7 ... Qd6 is strongly
able for White, since after met by 18 Nd2) t 8 Qx b2 (in Por­
t 9 ... Qc6 20 Bx c8 Rx c8 Black has tisch-Matanovic, Adelaide t 97 1 ,
a pawn for the ex change, plus White first played 1 8 d6 , and on
threats along the long diagonal. 1 8 ... Qd8 1 9 Qxb2 , obtaining an
(b2) t 9 cx d5. This promises active position; instead of 1 8 ...
White ex cellent attacking chances Qd8, correct was 1 8 ... Qb8 1 9
for the sacrificed pawn: t9 ... Nx d5 Qxb2 Rcd8, transposing into a pos­
20 h4! , e.g. 20 ... Rfd8 2t Bat ! ition considered below) t 8 ... RedS
Qc6 22 Qb2 f6 (22 ... Bf6? 23 (1 8 ... Qd6 is strongly met by 1 9
Bxd5) 23 Rfe t , or 20 ... h6 2 t Nh3 Nd2 , while if 1 8 ... Nf6 1 9 Ne5 ,
Qe6 22 Bat ! Rfd8 23 Rx d5 Bx d5 after which 1 9 ... NeB fails to 20
24 Nf4 Qc6 25 Nx d5 Rx d5 26 Qc3 d6! Nxd6 21 Rxd6 Bxg2 22 Rd7,
f6 24 Qc4, winning. whil e after 19 ... Rcd8 20 d6! Rxd6
15 ... Bf6 t 6 Qc2 (15) (avoiding 21 Rxd6 Bxg2 22 Rfd1 White has
the ex change of bishops by 1 6 Bel the advantage) t 9 d6 Qb8 (16)
also comes into consideration, as in (1 9 ... Qc6? is bad because of 20
K. Grigorian-Moiseyev, Moscow Nh4 Qc8 21 Nf5).
Ch. t 980; after 1 6 ... Ne5 1 7 Ng5 (bt} This position used to be
18 Rfe1 White has the better posi­ considered unfavourable for Black
tion). on the basis of Kramer-Fichtl,
(a) t 6 ... Bx b2, and the interpos- Varna Olympiad t 962, in which
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 17
9 ... dxe4

After the "general exchange"

9 ... Nxe4 1 0 Nxe4 dxe4 1 1 Qxe4
Bb7 1 2 Re l (12 Rdl leads to a
position examined below) 1 2 ...
Re8 (if 12 ... Nf6 13 Qe2 c5, then
14 d5) 1 3 Qc2 c5 (13 ... g6 14 Bf4
c5 15 d5! exd5 1 6 cxd5 Bf6 1 7
Rxe8 + Qxe8 1 8 Rei leads to a
16 difficult position for Black, Bon­
darevsky-Lisitsin, 1 2th USSR Ch.
White won a fter 20 Rfel Nf6 2 1 1 940, while after 16 ... Bxd5? 1 7
1(,·7 Nd� 22 Rx b7! Qxb7 2 3 Nh4 Radl the pin is fatal) 1 4 Ng5 Bxg5
lhdt1 24 Nf5. But Black's 2 1 st 1 5 Bxb7 Rb8 1 6 Bxg5 Qxg5 1 7
111oVl' wus wr on g: he could have Bc6 Red8 White's position is
hohlly tuken the pawn - 2 1 . .. slightly preferable (we have
I( 11dhl 22 Rx d6 Qxd6 23 Rxb7 already encountered a similar
c )d I t 24 Bfl Qxf3 25 Rxa7. This dev elopment of events in variation
nnnlyNito� w u s repeated in Geller­ 1 . 1 1 1 1) .
Nc·l. 14th U SSR Ch. 1 967, where
nih·• !� ... ReB 26 Qd2 Ne4 27 1 0 Nxe4
c )c• I ()JCd 28 fxe3 g6 an equal
1'1111111� wnN reuched. Here too 10 NgS is worth trying.
(h.') In Smejk al-Padevsky, 10 NeS is hardly ev er played,
'llllc•dc·ll'VNkn Palank a 1 97 1 , the although it is perfectly possible,
III'W 111ovc 20 Nh4 wa s employed. e.g. 1 0 ... Qc7 (1 0 ... Bb7 1 1 Nxe4
M11·1 .'0 ... gtl? 21 Rfel f6 (if Qc8 12 Bg5 ReB 13 Nxd7 Qxd7 14
.'I II 'll-' 2 2 Nxg2 and Nf4) 22 Nxf6 + gxf6 1 5 Be3 gave White
l h h I C)JCh7 2:1 Re7 Bla ck ended up sligh tly the better game in
111 11 dtllkult poKiti on: 2 3 ... Qc6 24 · Karner-Butnoris, USSR 1 968) 1 1
lk.' Nc·' !� Rc71 Qa8 2 6 f4 Nf7 Nxe4 Nxe5 1 2 dxe5 Nxe4 1 3 Bxe4
.• I c )c•l, n11d Whi te won. Instead h6 1 4 Qe2 Rd8 1 5 Bc2, and
"' .'O �h. 20 ... Bxg2 21 Kxg2 White's position is slightly prefer­
1 )hI 1 .' .' I \ �fl wu• re comm ended, able, Alekhine-Martinez Moreno,
hul Whllr hn11 the s tr on g n i ter­ Almeria 1 945.
pmlllon .' I N f� I. w hen a fter 2 1 ...
Nlf• .' .' 1\ 'II·' hr hull the a dv an tage . 10 ... Bb7
1.1111 11 Rd1 Nxe4
18 Play the Catalan
In the event of 11 .. Qc8 White
. by 2 7 Bxg6 was also decisive)
has two good possibilities: 26 ... Rd7 27 h6 f 5 28 Q.f 6 Q c4
(a) 1 2 Nxf6+ Nxf6 (12 ... Bxf6 is 2 9 Bd5 ! 1-0.
strongly met by 13 c5 or 13 Ng5 g6 (b) 12 . ReS 1 3 Bf4 Rc� 14
..

14 c5) 1 3 Ne5 Rd8 1 4 Bg5, and if Racl Ba8 1 5 Qc2, and here too
14 ... c5 1 5 d5 , Szabo-Szily, Hun­ the play favours White, Smyslov­
gary 1 939. O'Kelly, Havana 1 967.
(b) 1 2 Bf4 Nxe4 1 3 Qxe4 Re8 14 (�) 12 ... Qc8 13 Bf4 (or 13 Qc2
Qc2, Kostic-Pokorny, Trencinske h6 1 4 Bf4 c5 1 5 d5 exd5 1 6 cxd5
Teplice 1 928. Bf6 1 7 Racl with the better
chances, . Bukic-Urzika, Pula
12 Qxe4 (17) 1 975) 1 3 ... Re8 1 4 Qc2 Bf6 1 5 c5 !
Be7, Razuvayev-Timoshchenko,
Vilniu s 1 969, and here 1 6 b4
would have consolidated White's
advantage.
It must be considered that the
exchange on e4, before the com­
pletion of his Q-side development,
is unfavourable for Black.
1.1113
9 ... Ba6 (18)

17

(a) 12 . . Nf6 1 3 Qe2 Qc7 14 Bf4

.

Bd6 1 5 Ne5 Nd7 1 6 c5 ! with

advantage to White. Veltmander­
Zherdev, USSR Ch. !-Final 1 949
(the original game in which the
currently employed plan of "freez­
ing" the bishop at b7 was emp­
loyed) continued 1 6 ... Bxe5 1 7
Bx e5 Nx e5 1 8 dx e5 Rad81 9 Rd6 ! 18
bx c5 26 Rad1 Qb 6 21 Be4 g6 22
· h4 Rxd6 23 exd6 24 Qc2 Rd8 25 Black more often develops his
h5 Qb5? 26 Qc3 (26 hxg6 followed bishop at a6 in reply to Nc3 . It
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 19

stands to reason that, if the knight White to take the pawn: 16 Qxd3
is at d2, the pressure on c4 loses in Nxe5 17 Nxe5 Qxd3 1S Nxd3
strength. However, other factors RadS 19 Be4 f5. And this means
must also be taken into account. In that the position after the 13th
particular, after Nbd2 White's move must evidently be evaluated
pressure on d5 is less appreciable. in Black's favour.

10 b3 11 Bb2

10 Qa4 is well met by 10 ... Bxc4

11 Rd1 followed by the fin­
11 Nxc4 b5.
achetto of the bishop can lead to
On 10 Ret Black replies 10 ...
the main variation, but an original
ReS, and if 11 e5 NeS 12 cxd5 cxd5
development of events is possible
13 Qa4, then 13 ... NbS, and White
- 11 ... c5 12 exd5 exd5 13 Qf5 -
does not achieve anything.
cf. Safyanovsky-Lputian (Game
No. 2, p. 167).
10 ... ReS
11 Ret comes into consideration,
and if 11 ... c5 12 e5 NeS 13 cxd5
The move order can also be dif­
'

when Kochiev-Slepoy, Moscow

ferent: 10 ... cS 11 exd5 exd5 12
1979,continued 13 ... cxd414Qd1
Rd1 ReS 13 Bb2 etc.
exd5 15 Nxd4 Nc5 16 Ba3 Qd7 17
11 Bb2 (instead of 11 exd5)
Qh5 g6 1S Qh6 Ng7 19 Bh3 Nce6
transposes into a position from
20 N2f3 (20 ... Bxa3? 21 Ng5), with
Balashov-Tal, 40th USSR Ch.
a positional advantage for White.
1972, which continued 11 ... dxc4
12 bxc4 (12 e5 cxb3 13 axb3 Bxf1
11 ... cS
14 exf6 Bxg2 15 fxe7 Qxe7 16
Kxg2 Rfc8 is interesting - Black
has a rook and two pawns for two The plan of a double exchange

minor pieces) 12 ... cxd4 13 e5 (on on e4 followed by ... b5, employed

13 Nxd4 Black obtains a good in Quinteros-Petrosian, Buenos

game by 13 ... ReB) 13 ... d3, and Aires 1979, proved unsuccessful

here a mistake by White - 14 for Black: 11 ... Nxe4?! 12 Nxe4

Qxd3? led to the loss of a pawn dxe413 Qxe4b5 14c51b415 Rfdl
after 14 ... Nxe5115 Nxe5 Qxd3 16 Bb5 16 Qel RbS 17 a3 bxa3 1S

Nxd3 RadS. Instead of 14 Qxd3, Rxa3 Rb7 19 Bell Nf6 20 Bg5 Nd5

14 Qc3 Ng4 was recommended 21 Bxe7 Nxe7 22 Ne5 Qc7 23 Be4.

"with a complicated game and White has the advantage.

chances for both sides", but here

too after 15 h3 Nh6 it is bad for 12 exdS
20 Play the Catalan
12 dxc5 i s unfavourable: after thi s posi ti on Black has constantly
1 2 ... dxc4! 1 3 Nxc4 b5 14 Nce5 to reckon wi th N/5) 1 7 ... Nce4 1 8
Nxc5 the chances are wi th Black, Ne5 (here Black answers 1 8 Nf5
Qui nteros-Radulov, Si egen gxf5 1 9 Qxf5 wi th 1 9 ... Qd7, and
Olympi ad 1 970. i f20 Rxd5 Qxf5 21 Rxf5 Rc5 , or 20
Qxd7 Nxd7 21 Rxd5 Ndf6)
12 ... exd5 1 8 ... Qe8 (both 18 ... Ng5 1 9 Qh4
13 Rfd1 Ng4 20 Nec6 and 18 ... Rc7 1 9 Nf5
The i mmedi ate 13 Qf5 i s i nterest­ gxf5 20 Qxf5 favour Whi te) 1 9
i ng. Black dri ves back the queen - Bxe4 dxe4 (1 9 ... Nxe4 was cor­
1 3 ... g6 1 4 Qh3 (19), after whi ch rect, although after 20 Rfe1 Whi te
an extremely sharp si tuati on ari ses. sti ll has the better prospects) 20
Nf5 ! gxf5 21 Qxf5 , wi th a strong
attack for Whi te (analysi s by
Razuvayev) .
1 4 ... h5 looks attracti ve for
Black. On 1 5 Ne5 there can follow
1 5 ... cxd4 1 6 Nxd7 Nxd7 1 7 Bxd5
Nf6 followed by ... b5, wi th equal
chances.
13 ... cxd4

In the event of 13 ... dxc4 1 4

19
bxc4 cxd4 1 5 Nxd4 Qc7 1 6 Nf5
Re8 1 7 Nxe7+ Whi te probably has
A si mi lar posi ti on occurred i n
suffi ci ent compensati on for hi s
Safyanovsky-Lputi an (cf. the note weak c-pawn i n the form of hi s
to Whi te's 1 1th move). The si gni f­ two acti ve bi shops, Voronkov­
i cant di fference i s that here Whi te
Antoshi n, USSR Ch. !-Fi nal 1 956.
has already developed hi s bi shop at
b2. 14 .Nxd4 b5 (20)
Razuvayev-Lputi an, USSR Ch.
1st League 1 979, conti nued There can follow:
14 ... cxd4 1 5 N xd4 N c5 1 6 Rad1 (a) 15 Racl bxc4 1 6 bxc4 Nb6 1 7
(vacati ng a1 for the bi shop i n the Nf5 Nxc4 1 8 Nxc4 Rxc4 1 9 Qd2
event of ... Nd3; t he aggr essi ve 1 6 wi th rather the better chances for
Qh6 Ng4 17 Nf5 does not work Whi te (Lputi an and Tavadi an).
because of 17 ... Bf6 ) 16 ... h5 (b) 15 Qf5 bxc4 1 6 bxc4, and
(1 6 ... Nd3 17 Bal) 1 7 N 2f3 (i n now:
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 21

20 21

(b1) 16 ... Bxc4 (not16 ...

dxc4? Or 9 ... Ba6 10 Bb2, and:
17 Nc6 Qe818 Rei, but16 ... g6 or (a) 10 ... b5 is well met by 11 c5,
16 ... Nc5 comes into considera­ and if 11 ... b4 12 Rfel.
tion, with chances for both sides) (b) 10 ... Rc8 11 Rac1 (the more
17 Nxc4 Rxc4 18 Bxd5 Nxd5 usual]] e4 c5 transposes into vari­
19 Qxd5 Nb6 20 Qxd8 Rxd8 ation 1.1113) 11 ... c5 12Qbl (22).
21 Nf5 with advantage to White,
Ghitescu-Radulov, Bucharest
1971.
(b2) 16 ... Qb6 17 Rab1 dxc4
was played in Sosonko-Radulov,
Plovdiv 1983, but after 18 Ba3
Black was obliged to sacrifice his
queen -18 ... Bxa3 19 Rxb6 axb6,
and now 20 Nbl! Bc5 (20 ... Bb2
21 Nc6!) 21 Nc3 would have led
to an advantage for White.
1.112 22

(b1) 12 ... cxd4 13 Nxd4 Bc5 14

9 b3 (21)
cxd5 Nxd5 15 Nc4 N7f6 16 Nf3
In the main variation of this sec­ Qe7 with an equal game, Len­
tion White avoids playing e2-e4. gyel-Radulov, Kecskemet 1972.
(b2) 12 ... dxc4 13 Nxc4 b5
9 ... Bb7 (after 13 ... cxd414 Nxd4 Bxc415
22 Play the Catalan
bxc4 Bc5 1 6 Rfd1 Whi te's chances USSR Ch. 1 949, and here (i nstead
are better - thi s occurred by of 14 Rad1 ReB 15 Qf5 cxd4 1 6
transposi ti on back i n Griinfeld­ Nxd4 Bb4 wi th equal chances)
Ni mzowi tsch, Semmeri ng 1 926) Whi te should have played 14 Qf5,
14 Nce5 c4 15 Rfd l , wi th the obtai ni ng sli ghtly the better
better prospects for Whi te, chances (a posi ti on i s reached from
K orchnoi -Osnos, 33rd USSR Ch. Razuvayev-Lputi an, p. 20, where
1 965. Black has lost a tempo on 9 ... a5).
Sokolsky suggested the i nterest­
i ng plan of 9 ... aS, and i f 1 0 Bb2 10 Bb2 ReS
Ba6 (23).
After 10 ... cS 1 1 dxc5 (1 1 e3
cxd4 12 exd4 ReB 13 Ne5 Qc7
leads to a roughly equal game)
1 1 ... Nxc5 12 Rfdl Rc8,
K opayev-Le vi tas, USSR 1 938,
Whi te could have gai ned an advan­
tage by 1 3 Ng5 g6 14 Qc3 !

11 Racl

Other conti nuati ons:

23 (a) 11 Rad1 Qc7 (or 11 ... c5 12
Qb1 Qc7 13 cxd5 Bxd5 14 e4 Bb7
(a) 1 1 Ne5 Rc8 1 2 e4 c5 1 3 exd5 15 Rfe1 RfeB 16 a3 b5 1 7 dxc5
exd5 14 Qf5 cxd4 1 5 Nxd7 Qxd7 Qxc5 1B b4 , after whi ch a draw
1 6 Qxd7 Nxd7 1 7 Bxd5 Nf6 1 8 was agreed i n K eene-Matanovi c,
Bg2 Bb4 1 9 Nf3 b5 ! wi th equal Berli n 1 97 1 ) 12 Qbl Rfd8 13 Rcl
chances, Novotelnov-Sokolsky, Qb8 wi th equal chances, Stoltz­
Moscow 1 94 7. Gli gori c, Saltsjo baden Interzonal
(b) 11 e4 Rc8 1 2 Rfdl (12 Racl 1 948.
comes i nto consi derati on, and i f (b) 11 Rfd1 c5 1 2 e3 Rc7 13
12 ... c5 13 exd5 exd5 14 Qf5 g6 15 Racl Qa8 wi th equal chances.
Qh3) 1 2 ... Qc7 1 3 Racl Qb8 14 (c) 11 e4, transposi ng i nto vari a­
Qb 1 Rfd8 wi th a compli cated game ti on 1 . 1 1 1 .
and chances for both si des, Stahl­
berg-Matanovi c, Beverwi jk 1 958. 11 ... c5
(c) 11 Rfel Rc8 1 2 e4 c5 1 3 exd5
exd5, Tai manov-Sokolsky, 1 7th T he fami li ar manoeuvre
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 23

11 ... Qc7 followed by ... Qb8 and h6 27,Bxe5 fxe5 28 Qxe5. White's
... c5 is also possible. position is preferable.

12 Qb1 14 Ncd2

12 Ne5 comes into consideration, 14 Ne3 Qb6 15 Rfdl Be4 also

as in Rashkovsky-Belyavsky, leads to an equal game, Barcza­
USSR Ch. 1st League 1976. After Sandor, Hungarian Ch. 1958.
12 ... cxd4 13 Bxd4 Nxe5 14 Bxe5
Ba3 15 Bb2 Qe7 16 Qbl White 14 ... a6
retained some pressure in the simp­
lified position. Or 14 ... Qa5 15 a3 cxd4 16 b4
Qa6 with equal chances, Panno­
12 ... dxc4 Najdorf, Mar del Plata 1972.
Averkin-Kholmov, 37th USSR
12 ... Rc7 13 cxd5 (13 Qa1
Or Ch. 1969, now continued 15 dxc5
Qa8 14 Rfd1 ReB 15 cxd5 Bxd5 Bxc5 16 b4 Bb6 17 Rxc8 Qxc8 18
led to an equal position in Rcl Qa8 19 Nb3 Rd8 with an
Flohr-Ragozin, Semmering 1937) equal game.
13 ... exd5 14 Rfdl Qb8! (14 ... 1.12
Qa8 is weaker in view of 15 dxc5
bxc5 16 Nd4, with slightly the bet­ 8 b3
ter chances for White) 15 Nfl Ba6
with a roughly equal game, Khol­ The move order by which White
mov-Osnos, 36th USSRCh.1969. develops his queen at c2 and then
fianchettos his bishop, without
13 Nxc4 b5 determining for the moment the
position of his queen's knight, has
In Averbakh-Bikhovsky, Mos­ some point. After 8 ... b6 9 Bb2
cow Ch. 1964, 13 ... Rc7 was Ba6 he plays 10 Nbd2, and if
played. After14 Rfdl Qc815 dxc5 9 ... Bb7 10 Nc3. As already men­
Bxc5 16 Nd6 Bxd6 17 Rxd6 tioned, Black's pressure on the c4
Rxcl + 18 Qxcl Bd5 Averbakh pawn gains in strength with the
avoided the exchange of queens knight at c3. After Nbd2 the c4
and carried out an interesting pawn is more securely covered, but
exchange sacrifice: 19 Nh4 Qb8 20 on the other hand White's pressure
Rxd7 Nxd7 21 Bxd5 exd5 22 Nf5 on d5 is less appreciable.
f6 23 Qc6 Ne5 (23 ... Nc5 24 b4)
24 Qe6+ Kh8 25 Qe7 Rg8 26 Nd6 8 ... b5 (24)
24 Play the Catalan

In the gi ven si tuati on thi s move Black has more than suffi ci ent
was fi rst employed by Zui dema compensati on for the exchang e,
agai nst Van Schelti nga at Bever­ Polugayevsky-Van Schelti nga,
wi jk 1 964. It was later played by Beverwi jk 1 966) 1 8 ... exf4 1 9 d6
Larsen i n hi s match game wi th Qe5 20 Nxc5 Nxc5 21 Bxa8 Rxa8
Geller, Copenhagen 1 966. 22 Racl . "Knowledge i s li ght" . . .
Thi s enti re analysi s (gi ven i n the
1st Russi an edi ti on) was repeated
i n Rozhkov-Kuhne, European
Corr. Ch. 1 979-80, only i nstead of
2 1 ... Rxa8 Black played 2 1 ...
Bxe2, and resi gned after j ust three
more moves: 22 Rfcl Ne6 (22 ...
Nd3 23 d7!) 23 d7 d3 24 Rabl d2
25 Rc8.
(b) 9 Rd1 bxc4 1 0 bxc4 Ba6 1 1
Nbd2 c5 wi th equal chances, Peter­
son-Doroshkevi ch, Ri ga 1 969.
(c) The attempt to refute ... b5
i mmedi ately by 9 cxbS cxb5 10 Qc6
24 Rb8 1 1 Bf4 proves unsuccessful:
1 1 ... Rb6 1 2 Qcl (to make Bc7 an
Whi te's mai n conti nuati ons are effecti ve threat; 12 Qc2 i s met by
9 Nbd2 ( 1 . 1 21) and 9 cS ( 1 . 1 22). 12 ... Bb7 and i f 13 Bc7 Qc8 fol­
Other possibi li ti es: lowed by ... Rc6) 12 ... Ra6 (a
(a) 9 Bf4 bxc4 10 bxc4 Ba6 sound defence; also acceptable i s
(1 0 ... c5 11 Nc3 Bb7 i s premature 12 ... NeB 13 a3 Bb7 14 Ra2 Rc6
i n vi ew of 12 cxd5 Nxd5 13 Nxd5 15 Rc2 Qb6 16 Rxc6 Bxc6 1 7 Ne5
Bxd5 14 e4 Bb7 15 d5 wi th ad­ Nxe5 18 dxe5 Bd7 1 9 Qd2 b4 wi th
vantage to Whi te, Gulko-Panch­ a roughly equal game, Porti sch­
enko, Ki ev 1 973) 1 1 Nbd2 c5?! Matanovi c, Raach 1 969) 1 3 a3 b4
(i nstead 11 ... c5 comes i nto con­ 14 Bc7 Qe8 15 Qb2 Bb7 wi th
si derati on) 1 2 Ne5, when the play equal chances, Adamski -Aver­
seems to favour Whi te. The follow­ bakh, Poljani ca Zdroj 1 975.
i ng analysi s i s b y Van Schel­ 1.121
ti nga: 1 2 ... cxd4 1 3 Nc6 Qe8 1 4
Qa4 Nc5 1 5 Nxe7+ Qxe7 1 6 Qa3 9 Nbd2 bxc4
Nfd7 17 cxd5 e5 18 Ne4 (not 1 8 10 bxc4 Ba6
d6? Qxd6 1 9 Bxa8 Rxa8, when ll Bb2
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 25

If 11 Qa4, then 11 ... Qc8. Bc3 Bb4 14 Bxb4 Rxb4, Hort­

Or 11 Ret, and now: Savon, Beverwijk 1972, or 12Rfcl
(a) 11 ... c5, with two pos­ Rab8 13 Nb3 Qa4 14 Nfd2 Nb6
sibilities: 15 cxd5 cxd5 16 Qc7 Rb7 17 Qe5
(at) 12 Ne5 cxd4 (not 12 ... Nfd 7, Dely-Fuchs, Miskoltz 1963)
Nxe5 13 dxe5 Ng4 14 Bb2 with 12 ... Bb4 13 Bxb4 Qxb4 14 Rfbl
advantage to White, but 12 ... Qc8 Qa5 15 e3 Rab8, and White has no
and if 13 Qa4 Bb7 gives equal advantage, Barcza-Bouwmeester,
chances) 13 Nc6 Qe8 14 cxd5 e5?! Lugano Olympiad 1968.
(14 ... Nxd5 is correct) 15 Qa4 Nc5
16 Qa5 Nfd7 17 Nb3 Bd8 18 Qa3 l2 Rabl Qa5
Bb6 19 Nxc5 Nxc5 20 Bd2, and 13 Bc3 Bb4
White gained the advantage in 14 Rxb4
Pavlyutin-Doroshkevich, USSR
1977. . If White, not forcing events, con­
(a2) 12 Qa4 Qc8, and here tinues 14 Rb3, then 14 ... Rb6 gives
White should continue 13 Ba3 Black a satisfactory position.
(rather than 12cxd5? Nxd5 14Ba3
Nc3, Padevsky-Farago, Prstina 14 ... Rxb4 (25)
1974), when after the possible con­
tinuation 13 ... Nb6 14 Qa5 Nxc4
15 Nxc4 Bxc4 16 Nd2 he regains .
his pawn, retaining the initiative.
(b) 11 ... Qa5 also comes into
consideration. This recommenda­
tion from the 1st edition was tried
in Krants-Arzumanian, corr.
1981-82. After 12 c5 Rab8 13
Nb3 Qa4 14 Bf4 Rb7 15 Nfd2 h6
16 e4 Nxe417 Nxe4 dxe4 18 Bxe4
Nf6 19 Bf3 Rd8 20 Qd2 Nd5
Black's position was the more
promising.
25
11 ... Rb8
As shown by the games played
The immediate 11 ... Qa5 is also with this variation, the chances of
satisfactory: 12 Bc3 (the game is the two sides are equal:
also equal after 12 Rfb1 Rab8 13 (a) 15 Bxb4 (of course, not15 a3?
PTC-8
26 Play the Catalan
Qa4) 1 5 ... Qxb4 1 6 Rb1 Qa5 1 7 1 972 - the same position is
Bfl c 5 1 8 cxd5 Nxd5 1 9 Nb3 Qc3 reached subsequently by trans­
20 Qd1 cxd4 21 Qxd4 Qxd4 22 position) 1 1 Ne 1 Bg5 (the idea is to
Nbxd4, Van Scheltinga-Zuidema, prevent f2 -j3 ; in the event of
Beverwijk 1 964. II ... a5 I2 Nd3 Bf6 I3 f3 Ng5 1 4
(b) 1S Rcl Qa4 16 Bxb4 Qxb4 Nd2 the chances are with White,
1 7 e3 Rc8 1 8 Qb3 Qa5, Geller­ Sosonko-Larsen, Amsterdam
Larsen, Candidates Match, Copen­ 1 980) 1 2 Nd3 a5 1 3 a3 (after I3 e3
hagen 1 966. a position from Polugayevsky­
1. 122 Ketslakh is reached; it stands to
reason that White cannot drive
9 cS away the knight by I3 f3? in view
of 13 ... Be3 + 14 Khl Nxg3 + I 5
We have already met this re­ hxg3 Qg5) 1 3 . . . Qe8 1 4 e3,
action by White to the Csom-Farago, Hungarian Ch.
... b7(b6)-b5 advance. But here, in 1 975. After 1 4 ... Qh5 both sides
contrast to the previous positions, have chances.
he does not control e4, and this
allows Black to set up a 10 ... fS
"stonewall" formation. 11 Bb2 (26)

9 ... Ne4

After 9 ... aS 1 0 Nbd2 Ba6 1 1

Re1 Qc7 1 2 e4 dxe4 1 3 Nxe4 Nxe4
14 Rxe4 b4 1 5 Bd2 White had the
better position in Knaak-Espig,
Zinnowitz 1 97 1 .

1 0 Nbd2

The alternative plan is to play 10

Bb2, without for the moment
developing the queen's knight,
so as after Ne 1 and f2-f3 to drive 26
the knight from e4. There can fol­
low 1 0 ... f5 (or 1 0 ... a5 1 1 Nel f5 (a) 11 ... aS 12 a3 Qe8 1 3 b4 a4
I2Nd3 Bg5! 13 e3 Qe8, Polu­ 14 Ne 1 Nxd2 1 5 Qxd2, Anders­
gayevsky-Ketslakh, Volokolamsk son-Larsen, Bugojno 1 980, and
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 27
'
in the course of a manoeuvring
struggle Black's defences held:
1 5 ... Bd8 1 6 Nd3 Bc7 17 f3 Nf6
1 8 Rae l Bd7 1 9 Bel Qe7 20 Qc3
Be8 21 Bf4 Bxf4 22 Nxf4 Bg6
23 Qe3 Rfe8 24 Nd3 Nd7.
(b) 11 .. . Bf6 1 2 b4 a5 1 3 a3 a4
1 4 Nel (Vukic-Jelen, Yugoslavia
1 973, went 14 Radl Qe8 15 Nxe4
fxe4 1 6 Nd2 Qh5 1 7 e3 , when
1 7 .. . e5! gave Black a good game;
note that in the given situation the
p i e ce sacrifice 1 7 Nxe4 dxe4 18
Qxe4 does not work because of 27
I X Nb8) 14 ... Nxd2 1 5 Qxd2 e5
.••

with equal chances, Schmidt­ - 8 . .. NbS, e.g. :

C 'som, Olot 1 975. (a) 9 c5 Nxf4 1 0 gxf4 Qc7 1 1
(c) 11 ... b4. Black does not allow Qd2 b6 1 2 b4 Ba6 (on 12 ... a5
his opponent to reinforce his c5 there can follow 13 cxb6 Qxb6 14
puwn with b3-b4. Sigurjonsson­ bxa5) 1 3 Qe3 bxc5 1 4 bxc5 Rab8
l l oi, Reykjavik 1 9 8 1 , continued 1 5 Khl (in the event of 15 f5 Black
1 2 Nxe4 fxe4 1 3 Ne5 Nxe5 14 dxe5 can sacrifice a pawn - 15 ... Kh8
Bd7 ( 1 4 ... Ba6 and ... Bb5 comes 1 6 fxe6 fxe6 1 7 Qxe6 Rbe8!)
i n to consideration) 1 5 Bd4 a5 1 6 1 6 ... g6 with equal chances, Tol­
u J Qc7 17 Ra2 Rfb8. Black's posi- ush-Averbakh, 1 8th USSR Ch.
1 ion is satisfactory (if, e.g. 18 Rfal , 1 949.
l hc n 1 8 . .. bxa3 1 9 Rxa3 Rb4). (b) In later events 9 Bd2 has
1 . 13 been played: 9 ... f5 10 b4 Nb6
(after the aggressive 10 ... g5 11 b5
8 Bf4 (27) Nb6 12 Ba5 White has the advan­
tage, Doda-:- Maciejewski, Polish
This move drew attention after Ch. 1 974, but the transfer of the
lhc Petrosian-Botvinnik match knight to e4 is possible -
( l 'l63). 1 0 ... Nhf6 1 1 Rdl Ne4 12 Bel
Black can continue 8 . . . Ne4 Bf6, Maslov-Klovans, USSR
( 1 . 1 3 1 ) or 8 ... b6 ( 1 . 1 32) . 1 970) 1 1 c5 Nc4 12 a4 Nf6 1 3 Bf4
l i e has another way of setting up Bd7 14 Nbd2 Nxd2 15 Bxd2 Ne4
u "stonewall" formation (or of with chances for both sides,
Nimp1y exchanging the f4 bishop) O'Kelly-Bisguier, Caracas 1 970.
28 Play the Catalan
An original plan was employed Qc2 White has the freer position,
by Black in Andersson-Spassky, Knezevic-Begovac, Sombor 1 976.
Turin 1 982; 8 ... aS 9 Rdl a4 1 0
Ne5 Qa5 . After 1 1 Nd2 Nxe5 1 2 10 Rabl
Bxe5 Ng4 1 3 Nf3 (in the event of
13 Bf4 White has to reckon with After the prepartory 10 cxdS
13 ... g5!) 1 3 ... Nxe5 14 Nxe5 Rd8 exd5 and only then 1 1 Rab l ,
1 5 e3 Bd7 1 6 Nxd7 Rxd7 White Black, as i n the main variation,
failed to achieve anything - the should continue 1 1 ... a5 .
position is completely level.
1.131 10 ... aS
11 Rfd1 Qe8
8 ... Ne4
In this typically Dutch formation
This was played by Botvinnik in a battle with chances for both sides
the afore-mentioned game. is in prospect, e.g. 12 Ne1 g5 1 3 Bel
Qh5 1 4 Nxe4 fxe4 1 5 f3 Nf6 1 6
9 Nc3 Qd2 h 6 1 7 b 3 Bd6, Lengyel­
Pogacs, Hungarian Ch. 1 964.
9 NeS Nd6 1 0 Nd2 Nxe5 1 1 dxe5 1. 132
Nxc4 1 2 Nxc4 dxc4 1 3 Be4 g6 1 4
h 4 Bd7 1 5 Radl Qc7 led to an 8 ... b6 (28)
equal position in Benko-Kor­
chnoi, Stockholm 1 962.

9 ... fS

The 9th game of the Petro­

sian-Botvinnik match continued
9 ... gS 1 0 Bel f5 1 1 b3 Bf6
(1 1 .. Nd6 followed by ... Nf7 is
.

more promising) 1 2 Bb2 Bg7

(12 ... Qe7 comes into considera­
tion, so as then to post the queen at
g7 ) 1 3 Radl Rf7 1 4 Nxe4! fxe4 1 5
Nel Nf8 1 6 f3 exf3 1 7 Bxf3 Bd7
Bd7 18 Nd3, with advantage to 28
White.
After 9 ... Nxc3 1 0 Qxc3 a5 1 1 9 Nbd2
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 29

Other continuations:
In commentaries on the Petro­
sian-Botvinnik game it was sug­
gested that 9 cxdS cxd5 1 0 Bc7 Qe8
1 1 N c3 gives White an obvious
advantage (which was why Botvin­
nik avoided 8 ... b6). In fact
White's initiative is only tempor­
ary, and after the possible sequel
1 1 ... Ba6 1 2 Qa4 Qc8 1 3 Rac1
Qb7 (13 ... Bc4 also comes into 29
consi deration) Black satisfactorily
solves his opening problems: on 1 4
Nb5 there follows 1 4 . . . Rac8. (a2) 10 N e5 Nh5 (after 10 ...
Other moves (instead of 1 0 Bc7) Qc8 11 Nc3 Nxe5 12 dxe5 Nd7 13
also promise White nothing: cxd5 cxd5 14 Qd2 followed by
(a) 10 Nc3 Bb7 1 1 Nb5 N e8 1 2 e2-e4 White has the advantage,
Rfc1 a6, Gereben-Benko, Badga­ Smyslov-Prameshuber, Munich
stei n 1 948. Olympiad 1 958) 1 1 N d2 N xe5
(b) 10 Rc1 Bb7 1 1 Bc7 Qe8 1 2 (1 1 ... Nxf4 12 gxf4 ReB 13 Ndf3
Nc3 Rc8 1 3 N b5 N c5 ! , and the Nxe5 1 4 Nxe5 Bd6 15 Qa4 gave
chances pass to Black: 1 4 dxc5 (14 White the better chances in Polu­
a4 Na6) 14 ... Qxb5 1 5 cxb6 axb6 gayevsky-Averbakh, 3 1 st USSR
1 6 Qb3 Qxb3 1 7 axb3 Bc5 1 8 Be5 Ch. 1 963) 12 dxe5 f5 with a comp­
Ra8. licated game (if, for example, 13
9 Nfd2 Bb7 1 0 e4 Rc8 1 1 Nc3 c5 exf6, then 13 ... Bxf6, followed by
led to an equal game in N ovotel­ exchanging the bishop at f4) .
nov-Averbakh, 1 9th USSR Ch. (b) 9 ... Ba6 is weaker: after 1 0
1 95 1 (cf. Game N o. 3, p. 1 68). N e5 N xe5 1 1 dxe5 N d7 1 2 cxd5
9 Rdl (29) . cxd5 1 3 e4 White has the more
(a) 9 ... Bb7, and now: active posi ti on. The compli cations
(a1) The quiet 10 N c3 comes i n Bi lek-Radulov, Varna 1 970 -
into consideration, and i f 1 0 ... 1 3 ... g5 1 4 Be3 N xe5 1 5 exd5 Rc8
dxc4 (1 0 ... Nh5 is possible) 1 1 1 6 N c3 Qd7 1 7 Bd4 - proved
Nd2 N d5 1 2 N xc4 N x(4 1 3 gxf4 unfavourable for Black.
Qc7 1 4 e3 Rac8 1 5 Rab1 N f6 1 6 b4 9 a4 has not been tried in prac­
wi th slightly the better game for tice.
Whi te, Gulko-Begovac, Sombor
1 974. 9 ... Bb7
 30 Play the Catalan
Here too 9 ... Ba6 is less advis­
able, e.g. t O Rfet Nh5 1 1 Qb3
(avoiding the exchange by 11 Be3
ReB 12 cxd5 cxd5 13 Qa4 Nb8 14
b4 Rc3 led to an unclear position in
Smyslov-Osnos, 38th USSR Ch.
t 967) 1 1 ... Rc8 t2 Ne5 Nxf4 t 3
gxf4 Bb7 t 4 Racl Nf6 t 5 c 5 with
the better game for W hite, Korch­
noi-Osnos, 35th USSR Ch. t 967.

10 e4 ReS

The exchange in the centre

30
allows W hite the better chances:
10 ... dxe4 1 1 Nxe4 Nxe4 t 2 Qxe4 8 ... Ne4
Nf6 t 3 Qe2 c5 t 4 Radt cxd4 t 5
Nxd4 Qc8 t 6 b 3 Bxg2 t 7 Kxg2 8 .. bS 9 b3 belongs to variation
.

Qb7+ t 8 Qf3 Qxf3 + t 9 Kxf3 . W e l . t 2, but, since b2-b3 is not

· have already met similar posi­ obligatory, we give two games in
tions with White's queen's bishop which W hite played 9 c5 Ne4, and
at b2 or cl . This typical "Cata­ now:
lan endgame" is favourable (a) t O a4 Ba6 1 1 axb5 Bxb5 t 2
for White, Bronstein-Rantanen, Na3 a 6 t 3 Net f5 t 4 Nd3 Bf6 t 5
Tallinn t 975 . "' Nf4 Re8 t 6 f3 Ng5 t 7 h4 Nf7 t 8 e4
Averbakh-Smyslov, 29th USSR g6 t 9 e5 Bg7 20 Bd2 Qe7 2t Nxb5
Ch. t 96 t , now continued 11 eS Ne8 axb5 22 Nd3, and W hite seized the
t2 h4 h6 t3 cxd5 cxd5 t4 Qb3 Qc7 initiative on the 0-side, Rash­
t 5 Rfdt Nb8 with equal chances. kovsky-Farago, Sochi t 980.
1.14 (b) tO Nbd2 f5 1 1 Net , and now
the unfortunate 1 1 ... e5 led to an
8 Rd1 (30) advantage for W hite: t 2 dxe5 !
Nxd2 (not 12 ... Nxe5 13 Nxe4
As is the case after 8 b3 or 8 Bf4, fxe4 14 Bxe4) t 3 Bxd2 Nxe5 t4
here Black can adopt a "stonewall" a4! Ba6 t 5 Bc3 Nd7 1 6 Nf3 Nxc5
set-up. t 7 Nd4 Bb7 t 8 axb5 cxb5 t 9 Nxf5,
Speelman-Farago, Malta Olym­
"For the conclusion see p. 147 of Endgame
Strategy by M. Shereshevsky (Pergamon piad t 980.
Press, 1985) - Translator's note. After 8 ... b6 play can transpose
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 31
into positions from section 1 . 1 1 better game for White, Zagorov­
where White plays Rd1 (e.g. 3 g3 sky v. Bonch-Osmolovsky, Mos­
d5 4 Bg2 Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 cow 1 949.
Nbd7 7 Qc2 c6 8 Nbd2 b6 9 Rdl (b) 9 � .. Ba6 10 b3 Rc8 11 aS bS
etc.) . Of the independent lines we (1 1 ... c5 is strongly met by 12 axb6
draw attention to an original plan Qxb6 13 Qa2! Bd7 14 Ba3!, when
of a Q-side offensive, devised by the pin is unpleasant for Black) 1 2
Zagoryansky - 9 a4 (31). c S b 4 1 3 Bd2 (or 13 Bf4 Ne4 1 4
Rei with . the better chanc�s,
Zagoryansky-Chistyakov, Mos­
cow 1 949) 1 3 ... Bx e2 14 Re1 Ba6
1S Bx b4 with good play for White
(analysis by Zagoryansky).
(c) In general, against routine
play by Black the plan of advancing
the a-pawn may prove very
dangerous for him. Therefore, ins­
tead of 9 ... Bb7 or 9 ... Ba6, we
advise 9 ... Ne4, and if 10 aS fS .
31
9 Nc3 fS
If Black allows it, White will take 10 Net Nd6!
his a-pawn as far as a6. Then after ll cS Nt7
cxdS cx dS ( ... exd5 allows White to 12 Nd3 Bf6
exert pressure down the c-file) his
knight will occupy an excellent pos­ 12 ... eS? is premature in view of
ition at bS. 1 3 dx eS Nx cS 14 Nx cS BxcS 1 S
(a) 9 ... Bb7 (9 ... a5 is bad in Nx dS ! Bx f2+ 1 6 Kx f2 cxdS 1 7
v iew of 1 0 cxd5 cxd5 11 Na3) 1 0 aS BxdS, and on the forced 1 7 ... Qe7
bxaS (if 1 0 ... Qc8, preventing a5- - 1 8 Qb3, or 13 ... Ndx eS 1 4 Nx eS
a6 , then 11 Bf4 , or 10 ... Rc8 11 a6 NxeS 1 S · NxdS ! cxdS 1 6 BxdS +
Ba8 12 Qb3 , and in both cases Kh8 1 7 Bx b7, in both cases with a
White has good prospects) 1 1 cS winning position for White.
Ne4 (or 11 ... e5 12 Bd2 a4 13
Rxa4 , and White's chances on the 13 Be3 Qe7 (32)
Q-side are more real than Black's
counter-play on the K-side) 1 2 Here on 13 ... eS there follows 1 4
Nbd2 fS 1 3 Nb3 Ba6 1 4 Nx aS dx eS NfxeS (if 14 ... Ndxe5 1 5
BdS 1S b4 Qe8 16 NeS with the Nf4!) 1 S NxeS Nx eS (1 5 ... Bxe5
32 Play the Catalan
does not work in view of 1 6
Nxd5! cxd5 1 7 Bxd5 + Kh8 1 8 c6
bxc6 1 9 Bxc6 Rb8 20 Qa4 Rf7 21
Rd5 followed by Rad1 ; White
regains his piece by the pin,
remaining with a material advan­
tage) 1 6 Bd4. White then plays
e2-e3 and N e2, obtaining the bet­
ter chances.

33

Apart from this popular con­

tinuation, 8 NeS is possible, e.g.
8 . .. Bb7 9 cxd5 N xd5 (9 ... exd5 is
well met by 1 0 Nc6, while if
9 ... Nxe5 10 d6 Bxg2 11 dxe7
Qxe7 12 dxe5 Bxf1 13 exf6, gain­
ing two minor pieces for rook and
_ pawn, Kochiev-Ivanov, Lvov
32
1 974) 10 N c6 (if White intends to
We are following Smejkal­ fight for an advantage, he must
Csom, Vrnjacka Banja 1 972. After make this move immediately, since
14 f4 b6 1 5 b4 a5 1 6 a3 Ba6 the on the preparatory 10 a3 , with the
chances were roughly equal aim of not allowing the knight to go
(analysis by Csom). to b4, Black replies 1 0 ... c5)
1.2 10 ... N b41 1 1 N xe7+ (after 1 1
Nxb4 Bxg2 1 2 Kxg2 Bxb4 1 3 Qc6
7 .. . b6 (33) Nf6 Black equalizes) 1 1 ... Qxe7.
N ow the capture of the c7 pawn is
It is advantageous, of course, for not possible in view of 1 2 ... Bxg2
Black to play ... c5 without wasting 1 3 Kxg2 ReS and 14 ... N c2, on 1 2
a tempo on 7 ... c6. But at the same Qc4 there follows 12 ... Ba6, and
time his c6 square is weakened. other queen moves allow the
exchange on g2 and ... c5 with
8 cxdS equal chances (analysis).
 8 ... NxdS able queen sacrifice) 1 3 Rxd8
Rfxd8 14 Qxb4 Rd1 + 1 5 Nel Rxc1
T he drawbacks to 8 ... exdS are (analysis), which means that White
best revealed by 9 Ne5 ! White is obliged to reject 12 dxc5 .
achieves less with 9 Qc6 Ba6 (b) Black sometimes plays
(9 ... RbB is strongly met by 1 0 ... Ba6 and ... c5 in reverse order. If
Bf4) 1 0 Nc3 . on 1 0 ... c5 White continues 1 1 a3
(instead of 11 Rdl ) 1 1 ... Nc6 1 2
9 Nc3 d 5 , then 1 2 . . . Na5 i s good. The
assessment of this position (as
Other continuations: unfavourable for White) given in
9 e4 Nb4 10 Qb3 (34). the 1 st edition was confirmed by
Tal-Donchenko, Viljandi 1 972:
after1 3 Qc2 exd5 1 4 exd5 Bf6 1 5
Bf4 Ba6 1 6 Rei c4! Black gained
an undisputed advantage.
Let us now see how the play
develops if, instead of the obvious
1 0 Qb3, White continues 1 0 Qc3
(35).

34

(a) 1 0 ... Ba6 1 1 Rd1 c5 12

dxc5 (Gheorghiu-Medina, Orense
1 973, went 12 Na3 Be2 13 Rd2
Bxf3 14 Bxf3 with roughly equal
chances), and now:
(a1) 1 2 ... Bxc5 1 3 Ne5? (White
should play 13 a3 , when after 35
13 ... Nc6 1 4 Qa4 Bb7 1 5 b4 Be7
16 Bb2 his position is preferable), The white queen stays on the
and Black sacrifices his queen - c-file, in order to hinder the
1 3 ... Nxe5 ! 1 4 Rxd8 Rfxq8, development of the opponent's
obtaining more than sufficient Q-side:
compensation. (a)1 0 ... Ba6 is not now possible
(a2)1 2 ... Nxc5 ! (a more favour- in view of 11 a3 Bxfl 1 2 Bxfl ,
34 Play the Catalan
when the knight at b4 has no ret­ 10 ... BxdS
reat square, and White remains
with two minor pieces for a rook. 10 ... exdS is weaker, and gives
(b) 10 ... Bb7 1 1 a3 Na6 1 2 Qe3 White a pleasant choice:
c5 1 3 Rd1 Qc7 14 Nc3 cxd4 1 5 (a) 1 1 Bf4 c5 1 2 dxc5 bxc5 1 3
Nxd4 RadS 1 6 Qe2 QbS 1 7 Be3 Rfd1 Nf6 1 4 Nh4 g6 1 5 Bg5
QaS 1S f3 led to an advantage for with advantage, Keene-Medina,
White in Hiibner-Medina, Skopje Paignton 1 970.
-
Olympiad 1 972. (b) 11 Rd1 B d 6 1 2 Bg5 f6 1 3
(c) 1 0 ... c5 1 1 a3 Nc6 1 2 dxc5 (if Bf4 Bxf4 1 4 gxf4 Rf7 1 5 b 4 NfS
12 d5 exd5 13 exd5 Bf6, when the 1 6 e3 Qd6 1 7 b5 a5 1 S h4, and
possible complications - 14 dxc6 White's position is better, Kava­
Bxc3 1 5 cxd7 Ba6 1 6 Nxc3 Bxf1 lek-Medina, Montilla 1 975.
1 7 Kxf1 Qxd7 1 8 Ne5 Qf5 1 9
Bxa8 Rxa8 favour Black) 1 2 ... 11 e4 Bb7
bxc5 (12 ... Bxc5? 13 b4) 13 e5 12 Rd1
Ba6 14 Re1 RbS 15 Qc2 Qb6,
and as compensation for his iso­ 12 Bf4 is also good. If, for ex­
lated c-pawn, Black has excellent ample, 1 2 ... c5 (12 ... Bd6? is bad
development, Quinteros-Merlina, in view of 13 e5 Be7 14 Ng5 Bxg5
Torremolinos 1973. 15 Bxg5 Qxg5 1 6 Bxb7), then, as in
If White does not like the posi­ the main variation - 1 3 d5 exd5
tions arising �ter 9 e4 Nb4, he can 14 exd5 Bf6 (14 ... Bxd5? 1 5
prepare e2-e4 with 9 a3, e.g. 9 ... Rad1 , and Black is in trouble in
Bb7 10 e4 N5f6 1 1 Nc3 c5 12 Rd1 view of the threat of Ng5) 1 5 h4.
cxd4 13 Nxd4, with slightly the After 15 ... ReS 16 Ng5 NfS 1 7
better chances, Barcza-Liebert, Rad1 White gained the advantage
Debrecen 1 969, and Mariotti­ in Keene-Robatsch, Madrid 1 97 1 .
Merlina, Las Palmas 1 97S.
1 2 ... cS
9 ... Bb7
10 NxdS This thematic move proves poss­
ible thanks to a tactical finesse
Euwe-Landau, match, Amster­ found by Simagin.
dam 1 934, went 10 e4 Nb4 1 1 Qb1
c5 1 2 Rd1 ReS (12 ... cxd4 is pre­ 13 dS
ferable) 1 3 dxc5 Rxc5 14 a3, with
the better position for White. The only way for White to fight
10 Rd1 comes into considera­ for the initiative. 13 dxcS does not
tion. promise anything in view of
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 3S
13 ... QcS ! 1 4 c6 Bxc6 1 S Nd4 Bb7 exchange sacrifice 2 1 ... RxdS 22
16 QxcS RfxcS 1 7 Nxe6 Nf6! 1 S BxcS QxcS is insufficient.
NgS h6, and Black restores the (b) 16 a4 RcS 17 Bf4 ReS 1 S Bh3
material balance (analysis by c4 1 9 Nd4 (sacrificing a pawn ­
Simagin) . Black was threatening 1 9 ... c3 or
1 9 ... Rc5 ; instead White can main­
13 . . . exd5 tain the tension by 1 9 Bd6, and on
14 exd5 Bf6 1 9 ... c3 continue 20 b4, but then
Black replies 20 ... Rc4 with the
Of course, not 14 ... Nf6? 1 S d6 idea of ... Nb8, after which the dS
Bxd6 16 Bf4, when Black loses pawn may be under threat)
material. 1 9 ... BxdS 20 NbS ReS , and now:
(b1 ) 21 Bc7 (21 Bd6 can also be
15 h4 h6 (36) met by 21 ... Ne5) 21 ... NeS ! (an
unexpected tactical resource which
enables Black to force a draw)
22 BxdS Nf3 + 23 Kfl Nh2+
�-!, Smyslov-Geller, Candidates
Match, Moscow 1 96S.
(b2) 2 1 Nd6 (attacking the rook
and threatening Nb7) 2 1 ... NeS
(Black does best to give up his
queen for rook and minor piece,
since if 21 ... Rf8 22 Nb7 Bxb7 23
Rxd7 Qc8 24 Kh2! Qa8 25 Bd6)
22 BxeS RxeS 23 Nb7 Bxb7 24
RxdS+ BxdS.
1 .3
36
7 ... c5 (37)
White's position is preferable
thanks to his passed pawn and If this variation is compared with
active pieces. Two examples: the variation 3 g3 dS 4 Bg2 Be7 S
(a) 16 Bf4 ReS 17 Rac1 NeS 1 S Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 cS, it will be seen
NxeS BxeS 1 9 BxeS RxeS 2 0 b4 that, with the knight at d7, the
ReS (20 ... cxb4 is strongly met by counter-blow ... cS has much fewer
21 Qc7, and if 21 ... Re7 22 d6 virtues.
Rxc7 23 dxc7) 21 Bh3 ! , Geller­
Medina, Beverwijk 1 96S. White 8 cxd5
has the advantage, since the
36 Play the Catalan
Rubinetti-Pfleger, Skopje Olym­
piad 1 972, when routine play by
White - 10 Nbd2? (after 1 0 Ne5
Ncd7! Black retains equal chances)
1 0 ... Bd7 1 1 b3 Rac8 1 2 Bb2
allowed Black to exploit the pin on
the c-file to seize the initiative:
1 2 ... b5 ! 1 3 Ne5 (White cannot
block the file by 13 Bc3 Qa6 14 b4
Na4 15 c5 because of 15 ... Bxc5)
1 3 ... bxc4 14 Nxd7 (if 14 bxc4 ,
then 14 ... Ba4 1 5 Nb3 Qa4! with
advantage) 14 ... Ncxd7 1 5 bxc4
37 Nb6 1 6 Bc3, and now instead of
8 Rdl is another good continua­ 1 6 ... Qa6? 17 e4 dxc4 1 8 a4, Black
tion: could have regained his pawn with
(a) 8 ... cxd4 9 Nxd4 Nb6 1 0 1 6 ... Qa4! (analysis by Pfleger).
cxd5 Nbxd5 1 1 e 4 Nb4 1 2 Qe2
Qc7 13 Nc3, and in Polugayev­ 8 ... Nxd5
sky-Pfleger, Tallinn 1 973, White
obtained the better game: 1 3 ... The transition into positions in
e5 1 4 Ndb5 Qa5, and now 15 a3 the spirit of the Tarrasch Defence
was very strong (15 ... a6? 16 axb4 by 8 . . . exd5 is less justified on
Qxal 1 7 Nc7 and Be3 , winning the account of the position of the
queen). knight at d7 (in the Tarrasch
(b) 8 ... Qb6 9 cxd4 Nxd5 1 0 e4 Defence the place for it is at c6).
Nb4 1 1 Qe2 cxd4 12 Nxd4 Ne5, After 9 Nc3 the chances are with
Rovner-Rauzer, USSR 1 935, and White.
now the simple 1 3 Nc3 gives White
an excellent game. 9 Nc3
(c) 8 ... b6, and now the double
exchange 9 cxd5 Nxd5 1 0 dxc5 9 a3 is also possible, followed by
Bxc5 followed by 1 1 a3 again leads e2-e4 or dxc5 and b2-b4.
to a promising position for White,
e .g. 1 1 ... a5 1 2 e4 Ne7 1 3 Nc3 Qc7 9 ... Nb4
14 Na4, Rovner-Kan, USSR Ch.
!-Final 1 946. After this Black experiences dif­
In the event of 8 dxc5 Nxc5 9 ficulties over the development of
Rd1 Black replies 9 ... Qa5 , his Q-side, but other continuations
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 37

also favour White: ( a) 10 .. cxd4 1 1 Nxd4 Nf6 1 2

.

( a) 9 .. . Nxc3 1 0 bxc3 Qc7 ( or Rdl . The advantage is with White,

I O ... cxd4 I I cxd4 Nb6 I2 e4 Bd7 whose "Catalan bishop" exerts
13 a4 ReB I4 Qb3) 1 1 Bf4 (I I Qd3 pressure on the opponent's Q-side.
also comes into consideration) (b) 10 ... Nc6 1 1 dxc5, and:
1 1 ... Bd6 1 2 Bxd6 Qxd6 1 3 Rfd1 (b1 ) 1 1 ... Nxc5 1 2 Rd1 Qa5 1 3
with advantage, Ilivitsky-Dubinin, Bd2 Nd7 (I4 Nd5 was threatened)
1 6th USSR Ch. 1 948. 1 4 Ne4 Qf5 (14 ... Qa6 is strongly
(b) 9 ... b6, and: met by 1 5 Neg5 , and, when Black
(b 1 ) 1 0 dxc5 Nxc5 1 1 Nxd5 exd5 defends against the mate, Bc3) 1 5
12 Nd4 with the better game, e.g. Bc3, and White has an obvious
12 ... Bb7 1 3 Be3 Bf6 1 4 Rac1 Qe7 advantage, Keres-Levenfish, 1 5th
1 5 Rfd1 , Ilivitsky-Makogonov, USSR Ch. 1 947.
1 7th USSR Ch. 1 949. (b2) 1 1 ... Bxc5 12 Ng5 ! ,
(b2) 10 Rd1 Bb7 1 1 Nxd5 exd5 provoking a weakening of Black's
12 dxc5 bxc5 1 3 Bf4 ReS 14 Rac1 K-side: 12 ... g6 ( Black cannot
h6 1 5 Nd2 Qb6 1 6 Nb3, and avoid the weakening, since 12 ...
White's forces are well deployed Nf6 is refuted by 13 Bxc6 bxc6 14
for play against the hanging pawns. Nce4 Nxe4 1 5 Qxe4), and after 1 3
Rd1 White's position i s better
10 Qb1 (38) ( analysis by Keres) .

38
 2

6 0 0 0 N bd 7 7 N c3

1 d4 Nf& 2 c4 e& 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 now White should have played 1 2

Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 Nbd7 e5, obtaining a spatial advantage in
the centre.
7 Nc3 (39) If 7 ... b6 (Black does not intend
to waste time on c6, and wishes to
play ... c5 immediately), then:
(a) 8 b3 Bb7 9 Bb2 c5, and
Black carries out his plan. Smyslov­
Simagin, Moscow 1 966, continued
1 0 cxd5 (1 0 e3 ReB) 1 0 ... Nxd5
(1 0 ... exd5 is well met by 1 1 Ne5)
11 Rc1 Rc8 1 2 Nxd5 Bxd5 1 3 Qd3 ,
and here (instead of 13 ... cxd4 1 4
Bxd4 Rxcl 1 5 Rxcl Nc5 1 6 Qc3 ,
which allowed White to seize the
initiative) correct was 1 3 ... Bf6 or
1 3 ... Bb7, with a roughly equal
position. The set-up with 8 b3 and
39 Bb2, which is promising after
7 ... c6, is hardly dangerous for
After this energetic continua­ Black after 7 ... b6.
tion Black has a choice between (b) 8 cxd5 exd5 9 Ne5 Bb7 1 0
7 ... dxc4 (2. 1) and 7 ... c6 (2.2) . Qa4! with advantage t o White,
I n the event o f 7 . . . cS 8 cxd5 Schoneberg-Neukirch, East Ger­
Nxd5 9 Nxd5 exd5 1 0 dxc5 the many 1 967.
chances are with White. 2. 1
Lengyel-Csom, Hungarian Ch.
1 9 7 1 , went 7 ... a6 8 Ne5 c6 9 e4
dxc4 10 Nxc4 b5 1 1 Ne3 Ra7, and 7 ... dxc4
38
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 39
This position drew attention chances, Tolush-Goldenov, 1 5th
a.rter the game Botvinnik-Lasker, USSR Ch. 1 947.
Moscow 1 936, where it was (b2) 10 ... Bb7 followed by ... a6,
reached by transposition from a when Black retains his extra pawn
Reti Opening. with a solid position. As compensa­
tion White has superiority in the
8 e4 (41) centre and controls more space.
8 a4 (White radically prevents
Other possibilities: ... b5) 8 ... a6 (8 ... c6 9 e4 leads to
8 Qc2 (40). the main variation, but 9 a5 comes
into consideration, cramping Black
on the Q-side, Zagoryansky-L.
Shcherbakov, USSR 1 949), and
now:
(a) 9 Nd2 (Black was intending
... Rb8 and ... b5) 9 ... e5 1 0 Nxc4
exd4 1 1 Qxd4 Nc5 1 2 Qxd8 Rxd8
1 3 Bg5 Nb3 14 Radl Be6 with
chances for both sides, Nei-Van
Scheltinga, Beverwijk 1 964.
(b) 9 e4 (more energetic), and if
40
9 ... Rb8 10 Qe2 b5 1 1 axb5 axb5
(a) 8 ... Rb8 9 a4 b6 (9 . . . a6 is 1 2 Bf4, with a serious initiative for
well met by 1 0 a5 , and if 1 0 ... b5? the pawn, Pytel-Sydor, Polish Ch.
11 axb6 cxb6 12 Bf4 followed by 1 972.
Ne5) 1 0 e4 Bb7 1 1 Bf4 a6 1 2 Radl
Qc8 1 3 Bh3 Re8, Pirtskhalava­
Ufimtsev, USSR Ch. !-Final 1 947,
and now, as shown by Konstan­
tinopolsky, 14 d5 1 would have
led to an advantage for White,
e.g. 14 ... exd5 (if 14 ... Nc5 15
Nd4 , with pressure on e6) 1 5 Ne5
Bd6 1 6 Nxd7 Nxd7 17 Nxd5 Bxd5
18 Rxd5.
(b) 8 ... c6 is stronger, and if 9 e4
b5 1 0 Bf4, and now:
(b l) 1 0 ... b4 1 1 Ne2 a5 1 2 Qxc4
c5 1 3 Rfd1 14 Qc2 Bb7 with equal 41
40 Play the Catalan
This interesting position is the 8 ... cS
starting point for two basic lines:
one sharp and tactical - 8 ... cS One of the arguments in favour
2 . 1 1), and the other restrained and of 6 ... Nbd7, compared with
positional - 8 ... c6 (2. 1 2). 6 ... c6, is considered to be the fact
Other paths: that after 7 Nc3 dxc4 8 e4 Black
(a) 8 ... a6 9 a4, and: has the possibility of playing ... cS
(a1) 9 ... cS 10 Bf4! cxd4 1 1 without loss of a tempo. However,
Qxd4 QaS ? ! (1 1 ... Nc5 has been in their assessment of the resulting
recommended, but after 12 Qxc4 positions, the opinions of the
Bd7 13 e5 or 12 ... Qd3 13 Ne5 experts diverge.
White's position is better) 1 2 Qxc4
eS 1 3 Be3 Bb4 1 4 Rfd1 Bxc3 1 S 9 dS
bxc3 Rb8 1 6 Nh4 with advantage
to White, Platonov-Donner, Cien­ On 9 a4 there can follow
fuegos 1 972. 9 ... cxd4 1 0 Qxd4 NcS ! 1 1 Qxc4
(a2) 9 ... Rb8 1 0 aS bS 11 axb6 Qd3, when Black equalizes.
Nxb6 (or 1 1 ... cxb6 12 Bf4 Ra8 13 In the event of 9 Bf4 this same
Nd2 Bb7 14 Nxc4 , and White has operation by Black - 9 ... cxd4 1 0
the more favourable position, Ger­ Qxd4 NcS 1 1 Qxc4 Qd3 i s not so
chikov-Roizman, USSR 1 967) 1 2 effective, since instead of a2-a4
Qe2 c S 1 3 Bf4 Rb7 1 4 Rfd1 Rd7 White has brought out his bishop,
1 S dxcS BxcS 1 6 NeS' Rxd1 1 7 and 12 NeS Qxc4 1 3 Nxc4 gives
Rxd1 , with the better prospects for him some advantage. Avoiding the
White (Platonov). exchange of queens by 1 2 Qb4
(b) 8 ... Rb8 9 a4 b6 1 0 Qe2 Bb7 involves an unclear pawn sacrifice:
1 1 Rd1 ReS 12 Nd2 cS 13 dS exdS 1 2 ... aS 1 3 Qb6 Ncxe4 14 NeS
14 exdS Bd6 1S Nxc4 Bb8 16 aS Qd6 1 S Nc4 QcS.
with advantage to White, Khen­
kin-Yurkov, Moscow 1 963. 9 ... exdS (42)
(c) 8 ... Nb6. This plan is un­
successful, since Black's Q-side 10 exdS
remains undeveloped. In Larsen­
Enevoldsen, Copenhagen 1 96S, The typical tactical trick 10 eS,
after 9 Qe2 cS 1 0 Rd1 cxd4 1 1 also characteristic of certain posi­
Rxd4 Nfd7 1 2 a4 BcS 1 3 Rd1 aS 1 4 tions in the Queen's Gambit
Bf4 Qe7 1 S eS White gained an Accepted, leads to a sharp situa­
excellent position. tion:
2. 11 (a) 1 0 ... Ng4 1 1 QxdS Nb6 1 2
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 41

Black's three pawns:hardly:�ompen­

sate for the sacrificed piece" . . .
Those who do not wish to join
this champions' argument can
avoid 1 0 e5 and chose the main
continuation 1 0 exd5, which first
occurred in Kan-Kotov, 1 1th
USSR Ch. 1 939.

10 ... Nb6

The blockading 10 ... Bd6 1 1

42 Bg5 h6 1 2 Bxf6 Nxf6 1 3 Nd2 Be5
14 Nxc4 Bd4 15 NbS led to the
Qe4 Qd3 (if 12 ... f6 13 Rdl QeB better position for White in
14 a4 , and the complications would O'Kelly-Stoltz, Dortmund 1 9 5 1
appear to favour White - Botvin­ (15 ... Nxd5 1 6 Nxd4 cxd4 1 7
nik) 1 3 Qe1 (13 Qf4 is strongly Qxd4).
met by 13 ... f6). In his notes to
his game with Lasker, this vari­ 11 NeS Bd6
ation was given by Botvinnik with­ 12 f4 ReS
out a concrete assessment. Later 13 a4!
Yudovich and Fogelevich con­
tinued it with 1 3 ... Qg6, after This sacrifice of a second pawn
which White is threatened with the is stronger than 13 Re1 Ng4!
unpleasant manoeuvre ... Bf5-d3, {the afore-mentioned Kan-Kotov
and he is still faced with demons­ game went 13 ... Bf5 14 h3 Bd3 15
trating the correctness of his sac­ Nxd3 cxd3 1 6 RxeB + QxeB 1 7
rifice. Qxd3 , when White regained his
(b) 1 0 ... d4? ! (this interesting pawn and obtained the more pleas­
sacrifice was suggested by Alek­ ant position: 1 7 ... Qel + 1 8 Kh2 c4
hine before 1 3 ... Qg6 was dis­ 19 Qdl ReB 20 Bd2 Qf2 21 Bel
covered) 1 1 exf6 Nxf6. Alekhine Qe3 22 Qd2) 14 Nxg4 Rxe1 + 1 5
thought that, in the given situation Qxe1 Bxg4, when the chances are
"the three central pawns com­ with Black, Tarasov-Veresov,
pensate for the sacrificed piece". USSR 1 940.
However, Botvinnik expresse d
doubts about the correctness of 13 ... Bxe5
this assessment: "After 1 2 NeZ
42 Play the Catalan
In Ragozin-Rudakovsky, 1 2th
USSR Ch. 1 940, Black forestalled
the advance of the a-pawn by
13 ... aS, and after 14 NbS (since
White does not intend to capture
on d6, this must be judged a poor
move; to be considered is the pawn
sacrifice 1 4 h3 Bf5 15 g4 , or 14 .. .
Bxe5 1 5 /xe5 Rxe5 1 6 Bf4) 14 .. .
BxeS (instead of this, Ravinsky
suggested 1 4 ... Bf5 ; it should be
added that after 1 5 Re 1 Ng4 1 6
Nxg4 Rxe1 + 17 Qxe1 Bxg4
43
Black's position is favourable) l S
fxeS RxeS 1 6 Bf4 he gave up the 9 ..
. b6
exchange - 1 6 ... RxdS. Black has
sufficient material compensation, The alternative is 9 ... aS, as
but his Q-side pawns are weak, and played by Lasker in the original
the position must be assessed in game. Black prepares ... Nb6, to
White's favour. defend his c4 pawn. The afore­
mentioned Botvinnik-Lasker
14 fxeS Rxe5 game continued 1 0 Qe2 Nb6
(regarding 1 0 ... b6 1 1 Rd1 Ba6 , cf.
14 ... Bg4 l S Qel NfxdS (15 ... the note to Black's next move in
Nfd7 is strongly met by 16 Bf4 ) the m irln variation) 1 1 Rdl Bb4 1 2
1 6 aS Nxc3 1 7 Qxc3 NdS 1 8 NeS Qe7 1 3 Be3 Bd7 14 Nxc4.
Qxc4 Be6 1 9 QxcS allows White Botvinnik concluded that, thanks
to restore material equality and to his strong centre and superior
obtain the better chances. piece deployment, White has an
Now after 1S Bf4 ReS 1 6 aS obvious advantage, and the further
Black is cramped, and the chances course of the game seemed to con­
are with White. firm this: 14 ... Nxc4 l S Qxc4 bS
2.12 16 Qe2 !
In Botvinnik's opinion, the other
8 ... c6 (43) freeing attempt l S ... eS (instead of
15 ... b5), would also not have
9 a4 brought Black any relief, in view of
1 6 dxeS (1 6 d5 should also be tried,
White radically prevents ... bS. when it is unfavourable for Black
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 43
to play actively - 16 ... Ng4 1 7 Kxg7 22 Rxa7 leads to an equal
Bd2 Bc5 J B Bel ) 1 6 ... Qxe5 (it is ending.
true that Black is not bound to By not forcing events and by
capture with his queen, and can continuing his development, White
play 1 6 ... Ng4 , but then after 1 7 tries to achieve more.
Bd4 Be6 J B Qe2 Bc5 he has to
reckon with 1 9 Nd5! - 1 9 ... cxd5 11 ..
. Qc8
20 exd5 Bxd4 21 Rxd4 Bf5 22 Rei
Nh6 23 g4 or 21 ... Bd7 22 Rei In anticipation of the d4-d5
Nh6 23 d6) 17 Bd4 Qe6 18 Qd3 . breakthrough, the queen leaves the
d-file, and in addition it defends the
10 Qe2 Ba6 bishop in the event of b2-b3.
Other continuations would seem
In Bondarevsky-Ravinsky, Mos­ to be weaker:
cow Ch. 1 946, Black continue d (a) 11 ... ReS 1 2 b3 Bb4 13 Bb2
10 .. aS 1 1 Rdl Ba6, when White
. c5. In comparison with Botvinnik's
could have played 1 2 d5 ! exd5 (or position, White advantageously
12 .. cxd5) 1 3 Nd4. This pos­
. opens the d-file and has the advan­
sibility was pointed out in the 1st tage.
Russian edition. The position after (b) 11 ... Bb4 12 d5 exd5 (in the
Black's 1 1th move was reached in event of 12 ... cxd5 13 exd5 ReB 1 4
the later game Szabo-Forintos, dxe6 Rxe6 1 5 Qc2 Qe7 1 6 Bf4 with
Budapest 1 970. Here 1 2 Bf4 was the threat of Nd4 , the play favours
first played, and only on 1 2 ... Ra7 White, e.g. 1 6 ... Bxc3 1 7 bxc3 Re2
(as shown by Keres, Black should 1 B Qb1 , again threatening J 9 Nd4)
have chosen 12 ... ReB, defending 1 3 exd5 Re8 14 Qc2 cxd5 1 5 Nxd5
the bishop in the event of the pawn Nxd5 1 6 Rxd5. Black's pieces have
breakthrough in the centre) came been diverted to the Q-side, and
the familiar breakthrough 1 3 d5 ! for the sacrificed pawn White has
cxd5 1 4 Nd4. excellent possibilities (analysis).

11 Rd1 12 dS

According to analysis by Bot­ It used to go without saying that

vinnik, 11 b3 Bb4! 12 Bb2 (if 12 this should be played. Jumping
Na2 cxb3!) 12 ... c5 13 bxc4 cxd4 ahead, we should mention that in
1 4 Nxd4 Bxc3 1 5 Bxc3 Rc8 1 6 NbS Inkiov-Farago, Skara 1 980, White
Bxb5 17 axb5 Qc7 1 8 e5 Qxc4 1 9 tried to develop his initiative by 12
Qxc4 Rxc4 2 0 exf6 Rxc3 2 1 fxg7 BgS. After 1 2 ... Bb4 (12 ... ReB? is
44 Play the Catalan
weak because of 13 e5) 1 3 Nd2 h6
1 4 Bf4 (on 14 Be3 Black advan­
tageously replies 1 4 ... e5) 14 ...
Re8 1S Racl Black did not play
the best - 1 S ... Bxc3? (15 ... e5!
should have been chosen, e.g. 1 6
dxe5 Nxe5 1 7 Bxe5 Rxe5 , and if 1 8
f4 Bc5 + 1 9 Kh1 Ng4 with the
initiative for Black) 1 6 Rxc3 eS 1 7
dxeS NxeS 1 8 BxeS RxeS 1 9 Nxc4
Qe6 20 Qc2 ReS , and by 2 1 Rd4!
White could have gained the
advantage ( analysis by Farago) . 44

12 ... exdS This position used to be thought

to favour White, but after 13 ... Re8
In Nikitin-Vlasov, corr. 1 948, 1 4 dxc6 NcS 1 S NbS a double­
Black avoided the opening up of edged situation arises:
the position by 12 ... eS, but after ( a) 1 S ... Nd3, and in I. Zait­
1 3 Bh3 Qc7 14 BgS Rad8 1 S dxc6 sev-Lukacz, Dubna 1 979, White
NcS (1 5 ... Qxc6? 1 6 Bxd7) 1 6 was obliged to sacrifice the
Bxf6 Bxf6 1 7 NdS Qd6 (1 7 ... exchange - 16 Rxd3 (on 1 6 Qc2
Qxc6? 1 8 Nxe5 Qd6 19 Ng4) 1 8 there would have followed
Nb4 Qc7 1 9 Nxa6 Nxa6 2 0 Qxc4 1 6 ... Bc5!) 1 6 ... cxd3 1 7 Qxd3
White gained a decisive advantage. Qxc6 1 8 NgS Rad8 ( if 1 8 ... Bxb5
In the event of 12 ... NcS 1 3 dxc6 1 9 axb5 Qd7, then 20 Qxd7 and21
or 1 3 Nd4 White has the advan­ Bxa8, restoring material equality
tage, while after 1 2 ... Nxe4? ! 1 3 with slightly the better ending for
Qxe4 Nf6 1 4 Qe1 cxdS 1 S NxdS White) 1 9 Qb3 ( not 1 9 Bxc6?
NxdS 1 6 RxdS exdS 1 7 Qxe7 his Rxd3 20 Bxe8 in view of
minor pieces are highly active - 20 ... Rd1 + 21 Kg2 Bb 7+ etc. )
with material roughly equal, Black 1 9 ... NdS 20 Be3. Here the care-
has a difficult position. less 20 ... h6? allowed White by a
temporary knight sacrifice to
13 exdS (44) obtain a powerful attack: 2 1 Nxf7!
Kxf7 22 Rd1 BxbS 23 axbS Qg6
13 eS Ne4 1 4 Nxe4 c3 1 S Qc2 24 BxdS+ Kf8 2S Rd3 ! Mean­
dxe4 1 6 Qxe4 NcS favours Black. while, 20 ... BxgS 2 1 BxgS f6 22
Bf4 Kh8 would have enabled Black
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 45

to defend successfully. If, for bxc3 dxe4 1 5 Bxe4 Qb6+ 1 6 Kh1

example, 23 Rd1 Bb7 24 Nc3, then Nf6 1 7 Bg2 Be6 1 8 Qe2 Rfe8 1 9
24 ... Nxc3 ! 25 Bxc6 Rxd1 + 26 Be3 Qa5 2 0 Bd4 BdS 2 1 Bxd5+
Qxd1 Nxd1 27 Bxe8 Nxb2 28 Bb8 Qxd5+ 22 Qg2 Ne4 a position with
with an equal ending. equal chances was reached.
(b) 1 5 ... Nb3, when, apart from After 8 Nd2 Black sacrified a
the natural 1 6 Rb 1 , an attack in the pawn in Larsen-Kostro, Lugano
spirit of the masters from the past is Olympiad 1 968: 8 ... b5 9 cxbS
also possible - 1 6 Qxc4!? Nxa1 17 cxb5 1 0 Nxb5 Qb6. After 1 1 Qa4
Ng5 Rf8 1 8 Bh3 Qe8 1 9 Be3 with Bb7 12 Nc3 Bc6 1 3 Qc2 Qxd4 14
an extremely complicated situation Nb3 Qb6 1 5 Be3 Qa6 a roughly
(analysis by I. Zaitsev and equal position arose.
Plisetsky) . 2.21
2.2 8 b3
7 ... c6 (45) White's basic plan is to reinforce
his c4 pawn, prepare e2-e4, and
thus secure a spatial advantage in
the centre.
8 ... b6

White can continue 9 Bb2

( 2.21 1 ) or 9 Qc2 Bb7 10 Rdl
( 2.212 ) .
Here too 9 NeS is possible, as
played in Hiibner-Spassky, Til­
burg 1 978: 9 ... NxeS 1 0 dxe5 Nd7
1 1 Bb2 (in the event of 1 1 f4 Ba6
12 Be3 Rc8 13 cxd5 cxd5 14 Rcl
45
Bc5 1 5 Bd4 the game is level)
White's main possibilities are 8 1 1 ... Ba6 (if 1 1 ... Nxe5 , then 12
b3 ( 2.21 ) , 8 Qd3 ( 2.22) and 8 Qb3 cxd5 exd5 13 Nxd5) 12 cxd5 cxdS
( 2.23 ) . 1 3 Rc1 ReS ( after 13 ... b5 14 Nb1
The interesting 8 NeS was em­ Qb8 15 f5 , 13 ... Qb8 14 f4 Rc8 1 5
ployed in the telegraph game Qd2 , or 13 . . . Bb4 14 a 3 Bc5 1 5 b4
Barda-Simagin, 1 948. After 8 ... Be7 16 b5 Bb7 1 7 e4 , White's
Nxe5 19 dxe5 Nd7 10 cxd5 exd5 1 1 position is preferable ) 14 Qd4, and
f4 f5 1 2 exf6 Bxf6 1 3 e4 Bxc3 14 here 14 ... Bc5 1 5 Qa4 Bb7 ! would
46 Play the Catalan
have equalized most simply quieter 10 e3 followed by Qe 2 ,
(analysis by Hiibner). Rac1 and Rfd1 (2.2 1 1 1 2).
2.211 There are several other possi­
bilities:
9 Bb2 (46) 10 Ret Rc8 1 1 Ne5 (47), and
now:

47

46
In this position Black can fian­ (a) 1 1 ... Nxe5 12 dxe5 Ng4 (or
chetto his bishop - 9 ... Bb7 12 ... Nd7 13 cxd5 , and if 13 ...
(2.2 1 1 1), develop it at a6 -
cxd5 14 Nb5 , with the better
9 ... Ba6 (2.2 1 1 2), or play 9 ... aS chances for White) 1 3 e4 Nxe5 14
(2.2 1 1 3). exd5 cxd5 1 5 Nxd5, with the more
2.211 1 promising position for White.
Hort-Antoshi,n,' Luhacovice 1 97 1 ,
9 ... Bb7 continued 1 5 ... Ng6 (or 1 5 ...
Bxd5 16 cxd5 Rxcl 1 7 Bxcl exd5
Earlier it was said that with the 1 8 Rel ) 1 6 Nxe7+ Qxe7 1 7 Qe2
knight at c3 Black does best to Bxg2 18 Kxg2 Rfd8 19 Rcdl Rc7
deploy his bishop at a6, whereas 20 Rxd8+ Qxd8 2 1 Rd1 Rd7 22
after Nbd2 its place is at b7. How­ Rxd7 Qxd7 23 Qe4. The ending
ever, this rule, like all general favours White, with his 3-2 Q-side
judgements in chess, is not always pawn majority and active pieces.
born out. In a number of games Black did
Now White has two main plans: not exchange on e5, but for a cer­
he can prepare e2-e4 with 10 Qc2 tain time maintained the tension:
(2.2 1 1 1 1), or he can play the (b) 1 1 ... Re8 1 2 Re1 (12 Nd3
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 47
can be tried) t2 ... Bb4 t 3 a3 Bxc3 cxd5 cxd5 1 3 e4, Gutman­
t4 Rxc3 Qe7 t5 Rc2 RedS t 6 Qcl Doroshkevich, USSR t 969. In
Nxe5 (only now) t 7 dxe5 Nd7 t 8 the subsequent complications -
Qf4 Nf8, and Black maintains a 1 3 ... d4 t 4 Qxd4 Bc5 t 5 Qdt Ba6
solid defence, Hort-Damjanovic, t6 Ne2 Qc7 t 7 Ret Nxe5 t8 b4
Venice t 97 1 . Nd3 t 9 Qd2 Qd8 20 bxc5 Nxct 2 t
(c) 1 1 ... Ba8 t 2 Nd3, and now Qxct Bxe2 22 Ret and 23 Qc3 -
t 2 ... c5 proved premature in White obtained a strong attacking
Ribli-Lukacz, Hungarian Ch. position for the sacrificed ex­
t 971 : t 3 cxd5 Nxd5 t4 Nxd5 Bxd5 change. Black could have gained
t 5 Bxd5 exd5 t 6 Nf4! Bg5 t7 dxc5 an equal game by t 6 ... Nxe5 (ins­
Nxc5 (1 7 ... Bxf4 1 8 gxf4 Nxc5 1 9 tead of 1 6 ... Qc7) t 7 Bxe5 Qxdt
Qd4 Ne6 20 Qe5 Q/6 21 Qxf6 gxf6 t 8 Rfxdt Bxe2 t 9 Rd2 Bb5, or
22 e3 also favours White) t 8 Qd4 t 5 ... Nxe5 (instead of 15 ...
Bf6 t 9 Qd2 Bxb2 20 Qxb2 with the Ba6).
better chances. 10 Nd2 . If Black should delay
10 NeS (48). playing actively (e.g. 1 0 ... Qc7),
White will advance e2-e4. But the
removal of the control from d4
allows Black to equalize by tO ...
c5 ! 1 1 cxd5 cxd4 t2 NbS Bxd5
t 3 Nxd4 Bxg2 t4 Kxg2 Nc5
t 5 Nc4 Qd5 + , Cvetkov-Sajtar,
Marianske Lazne t 95 1 .
1 0 Qd3. As with t O Qc2 (varia­
tion 2.2 t 1 1 t) White prepares
e2-e4. Here, it is true, he subse­
quently has to reckon with the
48 opposition of his queen and a black
rook on the d-file. There can follow
(a) t O ... Rc8 1 1 e4 (1 1 Rcl t O ... Rc8 1 1 Radt Qc7 t 2 Nd2
leads to the previous variation) Rfd8 1 3 Qbt a6 t4 e4 dxe4 t 5
1 1 ... Nxe5 t 2 dxe5 Nxe4 t 3 Nxe4 Ndxe4 Nxe4 t 6 Nxe4 Nf6 t 7 Rfe 1 ,
dxe4 t 4 Bxe4 Qxdt t 5 Raxdt Rc7 with the freer game for White,
t 6 Rd3 Rd8 t 7 Rxd8+ Bxd8 Korchnoi-Filip, Leningrad v.
t 8 Ba3 c5 t 9 Rdt Be7 with an Prague t 970.
equal ending, Heinicke-Karak­ 2.21 111
lajic, Vienna t 957.
(b) t O ... Nxe5 1 1 dxe5 Nd7 t 2 10 Qc2 ReS
48 Play the Catalan
Taimanov-Polugayevsky, 25th
USSR Ch. t 958, went 10 ... c5 1 1
cxd5 Nxd5 (I I ... exd5 I 2 Rfdi
ReB I3 Rael Qc7 I4 dxc5 gives
White slightly the better chances,
Ghitescu-Czerniak, Reggio Emilia
t 970/7 1) t 2 Nxd5 Bxd5 t 3 e4 Bb7
t4 d5 exd5 t5 exd5 Bf6 (1 5 ...
Bxd5 is strongly met by I6 Radi ,
while I5 ... Nf6? loses to I 6 Ng5
h6 I 7 d6) t 6 Radt Bxb2 49
(I 6 ... ReB is weak in view of I 7 d6!
Be4 IB Qd2 , when White's passed (a) 1 1 Rad t , when 1 1 .. . b5 (exp­
pawn is highly dangerous, while the loiting the fact that the white queen
ending after I 7 ... Bxb2 IB Qxb2 is undefended) comes into consid­
Qf6 I 9 Qxf6 Nxf6 20 d7 RedB 2I eration (I I ... RacB leads to a posi­
Ne5 is unfavourable for Black) t7 tion from the main variation), as
Qxb2 Re8 t8 Rfet Qf6 t 9 Qxf6 played by Bisguier in two games at
Nxf6, and a draw was agreed. the tournament in Bled, t 96 t :
It was suggested that this deci­ (at ) t 2 c5 b4 t 3 Nbt (I3 Na4 a5
sion was premature, and that 20 d6 I4 Bel Ba6 I 5 Rfei Bb5 I 6 Bf4
would have set Black a number of Qa7 I 7 h4 Nh5 I B Bg5 f6 I 9 Bel
problems. Thus in the event of f5 with roughly equal chances, Ber­
20 ... Rxet + 2t Rxe t Rd8 22 Rdt tok-Bisguier) t 3 ... Ne4 t 4 Net f5
the direct play for simplification - t 5 Nd3 a5 t 6 Nf4 Rf6 t 7 f3 Ng5 t 8
22 ... Ne8 23 d7 Nf6 24 Ne5 Bxg2 e 4 Ba6 t 9 exd5 exd5 (20 Rei NfB),
25 Kxg2 favours White, since the with roughly equal chances, Gel­
black king cannot go to e7 because ler-Bisguier.
of Nc6 + , whereas the white king is (a2) In Ivkov-O'Kelly, Spain
mobile. However, by first playing t 969, an attempt was made to
22 ... Bxf3 (instead of 22 ... NeB), improve White's play: t 2 e4, but
and only after 23 Bxf3 - 23 ... Ne8 t 2 ... b4 t 3 e5 bxc3 t4 exf6 Bxf6
24 d7 Nf6, Black gains a draw t 5 Bxc3 c5 gave Black a satisfac­
without difficulty: 25 Bc6 Kf8 26 tory position (I 6 dxc5 Qxc5 I 7
Bb5 Ke7 27 Ret + Kf8 (2 7 ... Kd6 Bd4 Bxd4 I B Nxd4 Nf6 I 9 cxd5
2B ReB Kc7 29 Re7) 28 Rdt Ke7 Qxc2 20 Nxc2 Bxd5 with an equal
etc. game).
-
10 . .. Qc7 (49) has also been (b) 1 1 e4 dxe4. We have already
played. encountered similar positions with ·
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 49
the knight developed at d2. Here is (15 ... Be6 1 6 Ne5 Qc7 1 7 Bxa8
one general rule: since Black's sub­ Rxa8 18 Qe4 ReB 1 9 Qc6).
sequent counter-play is associated (b) 13 ... Bxd5 1 4 Nxd5 Nxd5 1 5
with ... c5, the exchange on e4 is Rfd 1 !
more justified if the bishop at b7 is (c) 1 3 ... a 6 14 Nh4 Bd6 1 5 Nf5
defended (as is the case here) . Be5 1 6 f4 Bxc3 1 7 Qxc3 b5 1 8
Anoth!!r important factor is that e4 b4 1 9 Qc2 Qb6 2 0 e 5 with a
White has not yet developed his decisive advantage, Shestakov­
rooks. Play can proceed as follows: Zagorovsky, USSR 1 978.
1 2 Nxe4 (12 Ng5 does not promise 10 ... Ba6 is illogical, since the
anything in view of 12 ... c5 13 bishop could have been developed
Ncxe4 Nxe4 14 Nxe4 f5 1 5 Nd2 at this square without loss of time.
Bxg2 1 6 Kxg2 cxd4 1 7 Bxd4 e5 1 8
Bc3 Qc6 + 1 9 Nf3 Rad8 20 Rae1 e4 11 Rad1
21 Nd4 Qg6, with good prospects
for Black, Sarosy-Ahman, corr. White can also consider 11 e4 -
1 977-79) 1 2 ... Nxe4 (12 ... c5 is a move associated with his battle
also acceptable for Black: 13 Ned2 for the initiative in the majority of
Rfe8 14 Rfe1 Rad8 1 5 Radl Qc8 lin.es of the Closed Variation.
16 dxc5 Nxc5 , Filip-O'Kelly, 1 1 ... dxe4 1 2 Nxe4 is analyzed in
Havana 1 967, or 13 Nxf6 + Nxf6 section 1 . 1 1 1 1 1 (7 Qc2 c6 8 Nbd2
14 dxc5 Qxc5 15 Qe2 Rad8, b6 9 e4 Bb7 1 0 b3 Rc8 1 1 Bb2 dxe4
Ribli-Spassky, Linares 1 98 1 ) 1 3 12 Nxe4) - when the knight cap­
Qxe4 c5 (this is the point of the tures on e4, it makes no difference
queen being developed at c7 where it was developed, at c3 or d2.
before the rooks - Black does not Here we will see how the play
now have to fear Ng5) 1 4 Qe2 (1 4 develops if Black answers with the
d5 Bf6) 1 4 ... Bf6 1 5 Rad1 Bxf3 ! counter-blow 1 1 ... c5 . After 1 2
1 6 Bxf3 Rad8 1 7 d5 exd5 1 8 Bxd5 exd5 exd5 1 3 dxc5 dxc4 1 4 b 4 bxc5
Bxb2 1 9 Qxb2 Nf6, with an equal 1 5 b5 Bxf3 1 6 Bxf3 Ne5 1 7 Bg2
position, Antoshin-Lein, s-ochi Nd3 1 8 Nd1 White gained the
1 964. It is useful to compare this advantage in A. Zaitsev-Estrin,
variation with variation 1 . 1 1 1 1 3 USSR 1 968.
(p. 1 2), in which White's queen's
rook is at d 1 , and Black's at c8. 11 . .. Qc7
10 ... dxc4 1 1 bxc4 c5 12 d5 !
exd5 1 3 cxd5 favours White: In the 1 966 World Champion-
(a) 1 3 ... Nxd5 1 4 Nxd5 Bxd5 is ship Match, Spassky played 11 ...
very strongly met by 15 Rfd1 ! · bS (50) against Petrosian.
50 Play the Catalan
tion, to play a2-a3 and begin active
play on the 0-side) 1 6 a3 (on 1 6 f3 ,
with the aim of preparing e2-e4 ,
there could have followed 1 6 ...
Qc7, and if 1 7 e4 dxe4 1 8 fxe4
e5) 1 6 ... bxa3 1 7 Bxa3 Rb8 1 8
Rb 1 (18 Bel came into consid­
·
eration, in order to transfer the
bishop to d2 or f4) 1 8 ... Re8
(Black prepares ... e5) 1 9 Nc3 Ba6
50 20 Rfd1 Bf8 21 e4 dxe4 22 Nxe4 (if
22 Ne5 , then 22 ... Nxe5 23 dxe5
The point of this flank diversion Bd3) 22 ... Bxd3 ! (otherwise after
is to force White to determine the Ne5 White will gain an advantage)
position of his c4 pawn. The ex­ 23 Oxd3 Nd5 . White has the more
change on b5 or d5 does not give active position, but the strong
him anything, and on 1 2 Ne5 Black knight at d5 promises Black
replies 1 2 ... bxc4 1 3 bxc4 c5 . gradual equality.
Therefore White's reaction is Later White's play was improved
obvious - 12 cS. It may seem that by 1 3 Nb1 (51 ) (instead of 13 Na4),
now e2-e4 loses in strength, since with the idea of transferring the
Black obtains a strong point at d5 . knight to d2 and thus preparing
But, firstly, the prospects for the e2-e4.
bishop at b7 are restricted, and,
secondly, White acquires a spatial
advantage on the 0-side. These
factors are more important. The
afore-mentioned 4th match game
Petrosian-Spassky continued 1 2 ...
b4 (an essential move - otherwise
after b3-b4 and a2-a4 White will
prepare an offensive on the 0-side,
and in addition it is useful to dep­
rive White of control over e4) 1 3
Na4 Ba6 ( a "stonewall" set-up -
1 3 ... Ne4 and ... f5 can also be
suggested) 14 Ne1 Bb5 1 5 Nd3 aS (a) 1 3 ... aS 1 4 Nbd2 Ra8 1 5 e4
(the exchange on a4 would allow Nxe4 1 6 Nxe4 dxe4 1 7 Oxe4 Nf6
White, after necessary prepara- (1 7 ... a4 comes into considera-
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 51
tion) 1 8 Qc2 Nd5 1 9 Ne5 Bf6 (now
on 1 9 ... a4 there could have fol­
lowed 20 bxa4 Qa5 21 Bxd5 cxd5
22 Nd7 Rfe8 23 Nb6 Ra7 24 a3!
with advantage to White - Polu­
gayevsky) 20 Nc4 (an alternative
plan, pointed out by Polugayevsky,
was 20 Be4 and if20 ... g6 21 h4 a4
22 Kg2 a3 23 Bal ; White has
chances of concluding his attack,
although in playing this way he 52
commits himself more - the
bishop at al is out of play) Nxd5 Bxd5 1 4 e4 cxd4 (after
20 ... Ba6 21 Rfe l . White's posi­ 14 ... Bb7 15 d5 White has the
tion is better, Polugayevsky-A. better chances thanks to his passed
Zaitsev, Match, Vladimir 1 969. d-pawn, but the opening of the
(b) 13 ... Ba6 (after this the logi­ centre is even less favourable for
cal plan for White is to open up Black) 1 5 Qe2 Bb7 1 6 Nxd4 Bc5
the position on the Q-side) 1 4 a3 17 b4! Bxd4 (Black is obliged to
bxa3 1 5 Nxa3 (1 5 Bxa3 is also pos­ part with his important bishop,
sible) 1 5 ... Rb8 (or 15 ... NeB 16 since 1 7 ... Bxb4 is unfavourable
RaJ , Polugayevsky-Ivkov, Busum because of 1 8 Nxe6! fxe6 1 9 Qb5 ,
1 969) 1 6 Rat Qc8 17 Nbl Ne4 18 when White regains his piece with
Nc3 Nxc3 (in the event of 18 ... f5 , an obvious advantage, e.g. 1 9 ...
the doubling of rooks on the a-file Bc3 20 Rxd7 Ba6 21 Rxd8 Bxb5 22
is promising, as in the game) 1 9 Rxc8 Rxc8 23 Rcl , winning) 1 8
Bxc3 Qb7 2 0 Ra3 Bb5 2 1 Rfal . Rxd4 Qe7 1 9 Rfdl Nf6 2 0 b5
The a-pawn is weak, and White White had a positional advantage.
stands better, Polugayevsky­ It should be added that Black
Petrosian, 38th USSR Ch. 1 970. faces less difficulties after 1 2 ...
cxd4 (instead of 12 ... Nxd5):
11 ... c5 (52). (a) 1 3 dxe6 dxc3 1 4 exd7 does
not work in view of 14 ... Rc7! ,
(a) This position was reached by when the c 3 pawn causes White
a slightly different move order in more trouble than the d7 pawn
Korchnoi-Reshevsky, Candidates does Black (1 5 Bxc3? fails to
Match, Amsterdam 1 968. On 1 2 15 ... Ne4).
cxd5 Reshevsky played inaccur­ (b) White must therefore play 1 3
ately - 1 2 ... Nxd5, and after 1 3 Nxd4, when Florian-Jovcic, corr.
52 Play the Catalan
1 974, continued 1 3 ... Nxd5 14 The main continuation 12 . ..

Bxd5 Bxd5 1 5 Nf5 1 (1 S Qb1 is dxe4 13 Nxe4 is analyzed in section

another possibility) 15 ... Bc6 1 . 1 1 1 1 3.
(1 S ... Bb7 is weak in view of 1 6 Other possibilities:
Qd2 Rc7 1 7 Nxe7+ Qxe7 1 8 NbS , (a) 12 . . Ba6 1 3 e5 (after 13 Nd2
.

winning material) 1 6 Nd6 Bxd6 1 7 dxc4 14 bxc4 bS or 1 4 Nxc4 bS!

Rxd6 Qc7 1 8 Rfd l . White's posi­ both sides have chances; the
tion is preferable. immediate 13 ... bS also comes into
11 . . . Rc7 was played in consideration) 1 3 ... Ne8 14 Ne2
Csom-Andersson, Biel Interzonal dxc4 15 bxc4 b5 16 c5 b4 17 Rfe1
197 6. Black defends his bishop and Qb7 1 8 h41 Nc7 1 9 Ng5 Bxg5 20
vacates a8 for his queen. But after hxg5 Rfd8 21 Nc1 Nd5 22 Nb3 .
1 2 e4 dxe4 1 3 Nxe4 Qa8 White White has the advantage, Smys­
took vigorous action on the K-side: lov-Rubinetti, Palma de Mallorca
14 Nxf6+ Bxf6 15 h4 1 Rd8 1 6 Interzonal 1 970.
Rfe1 c5 1 7 Ng5 1 Nf8 (on 1 7 ... (b) 12 ... Rfd8 13 Rfe 1 , and in
BxgS there would have followed 18 the following two games Black was
Bxb7 Qxb7 19 hxgS and Qc3 with unable to equalize:
good chances) 1 8 Bxb7 Rxb7 1 9 (b1) 13 ... Nf8 14 Qb1 Bb4 (if
dxc5 Bxb2 2 0 Qxb2 bxc5 2 1 Ne4. 14 ... cS 1S exdS exdS 1 6 NbS) 1 5
White's position is better. e 5 Ne4 1 6 Nxe41 Bxe1 1 7 Nd6,
Ivkov-Ciric, Yugoslav Ch. 1 964.
12 e4 (53) {b2) 13 ... Bb4 14 Nd2 Qb8 1 5
a 3 Bf8 1 6 e 5 Ne8 1 7 Nf3,
Bukic-Janosevic, Skopje 1 97 1 .
(c) 1 2 ... Qb8 1 3 Ng5 h 6 1 4 Nh3
Rfd8 1 5 Qe2 Qa8 1 6 e5 with the
better game for White, Bulat­
Janosevic, Yugoslav Ch. 1 960.
2.1112

10 e3 (54)

White reinforces his centre and

continues his development. His
subsequent plan largely depends
on the set-up adopted by Black.
53
10 .
.. ReS
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 53
exd5 1 5 Nh4 White gained the
advantage thanks to his control of
the strategically important f5
square: 1 5 ... dxc4 1 6 NbS Qb8 1 7
Nf5 .

12 Racl Qb8

On 12 ... cS there can follow 1 3

cxd5 Nxd5 (or 13 ... exd5 14 Ne5
and then f2-/4) 1 4 Nxd5 Bxd5 1 5
e 4 with a good game for White.
54
13 Rfd1 Rfd8

10 . .. cS 1 1 Qe2 ReS 1 2 Ne5 Qc7 Here too 13 ... cS is well met by

13 Nxd7 Qxc7 14 dxc5 bxc5 1 5 14 cxd5 exd5 15 Ne5 .
Rfdl Rfd8 1 6 Racl gave White a
slight initiative in Filip-Quinones, 14 NeS
Mar del Plata 1 96 1 .
(a) 14 ... Nxe5 1 5 dxe5 Nd7 1 6 f4
11 Qe2 dxc4 1 7 bxc4 (1 7 Qxc4 Nc5! with
the threat of ... Ba6). This variation
In Bobekov-Liebert, Rostov­ from the 1 st edition was continued
on-Don 1 96 1 , after 11 Ret Black by Jansson-Kinnmark, Goteborg
employed a set-up from the Reti 1 97 1 : 1 7 ... Nc5 1 8 Rd4 a6 1 9
Opening - 1 1 ... Rc7 12 Qe2 Qa8. Rcd l . White has the initiative.
After 1 3 e4 dxe4 1 4 Nxe4 c5 1 5 (b) 14 ... dxc4 1 5 Nxd7 Rxd7 1 6
Nfd2 cxd4 1 6 Bxd4 Nxe4 1 7 Bxe4 bxc4, Najdorf-Foltys, Amsterdam
Bxe4 1 8 Nxe4 c5 19 Bb2 White's 1 950. On 1 6 ... c5 there follows 1 7
pieces occupied more active posi- d5 . White's position is preferable.
tions, and 1 9 ... f5? ! 20 Nc3 ere- 2.2112
ated a weakness for Black at d5.
9 ... Ba6
11 ... Qc7
In reply to the operations being
In Ragozin-Neishtadt, USSR prepared by White in the centre,
Ch. !-Final 1 956, after 11 .. dxc4
. Black plans counter-play on the
1 2 bxc4 c5 1 3 Racl Qc7 1 4 d5 ! Q-side and along the a6-fl diag-
54 Play the Catalan
onal. 9 ... aS (variation 2.21 1 3)
has the same aim.

10 Nd2 (55)

Other possibilities:
(a) 10 Ne5 Nxe5 1 1 dxe5 Nd7
(1 1 ... Ng4 12 e4) 12 cxd5 cxd5 1 3
Qd2 (or 1 3 Rcl Rc8 1 4 Qd4 Bc5
15 Qa4 Bb7!, and if 16 Qxa7 Qc7,
followed by picking up the e-pawn)
1 3 ... Rc8 14 Rfc1 Rc7 1 5 f4 Qb8
1 6 Nd1 Nc5 1 7 Nf2 Rfc8, with 55
roughly equal chances - here a
draw was agreed in Smejkal­
Spassky, Baden 1 980. In the event of 11 cxb5 cxb5 (or
(b) 10 Ret b5 (1 0 ... dxc4 1 1 1 1 cxd5 cxd5) 1 2 a3 Qb6 Black's
bxc4 Bxc4? is bad in view of 12 position is satisfactory.
Nd2 - White regains his pawn and 11 e4 does not promise anything.
controls the centre) 1 1 Ne5 Rc8 1 2 After 1 1 ... dxc4 1 2 bxc4 bxc4 1 3
c 5 b 4 1 3 Nxd7 Nxd7 1 4 Nb1 Bb5 Qa4 Qc8 1 4 Nxc4 Nb6 1 5 Nxb6
15 a3 aS with chances for both axb6 16 Rfc1 Bfl ! Black ex­
sides, Smejkal-Vooremaa, Tallinn changes the "Catalan bishop" and
1 97 1 . equalizes.
(c) 1 0 Qd3 leads to a position
from the variation 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 11 ... b4
c6 8 Qd3 (p. 67) .
Black has 10 ... b5 (2.21 1 21 ) or As has already been mentioned,
10 ... ReS (2.2 1 1 22). in such set-ups this move is essen­
2.21121 tial - otherwise White will play
b3-b4.
10 ... b5
12 Na4 Bb5
A relatively new continuation.
The point of this flank operation is Or 12 .. Qc7 13 Re 1 Rfb8 14 e4
.

to force White to determine the dxe4 15 Nxe4 Nxe4 (1 5 ... Nd5 is

position of his c-pawn and thus also possible) 1 6 Bxe4 Nf6 17 Bg2,
reduce the tension in the centre. Pytel-Benko, Skopje Olympiad
1 972. Now instead of 17 ... Nd5,
11 c5 which after 18 Bxd5 ! exd5 19 Bel
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 55
Re8 20 Bf4 gave White slightly the Bxa3 16 Rxa3 . White's position is
better game, Black should have preferable, Larsen-Rossetto, Hav­
continued 1 7 ... Rd8 with equal ana 1 967.
chances. (b) 11 ... Bb4 12 e4! Bb7 (or
12 ... dxe4 13 Ndxe4 Nxe4 14
13 Ret Nxe4) 1 3 Qe2 with the better
chances for White, Mititelu­
This position was reached in Radulescu, Rumanian Ch. 1 973.
Mititelu-G. Popov, corr. 1 972- (c) 11 ... dxc4 is best, and if 12
74. After 13 ... eS 14 dxe5 Ng4 1 5 Nxc4 c5 or 1 2 bxc4 e5.
Nf3 (15 e4 i s strongly met by
1 5 ... Ndxe5) 1 5 ... Bxa4 1 6 bxa4 11 .
. . dxc4 (57)
Qc7 1 7 Rc1 Bxc5 (not J 7 ... Ngxe5
because of 18 Nxe5 Nxe5 1 9 e4!, The alternative is 11 ... dxe4 1 2
advantageously opening up the Ncxe4 (56).
position) 1 8 e3 Bb6 1 9 aS ! Bxa5 20
Qd4 White had the initiative for
the sacrificed pawn.
The restrained 13 ... ReS comes
into consideration. Black allows
e2-e4, but after exchanging he
establishes his knight at d5 .
2.21122

10 ... ReS
11 e4
56
11 Ret b5 1 2 Re1 bxc4 1 3 bxc4
Nb6 1 4 c5 Nc4 1 5 Nxc4 Bxc4 1 6 (a) 1 2 ... c5 1 3 dxc5 Nxc5 1 4
Qa4 Rb8 1 7 Ba3 Qc8 1 8 e4 Re8 1 9 Nxf6+ gxf6 (on 14 ... Bxf6 15
exd5 exd5 and then ... Qa6 led to a Bxf6 Qxf6 there follows 1 6 b4 ,
position with equal chances in when Black loses material) 1 5
Panno-Ivkov, Moscow Olympiad Qg4+ Kh8 1 6 Rad1 Qc7, Najdorf­
1 956. Golombek, Moscow Olympiad
11 a4 comes into consideration: 1 956. Now instead of 17 Ne4 Nxe4
(a) 1 1 ... Qc7 1 2 Qb1 (or 12 Rei 1 8 Bxe4 Bb7 1 9 Bxh7 Qc6 20 Rd5
Rfd8 13 Rei Qb8 14 e4 with some exd5 21 Qh5 Kg7, after which the
initiative for White, Garcia-Ros­ game ended in a draw, White could
setto, Argentina 1 96 1 ) 1 2 ... Rfd8 have gained a winning position by
1 3 Rc1 Qb8 14 e3 Bb4 1 5 Ba3 17 Qh4! , and if 1 7 ... e5 1 8 Ne4
56 Play the Catalan
Nxe4 1 9 Bxe4 f5 20 Qh5 better chances) 1 3 Ne3 c5 14 d5
(analysis). (14 e5 leads to a position from the
(b) After further exchanges on following variation) 1 4 ... b4 1 5
e4 White's position is more favour­ Ne2 Nb6 1 6 Re l , and White's posi­
able: 1 2 ... Nxe4 1 3 Nxe4 Nf6 tion is more promising. This con­
14 Qe2 Nxe4 1 5 Qxe4 Rc7 1 6 clusion (from the 1 st edition) was
Rfd l , Rajcevic-Radulov, Vrn­ confirmed by Zaichik-Ubilava,
jacka Banja 1 974. Tbilisi 1 979, which continued
(c) 12 ... b5 comes into consider­ 1 6 ... exd5 1 7 exd5 c4 (risky, but
ation, e.g. 1 3 c5 Nxe4 14 Nxe4 Nf6 1 7 ... Bd6 18 a3! favours White,
1 5 Nxf6+ Bxf6 1 6 Qd2 Qc7 1 7 and l 7 ... Bb5 1 8 Nf5 gives him the
Rfel Bb7 1 8 a4 a 6 (1 9 axb5 cxb5), better chances) 1 8 bxc4 Bxc4 (the
Speelman-Lein, Hastings 1 980- lesser evil was 18 ... Nxc4 1 9 Nxc4
81. Bxc4 20 Nd4 Qd7 21 Nc6 Bd8,
although in this case too the play
favours White) 1 9 Nd4 Qd7 (Black
cannot take the d-pawn: 1 9 ...
Nfxd5 20 Nxd5 Bxd5 21 Bxd5
Nxd5 22 Nf5, winning) 20 Nc6
Bd8 21 Nxd8 Qxd8 22 Nf5 with a
decisive advantage for White
(Ubilava) .
(c) The other alternative is the
gambit line 12 eS Nd5 (or 12 ... NeB
13 Nxc4 b5 1 4 Ne3 c5 1 5 d5 Nxe5
16 Ne4!, with the initiative for the
sacrificed pawn) 1 3 bxc4, and:
57 (cl ) 1 3 ... Nxc3 14 Bxc3 b5,
when White has a promising
In an analysis of this position, exchange sacrifice - 1 5 c5 ! b4 1 6
Keres came to the conclusion that Bxb4 Bxfl 1 7 Qxfl , while after
Black has a good game. We give his 1 4 ... c5 another exchange sacrifice
analysis with corrections which - 1 5 d5 exd5 1 6 cxd5 Bxfl 1 7
change the final assessment. Qxfl gives him excellent compen­
(a) 12 bxc4 e5 1 3 d5 cxd5 14 sation in the form of his power­
exd5 Nc5 or 1 4 ... Ne8, with a satis­ ful central pawns.
factory position for Black. (c2) 1 3 ... Nb4 (instead of the
(b) 12 Nxc4 b5 (after 12 ... Bxc4 exchange on c3, which was consi­
13 bxc4 e5 14 d5! White has the dered obligatory) is an interesting
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 57
idea of Ubilava. Black threatens to have chances, Gligoric-Rabar,
penetrate with his knight to d3, and Yugoslav Ch. 1 95 1 .
also to undermine White's central
pawns by ... c5. However, let us 10 ... Ba6
continue the play: 1 4 Ba3 c5 1 5
Qa4 ( or 1 5 Bxb4 cxb4 1 6 Nb5 10 ... Bb7 1 1 e4 dxe4 1 2 Ndxe4
Rxc4 1 7 Nxc4 Bxb5 18 Rcl ) Nxe4 1 3 Nxe4 allows White a spa­
1 5 ... Nb8 (not 15 .. cxd4 1 6 Nce4)
. tial advantage and the better pros­
1 6 d5 exd5 1 7 cxd5 Bxfl 1 8 Rxfl . pects (in this typical Closed Varia­
For the exchange White has a tion position Black has lost time on
strong position ( analysis) . . .. a5) .
2.2113
11 e4 dxc4
9 ... aS
The complications after 11 ... cS
As in variation 2.21 1 2, Black 1 2 exd5 cxd4 1 3 NbS ! favour
intends to play ... Ba6, but he White, e.g. 1 3 ... Bxb5 1 4 dxe6 or
wastes time and ends up in a dif­ 1 3 ... exd5 14 Nxd4 Rc8 1 5 Re1
ficult position. etc.

10 Nd2 12 eS (58)

10 NeS Nxe5 1 1 dxe5 Nd7 1 2 In analogy with variation

cxd5 cxd5 1 3 e 4 comes into con­ 2.2 1 1 2, 12 Nxc4 Bxc4 1 3 bxc4 e5
sideration, Crepinsek-Minev, 14 d5 is also quite possible.
Maribor 1 967.
White gains no advantage by 10
Rel Ba6 1 1 cxd5 cxd5 12 e4 Nxe4
1 3 Nxe4 dxe4 1 4 Rxe4 Nf6 1 5 Re1
Bb7, Boutville-Ivkov, Moscow
. Olympiad 1 956.
10 Rcl Ba6 11 Nd2 b5 1 2 Qc2
Rc8 1 3 Rfd1 bxc4 1 4 bxc4 c5 leads
to a complicated position with
chances for both sides, Filip­
Darga, Oberhausen 1 96 1 .
After 1 0 e3 Ba6 1 1 Nd2 c5 1 2
Re1 cxd4 1 3 exd4 Bb4 1 4 Rc1 Rc8
1 5 a3 Bxc3 1 6 Rxc3 a4 both sides 58
PTC--C
58 Play the Catalan
Compared with the position
from the previous variation, ins­
tead of the useful move ... Rc8 (the
rook moves off the dangerous
"Catalan diagonal", and the
undermining ... c5 is prepared)
Black has played ... a5 . 12 ... NdS
1 3 bxc4, and now:
(a) 1 3 ... Nb4 (with the rook at
a8 this move loses in strength com­
pared with variation 2.21 1 2, 59
although the knight's retreat can­
not be cut off: 14 Qb1 Nxe5 1 5 10 Nd2 Rc8 1 1 e4 leads to a
dxe5 Qxd2 16 Rd1 Qc2 , or 14 Be4 similar position to that reached in
f5 15 exf6 Nxf6) 1 4 Rb 1 (this is variation 2.21 12, p. 53 (instead
good enough to gain an advan­ of Bb2 White has played Qc2):
tage), and if 14 ... Rc8 1 5 f4 c5 1 6 (a) 11 ... dxc4 (1 1 ... dxe4 is also
d 5 (analysis) . possible, as in variation 2.21 1 22) is
(b) Keres-Book, Kemeri 1 937, met by 1 2 Nxc4 (in the given situa­
continued 1 3 ... Nxc3 14 Bxc3 Rc8 tion 12 e5 does not work because of
1 5 Re1 (hindering ... f6 ; on 15 ... · the interposition 12 ... cxb3).
c5 White advantageou�ly replies (b) 11 ... c5 is unfavourable
1 6 d5) 1 5 ... b5 (after other replies because of 1 2 exd5 ! (but not 12
White's central superiority would dxc5 d4! with the better chances
soon become decisive) 1 6 c5 f6 for Black) 1 2 ... cxd4 1 3 dxe6 dxc3
(the threat was Ne4-d6, but the 14 exd7 cxd2 (on 14 ... Nxd7 there
opening up of the game immedi­ follows 15 Ne4 with advantage) 1 5
ately reveals the advantages of dxc8 Q dxcl Q 1 6 Qxd8, and
= =

White's position) 1 7 exf6! Bxf6 1 8 White remains with a material

Ne4 b4 1 9 Bb2 e 5 2 0 Nd6 exd4 2 1 advantage.
Nxc8 Nxc5 22 Qh5 . White has a 10 Rd1 is an interesting pawn
strong attack. On 22 ... Na4 or sacrifice (White wishes to manage
22 ... Nd3 there follows 23 Be4 without playing Nd2 ):
(Keres). (a) The idea of the sacrifice is
2.212 revealed in the variation 10 ... dxc4
1 1 Ne5 (1 1 bxc4 Bxc4 12 Ne5
9 Qc2 Bb7 Nxe5 13 dxe5 Nd5 1 4 Bb2 Qc8 1 5
Ne4 Qa6 1 6 Bf3 Rad8 1 7 Nd6
Here too 9 ... Ba6 (59) is the Bxd6 18 exd6 is also possible, as in
alternative. Azmaiparashvili-Yusupov, 50th
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 59

USSR Ch. 1 983) 11 ... Nxe5 12

dxe5 Nd5 1 3 e4 Nb4 1 4 Qe2 Qc7
15 bxc4 Qxe5 1 6 Bb2 Qc5 1 7 Bfl ,
when to save his knight Black is
forced to retreat his bishop, and by
1 8 e5 White seizes the initiative.
(b) 10 ... Rc8 (Black declines the
gambit) 1 1 e4 dxc4, and:
(bl ) 12 Qe2 b5 1 3 bxc4 bxc4
(13 ... Qa5 came into considera­
tion, and if14 Qc2 b4 1 5 Ne2 b3 1 6
Qxb3 Nxe4 - Saidy) 1 4 Qc2 Nb6
15 Rb 1 , and for the sacrificed pawn
60
White obtained compensation in
the form of his strong centre and Other possibilities:
harmoniously placed pieces, Tal­ (a) 10 ... Qc8. In this way Black
Saidy, Tallinn 1 973. prepares ... b5 (while if White plays
(b2) 1 2 Bh3 led to interesting 1 1 e4 he exchanges 1 1 ... dxe4 12
play in . Zaichik-Yusupov, Baku Nxe4 Nxe4 13 Qxe4 and then plays
1 979: 1 2 ... Bb4 (the alternative is 13 ... c5 with gain of tempo). After
12 ... Qc7 13 Bf4 Qb7 14 Nd2 1 1 Bb2 b5 1 2 c5 b4 (if Black allows
cxb3 1 5 axb3 with compensation b3 -b4 , he is deprived of counter­
for the pawn, or 12 ... Re8) 1 3 e5 play: 12 ... a5 13 a3 Qc7 1 4 Re1
Bxc3 14 Qxc3 Nd5 1 5 Qc2 c3, and Re8 1 5 b4 Bf8 Bf8 1 6 Radl!,
White launched an attack on the Sosonko-Kuijpers, Wijk aan Zee
K-side: 1 6 Ng5 g6 1 7 Qe4 (1 7 Ne4 1 975) 1 3 Na4 Ne8 (13 ... Ne4 1 4
c5!) 1 7 ... Qe7 (now 1 7 ... c5 does Ne1 ) 1 4 Bel (as shown by Smejkal,
not work because of 18 Nxe6 ; and 14 a3 is stronger: 14 ... bxa3 15
1 7 ... Re8? 1oses to 1 8 Qh4 Nf8 1 9 Rxa3 Nc7 1 6 Nc3 or 14 ... a5 1 5
Ba3) 1 8 Qh4 h5 1 9 g4! axb4 axb4 1 6 Bel Ba6 1 7 Bf1 - in
both cases with the better game
10 Rd1 (60) for White) 14 ... Ba6 1 5 Nb2 (here
too the undermining 1 5 a3 is ad­
In this variation White delays the vantageous to White: 15 ... bxa3
development of his queen's bishop. 1 6 Rxa3 Nc7 1 7 Nc3 Nb5 18
The position of his rook at dl is Ra2 ) 1 5 . . . Nc7 1 6 Bf4 Nb5 1 7 Nd3
advantageous if the centre is Na3 1 8 Qd2 Bxd3 1 9 Qxd3 aS
opened up (after . .. c5). Black has a satisfactory position,
We analyze 10 ... Rc8 (2.2 1 2 1 ) Smejkal-Hubner, Biel Interzonal
and 1 0 . . . bS (2.2 1 22). 1 976.
60 Play the Catalan
(b) 10 ... cS. White counter­
attacks in the centre, without wait­
ing for his opponent to play e2-e4.
Sznapik-Ubilava, Tbilisi 1 974,
continued 1 1 cxd5 exd5 12 Bb2
ReS 13 dxc5 Rxc5 (13 ... Nxc5 is
well met by 14 Ng5) 1 4 Qd2 ReS
15 Nd4 Bf8 16 Nf5 with the better
prospects for White.
(c) 10 . .. Ba6. If Black had
decided to develop his bishop at a6,
it would have been better to do this
without loss of time, on move 9. 61
Usually a loss of tempo by Black
occurs with a different move order: Be7 (13 ... f6 is weak, since after
7 Qc2 c6 8 b3 b6 9 Rd1 Bb7, and 1 4 exf6 followed by Bh3 and Re1
when White develops his knight at White will exert pressure on e6) 1 4
c3, then 1 0 ... Ba6 (or 9 Bb2 Bb7 h4. White has the better position,
10 Nc3 Ba6 - this position is Segal-Sanchez, Nice Olympiad
analyzed later). Play develops 1 974.
according to a familiar pattern - (b) 1 1 . . Ba8 1 2 Bb2 Qc7 1 3 e5 !
.

1 1 Nd2 ReS 1 2 e4 (we have already NeB 1 4 Rac1 Qb8, Adamski-But­

analyzed this set-up). Here we noris, Warsaw 1 977. Here instead
should mention that Black is not of the clever 1 5 cxd5 cxd5 1 6 Nxd5
ready for a hand-to-hand fight in Rxc2 1 7 Nxe7+ Kh8 1 8 Rxc2 with
the centre: 1 2 ... c5 1 3 exd5 exd5 probably sufficient compensation
1 4 Nxd5 Nxd5 1 5 Bxd5 cxd4 1 6 for the queen, White should have
Bb2. His central pawn is weak considered 1 5 h4, and if 1 5 ... h6
and is bound to fall soon, 1 6 Qe2 or even 1 6 cxd5 cxd5 1 7 g4.
Sosonko-Csom, Biel Interzonal 2.2121 1
1 976.
2.2121 1 1 ... dxe4
10 ... ReS
As will be seen from what fol­
11 e4 (61)
lows, if Black intends to carry out a
We analyze 11 ... dxe4 (2.2 1 2 1 1 ) double exchange, it is advisable to
and 11 . . . cS (2.2 1 2 1 2) . begin with 11 ... Nxe4.
Other continuations:
(a) 11 ... Bb4 1 2 e5 ! Ne8 1 3 Bg5 12 Nxe4
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 61

The interesting 12 NgS was

played · in Sosonko-Sveshnikov,
Wijk aan Zee 1981 , which con­
tinued 1 2 ... c5 1 3 dxc5 Bxc5 14
Ncxe4 Nxe4 1 5 Bxe4 (1 5 Nxe4
Be7) 1 5 ... Bxe4 1 6 Qxe4 g6 1 7
Bb2 (1 7 Qh4 h5 1 8 Ne4 ! also carne
into consideration) 1 7 ... Qxg5 1 8
Rxd7 a S 19 Kg2 (1 9 Rad1 i s better,
and if 1 9 ... Rcd8 or 1 9 ... Rfe8
then 20 Qe5 with a favourable end- 62

ing) 1 9 ... Rfe8 (on the "automa-

tic" 1 9 ... Rfd8 20 Rad1 Rxd7 21 22 Rxd8+ Rxd8 23 Rd1 Black
Rxd7 Rd8? there would have fol­ should reply 23 ... Rd6 !
lowed 22 Rxd8+ Qxd8 23 Qe5) 20 (b) 1 3 . . . Nf6 1 4 Qe2 Qc7 (or
Radl . White's threats along the 14 ... Rc7 1 5 a4! a5 1 6 Bf4 Rd7 1 7
long diagonal give him the initia­ Rd3 Qa8 1 8 Ne5 Rdd8 1 9 Rad1 c5
tive, but Black managed to neutral­ 20 Bxb7 Qxb7 21 d5 , and if
ize it after 20 ... Qf5 21 Qxf5 exf5 21 ... exd5 22 Qf3 with the better
22 Kf3 Kf8 23 Bf6 Rc6 and gain a game for White, Szilagyi-Hradec­
draw. Instead of 2 1 Qxf5 , which zky, Hungary 1 983) 1 5 Bf4 Bd6 1 6
opened the e-file, 2 1 Qf3 was more Ne5 Nd7 1 7 c5 ! with a positional
promising, maintaining some pres­ advantage · for White, Panno­
sure. Segal, Sao Paulo 1 973. The
reader may recall that we have
12 . .. cS (63) already encountered this plan in
another section (cf. Veltrnan­
If Black exchanges again on e4 der-Zherdev p. 1 8) . The only dif­
- 12 ... Nxe4 13 Qxe4 (62), the ference is that the moves b2-b3
move ... c5 still has to be prepared. and ... Rc8 have been added.
(a) 13 ... Bf6 14 Bb2 (14 Bf4 (c) 1 3 ... Qc7 1 4 Bf4 Bd6 1 5
comes .seriously into consider­ Bxd6 Qxd6 1 6 c5 ! A familiar pic­
ation) 14 ... Qc7 1 5 Nd2 Rfd8 1 6 ture. By fixing the c6 pawn (and
Qe2 c 5 17 Bxb7 Qxb7 1 8 Ne4 Qb8 thereby reducing the prospects of
19 Nxf6+ Nxf6 20 dxc5 bxc5 2 1 the bishop at b7) and cramping the
Bxf6 gxf6; Flohr-Stahlberg, Can­ opponent on the Q-side, White
didates Tournament, Budapest gains the advantage: 1 6 Qc7 ...

1 950. On the attempt by White to (White's positional idea has a tacti­

exploit his Q-side pawn majority - cal basis: 1 6 ... bxc5 1 7 dxc5 Nxc5?
62 Play the Catalan

fails to 1 8 Qb4 Qe7 1 9 Racl , win­ 1 5 bxc4 c5? is positionally unjus­

ning the knight) 1 7 b4 Rfd8 (or tified in view of 1 6 d5 exd5 1 7 cxd5
1 7 ... Nf6 18 Qe1 Nd5 1 9 Ne5 Bf6 1 8 Rb1 and then Qa4 , while
Rfd8 20 Nc4 , Stein-Liberzon, 1 5 ... Nf6 is well met by 1 6 Rb 1 ) 1 5
38th USSR Ch. 1970) 1 8 Qc2 Nf6 Ng5 ! Bxg5 1 6 Bxb7 Rc7 1 7 dxc5,
19 Ne5 Nd5 20 a3, Portisch­ and White had an undisputed
Radulov, European Team Ch. advantage.
1 977. If now 1 7 ... Bf6, then 1 8 c6 Bxa1
(d) 1 3 ... ReS 1 4 Bf4 BaS 1 5 19 Ba3 Bf6 20 Bxf8 Kxf8 (after
Qe2 Nf8 1 6 h4! Bd6 1 7 Be3 with 20 ... Qxf8 21 Rxd7 Rxd7 22 cxd7
advantage to White, Smyslov­ Black has serious difficulties in the
Damjanovic, Cienfuegos 1 973. ending) 21 cxb5 ! Qe8 (or 21 ...
(e) 1 3 ... Bd6 1 4 Qc2 Qe7 15 Qe7 22 Qxh7 g6 23 cxd7 Rxd7 24
Re1 Nf6 1 6 Bb2 Rfd8 1 7 Rac1 Rcl !) 22 cxd7 Rxc2 23 dxe8 = Q+
Qf8 1 8 Nh4. The advantage is Kxe8 24 Bc6+ Kf8 25 a4 Be7 26
with White, Panno-Radashkovich, aS Bc5 27 b6! axb6 28 a6 Bxf2+ 29
Natanja 1 975. Kf1 Rxc6 30 Rd8+ Ke7 31 a7
(f) 1 3 ... b5. A pawn sacrifice Kxd8 32 a8 = Q+ ReS 33 Qa1 ! , and
employed by Keres against White must win (analysis by
Polugayevsky at the Petropolis Polugayevsky) .
Interzonal 1 973. Its acceptance - The game went 1 7 ... Bxc1 1 8
1 4 cxb5 Nf6 1 5 Qe2 cxb5 1 6 Qxb5 Raxc1 Rxc5 1 9 Qd2 Qb6 (1 9 ...
gives Black active piece play. Rc7 20 Bg2 bxc4 21 Rxc4!) 20
However, without a practical test­ Qxd7 Rc7 2 1 Qxb5 Qxb5 22 cxb5
ing it is difficult to assert that he has Rxb7 23 ReS. The extra pawn in
sufficient compensation for the the endgame gives White good
pawn: the b7 bishop is attacked, winning chances.
and White is ready to play Bf4 and
Rac1 . An attempt to improve this 13 Nxf6+
variation might be 1 5 ... Nd5 (ins­
tead of 15 ... cxb5), and if 1 6 Bd2 Also possible is 13 NfgS Nxe4
Qb6. (13 ... Qc7? 14 Bf4) 1 4 Nxe4 (14
Polugayevsky declined the gift Bxe4 Bxg5 1 5 Bxb7 leads to a
with the subtle 1 4 Qc2! (the queen position analyzed in the notes to
retreats to this square, rather than the main variation) 1 4 ... cxd4 1 5
to e2, so as, firstly, to support the Rxd4 Qc7. Now 1 6 Bf4, a very
strategically important advance important move for White, is not
c4-c5 , and secondly, to keep h7 possible because of 1 6 ... e5 (1 7
under attack) 14 ... c5 (1 4 ... bxc4 Rad1 Nb8), and he has to restrict
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 63

chances in the endgame. Bron­

stein-Ciric, Sarajevo 1 97 1 .
(b) 1 6 dxc5 Bxc1 1 7 Raxc1
Rxb7 1 8 c6 Rc7 1 9 Rxd7 Rxd7
20 cxd7 Qxd7 21 Rd1 Qe7 22
Qd3 , Schmidt-Janosevic, Bel­
grade 1 977. This type of heavy
piece ending is favourable for
White if the opponent plays pas­
sively. Black should try to break up
the white king's pawn screen, and,
with this aim, play 22 ... f5 , or
63 else continue 22 ... Qa3 .
2.21212
himself to the modest 1 6 Bb2 (or
1 6 Ng5). The resulting position has 11 . . . cS (64)
already occurred several times in
the book. White's Q-side pawn
majority allows him to count on
the more favourable endgame.

13 . .. Bxf6

Now 14 NgS Bxg5 1 5 Bxb7 Rc7

leads to a position similar to some
already analyzed. There can fol­
low:
(a) 16 Be4 h6 17 dxc5 (or 1 7
Bb2 cxd4 18 Bxd4 Bf6 1 9 Qe2 Qe7
2 0 Bc2 , Sunye-Ciric, Amsterdam
1 984 ; possibly stronger is 1 7 d5 , 64
as recommended by Bronstein)
17 ... bxc5 1 8 Bb2 Bf6 19 Rd6 12 exdS
Bxb2 20 Qxb2 Qf6 21 Qxf6 Nxf6
22 Bf3 Rfc8 23 Rad1 Kf8 24 Ra6! In Korchnoi-Rubinetti, Buenos
Ke7 25 Rdd6! NeB 26 Rdc6 Kd7 Aires 1 979, White rejected the
27 Rxc7+ Rxc7 28 Kfl . White has exchange in the centre in favour of
three pawns against two on the 12 eS. After 12 ... Ne4 (instead
Q-side, and therefore some 12 ... Ng4 is worth trying, and if 13
64 Play the Catalan
cxd5 cxd4 1 4 Rxd4 Ndxe5) 1 3
Nxe4 dxe4 14 Nd2 cxd4 1 5 Bxe4
Bxe4 16 Qxe4 1 7 Qe2 White's
position is favourable, since the
d-pawn requires constant surveil­
lance. The game continued 1 7 ...
Qc7 18 Nf3 d3 19 Qe3 Rfd8 20
Bb2 Rd7 2 1 Rd2 Rcd8 22 Rad1
Qb7 23 Ne1 h6 24 h4 a5 25 Kh2
Qe4 26 Qxe4 Nxe4 27 Rxd3. The
ending favours White. 65

12 ... exdS would have led to . . . perpetual

13 Bb2 check or a drawn rook ending! 1 9
Qe2 Rd3 ! 2 0 Qxe7 Re8 2 1 Qxc5
13 dxcS dxc4 (13 ... Bxc5 is (if 21 Qxa7 Re1 + 22 Kg2 Rg1 + 23
strongly met by 1 4 Ng5) 14 b4! Kh3 g5) 21 ... ReS 22 Qxc4 Re1 +
bxc5 15 b5 is also promising for 23 Kg2 Rg1 + 24 Kh3 g5 25 Bxg5
White: (or 25 Qc8 + Kg7 26 Bb2 g4 + 2 7
(a) Stein-Tal, 29th USSR Ch. Qxg4 Nxg4 28 Ne2 +! Kg6 29 Nxg1
1 9 7 1 , continued 1 5 ... Qb6 1 6 Bf4 Nxf2 + 30 Kg2 Nxg1 31 Kxf2
Rfd8 17 a4 Qa5 1 8 Nd2 ! Bxg2 1 9 Rd2 + 32 Kxg1 Rxb2 ) 25 ... Nxg5+
Nxc4 Qb4 2 0 Na2! with advantage 26 Kh4 Nf3 + with perpetual check
to White. (analysis by Tal) .
(b) The definitive assessment of
Stein's idea, which is irreproach­ 13 ... Qc7
able from the positional viewpoint,
depends on the outcome of the On 13 . . dxc4 White seizes space
.

obscure complications after 15 ... in the centre by 1 4 d5 ! After

Bxf3 !? 1 6 Bxf3 Ne5 17 Rxd8 14 ... cxb3 (14 ... NeB is weak in
Nxf3+ 1 8 Kh1 Rcxd8 (65). view of 15 NbS a6 1 6 Na7,
(b1) 19 Be3 Nd4 20 Qa4 Ng4 Yepishin-Temkin, Bukhara 1981)
leads to an unclear position with 1 5 axb3 White threatens d5-d6,
tactical chances for both sides. and as a result he picks up the a7
(b2) During the game Tal pawn, restoring material equality
rejected the sacrifice on seeing 1 9 and gaining a positional advantage.
Qe2, by which White simultane­ 13 ... a6 is well met by 1 4 cxd5
ously attacks two minor pieces. cxd4 (1 4 ... Nxd5 1 5 Nxd5 Bxd5
But, as later analysis showed, this 1 6 dxc5 favours White) 1 5 Nxd4
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 65

(1 5 Rxd4! is stronger) 15 ... Bxd5

(not 15 ... Nxd5 because of 1 6
Bxd5 Bxd5 1 7 Qf5 Bb7 1 8 Ne6!)
1 6 Nf5 Bxg2 1 7 Kxg2 Bb4 1 8 Qd3
ReS 19 Qf3 Bxc3 (if 1 9 ... Qa8,
then 20 Ne7+ Kh8 21 Ncd5 with
advantage) 20 Bxc3. White's posi­
tion is preferable. Instead of
20 ... Qa8, on which there followed
21 Ne7+ Kh8 22 Bd4 Qxf3 + 23
Kxf3, relatively best for Black was
20 ... Qc7 (analysis by Polugay­
evsky).
66
We should also mention
13 ... BaS. After 14 cxd5 Nxd5 1 5
Nxd5 Bxd5 1 6 dxc5 Rxc5 1 7 Qe2 White has 11 cxbS 2.21221) or
Bf6 1 8 b4 Bc4 1 9 Qc2 Rc7 20 11 cS (2.21 222).
Rac1 White has the better posi­ 2.21221
tion, Schmidt-Urzika, Pula 1 975.
Now after 14 Nxd5 Nxd5 1 5 cxd5 1 1 cxbS cxbS
Bxd5 1 6 dxc5 Bxf3 (the only way 12 NxbS QaS
of avoiding loss of material, but
with two bishops in an open posit­ If now the knight retreats to c3,
ion White gains the advantage) 1 7 Black uses the pin on the c-file to
Bxf3 Nxc5 1 8 Qf5 Black had a attack it: 13 Nc3? Rac8 14 Bb2 Bb4
difficult position in Stein-Lengyel, 15 Rac1 Ne4, and if 16 Rd3 Ba6. If
Moscow 1 97 1 (if 18 ... g6 1 9 Qh3 , White defends the knight by 13
or 18 ... Rxd8 1 9 Qg4). In the Qd3, then 1 3 ... Ba6.
game Black played 1 8 ... Rfd8?,
overlooking the main threat, and 13 a4
after 1 9 Be5 ! he resigned.
2.2122 In the source game Korch­
noi-Spassky, Moscow 1 97 1 , Black
10 ..
. bS!? (66) continued 13 ... Ne4, when there
followed 14 Nd2! (without this
This pawn sacrifice in such posit­ move Black has counter-play for
ions is a patent of Spassky. the sacrificed pawn) 1 4 � Rac8 1 5
..

Qa2 a6 1 6 Bxe4 dxe4 1 7 Nc4 Rxc4

1 8 bxc4 axb5 1 9 axb5, and the
66 Play the Catalan
formidable passed pawns assured
White of a win.
It is readily apparent that, if
Black had moved his other rook to
c8, this operation would not have
worked: 14 ... Rfc8 1 5 Qa2 a6 1 6
Bxe4 dxe4 1 7 Nc4 Rxc4 1 8 bxc4
axbS. Now 1 9 axbS is not possible,
and White has to play 19 cxbS,
when the passed pawns are not
dangerous, and the chances are
with Black. True, White is not ob­
liged to go in for this unfavour­ 67
able variation. In Schmidt­
Williams, Nice Olympiad 1 974, Sosonko-Andersson, Beverwij k
instead of 15 Qa2 there followed 1 976, continued 1 8 Nxe4 dxe4 1 9
1 5 Qb2 a6 1 6 Nxe4 axbS (1 6 ... NeS NxeS 2 0 dxeS BcS 2 1 B e l ( if
dxe4 17 Bd2 ) 1 7 Bd2 Qb6 18 aS 21 e3 , then 21 ... Bd3 22 Rb2
Qd8 19 Nc3 b4 20 Na2, with Qc7!) 21 ... e3 22 f4 Bb4 23 Bxb4
advantage to White. Qxb4 24 Bf3 g6 25 Qb2 Rd8! It is
-- now White who has to think in
After the Korchnoi-Spassky
game the pawn sacrifice began to terms of equalizing, and by 26 Rd6
be assessed as "altogether incor­ he returned the pawn.
rect'' or "not quite correct". But is (b) 16 BO Ne4 (1 6 ... Bxb5 1 7
this so? . . . axb5 Qxb5 1 8 e3 favours White)
1 7 e3 Nxd2 1 8 Qxd2 Nf6 1 9 Rdcl
13 . .
. Rfc8! Ne4 20 Qel f6 2 1 Rxc8+ Rxc8 22
Recommended by Tal. Ret Kf7 23 Rxc8 Bxc8 24 Qcl Bd7
25 Qc7 BxbS 26 Qxb6 axb6 27
14 Qa2 Ba6 BxbS Bb4, Espig-Spassky, Tallinn
1 97 5. White has managed to simpl­
Here 14 ... a6 is weaker in view ify the position and retain his extra
of 1 5 Bd2 Bb4 1 6 Nd6! pawn, but the resulting ending is
not dangerous for Black: after the
1S Bd2 Qb6 (67) inevitable 28 ... Nd2 the knights
are exchanged and only opposite­
(a) 16 Nc3 Rab8 1 7 Rabl Ne4. coloured bishops are left on the
Black exerts pressure, which com­ board.
pensates for the sacrificed pawn. 2.21222
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 67

11 cS (68) 13 . .. Ba6

When Tal's idea (13 ... Rfc8!) 13 ... eS does not work: 1 4 dxe5
breathed new life into Spassky's Ng4 1 5 Nd3 Qc7 1 6 Bb2 Ba6 1 7
gambit idea, attention was also Re t .
drawn to the typical blockading
move 1 1 c5, shutting in the bishop 14 Nd3
at b7, after which Black finds him­
self in the position of the defending White has the advantage. We are
side. following Razuvayev-Lputian,
48th USSR Ch. 1 980-8 1 , which
continued 14 ... Bxd3 1 5 exd3 ! Ne8
1 6 a3 Nc7 1 7 axb4 axb4 1 8 Bd2,
and White picked up the b4 pawn.
2.22

8 Qd3 (69)

68

1 1 ... b4

This advance has serious draw­

backs, but, as we know, if he allows
White to play b2-b4 Black con­
demns himself to passive defence. 69

12 Na4 aS In this way White defends his c4

13 Nb2 pawn and simultaneously prepares
e2-e4. The other plan involves the
White's plan is to transfer the exchange cxd5 .
knight to d3, and then by a2-a3 to 8 Qd3, which was first employed
undermine the b4 pawn. by Botvinnik against Tylor at Not-
68 Play the Catalan
tingham 1 936, was judged by Ale- We will also analyze the plan of
khine to be the strongest move. exchanging in the centre - 9 cxd5
Since then the assessment has cxd5 (less good is 9 ... exd5 1 0 e4
changed several times . . . · dxe4 1 1 Nxe4 Bb7 12 Rd1 , when
White's position is preferable,
8 ... b6 Antoshin-Bobotsov, Sochi 1 963)
10 Bf4 (70).
In the event of 8 .. . ReS White
continues 9 e4, obtaining the freer
game. 8 . . . Bb4 is well met by 9
Nd2.

9 e4

9 b3 is an alternative:
(a) The source game Botvin­
nik-Tylor went 9 ... Bb7 1 0 e4
dxe4 1 1 Nxe4 c5 12 Nc3 cxd4 1 3
Qxd4, and here the unfortunate 70
knight retreat 1 3 ... Ne8 (Alekhine
suggested 13 ... Nc5 , with "a suffic­ (a) 1 0 ... a6, and:
ient defence in the ending" after 1 4 (a1) 1 1 e4 dxe4 1 2 Nxe4 Bb7 1 3
Rd1 Qxd4 1 5 Nxd4 Rfc'B ) allowed Nfg5 Nxe4 1 4 Nxe4 Nc5 1 5 Nxc5
White to gain the advantage: 1 4 Bxg2 1 6 Kxg2 bxc5 1 7 Rfd1 Qb6
Rd1 Bf6 1 5 Qe3 Qe7 1 6 Rb1 with complete equality, Szabo­
(creating the positional threat of 1 7 Eliskases, Buenos Aires 1 960.
Ne4 and 1 8 Nxf6 +) 1 6 ... Nc5 (a2) 11 a4 Bb7 12 Rfc1 Ne4 1 3
17 Ba3 . Rc2 Rc8 1 4 Rac1 g5 1 5 Bd2 f5
(b) 9 ... Ba6 is possible, as in the with a sharp game and chances for
main variation; here White may both sides, Antoshin-Kremenet­
also avoid e2-e4, e.g. 10 Rd1 c5 sky, Moscow 1 963.
1 1 e3 Rc8 12 Nb5 cxd4 1 3 exd4 (a3) 11 Rfcl Bb7 1 2 Rc2 Rc8 1 3
Bxb5 14 cxb5 Bd6 1 5 Bb2 Qc7 1 6 Rac1 b5 1 4 a4 b4 (or 14 ... bxa4 1 5
Rac1 Qb7 1 7 Ne5 with the better Nxa4 Qa5 1 6 Qb3 Rxc2 1 7 Rxc2
prospects for White, Pytel-Kostro, Rc8 1 8 Nc5 Bc6 1 9 Nxd7 Nxd7 20
Polish Ch. 1 973. Bf1 Qb6 with equal possibilities,
(c) 9 ... a5 1 0 e4 Ba6 is examined Larsen-Sosonko, Tilburg 1 980)
later by transposition in the main 1 5 Nb1 Qb6, Larsen-Najdorf,
variation. Havana 1 966, or 1 5 ... Rxc2
 1 6 Rxc2 QaS 1 7 Ne5 ReS 1 S White gained the advantage in
Nxd7 Nxd7 1 9 Nd2 h 6 20 Koblents-Bogoljubow, Kemeri­
Nf3 Rc6 Bolbochan-Padevsky, Riga 1 939.
Havana Olympiad 1 966 - in both (b) 11 ... e5 was played in the
cases with an equal game. modern game Inkiov-Letzelter,
(b) 1 0 ... a5 1 1 Nb5 Ba6 1 2 Rfc1 Buenos Aires Olympiad 1 97S,
(the knight can be reinforced by 12 which continued 12 Rd1 (12 dxe5
a4, which leads to a quiet, equal Ng4 13 Bf4 g5 leads to great comp­
game) 1 2 ... a4 1 3 Bf1 (13 e3 NeB!) lications) 1 2 ... Bb4 (the fate of this
1 3 ... Ne4 1 4 e3 g5 1 5 Bc7 QcS 1 6 sharp variation depends largely on
Qd1 Qb7 1 7 Nd2 (1 7 Qxa4? RfcB) 12 ... exd4 13 Nxd4 Ne5 14 Qc2
17 ... a3 with a complicated game Qc7 1 5 Nf5 , when White, abando­
and chances for both sides, ning the c4 pawn to its fate, laun­
Panno-Radulov, Havana 1 969. ches an attack: 15 ... Nxc4 1 6 Qa4 ,
or 1 5 ... Bxc4 1 6 f4) 1 3 Bb2 exd4
9 ... Ba6 14 Nxd4 Ne5 1 5 Qc2 QcS 1 6 Nf5
with the better chances for White
9 . . . aS 1 0 b3 Ba6 is possible. (on 1 6 ... Nxc4? or 1 6 . . . Bxc4?
After 1 1 exd5 cxd5 1 2 a4 (12 Bf4 there follows 1 7 a3 Ba5 1 B Na4).
·

ReB 13 Nb5 Bxb5 1 4 cxb5 Ba3! In the event of 10 . .. cS 11 exd5

gave Black a good game in Sunye­ Nxd5 1 2 Ne4 White's position is
lvkov, Rio Interzonal 1 979) 1 2 . .. better.
NbS 13 Ne5 Bb7 1 4 Qe2 Na6 1 5
f4 Nb 4 both sides have chances, 11 Rdl! (71)
Romanishin-Dolmatov, Yerevan
1 9S2. A new word in this old variation.
The position arising after the If the white queen is undefended, it
double exchange 9 ... dxe4 1 0 Nxe4 may be subject to attack (after the
Nxe4 1 1 Qxe4 Bb7 is considered exchange on c4 and ... Nc5 or
under the move order 7 Qc2 c6 S . . . Ne5). For example: 11 Nd2?
Nbd2 b6 9 e4 (section 1 . 1 1 1 2) . dxc4 1 2 Nxc4 Ne5 1 3 Qd2 Nxc4 1 4
After 9 ., . Bb7 1 0 b 3 a position bxc4 Bxc4, and Black won a pawn
from Botvinnik-Tylor is reached. in Malich-Glass, Marianske Lazne
1 959.
10 b3 ReS For the moment, it is true, the
attack by the d7 knight is not threa­
If 10 ... dxc4 1 1 bxc4, then: tened, so that 1 1 Bf4 has been
(a) 1 1 ... Bb4 12 e5 NeS 13 Ng5 ! played here: 1 1 ... c5 (1 1 ... ReB 12
g6 14 Rd1 Ng7 1 5 Nce4, and Rfd1 NfB 13 a4 Bb4 14 e5 N6d7 1 5
70 Play the Catalan
Bd2 Nb8 1 6 Qc2 gave White the while 1 9 .. Bxb5 20 cxb5 trans­
.

better chances in Korchnoi-Petro­ poses into a position from the

sian, Moscow 1 97 S ) 1 2 exdS exdS game) 1 8 cxbS Na4 1 9 NfS Rfe8 20
1 3 NbS dxc4 14 bxc4 BxbS 1 S cxbS Bd4 BcS 2 1 Rac1 . White's position
c4 ( Matanovic's recommendation is better.
of 1 5 Nd5 can be met by 1 6 Bd2 ,
... 2.23
and if 1 6 ... c4 1 7 Qf5 ) 1 6 QfS g6
1 7 Qc2 NdS 1 8 Bh6 ReS, and in 8 Qb3 (72)
this double-edged position White's
chances are preferable, Murey­
Baikov, USSR 1 973.

72

The plan of developing the

71 queen at b3 followed by cxdS and
Bf4 leads to positions in which for
The rook move is highly useful, a long time White's "Catalan
since White not only defends his bishop" does not play an active
queen, but proves ready for a role. But in this variation it is dif­
hand-to-hand fight in the centre. ficult for Black to seize the initia­
Romanishin-Ciric, Dortmund tive.
1 976, continued 1 1 .. cS 12 exdS
.

exdS 13 Bb2 dxc4 1 4 bxc4 cxd4 1 S 8 ... b6

NbS NcS 1 6 Qxd4 Qxd4 1 7 Nfxd4
BxbS (1 7 ... Na4 is strongly met by Other continuations:
1 8 Nf5 Rfe8 1 9 Bd4 , when Black (a) 8 . a6 9 Bf4 bS 1 0 cxdS cxdS
..

cannot take the c4 pawn on 1 1 Rac1 , Boleslavsky-Bisguier,

account of the loss of the exchange, Helsinki Olympiad 1 9S2. White
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 71
has the more pleasant position, and Qa4 Bb7 1 4 cxdS exdS White in
1 1 ... NbS? met with a tactical re­ tum set up a "stonewall" - l S f4
futation - 1 2 NxdS ! Nhf6 1 6 Nf3, and 1 6 ... Ne4 1 7
(b) 8 ... Ne4 (if White allows it, Nxe4 fxe4 1 8 NgS Rf6 1 9 fS Nf8
Black will set up a "stonewall" 20 g4 gave him the initiative.
formation, with the queen at b3 in
far from the best position for be­ 9 ..
. exdS
sieging it) 9 cxdS exdS? ! 10 Nxe4
dxe4 1 1 Nd2 Nf6 12 Qe3 . The e4 9 .. exdS is also perfectly accept­
.

pawn is lost, but according to the able. In Gligoric-Eliskases, Stock­

Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings holm Interzonal 1 9S2, after 1 0 Bf4
after 1 2 ... ReS 1 3 Nxe4 Nxe4 1 4 a6 1 1 Racl (1 1 a4 comes into
Bxe4 Bf6 Black has compensation consideration) 1 1 ... bS 1 2 a4 b4 1 3
for his material deficit, Barc­ Nbl Ne8 14 Nbd2 Bb7 l S NeS
zay-Szilagyi, Hungarian Ch. 1 963. NxeS 16 dxeS aS 17 Nf3 Nc7 1 8
However, White can continue lS Be3 Qd7 1 9 Ne l Rfc8 2 0 Nd3 Na6
Qd3, and if l S ... Qxd4 1 6 Bxh7+ it was White who had to try and
Kh8 17 Qxd4 Bxd4 18 Bd3 Bh3 1 9 equalize (21 Qa2 and then b2 -b3) .
Re 1 Rad8 2 0 Rb 1 , maintaining his
material advantage (20 ... Bc3 21 1 0 Bf4 Bb7
Rd1 !). 11 Rad1 ReS
(c) On 8 ... Nb6 White should
choose 9 cxdS exdS 1 0 NeS . Levenfish recommended 1 1 ...
NbS, and if 1 2 B<;l Qc7 followed by
9 cxdS ... Rad8.

Other possibilities: 12 Rfel (73)

(a) 9 Rd1 , Antoshin-Spassky,
23rd USSR Ch. 1 9S6. After 9 ... In order to forestall ... cS, White
Ba6 1 0 cxdS cxdS White tried to deploys his rooks on the central
seize the initiative by 1 1 NbS Ne4 files and prepares e2-e4.
1 2 Bf4, but Black found an amus­ (a) 12 ... Nf8 13 BgS Ne6 14
ing way to force a draw: Bel Qc7 lS NgS NxgS 16 BxgS
12 ... NdcS ! 1 3 dxcS NxcS 14 Qb4 Rad8 (instead of this Levenfish
Nd3 ! recommended 1 6 ... Ne4 , parry­
(b) 9 Bf4 Ba6 1 0 Nd2, A. Zait­ ing White's threats in the centre;
sev-Klovans, USSR 1 969. In reply if 1 7 Bf4 , then 17 ... Bd6) 1 7 Qc2
to Black's "stonewall" - 1 0 ... Qc8 (1 8 Bxf6 and 1 9 Nxd5 was
Nh5 11 Be3 fS 12 Racl Kh8 1 3 threatened) 1 8 Qa4 Ba6 1 9 Rcl
72 Play the Catalan
condemned this move as being pas­
sive, and recommended 1 3 ...
b5 , e.g. 1 4 Ne5 a4 1 5 Qc2 b4 , or
1 4 e4 a4 1 5 Qc2 b4 1 6 axb4
Bxb4 ; however in the latter varia­
tion White stands better after 1 7
e5!, since 1 7 .. Ne4 does not work
.

in view of 1 8 Nxe4 Bxe1 1 9 Neg5 ,

and after the relatively best
1 7 ... Bxc3 18 bxc3 the chances are
on his side) 14 Ne5 (1 4 e4!, sug­
gested by Ravinsky, is also strong;
if 1 4 ... dxe4 1 5 Ng5 , or 14 ... Nxe4
73
1 5 Nxe4 dxe4 1 6 Ne5!, and in both
cases the play favours White)
Qb7 20 Bxf6 Bxf6 2 1 e4, Korch­ 14 ... Nxe5 1 5 Bxe5 b5 1 6 Bxf6
noi-Kan, 20th USSR Ch. 1 950. Qxf6 1 7 e4 b4 1 8 axb4 axb4
White's position looks the more (18 ... Bxb4 loses a pawn after 1 9
active, but by 2 1 ... b5 ! Black could exd5 Rxe1 + 2 0 Rxe1 cxd5 21
have equalized. Bxd5) 1 9 Na4 dxe4 20 Nc5 ! Bxc5
(b) 12 ... aS (the point of this 21 dxc5 , with · a clear advantage
move is to answer 1 3 e4 with to White, Korchnoi-Levenfish,
13 ... Bb4) 1 3 a3 Bf8 (Levenfish Minsk 1 953.
 3

6 . . . N bd 7 7 N bd 2, 7 b3 a n d 7 Qd 3

1 d4 Nf& 2 C4 e& 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 e2-e3. If instead of e2-e3 he plays

Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 Nbd7 Qc2 and then e2-e4, this will
transpose into positions from
In this chapter we analyze 7 Chapter 1 .
Nbd2 (3.1), 7 b3 (3.2) and 7 Qd3
(3.3). 7 ... b6
3.1
Black plans to play ... c5 without
7 Nbd2 (74) loss of time.
The immediate 7 ... c5 is poss­
ible ; 8 cxd5, and now:
(a) 8 ... exd5, reaching a position
from the Tarrasch Defence to the
Queen's Gambit with Black's
queen's knight at d7 (rather than
c6). This is a drawback. But White
too has developed his knight at d2
(rather than c3), and he therefore
does not exert the pressure on d5
characteristic of the Schlechter­
Rubinstein System.
(b) 8 ... Nxd5 is a sound continu­
ation, and if 9 e4 Nb4 (75).
74 (b1) 10 a3 Nd3 1 1 Nc4 Nxc1 1 2
Rxc1 cxd4 1 3 Qxd4 Nc5 14 Rfd1
This section examines variations Qxd4 1 5 Nxd4 Rd8, Kottnauer­
in which White, maintaining the Lokvenc, Vienna 1 949.
tension in the centre, continues his (b2) 10 Nc4 cxd4 1 1 Nxd4 Nb6
development with b2-b3, Bb2 and 1 2 Nxb6 Qxb6 13 Be3 Bc5,
73
74 Play the Catalan

75 76

Kozma-Bhend, Munich Olympiad White has the more favourable

1 958. position) 1 2 Nxe5 Bd6 (12 ... c5
In both cases the chances are was better) 1 3 Bf4 Re8 14 Rfdl
equal. Qe7 1 5 Nd3 Bxf4 ( and here
7 .. c6 8 b3 b6 9 Bb2 is analyzed
. 1 5 ... c6 was preferable) 1 6 Nxf4
in section 3 .2 under the move order Qd6 1 7 Racl Re7 1 8 Nd3 Qf6 1 9
7 b3 c6 8 Bb2 b6 9 Nbd2. e3 g 6 2 0 b 4 Qd6 2 1 Qb3 Kg7 22
In the 7 Qc2 b6 variation, by Rc2 c6 23 Rdcl with the initiative
continuing 8 cxd5, White forces his on the Q-side, Kirov-Padevsky,
opponent to take on d5 with his Bulgarian Ch. 1 977.
knight (8 ... exd5 does not work (b) 1 0 ... c6 11 Nxd7 Nxd7 12
because of 9 Ne5). But in the given Ne5 Bd6 ( instead 12 ... Nxe5 13
variation - 7 Nbd2 b6 - it used to dxe5 c5 can be suggested, e.g. 14
be thought that 8 cxdS exd5 9 Ne5 Qb3 Qd7 1 5 Rd1 Rfd8 and
Bb7 ( or in the other order 8 Ne5 1 6 ... Qe6 with an equal game) 1 3
Bb7 9 cxd5 exd5) was no longer Nd3 Re8 1 4 Bf4 Nf8 1 5 Ret Ne6
dangerous for Black. Is this so? At 1 6 Bxd6 Qxd6 1 7 e3 Re7 1 8 h4 (1 8
the end of the 1 970s the original b4 gave chances o f an initiative)
move 1 0 Ndc4! (76) was employed 1 8 ... c5 1 9 dxc5 bxc5 20 b3 Rd8
in several games. with roughly equal chances,
(a) 10 ... Ne4 (1 0 ... Nxe5 1 1 Haglof-Varj omaa, corr. 1 979.
Nxe5 leaves White with the better Those who do not like Black's
chances) 1 1 Qc2 Nxe5 ( or 1 1 ... f6 position after 8 Ne5 Bb7 9 cxd5
12 Nxd7 Qxd7 13 Nd2 Nxd2 14 exd5 can recapture on d5 with the
Bxd2 Bd6 1 5 Qb3 Qfl 1 6 Bb4 , knight - 9 ... Nxd5. After 1 0 Ndc4
Tatai-Farago, Dortmund 1 978 - c5 1 1 Nxd7 Qxd7 1 2 dxc5 Bxc5 1 3
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nbd2, 7 b3 and 7 Qd3 75

Be3 Bxe3 1 4 Nxe3 RfdS 15 Nxd5 Black has two acceptable plans:
Bxd5 Black equalized in Bilek­ (a) 12 ... Rc7 1 3 Qe2 cxd4 1 4
Portisch, Amsterdam 1 964. Nxd4 Bxg2 1 5 Kxg2 a 6 1 6 e4
QbS 17 Nd2 Rxc1 1S Rxc1 Qb7
8 ... Bb7 19 f3 Nc5 20 Nc4 ReS with an
9 Bb2 c5 equal position, Korchnoi-Petro­
10 e3 sian, Candidates Match, 1 1th
game, II Cioco 1 977.
10 cxd5 Nxd5 1 1 e4 Nb4 leads to (b) 12 ... b5 1 3 Nce5 a6 14 Qe2
an equal game. Nxe5 15 Nxe5 Bxg2 16 Kxg2
Qd5 + . The game is level, Ribli­
10 ... ReS Averbakh, Bucharest 1 97 1 .
3.2
Filip-Smyslov, Vienna 1 957,
went 10 ... dxc4 11 bxc4 ReS 1 2 7 b3 (77)
Qe2 Qc7 1 3 Rfd1 Rfd8 1 4 Racl
QbS with equal chances.

1 1 Rcl dxc4

1 1 ... Rc7 1 2 Qe2 Qa8 has also

been played:
(a) 1 3 Rfe1 RfcS 14 cxd5 Bxd5
1 5 e4 Bb7 1 6 d5 exd5 1 7 exd5
BfS? ! (1 7 .. . ReB
- Keene) 1 S
Ne4, and White seized the initia­
tive, Bronstein-Keene, Teesside
1 975.
(b) 1 3 Rfd1 RfcS 14 dxc5 Nxc5
(or 1 4 ... Bxc5 1 5 Nd4 Bxd4 1 6 77
Bxd4 dxc4 1 7 Bxb 7 Qxb7 1 8 Nxc4
with some initiative, Bulat-Prajn­ 7 ... c6
falk, Yugoslav Ch. 1 953) 1 5 Be5,
with slightly the better prospects This restrained move is given as
for White, Filip-Medina, Tel Aviv the main variation, for the reason
Olympiad 1 964. that it occurs more often than
others.
12 Nxc4 7 ... b6 is good, with the familiar
76 Play the Catalan
idea of playing ... c5 without loss of Of the other possibilities we
time: should mention 8 ... bS 9 Nbd2 (as
(a) S Bb2 (if B Ba3 c5) S ... Bb7 in other positions of this type, 9 c5
(or B ... c5) 9 cxd5 (9 Ne5 c5) is perfectly possible) 9 ... bxc4 1 0
9 ... exd5 10 Nc3 c5 (Botvinnik­ bxc4 RbS 1 1 Bc3 Bb4 1 2 Qc2 Ba6
Padevsky, Monte Carlo 1 96S, went 13 Rfb1 Bxc3 14 Qxc3 dxc4 1 5
1 0 ... ReB 1 1 Ne5 Bd6 12 f4 Ne4 13 Nxc4 c5 1 6 Nce5 ! , with slightly the
Nxe4 dxe4 1 4 e3 Nf6 15 a3 c5 1 6 better chances for White, Anto­
Qe2 cxd4 1 7 Bxd4 Qe7 1 B b 4 a5 1 9 shin-Csom, Budapest 1 973.
b5!, with slightly the better chances 8 ... Ne4 9 Nbd2 f5 has also been
for White) 1 1 dxc5 bxc5 12 Nh4 tried.
Nb6 1 3 Nf5 ReS, and the advant-
age of the two bishops after 1 4 9 Nbd2
Nxe7+ Qxe7 1 5 e 3 RadS
promises White little - the We analyze 9 .. Bb7 (3.2 1 1) and
.

chances are roughly equal. 9 ... Ba6( 3 . 2 1 2) .

(b) Black also has equal chances 3.211
after S cxd5 Nxd5 9 Bb2 Bb7 1 0
Nc3 ( or l 0 Nbd2 c5 1 1 Rcl ReB 1 2 9 ... Bb7
dxc5 Nxc5 , Rubinetti-Spassky, 10 Rcl
Buenos Aires 1 979) 10 ... c5 1 1
Nxd5 Bxd5 1 2 Qd2 ReS , - Petros- White can first play 10 e3:
ian-Spassky, Bugojno 1 9S2. (a) 10 ... dxc4 11 bxc4 c5 12
Other possibilities are the Qe2 Qc7 13 Rfd1 RfdS 1 4 a4
immediate 7 ... cS (recommended Ne4 with an equal position, Petro­
by Euwe), the Dutch set-up sian-Tal, 39th USSR Ch. 1 97 1 .
7 ... Ne4, and 7 ... dxc4 S bxc4 c5 , (b) 1 0 ... ReS 1 1 Qe2 Qc7,
when 9 d5? ! Nb6 gave Black a Taimanov-Karaklajic, USSR v.
good game in Shatskes-1. Zaitsev, Yugoslavia 1 956, and now the
Moscow 1 967, but after 9 e3 ! he traditional 1 2 e4, carried out with
would still have been faced with the a loss of time (e2 -e3 and e3 -e4),
problem of developing his Q-side. · led to an equal position after
White has two ways of develop- 12 ... Nxe4 1 3 Nxe4 dxe4 1 4 Qxe4
ing his bishop: 8 Bb2 (3.21) and 8 c5 1 5 Qe2 Bf6.
Ba3 (3.22). (c) 1 0 ... b5 11 c5 b4 1 2 Qc2 a5
3.21 13 a3, and White has the better
chances, Toth-Durasevic, Yugo­
8 Bb2 b6 slav Ch. 1 957.
After 10 NeS ReS (in the event of
1 0 ... Nxe5 1 1 dxe5 Nd7 we suggest 11 e3 (78)
12 e4!, e.g. 12 ... dxc4 13 Nxc4 Ba6
1 4 Qc2 Qc7 1 5 Qc3 with slightly In this type of set-up the tradi­
the better chances for White; tional place for the queen is e2. An
1 5 ... b5?! is well met by 1 6 equal game results from:
Qa5!) 1 1 e 4 dxe4 1 2 Nxe4 Nxe4 (a) 11 Rc2 Rc7 1 2 Qal Qb8 1 3
1 3 Bxe4 Nf6 14 Bg2 Qc7 1 5 Qe2 Rfcl Rfc8 1 4 Ne5 Bf8 1 5 Nd3 c5,
c5 1 6 Rad1 Bxg2 1 7 Kxg2 Stolyar-Ravinsky, USSR 1 955.
White has only minimal winning (b) 11 NeS Nxe5 (or 11 ... Rc7
chances in the coming ending, 12 cxd5 cxd5 13 Ndj3 Nxe5 1 4
Fuchs-Niemela, Sofia 1 957. But Nxe5 Nd7 1 5 Nxd7 Qxd7, Mu­
the ending with a symmetric pawn khitdinov-Krogius, USSR 1 955)
formation after 1 3 ... Nxe5 (in­ 12 dxe5 Nd7 13 e4 Nc5 14 exd5
stead of 13 ... Nf6) 14 dxe5 Qxd1 cxd5 1 5 Qe2 Rc7 1 6 Rfdl Rd7,
1 5 Rfxd1 Rfd8 is evep closer to a Kostro-Mititelu, Siegen Olympiad
draw. 1 970.
10 cxdS cxd5 1 1 Ne5 Nxe5 1 2
dxe5 Nd7 1 3 Rc1 Rc8 14 Rxc8
Qxc8 1 5 e4 Qa8 does not promise
White anything, Chekhover-Bon­
darevsky, 1 4th USSR Ch. 1 945 .

10 ... ReS

10 ... aS comes into considerat­

ion, as played in Keres-Najdorf,
Candidates Tournament, Buda­
pest 1 950. The idea of the move
is to play ... a4 if possible and to
gain counter-play along the a-file.
Keres was the first to take active 78
measures - 1 1 Ne5 Nxe5 1 2
dxe5 Nd7 1 3 cxd5 cxd5 1 4 Nf3, 11 ... cS
but after 1 4 ... Rc8 1 5 Nd4 Rxcl
1 6 Qxcl Qb8 1 7 f4 Rc8 1 8 Qb1 Other continuations:
Nc5 1 9 Rcl Na6 20 Bh3 Rxcl + (a) 11 ... Rc7 1 2 Ne5 (12 Qe2
and 2 1 ... Qc8 Black equalized. QaB 13 Ne5 RfcB 14 Rfd1 c5 1 5
10 ... cS 1 1 e3 Rc8 transposes Nxd7 Rxd7 1 6 dxc5 Rxc5 1 7 Bd4
into the main variation. ReB 1 8 cxd5 Rxc1 1 9 Rxcl Nxd5
7S Play the Catalan

led to an equal position in Filip­ tion: 17 cxd5 Bxd5 l S Ndc6! ! Rxc6

Trifunovic, Oberhausen 1961) (if 1 8 ... Bxc6, then 1 9 Rxd8 Bxd8
1 2 ... c5 1 3 Qe2 QaS 1 4 cxd5 2 0 Nxc6 Rxc6 21 Bxc6 Qxc6 22 b4 ,
exd5 (14 ... Nxd5!?) 1 5 Nxd7 and White wins the exchange, or
Nxd7 1 6 dxc5 bxc5 17 e4, with a 1 8 ... Bxg2 1 9 Nxd8 Ba8 20 Ndxf7
complicated game in which White's - Bronstein) 1 9 Nxc6 Qxc6. Here,
chances are preferable, Keres­ as shown by Bronstein, 20 Bxf6
Ragozin, 1 6th USSR Ch. 1 94S. Bxf6 2 1 e4 Bxe4 22 RxdS+ BxdS
(b) 11 ... Qc7 (recommended by 23 Bxe4 Qxe4 24 Qxe4 and 25 ReS
Keres, who considered that in this or 20 ... Bxg2 21 Bxe7 ReS 22
position it was better for Black to Bxc5 Bf3 23 Bxb6 would have led
stick to waiting tactics) 1 2 Qe2 (12 to a decisive material advantage for
Ne5 is logically met by 12 ... Rfd8 ; White.
12 ... Nxe5? 13 dxe5 Nd7 is weak As on the previous move, Black
in view of 1 4 cxd5 , and if can play 12 ... Rc7, preparing the
1 4 ... Nxe5 1 5 Bxd5 Qxe5 1 6 dxc6 Reti manoeuvre ... QaS. After 1 3
Ba6 1 7 Nc4) 1 2 ... QbS 1 3 Rfd l cxd5 Bxd5 (13 ... exd5 14 Rfd1 is
RfdS, and now: unfavourable for Black - his
(bl ) 14 e4 dxe4 1 5 Nxe4 Nxe4 bishop is blocked by the d5 pawn,
1 6 Qxe4 c5 1 7 Qe2 cxd4 l S Nxd4 there is nothing for his queen to do
Bxg2 1 9 Kxg2 Bf6, and a familiar at aS, and thus .. Rc7 loses its
.

formation arises, where the advan­ point; in the event of 13 ... Nxd5
tage of White's position - his 1 4 e4 Nf6 1 5 Ne5 cxd4 1 6 Bxd4
Q-side pawn majority - is largely Nxe5 1 7 Bxe5 Rd7 1 8 Nc4 Qa8
of a theoretical nature, Filip­ 1 9 f3 White has a spatial advan­
Minev, Moscow 1 959. tage, Donner-Kramer, Beverwijk
(b2) 1 4 Ne5, and White still had 1 955) 1 4 e4 Bb7 1 5 e5 Nd5 1 6 Nc4
some initiative in Najdorf-Foltys, QaS (1 6 ... Ba6 comes into consid­
Amsterdam 1 950. eration), Spassky-Ciric, Amster­
dam 1 970, White sacrificed a pawn
12 Qe2 dxc4 by 17 Nd6! Bxd6 l S exd6 Rc6 1 9
dxc5 bxc5 2 0 Ng5 ! Rxd6 (21 Nxe6
The most accurate. was threatened) 21 Rfd l , with the
12 ... cxd4 1 3 Nxd4 Nc5 14 Rfdl initiative for White.
Qd7 1 5 N2f3 led to an advantage
for White in Keres-Kotov, Candi­ 13 Nxc4 bS!
dates Tournament, Zurich 1 953.
After 1 5 ... RfdS 1 6 Ne5 QeS If Black plays for simpliciation
Keres began an original combina- - 13 ... cxd4 14 Nxd4 Bxg2 1 5
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nbd2, 7 b3 and 7 Qd3 79
.Kxg2 Nc5, White gains the advant­
age after 1 6 Rfdl Qd5+ 1 7 f3 Rfd8
1 8 e4 Qb7 1 9 Ne5 , Larsen-Mata­
novic, Zagreb 1 965.

14 Nce5 a6
15 Nxd7

Black also equalizes after 15

Rfd1 cxd4.

15 ... Nxd7
79
We are following Lengyel­
Matanovic, Bad Pyrmont 1 970, in b5 14 Nce5 c4 15 Rfcl Nb6 16 a4!
which after 16 dxc5 Rxc5 (1 6 ... (a temporary pawn sacrifice, ensur­
Bxc5 should also be considered, ing a favourable opening up of the
e.g. 1 7 Rfd1 Qe7 18 Qd3 Rfd8 position) 1 6 ... cxb3 1 7 Rxc8 Nxc8
1 9 Ng5 Nf8 Matanovic) 1 7
- 1 8 Nc6 Qb6 1 9 a5 Qb7 20 Nd2 b4
Bd4 Rxcl 1 8 Rxcl Qb8 1 9 Qb2 21 Bf3 Nd5 22 Nxb3, and White
Bf6 a draw was agreed. has the advantage, Kotov-Panov,
3.212 1 6th USSR Ch. 1 948.
(b) In Gurgenidze-Nikitin, 26th
9 ... Ba6 USSR Ch. 1 959, Black continued
11 ... b5. After this the planned
The development of the bishop manoeuvre Qal no longer has any
at a6 is directed against White's point, and White changed plan: 1 2
set-up of e2-e3 and Qe2. c5 b4 1 3 Rel (against passive
moves by the opponent White pre­
10 Rcl ReS pares e2 -e4 ; Black should have
11 Rc2 (79) tried to gain counter-play by
13 ... Bb5 and ... a5) 1 3 ... Qc7 1 4
With the bishop at a6 it is illogi­ Rcl Rfe8 (here too 1 4 ... Bb5 fol-
cal to place the queen at e2, and lowed by . . a5 -a4 came into con­
.

White clears the way for it to go to sideration) 1 5 Qc2 Bb5 1 6 e4 dxe4

al . 1 7 Nxe4 Nd5 1 8 Ne5. White con­
The alternative is 1 1 Re1 , and if trols more space and has the better
1 1 ... c5 1 2 e3. position.
(a) 11 . .. c5 1 � Qal dxc4 1 3 Nxc4 3.22
80 Play the Catalan

8 Ba3 (80)

81

(b2) 10 Qc1 b6 (or 10 ... e5 1 1

cxd5 Nxd5 12 e4 N5f6 13 Nc4 exd4
1 4 Nxd4 Ne5 1 5 Ne3 with slightly
80 the better game, Barcza-Molnar,
Hungarian Ch. 1950) 1 1 Qb2 Bb7
In analogy with certain vari­ 12 Rac1 a5 13 Rfd1 Rfc8 14 Ne5
ations of the Dutch Defence, Nxe5 15 dxe5 Nd7 16 f4 Nc5 1 7
White exchanges the black­ Nb1 Rd8 1 8 Nd2 Ba6 1 9 Kf1 Rac8
squared bishops. 20 cxd5 cxd5 21 Nf3 . White's posi­
tion is preferable, Kholmov-Kura­
8 .. . b6 jica, USSR v. Yugoslavia 1 969.
We must also examine 8 ...
If Black himself exchanges on bS. Masic-Kovacevic, Yugoslavia
a3, White then transfers his knight 1 979, went 9 Bxe7 Qxe7 1 0 Nbd2
to c2 and e3, and normally obtains Ba6 1 1 Rc1 (the plan of 1 1 c5 is
a promising position. For example, also possible) 1 1 ... Rfc8 12 Re 1
8 ... Bxa3 9 Nxa3 : bxc4 1 3 bxc4 Qa3 and White,
(a) 9 ... b6 1 0 Rc1 Qe7 1 1 Nc2 abandoning his Q-si.de to its fate,
Bb7 1 2 Ne3 c5 1 3 cxd5 Nxd5 1 4 began to prepare on offensive on
Nc4 N5f6 1 5 dxc5 Nxc5 1 6 Qd6 the K-side: 14 e4 Bxc4 1 5 e5 Ne8
with slightly the better chances, 1 6 Re3 Qxa2 1 7 Nxc4 dxc4 1 8
Keres-Spassky, USSR 1 967. Ng5 . O n 1 8 ... h 6 came a sacrifice
(b) 9 ... Qe7 (81 ) . - 1 9 Nxf7 Kxf7 20 Qh5 + Kg8 2 1
(b1 ) 1 0 Nc2 dxc4 1 1 bxc4 e 5 1 2 Rf3, but after 2 1 ... Qd2 White's
e 3 c 5 1 3 Qcl and Qb2 with some threats sufficed only to regain the
initiative for White, Barcza­ piece: 22 Qf7+ Kh8 23 Rfc3 Qxd4
Teschner, Oberhausen 196 1 . 24 Rxc4 Qxe5 25 Qxd7. Thanks to
 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nbd2, 7 b3 and 7 Qd3 81
his active pieces White should be
able to restore material equality.

9 Bxe7

Or 9 Qcl aS 1 0 Nbd2 Ba6 1 1

Re l Rc8 1 2 Qb2 Re8 1 3 Racl Bb4
14 Bxb4 axb4 15 a3 Qe7 with an
equal game, Jakobsen-Radulov,
Raach 1 969.

9 ... Qxe7
10 Nc3 Ba6
82
This was the course taken by transposes into the Open Varia­
Keres-Averkin, 4 1 st USSR Ch. tion.
1 973. After 11 Ret Rac8 (if 8 cxdS
1 1 .. dxc4 12 bxc4 Bxc4 , then 13
.

Nd2) 12 cxd5 cxd5 1 3 Qd2 Rc7 14 8 Nc3 is well met by 8 ... Ba6.
Qb2 Rfc8 1 5 Rfd1 Ne4 a series of
exchanges - 1 6 Nxe4 Rxc1 1 7 8 ... exdS
Rxc1 Rxcl + 1 8 Qxcl dxe4 1 9 Ne5 9 Nc3 Bb7
Nxe5 20 dxe5 Bxe2 21 Bxe4 g6 - 10 NgS!?
led to a drawn ending.
3.3 The start of an original man­
7 Qd3 (82) oeuvre. The knight is transferred
to f4, so as to intensify the pressure
A rarely-played continuation. on d5 . Nevertheless White has not
The other way of defending the achieved much in this variation.
c4 pawn with the queen - 7 Qb3, Romanishin-Farago, Cienfuegos
leads after 7 ... c6 8 Nc3 to a posi­ 1 977, continued 10 ... h6 1 1 Nh3
tion from the 7 Nc3 c6 8 Qb3 Re8 1 2 Nf4 Nf8 1 3 Qb5 (to pro­
variation (2.23). voke .. . c6 and limit the role of the
bishop at b7, White sacrifices a
7 ... b6 tempo) 1 3 ... c6 1 4 Qb3 Bd6 1 5
Re l Bxf4 1 6 Bxf4 Ne6 1 7 e 3 (on
7 ... c6 8 Nc3 leads to a position 1 7 Be5 there follows 1 7 ... Ng4)
from the Botvinnik-Tylor game 1 7 ... Nxf4 1 8 exf4 Qd6, and Black
(p. 67), while 7 ... dxc4 8 Qxc4 equalized.
 4

6 . . . c6, 6 . . . b6 a n d 6 . . . c5

1 d 4 Nf& 2 c4 e & 3 g 3 d 5 4 Bg2 Nf5 14 b5, and White held the

Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 initiative.
(b2) 7 Ne5 Nxe5 8 dxe5 Nd7 9
In this chapter we examine other cxd5 Nxe5 1 0 dxe6 (or 1 0 Nc3
possibilities for Black on his 6th exd5 1 1 Nxd5 Bd6 12 Qc2 c6 , with
move: 6 ... c6 (4. 1 ) , 6 ... b6 (4.2) roughly equal chances) 1 0 ... Bxe6
and 6 ... cS ( 4.3). 1 1 Qc2 (if 1 1 Bxb7, then 1 1 ...
Two other rarely played Qxd1 12 Rxd1 Rb8 13 Bg2 Nc4)
continuations: 1 1 ... c6 with an equal game,
(a) 6 ... Ne4. An early "stone­ Alatortsev- Panov, 1 6th USSR Ch.
wall" set-up. After 7 b3 f5 we reach 1 948.
a not particularly favourable vari­ (b3) 7 b3 Ne4 8 Bb2 f5 9 Ne5
ation for Black of the Dutch Nxe5 10 dxe5 c6 1 1 Nc3 Bd7 1 2 e3
Defence (1 d4 f5 2 Nf3 e6 3 g3 Nf6 Nxc3 13 Bxc3, and White's posi­
4 Bg2 Be7 5 0-0 0-0 6 c4 d5 7 b3 tion is preferable.
Ne4). 4.1
(b) 6 . . . Nc6, with these possi­
bilities: 6 ... c6 (83)
(bl) 7 cxd5 exd5 8 Bg5 . This
brought White success in Benko­ Black's refusal to develop his
Taimanov, Buenos Aires 1 960: knight at d7 (here or on the follow­
8 ... h6 (this is the cause of Black's ing move) leaves him with much
difficulties; he should have played poorer chances of equalizing.
8 ... Ne4 with a satisfactory posi­
tion) 9 Bxf6 Bxf6 1 0 Nc3 Ne7 1 1 7 Nc3 b6
Ret c6 (1 1 ... Be6 or 1 1 ... Bf5 is
preferable) 1 2 b4 a6 (on 12 ... b5 , 7 ... Nbd7 leads to variations
with the aim of transferring the from chapter 2, while 7 . .. dxc4 is
knight to c4, 13 e4! is strong) 1 3 a4 well met by 8 Ne5 .
82
 6 ... c6, 6 ... b6 and 6 ... c5 83
into a set-up from chapter 2.
4.11

8 Ne5

We analyze the bishop develop­

ments 8 ... Bb7 4 . t t t) and 8 ... Ba6
(4. 1 1 2).
On 8 . aS White secures the
..

better game by 9 cxd5 cxd5 t 0 Bf4

and Ret .
8 ... Nfd7 does not work because
of 9 cxd5 cxd5 tO Nxd5 exd5 1 1
83
Bxd5 Nxe5 t 2 dxe5 Bh3 t 3 Bxa8
Bxfl t4 Qxfl with a material ad­
We now consider 8 Ne5 4 . 1 1 ) vantage, Szabo-Ivkov, Wagenin­
and 8 Bf4 4 . t 2). gen t 957.
8 Qb3 is also possible: 4.111
(a) 8 ... Ba6 9 cxd5 cxd5 t O Ne5
Nfd7 (this allows White to exploit 8 .. . Bb7 (84)
the weakening of the "Catalan
diagonal" ; Black could have
agreed to the loss of a tempo and
retreated his bishop to b7) t t Nxd5
exd5 t 2 Nxf7 Rxf7 t 3 Bxd5 , and:
(at ) t 3 ... Nf6 t 4 Bxf7+ Kf8 t 5
Bg5 Nc6! (after 1 5 ... Nbd7? 1 6
Rfe1 Bb7 1 7 /3 b 5 1 8 e4 Nb6 1 9
Rad1 , Priednieks-Feldmus, Riga
t 9 8 t , Black was left in a critical
position) t 6 Bxf6 Bxf6 t 7 Qa3 +
(or 1 7 Bg8 Qd7) t 7 ... Kxf7 t 8
Qxa6 Nxd4, with an unclear posi­
tion.
(a2) t 3 ... Nc6! t4 Bxc6 Nf6 t 5 84
Bxa8 Qxa8 t 6 Ret Qe4 t 7 f3
Qxd4+ t 8 Be3, with chances for The Catalan is a young opening,
both sides. but this position is . . . older than it!
(b) 8 ... Nbd7 (best), transposing It is no accident that the reader will
84 Play the Catalan
find references to games played b5 1 2 Qb3 Nc6. Mter a trans­
in the early 1 930s and even the position in the early moves, this
1 920s (e.g. Samisch-Nimzowitsch, position was reached in the
Copenhagen 1 923) . The point is afore-mentioned Samisch-Nim­
that certain Catalan positions can zowitsch game. Black has solved
be reached from the Queen's his opening problems.
Indian Defence. With regard to
this section, the variation in ques­ 9 ... dxc4
tion is 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 b6 4
g3 Bb7 5 Bg2 Be7 6 0-0 0-0 7 Nc3 In answer to White's activity in
d5 8 Ne5 c6 (the authorship of the centre (which is assisted by the
B ... e6, which, it must be said, has a position of his knight at e5), Black
dubious reputation, belongs to initiates counter-play on the
Nimzowitsch) . Q-side. Other possibilities:
(a) 9 .. dxe4 10 Nxe4 Nxe4
.

9 e4! (1 0 ... Nfd7 1 1 Qe2) 1 1 Bxe4.

White has a spatial advantage, and
Other continuations: exerts pressure on c6.
(a) 9 Qa4 Nfd7! (9 ... Nbd7 is (b) 9 ... a6 does not promise
unfavourable: at the end of a tacti­ counter-chances. Smejkal-Barcza,
cal exchanging operation - 10 Tallinn 1 97 1 , continued 1 0 Ret
Nxe6 Bxe6 1 1 Qxe6 ReB 1 2 Qa4 Bb4 1 1 Bg5 h6 1 2 Bxf6 Qxf6 1 3
Rxe4 13 Qxa7 Rxd4 14 b3! the Qb3 Bxc3 1 4 bxc3 Qd8 1 5 exd5
bold black rook finds itself en­ exd5 16 Rabl b5 17 cxd5 cxd5 1 8
circled) 10 Nd3 (1 0 Nxd7 followed a4, and White's advantage became
by e2 -e4 is preferable; after 1 0 decisive.
Bf4 Nxe5 1 1 Bxe5 Nd7 1 2 Bf4 (c) 9 ... Nbd7? encounters a
a6 13 Qb3 b5! 1 4 exd5 exd5 1 5 combinational refutation: 10
Racl ReB 1 6 Rfd1 Nb6 it i s White Nxc6 ! Bxc6 1 1 exd5 Bb7 12 d6!
who has to struggle for equal­ White regains his sacrificed piece
ity, Hiibner-Kholmov, Sukhumi and remains a pawn up. Langeweg
1 972) 1 0 ... Qc8 1 1 cxd5 cxd5 with caught Ivkov in this variation
an equal game, Opocensky­ (which was given in the 1st edition)
Golombek, Karlovy Vary 1 948. at Wijk aan Zee 1 972, and at the
(b) 9 Bf4 Nfd7 10 cxd5 cxd5 1 1 Lugano Olympiad, 1 970, Ribli
Ng4 f5 1 2 Ne5 Nxe5 1 3 Bxe5 Nc6. won in this way against Radulov (in
The chances are equal, Kotov­ this game two moves which did not
Sanguinetti, Mar del Plata 1957. change anything were added -

(c) 9 cxdS cxd5 1 0 Bf4 a6 1 1 Ret 1 1 ... exd5 12 exd5 , and now
 6 ... c6, 6 ... b6 and 6 ... c5 85
12 ... Bb7 13 d6 etc.) . The list of tage in Petrosian-Parma, Rovinj/
victims can be extended. The same Zagreb 1 970.
was repeated in Adamski-Grab­ (b) 11 Ne5 b4 1 2 Na4 Ba6 1 3
czewski, Ljublin 1 974, Kavalek­ Re1 Bb5 14 Nc5 ! Nfd7
Rajcevic, Amsterdam 1 975, (1 4 ... Nbd7 is strongly met by 1 5
Kogan-Erlingsson, Reykjavik Nxf7) 1 5 Ncxd7 Nxd7 1 6 Nxd7
1 982 . . . Qxd7 1 7 Be3 a5 (or 1 7 ... Rac8 1 8
(d) 9 . . Qc8 1 0 Bg5 Nbd7 1 1
. a4 bxa3 1 9 bxa3 followed by
cxd5 exd5 1 2 exd5 Nxe5 (12 ... a3 -a4) 1 8 Rc1 Rc8 1 9 e5 Rfd8
Nxd5 fails to 13 Bxe7 Nxe7 14 20 Be4. White stands better,
Bh3) 13 dxe5 Nxd5 14 Bxe7 Nxe7 Schmidt-Hort, Skopje Olympiad
1 5 Ne4 with a clear advantage to 1 972.
White, Krogius-Pozdnyakov,
USSR 1 970. 1 1 b3 (85)
(e) 9 . .. Na6 1 0 Bg5 Nc7 1 1 Rc1 ,
and White has the freer position,
Vadasz-Lputian, Yerevan 1 980.

10 Nxc4 Ba6

10 .. . cS is well met by 1 1 d5 exd5

12 exd5 .
10 . .. Nbd7 can be met by 1 1 Re1
(or 1 1 e5 Nd5 12 Ne4 , and if
12 ... Ba6 13 Qa4!), and if 1 1 ... b5
12 Ne3 Nb6, then 1 3 e5 Nfd5 1 4
Ne4 Nd7 1 5 Qg4 Kh8 1 6 Qh5 with
attacking prospects, Smejkal­ 85
Dooner, Amsterdam 1 973.
10 .. bS, and now:
. This position, which is unfavour­
(a) 1 1 Ne3 b4 1 2 Na4 Nbd7 1 3 able for Black, has occurred many
b 3 Ba6 (this position can be times.
'
reached by transposition in the
main variation) 1 4 Re1 Nb6 1 1 ... bS
(1 4 ... Bb5 is preferable) 15 Nc5
Bxc5 16 dxc5 Qxd1 1 7 Rxd1 Nbd7 11 .. . Nbd7 also favours White:
18 Bd2 Rfb8 19 Nc2 ! Nxc5 20 1 2 Re1 (or 12 Bb2 Rc8 13 a4 Bb4
Nxb4, and White gained the advan- 14 Qc2 Qc7 1 5 Rfd1 Bxc4 1 6 bxc4
with advantage, Polugayevsky­ 1 5 Qc2 c5 (1 5 ... N8d7 1 6 Na5!, or
Bleiman, Skara 1 980), and now: 1 5 ... Nxc4 1 6 bxc4 Nd7 1 7 Rd1
(a) 12 ... Rc8 13 Bf4 Ne8 14 with a clear advantage for White)
Bh3 ! Bb4 1 5 Rc1 c5 1 6 d5 exd5 17 1 6 Rd1 ! Nxc4 1 7 bxc4 Qb6 1 8 d5 !
Qxd5 Ndf6 1 8 Qe5, Petrosian­ (1 8 e5 is weaker in view of
Teschner, USSR v. West Ger­ 18 ... Nc6!, and if 1 9 d5 Nxe5! 20
many, Hamburg 1 960. d6 Bxd6 21 Bxa8 Rxa8, when for
(b) Even before the war, in Bot­ the exchange Black has sufficient
vinnik-Makogonov, 1 1 th USSR compensation), with the advantage
Ch. 1 938 (the game began as a for White in the centre.
Queen's Indian Defence), Black
ended up in a dismal position from 12 ... b4
this variation: 1 2 ... Bb4 1 3 Bd2
b5 1 4 Ne3 Nb6 1 5 e5 Bxc3 16 Bxc3 If Black continues his develop­
Nfd5 17 Qd2 Nd7 1 8 Nxd5 ! cxd5 ment (without ... b4), White gains
19 Bb4, and Black's Q-side was an undisputed advantage in the
paralyzed. centre: 1 2 ... Nbd7 1 3 Bb2 Rc8 14
Re1 Qb6 1 5 f4 Rfd8 1 6 Qf3 ! Bb7
12 Ne3! (on 16 ... Qxd4 there follows 1 7
Ncd5 , and after the only move
After 12 Ne5 b4? ! 1 3 Ne2 the 1 7 ... Qc5 comes 1 8 Racl , when
win of a pawn by Black - the queen has nowhere to go; if
1 3 ... Bxe2 1 4 Qxe2 Qxd4 1 5 Bb2 1 6 ... c5 1 7 d5 with a great posi­
Qb6 16 Nc4 - leads to a position tional advantage - Filip) 17 Kh1
examined in the note to Black's Bf8 1 8 e5 Nd5 1 9 Nxd5 cxd5 20 f5,
1 3th move (there the knight goes Smejkal-Novak, Czechoslovakia
to c4 not from e5, but from e3). But 1 972.
with the knight at e5, instead of the
"automatic" 12 ... b4, Black has 13 Ne2 Nbd7 (86)
the good reply 1 2 ... c5 ! , whereas
after 1 2 Ne3 this move does not The acceptance of the pawn sac­
work in view of 1 3 e5. In other rifice by Black - 13 ... Bxe2 1 4
words, the knight is more favour­ Qxe2 Qxd4, has already been met
ably placed at e3. with the white knight at e5 ( cf. the
After 12 Ne5 b4 1 3 Ne2 the note to White's 1 2th move). After
consequences of 1 3 ... Nfd7 (in­ 1 5 Bb2 Qb6 White has a choice of
stead of 13 ... Bxe2) were investi­ good moves:
gated in an analysis by Roman­ (a) 16 Nc4, which we have
ovsky, dated 1 934 (!): 14 Nc4 Nb6 already met (or 1 6 Racl , Petro-
sian-Khasin, USSR Ch. !-Final Nc4 Nxc4 1 7 bxc4, Najdorf­
1 9S7), and now 16 ... QbS 1 7 Maderna, Mar del Plata 1 9S4.
Bxf6! gxf6 (if 1 7 . . . Bxf6, then 1 8 (b) 14 Bb2 Rc8 1 S Re1 Nb6 1 6
e 5 Be7 1 9 Rad1 with advantage) 1 8 Nf4 Bb7 1 7 Rcl cS 1 8 dS, Quin­
Rad1 a S 1 9 Rfe1 a4 2 0 e S Ra7 2 1 teros-Tatai, 1 973.
Rd4. For the sacrificed pawn 4.112
White has good attacking chances,
Smyslov-Guimard, Groningen 8 ... Ba6 (87)
1 946.
( b) 16 Rfd1 (in this more mod­ Without losing time, Black aims
ern example White bases his play for play on the Q-side.
on seizing the d-file) 1 6 ... Rd8 1 7
Rxd8 Qxd8 1 8 Rd1 Qc7 1 9 Qd3
aS 20 g4 with the initiative, Bely­
avsky-Panchenko, Sumy 1 97 1 .
1 3 ... cS is strongly met by 14 eS
NdS 1S NxdS exdS 1 6 dxcS BxcS
1 7 Bb2.

87

9 cxdS

The development of the bishop

at a6 without loss of time prevents
86 the favourable set-up achieved by
White in variation 4.1 1 1 .
Black has not succeeded in re­ On 9 b3 there can follow
habilitating this old variation of the 9 ... Nfd7, after which White is ob­
Queen's Indian Defence. White liged to clarify the situation: 1 0
has the advantage: Nxd7 Nxd7 1 1 cxdS cxdS, when 1 2
(a) 14 Qc2 Rc8 1 S Rd1 Nb6 1 6 Bb2 Rc8 1 3 Rcl b S 14 a 3 b 4 led
88 Play the Catalan
to an equal position in Reed­ White has the better position:
Guimard, Mar del Plata 1944. (a) 12 ... b5 1 3 e4 b4 1 4 Ne2,
9 Qa4 is occasionally played. We Szabo-Book, Stockholm Inter­
will analyze the consequences of a zonal 1 948.
tactically-based exchanging oper­ (b) 12 ... Nd7 1 3 Bf4 Rc8 14
ation by Black: 9 ... b5 1 0 cxb5 Re 1 b5 15 e4, Davidson-Landau,
cxb5 1 1 Nxb5 Qe8 1 2 Nc3 Qxa4 1 3 match 1 932.
Nxa4 Bxe2. It used to be thought 4. 12
that in this way Black equalizes,
but Inkiov-Yusupov, Minsk 1 982, 8 Bf4 (88)
did not confirm this assessment.
After 15 Nc3 Be8 1 6 Bf4 Black, in A sound continuation, but prob­
order to escape from his difficulties ably not as favourable as 8 Ne5 .
( he has to reckon with the capture White plans Nd2 and e2-e4.
on d5 ) , gave up a pawn to seek
salvation in an ending with
opposite-coloured bishops: 1 6 ...
Nc6 17 Nxd5 Nxd5 18 Bxd5 exd5
19 Nxc6 Bxc6 20 Rxe7.

9 ... cxd5

If 9 ... exd5, then 1 0 Qa4 with

pressure on Black's Q-side.

10 Bf4 Nfd7

10 ... Nbd7 1 1 Nc6 Qe8 1 2

Nxe7 + allows White the advantage 88
of the two bishops.
After 10 ... Bb7 1 1 Rcl Nbd7 1 2 8 ... Bb7
Nd3 a 6 1 3 Bc7! Qe8 (13 ... Qxc7?
14 Nxd5!, when White picks up Other possibilities:
one of the bishops and remains a (a) 8 ... Nbd7 9 Nd2 Ba6 (9 ...
pawn up) 14 Qb3 b5 1 5 a4 White Bb 7 leads to the main variation) 1 0
has the advantage, Bolbochan­ Qa4 Qc8 1 1 cxd5 ! The chances are
Foguelman, Argentina 1 961 . with White; by continuing Rac 1 ,
Rfe 1 and Bh3, h e prepares e2-e4.
1 1 Rcl Nxe5 (b) 8 ... Ba6 9 Bxb8 Rxb8 1 0
12 Bxe5 cxd5 exd5 (1 0 . . . cxd5 is well met
 6 ... c6, 6 ... b6 and 6 ... c5 89

by 1 1 Qa4) 1 1 Qa4 Qc8 1 2 Ne5 b5 1 6 g4! Ba6 (on 1 6 ... g6 White

1 3 Qc2. White has the advantage. plays 1 7 Kh1 and then prepares the
(c) 8 ... NbS 9 Bxb8 Rxb8 10 e4 opening of the g-file) . Here White
with the better game for White. sacrificed the exchange: 1 7 gxf5
Bxfl 1 8 Nxfl Rxf5 1 9 Bh3, and
9 Nd2 Nbd7 after the gift had been sensibly
10 e4 ReS retumed - 1 9 ... g6 20 Ng3 Nf8 2 1
Nxf5 gxf5 2 2 Bfl , he gained the
After 10 ... dxe4 1 1 Ndxe4 Nxe4 better chances.
1 2 Nxe4 Nf6 1 3 Nc3 White has a 4.2
spatial advantage and the more
active position. 6 ... b6

11 eS Ne8 The idea of playing ... c7-c5,

12 Be3 avoiding the loss of time on
... c7-c6, has already been met.
Threatening the K-side pawn But in this variation too White
storm f2-f4-f5 . obtains a promising position.

12 ... Nc7 7 NeS

The tactical attempt to clear the Also good is 7 cxdS exd5 (if
situation in the centre - 12 ... 7 ... Nxd5 , then 8 e4 Nf6 9 Nc3
NxeS 13 cxd5 exd5 1 4 dxe5 d4, Bb7 1 0 Ne5 Nbd7 1 1 Nc4!,
made by Black in Tolush­ Krogius-Simagin, Sochi 1 967, or
Averbakh, 1 6th USSR Ch. 1 948, 1 0 ... Nc6 1 1 Nxc6 Bxc6 12 Bf4
proved unjustified: 15 Bxd4 Qxd4 ReB 13 Rc l , Goldberg-Batuyev,
1 6 Qe2 Nc7 1 7 Nb3 Qb4 1 8 Rfel Leningrad 1 949 - in each case the
Ne6 1 9 Be4! Rfd8 20 Qg4, with opening has gone in White's
advantage to White. favour) 8 Nc3, when after 8 ...
Black can erect a barrier at f5 by Bb7 (89) a favourable variation for
12 ... g6, going onto the defensive White of the Queen's Indian
after 1 3 f4 with 1 3 ... Ng7. Defence is reached - 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4
e6 3 Nf3 b6 4 g3 Bb7 5 Bg2 Be7 6
13 f4 fS 0-0 0-0 7 Nc3 d5 8 cxd5 exd5 .
Without going into the details of
Black mechanically prevents the the analysis and practical
advance of the f-pawn. Vidmar examples relating to this opening,
(jun.)-Ivkov, Opatija 1 957, con­ which are fully covered in other
tinued 14 cxdS Nxd5 1 5 Nxd5 cxd5 literature, we can say that after
PTC-l>
90 Play the Catalan
2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 b6 4 g3 Bb7 5 Bg2
Be7 6 0-0 0-0 7 Nc3 d5 8 Ne5),
which is also judged by theory to
favour White after 8 ... c6 (p. 83),
8 ... Nbd7, 8 ... Qc8 or 8 ... Ne4.
In recent years 8 ... Na6 has been
mainly played here (the idea being
to advance . .. c5 , and if necessary to
play ... Nc7).
4.3
89

6 ..
. cS (91)
both 8 Bg5 and 8 Bf4 Black's plan­
ned ... c5 has clearly unfavourable
With this move order the
consequences. He therefore has to
counter-blow in the centre is rela­
reject this advance in favour of the
tively acceptable for Black.
modest ... c6, and conduct a diffi­
cult defence.

7 ... Bb7
8 Nc3 (90)

91

7 cxdS

90 White can also capture on c5 or

continue his development:
And this diagram shows a posi­ (a) 7 dxcS Bxc5 (7 ... Nc6 8 cxd5
tion from another variation of the Nxd5 is considered under the move
Queen's Indian Defence (1 d4 Nf6 order 7 cxd5 Nxd5 8 dxc5 Nc6) 8
Nc3 (92) (8 cxd5 exd5 leads to a slightly the better game for White.
position from the Tarrasch Barcza-Plater, Balatonfiired
Defence, while 8 ... Nxd5 is ana­ 1 958.
lyzed below; on 8 a3 Black does (b) 7 Qc2 (White allows the
best to reply 8 ... a5 , preventing opponent to determine for himself
b2 -b4). the position in the centre) 7 ... cxd4
8 Nxd4 Nc6 (93) (8 ... Qb6 gives
chances for both sides, but less
good is B ... e5 9 Nf5 Bxf5 1 0 Qxf5
Nc6 1 1 cxd5 Nxd5 12 Nc3 , Smy­
slov-Peretz, Lugano Olympiad
1 968).

92

(a1) 8 ... Nc6 9 Bg5 d4 1 0 Ne4

Be7 1 1 Bxf6 Bxf6 1 2 Nxf6 + Qxf6
1 3 b4 Nxb4 14 Qxd4 Rd8 1 5 Qc5
Nc6 with roughly equal chances, 93
Iliesko-Michel, Mar Del Plata
1 944. (b1) 9 Nxc6 bxc6 1 0 b3 Bb7
(a2) 8 ... dxc4 9 Qa4 Qe7 1 0 (or 10 ... Ba6 1 1 Nd2 ReB 12 Bb2
Qxc4 Nbd7 (after 1 0 . . . a6 1 1 Ne5 Qb6 13 Racl RfdB 14 e3 Nd7 1 5
b5 12 Qh4 Bb 7 13 Ng4! Bxg2 Rfd1 Bf6 with an equal game,
14 Bg5 Bd4 1 5 Rfd1 , Barcza­ Barcza-Bisguier, Budapest 1 96 1 )
Troianescu, Karlovy Vary 1 948, 1 1 Bb2 Qa5 1 2 Nc3 Rfd8 1 3 Na4
White built up a decisive attack, Nd7 14 Rfc1 Rac8 1 5 e3 Nb6, with
e.g. 15 ... h6 1 6 Rxd4 hxg5 1 7 roughly equal possibilities, Korch­
Qxg5 with the threat of 1 8 Nh6 + noi-Lengyel, Havana Olympiad
Kh8 1 9 Rh4 ; if 1 7 ... Nd5 , then 1 8 1 966.
Rxd5 Qxg5 1 9 Rxg5 , and the (b2) 9 Rd1 Qb6 10 e3 Nxd4 1 1
bishop cannot retreat in view of 20 exd4 dxc4 1 2 Nd2 Nd5 1 3 Nxc4
Nf6 + KhB 21 Rh5 mate) 1 1 Bf4 Qc7 1 4 Qb3 Rd8 1 5 Ne3 Nb6 with
Nb6 1 2 Qb3 Nbd5 1 3 Bg5 Nxc3 14 equal chances, Mikenas-Bikhov­
Qxc3 h6 15 Bxf6 gxf6 16 Rac1 with sky, 33rd USSR Ch. 1 965.
92 Play the Catalan
7 ... NxdS (94) sidered in the variation 1 d4 d5 2
Nf3 Nf6 3 c4 e6 4 g3 c5 , chapter 8;
7 ... QxdS 8 Nc3 Qh5 , as 9 . . Bf6 is preferable) 1 0 cxd4 Bd7
.

in Lombardy-Navarro, Mexico 1 1 Ne5 Nc6, Stahlberg-Keres,

1 980, fails to equalize. After 9 match, Stockholm 1 938. After 1 2
dxc5 Rd8 (or 9 ... Bxc5 1 0 Bg5 Nxd7 Qxd7 1 3 e 3 Rfd8 1 4 Rb1
Nbd7 1 1 Rcl ) 1 0 Qc2 Nc6 1 1 Bg5 Rac8 1 5 Bd2 b6 White gained the
Bxc5 12 Bxf6 gxf6 1 3 Rad1 Bd7 1 4 better chances by 1 6 Qb3 .
Nd5 White has the advantage (b) 8 ... cxd4 9 Nxd5 Qxd5 1 0
{14 ... Be7 15Nxe7 + Nxe7 16 Qc7 Nxd4, and White's lead i n devel­
Qb5 1 7 Nd4 Qxb2 18 Nxe6). opment gives him good prospects,
7 ... exdS leads to a position from Smyslov-Prins, Leipzig Olympiad
the Tarrasch Defence. 1 960.
4.31

8 e4

White strengthens his position in

the centre, although in doing so he
restricts his "Catalan bishop".
We analyze the knight retreats
8 ... Nf6 (4.3 1 1) and 8 ... Nb6
(4. 3 1 2) .
A third possibility i s 8 ... Nc7 9
Nc3 (or 9 Bf4 Nc6 1 0 dxc5 Na6 1 1
Qe2 Nxc5 1 2 Rd1 Qa5 1 3 Nbd2
Rd8 1 4 Nc4 White's position is
94
-

preferable, Bolbochan-Palermo,
Here we analyze 8 e4 {4. 3 1 ) and Mar del Plata 1 956) 9 ... Nc6 {after
8 dxcS (4.32). 9 ... cxd4 1 0 Nxe4 e5?! 1 1 Nf5 Nc6
There is also 8 Nc3, which after 12 Be3 Be6 13 Nd5 Nxd5 1 4
8 ... Nc6 9 Nxd5 leads to a position Nh6+! gxh6 15 exd5 White gained
from the English Opening (1 c4 c5 the advantage in Alekhine v.
2 Nc3 Nf6 3 g3 d5 4 cxd5 Nxd5 Milner-Barry, Margate 1 938; in
5 Bg2 e6 6 Nf3 Be7 7 0-0 0-0 the event of 1 0 ... Nd7 1 1 Qe2
8 d4). Here are two less usual con­ White has the initiative) 1 0 Be3
tinuations: (1 0 d5 exd5 11 exd5 Nb4 12 Ne5
(a) 8 ... Nxc3 9 bxc3 cxd4 should also be tried) 1 0 ... cxd4 1 1
(9 ... Nc6 leads to positions con- Nxd4 Nxd4 1 2 Bxd4 Bd7 1 3 Qh5 .
White has the more active posi­ In the event of 10 . . . e5 1 1 NdbS
tion, Dake-Fine, USA Ch. 1 93 3 . Nc6 (if 1 1 ... a6 12 QxdB BxdB 13
4.311 Nd6 ) 1 2 NdS White's position is
better.
8 ... Nf6 (95) 10 ... Nbd7 1 1 Qe2 Qc7 1 2 Be3
Rd8 13 Rac1 Qb8, Pytel-Miag­
marsuren, Poljanica Zdroj 1 972, is
unfavourable for Black - 1 4 f4 !

1 1 Nxc6 bxc6

(a) 12 Qc2 Ba6 1 3 Rd1 QaS

14 Bd2, Keres-Stahlberg, match,
Stockholm 1 938.
(b) 12 Qa4 Qb6 1 3 Rb1 Ba6 14
Be3 Qb7 1 S Rfd 1 , Ragozin-Elis­
kases, Moscow 1 936.
In both examples White has the
more promising position.
95 4.312

9 Nc3 8 ..
. Nb6
9 Nc3 (96)
After 9 e5 NdS 1 0 dxcS Nd7 1 1
a3 aS 1 2 Bd2 NxcS 1 3 Nc3 Nxc3 After 9 dxcS Qxd1 1 0 Rxd1
1 4 Bxc3 Bd7 1 S Qe2 Qb6 White BxcS (1 0 ... Na4 1 1 Ne5 Nxc5 12
failed to gain an advantage in Nc3 Nbd7 13 Nc4 is less good for
Stahlberg-Prins, Hamburg 19SS. Black, Garcia-Emma, Agentina
1 96 1 ) it is difficult for White to
9 ... cxd4 count on an advantage:
(a) 1 1 Nc3 Bd7 1 2 Bf4 Bc6 ! ,
9 ... Nc6 is well met by 1 0 dS Smyslov-Reshevsky, USSR v .
exdS 1 1 exdS Nb4 1 2 NeS, seizing USA 1 9S4.
space. Eliskases-Hermann, Elster (b) 11 b3 Nc6 Bb2 Bd7 1 3 Nc3
1 939, continued 1 2 ... BfS 1 3 a3 Rfd8 14 NbS NeS 1 S NxeS BxbS,
Bd6 14 axb4 cxb4 1 S Nc4 bxc3 1 6 Bakonyi-Lengyel, Hungary 1 9S2.
bxc3 with advantage to White. In both cases the game is level.
(a) 9 ... Nc6 1 0 dxcS BxcS 1 1 Bf4
10 Nxd4 Nc6 Qxd1 1 2 Rfxd1 f6, Bertok-Parma,
94 Play the Catalan

96 97
Yugoslav Ch. 1 965. After 1 3 Rac1 1 1 Ne4) 1 0 Qe4, Petrosian-Ree,
(13 Bd6? Bxd6 1 4 Rxd6 Nc4) Las Palmas 1 973. After 10 ... f5
1 3 ... e5 1 4 Nd5 Bd4 Black equal­ (instead 1 0 ... Qd5 comes into con­
ized, but 14 NbS came into consid­ sideration, and if 1 1 Nc3 Qxe4 12
eration: after 14 ... Bxf2+ 1 5 Kxf2 Nxe4 Nc2 13 Rbl e5 with a
exf4 1 6 gxf4 White's position is double-edged position) 1 1 Qc4
preferable. Qd5 1 2 Na3 ! Qxc5 (or 12 ... Qxc4
(b) 9 ... cxd4 1 0 Nxd4 Nc6 13 Nxc4 Bxc5 1 4 Bf4 with the
(1 0 ... Bf6 is weaker in view of 1 1 better position for White) 13 Bg5
Ndb5 Nc6 12 Be3 Nc4 13 Bc5 with h6 14 Bxe7 Qxe7 15 Rfd1 a6 1 6
advantage to White, Fine-Kash­ Qb3 Bd7 1 7 Nc4 White obtained
dan, New York 1 938) 1 1 Nxc6 the better game.
bxc6 1 2 Qd2 e5 1 3 Be3 Be6 14
Rfd1 Qc7 1 5 Rac1 Qb7. White's 9 Qc2
advantage is minimal.
4.32 On the immediate 9 a3 Black
should hinder White's Q-side ex­
8 dxcS (97) pansion by playing 9 ... a5 . In the
event of 9 ... Nc6 there can follow
8 ... BxcS 1 0 b4 Be7 (or 1 0 ... Bb6 1 1 Bb2
Qe7 12 Nbd2 Rd8 13 Qb3 Bd7
8 ... Nc6 or in the other order -14 Nc4 Bc7 15 Racl Rac8 1 6
7 dxc5 Nc6 8 cxd5 Nxd5) has also Rfd1 with the better prospects
been played: 9 Qc2 Ndb4 (9 ... for White, Dizdarevic-Moring,
Qa5 is strongly met by 10 Ng5! Nf6 Albena 1 982) 1 1 Bb2 Bf6 1 2 Qb3,
 6 ... c6, 6 ... b6 and 6 ... c5 95
and now: became simplified, but White's
(a) On 1 2 ... a5 White should marked lead in development gave
reply 1 3 e4 (but not 13 b5 in view him the advantage.
of 13 ... a4! 14 Qc2 Na5), and if 4.321
1 3 ... Bxb2 1 4 Qxb2 Qf6?! (instead
9 .. . Qe7
14 ... Nb6 comes into considera-
10 a3 Nc6
tion, and if 1 5 b5 Na7 1 6 a4 , then
1 6 ... Bd7, intending ... Rc8-c5
Here too 10 ... aS can be recom­
and ... NcB - Stean) 1 5 Qxf6 Nxf6
mended.
1 6 b5 Ne7 1 7 Nc3 , with a posi­
After 10 ... Bb6 1 1 Nbd2 Nf6 1 2
tional advantage for White,
Nc4 Bc7 1 3 b4 White obtained the
Stean-Rajcevic, Bar 1 977.
better game in Polugayevsky-K.
(b) 12 ... Bd7 1 3 Nbd2 (or 13 e1
Grigorian, 41st USSR Ch. 1 973.
Bxb2 1 4 Qxb2 Nb6 1 5 Rd1 Qe7 1 6
Nbd2 with slightly the better
1 1 b4
chances for White, P. Nikolic­
Hulak, Yugoslav Ch. 19S1} 1 3 ...
It is less favourable to play 1 1
Bxb2 (White also has the better
e4 and only after the retreat of
game after 13 ... Qe7 14 e4 Bxb2
the knight to advance b2-b4.
1 5 Qxb2 Nf6 1 6 e5 Nd5 1 7 Ne4 ,
In Robitschek-Honlinger, Vienna
Pigusov-Semkov, Sochi 1 9S2} 1 4
1 932, after 1 1 ... Nc7 1 2 b4 Bd4!
Qxb2 ReS 1 5 Racl Qe7 1 6 Nc4
1 3 Nxd4 Nxd4 1 4 Qb2 e5 Black
RfdS 1 7 b5 NbS l S e4 Nb6 1 9
equalized.
Nxb6 axb6 2 0 e 5 . White has the
advantage, Andrijevic-Petursson, 11 ... Bb6
Subotica 1 9 S l . If 20 ... Rc5, then
21 Rxc5 Qxc5 (21 ... bxc5 22 Nd2) Now 1 1 ... Bd4 no longer has any
22 Rdl ReS 23 a4, and Black's point, since the white e-pawn is still
minor pieces cannot escape from on its initial square, and Black can­
imprisonment. not establish his knight at d4.
· Black has 9 ... Qe7 (4.321) or
9 .. . Be7 (4.322). 12 Bb2 Bd7
A third continuation - 9 ... Qc7
occurred in Whiteley-Jigjidsuren, White's position is preferable,
Siegen Olympiad 1 970. After 1 0 and he can choose either 13 e4!
Nc3 Nd7 1 1 Bd2 (1 1 Nxd5?? Nc7 14 Nc3 , Eliskases-Weil,
Bxf2 +) 11 ... Bb4 12 Racl Nxc3 Oeynhausen 1 93S, or 13 Nbd2
13 Bxc3 Bxc3 14 Qb3 Qb6 1 5 RacS 14 Nc4.
Qxc5 Nf6 1 6 Ne5 the position 4.322
96 Play the Catalan
9 ... Be7 10 Nbd2 b 6 1 1 Nc4 Bb7 1 2 Bd2
10 Rd1 (98) Nd7 13 Rac1 Rc8 14 Qb1 N5f6 1 5
Bf4 Ne4 did not give White any
After 10 a3 Nc6 the following advantage in Filip-Pachman, Har­
possibilities have been tried: rachov 1 966.
( a) 1 1 e4 Nb6 1 2 Rd1 Bd7 1 3
Nc3 e 5 ( White has the better
chances after 13 ... QeB 14 Bf4
RdB 1 5 Racl , Muller-Danielsson,
Munich 1 942) 14 Be3 ( or 14 Nd5
ReB 1 5 Qe2 with the better pros­
pects for White) 1 4 ... Nc4 1 5 Bh3
Nxe3 16 fxe3 Nd4, Hort-Parma,
Polanica Zdroj 1 964. After 1 7
Nxd4! Bxh3 1 8 Nf5 Qc7 1 9 Qd2
and then Nd5 White has the better
position.
(b) 1 1 Rd1 , and now:
(b 1 ) 1 1 ... Bd7 1 2 e4 Nf6
(12 ... Nb6 13 Ne3 ReB is perhaps 98
preferable, although even here the
chances are with White after 14 ( a) 10 ... Nd7?! 1 1 Nc3 Nxc3 1 2
Bf4) 1 3 Nc3 Rc8 14 Bf4 b5? ! , Qxc3, Smyslov-Donner, Havana
when 1 5 Qe2 c6 1 6 e 5 gave White 1 965. Anti-positional play by
the better position in Olafs­ Black - 1 2 ... aS (12 ... Bf6 is pre­
son-Petursson, Reykj avik 1 978. ferable, although after 13 Qe2
(b2) 11 ... Qb6 1 2 e4 Nf6 1 3 Be3 White's position is better) 1 3 Be3
Qa5 1 4 Nc3 . Ribli-Pomar, Las Ra6 led to a swift catastrophe: 1 4
Palmas 1 974, continued 14 ... Ng4 Nd4 a 4 1 5 Racl Qa5? 1 6 Qxa5
1 5 Bf4 Bc5 (1 5 ... e4 1 6 Bd2 Be5 Rxa5 1 7 Rxc8! Rxc8 1 8 Bxb7, and
1 7 Bel leads to an advantage for Black had to resign, since if the
White) 1 6 Rfl (the variation J 6 b4 rook moves there follows 1 9 Nc6,
Bxf2 + 1 7 Qxf2 Nxf2 J B bxa5 winning material.
Nxdl 1 9 Rxdl Nxa5 is interesting (b) 10 ... Nc6, and now:
- White's two minor pieces are (b1 ) In Smyslov-Aronin, Mos­
probably stronger than the rook cow 1 966 (where this position was
and two pawns) 1 6 ... Nd4 1 7 Qd1 reached by transposition) , White
Nxf3 + 18 Qxf3 e5 19 b4, with gained some advantage after 1 1 e4
advantage to White (1 9 ... Bxf2 + Ndb4 1 2 Qe2 Qb6 1 3 Nc3 Qa6 1 4
20 Rxf2 Qb6 21 Bd2). Qxa6 Nxa6 1 5 Bf4 Nc5 1 6 Bd6
 6 ... c6, 6 .. . b6 and 6 ... c5 97

Bxd6 17 Rxd6 Nd7 (1 7 ... e5 sideration, and if 13 Bd2 Qh5) 1 2

comes into consideration - 1 8 Nxd5 exd5 1 3 Bd2 Qa6 14 Bc3
Rd5 Nd7) 1 8 Rad1 Nb6 1 9 b3 e5 with slightly the better position
20 R1d2. for White, Zhidkov-Gershman,
(b2 ) 11 Nc3 Qa5 (1 1 ... Ndb4 USSR 1 978.
12 Qb3 Qa5 comes into con-
 5

4 . . . B b4+

1 d 4 Nf& 2 c4 e& 3 g 3 d 5 4 Bg2 classification assigns this variation

to the Bogo-Indian Defence (cf.,
4 ... Bb4+ (99) for example, the Yugoslav En­
cyclopaedia of Chess Openings).
But i n games from recent years the
manoeuvre ... Bb4-e7 has also
been employed with the Catalan
move order, which has prompted
us to devote a special section to
it. Here other variations after
... Bb4+ are also presented.
White continues 5 Bd2 (5 . 1 ) or 5
Nd2 (5.2}.
5 Nc3 leads to a position from the
so-called Romanishin Variation of
the Nimzo-Indian Defence (1 d4
99
Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4 4 g3 d5 5
Bg2 ).
The positions resulting after the 5. 1
bishop check at b4 stand at the
junction of two openings: the 5 Bd2
Bogo-Indian Defence and the
Catalan Opening.
With the Bogo-Indian move Black can reply 5 ... Be7 (5. 1 1},
order, namely 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 5 .. Bxd2+ (5 . 1 2}, 5 . .. Qe7 (5 . 1 3)
.

Nf3 Bb4 + , the diagram position or 5 ... aS (5 . 1 4).

arises if Black plays ... d5 and 5.11
White fianchettoes his king's
bishop. The present-day opening 5. .. Be7 (100)
98
 4 ... Bb4 + 99
with 7 ... c5 . After 8 dxc5 (8 Nf3
leads to a position from the Filger­
Dubinin game given below)
8 ... Na6 9 cxd5 Nxc5 1 0 Qd1 exd5
1 1 Be3 Nce4 Black obtained good
piece play in Vasiiiev..:.Foriiiny�
USSR 1 979.
In the event of 7 cxd5 (instead of
7 Qb3) 7 ... exd5 8 Nf3 c6 9 0-0
-
Bf5 tiie posltioiitakes oli ihe1onii ­
of the Queen's Gambit Exchange
Variation. Both sides have chances
(Golombek-Ivkov, Zagreb 1 965) .
100
The question immediately 6 ... 0-0
arises: why does Black develop his
bishop at e7 not in one move Honfi-Dely, Miskolc 1 963,
( ... Bf8-e7), but in two ( ... Bf8- went 6 .. . Ne4 7 0-0 Nxd2 8 Nbxd2
b4 + and ... Bb4--e7), allowing 0-0 9 e4 dxe4 1 0 Nxe4 Nd7 1 1
White to gain a tempo - by Qc2 Nf6 1 2 Rfd1 (12 Rad1 is also
developing his bishop at d2 "for good) 1 2 ... c6 1 3 Ne5 with the
free"? freer position for White. On 1 3 ...
The point is that at d2 the bishop Qc7 White should have considered
is far from well placed. In a number 14 c5 (instead of 14 f4 Bd7 15
of variations it hinders its own Kh1 Rad8 a s played, which was
pieces in controlling the centre. In less convincing).
addition, the d2 square may be 6 ... dxc4 transposes into a po si­
needed for the queen's knight, and tion from the Open Variation
in closed set-ups the bishop is (3 ... d5 4 Bg2 dxc4 5 N/3 Bb4 +)
advantageously deployed at b2. - cf. Vol. 1 , p . 2 1 0.

6 Nf3 7 0-0

If White delays the development Other possibilities:

of his king' s knight (with the idea of (a) 7 Qb3, and:
leaving the "Catalan diagonal" (a1) 7 ... b6 8 cxd5 exd5 9
open for the moment and of Nc3 Bb7 1 0 Ne5 (1 0 0-0 leads to
putting direct pressure on d5) - 6 variations considered below)
Nc3 0-0 7 Qb3, Black can counter 10 ... Nbd7 1 1 Nd3 (1 1 Nxd5 Nxd5
1 00 Play the Catalan
12 Bxd5 Bxd5 13 Qxd5 is un- is well prepared for a battle in the
favourable for White in view of centre; there can follow 8 cxd5
13 ... Nxe5 1 4 Qxe5 Bf6 or 1 4 Nxd5 9 dxc5 Bxc5 1 0 Nc3 Nxc3 1 1
Qxd8 Nd3 +!) 1 1 ... c6 1 2 0-0 Re8. Bxc3 Nc6 1 2 Qxd8 Rxd8 1 3 Rfd l .
Both sides have chances, Auer- The position has simplified, but
Pachman, West Germany v White has a typical Catalan posi-
Czechoslovakia 1 955. tional advantage.
(a2) The more energetic 7 ... c5 (d) 7 ... b6 8 cxd5 exd5 9 Nc3
was played in Filger-Dubinin, Bb7 1 0 Rc1 c5 1 1 Bf4 Na6 (the
corr. 1 973-74, and after 8 Nc3 knight moves away from the centre
cxd4 9 Nxd4 e5 1 0 Ndb5 dxc4 1 1 but, in contrast to 1 1 ... Nbd7, it
Qxc4 Nc6! Black gained good controls both c5 and c7) 1 2 dxc5
counterplay. bxc5 1 3 Ne5 Nc7 14 Nc4 (14
(b) In Kuligowski-Browne, Nd3!? - Psakhis). The impression
Wijk aan Zee 1 983, White vacated is that White has a strong position,
d2 for his knight and managed but after 14 ... Rb8 ! 1 5 Bxc7 Qxc7
without Qc2 or Qb3: 7 BgS Nbd7 8 1 6 Nxd5 Bxd5 1 7 Bxd5 Rbd8 1 8
0-0 c 6 9 Nbd2 b 6 1 0 Rcl Bb7 1 1 e4 Nxe4 Black regained the tem­
cxd5 exd5 (1 1 ... cxd5 12 Ne5), porarily sacrificed pawn, with
with chances for both sides. equal chances, Timoshchenko-
Psakhis, 49th USSR Ch. 1 98 1 .
7 ... c6
8 Qc2
Or:
(a) 7 ... Nbd7 and then ... c6 In analogy with previous lines,
(e.g., after 8 Qc2), which trans­ White can choose 8 Qb3. The dif­
poses into the main line. The point ference is that here Black has
of developing the knight before played ... c6. After 8 ... b6 (101 )
playing ... c6 is to be able to meet 8 this is how events can develop:
Qb3 with 8 ... c5 without loss of (a) 9 Nc3 Bb7 10 Rac1 Nbd7,
time. and:
(b) 7 ... dxc4 8 Qc2 a6 9 Qxc4 b5 (a1) 1 1 cxd5 cxd5 1 2 Rc2 Rc8 1 3
10 Qc2 Bb7 leads to a position Rfcl with a slight initiative for
from the Open Variation, where in White, Andersson-Polugayevsky,
the given case the extra tempo (the Bugojno 1 982.
bishop developed at d2) plays a (a2) 11 Bf4 NbS (1 1 ... c5 can be
significant role. met by 12 cxd5 Nxd5 13 Nxd5
(c) 7 ... cS. After completing the Bxd5 1 4 Qc2 cxd4 1 5 Nxd4 Bxg2
development of his K-side, White 1 6 Kxg2 , when White bases his
 4 ... Bb4 + 101
game Gulko-Lerner, USSR 1 985,
ended in a draw.
(c) 9 Bf4, with two possibilities:
(cl) 9 ... Ba6 1 0 Nbd2 Nbd7 1 1
Rfd1 Nh5 (102) (after 1 1 ... c5 12
Racl White's game is preferable) .

play on exploiting the weak c6

square) 12 Be3 f5 13 cxd5 exd5 1 4
Ne5 Nxe5 1 5 dxe5 Kh8 1 6 f4 g5
(1 6 ... g6 came into consideration,
intending to transfer the knight 102
to e6) 1 7 Kh1 , and now instead
of 1 7 ... Qe8? (Chiburdanidze- 1 2 e4 Nxf4 1 3 gxf4 Bb7 (the
Akhmylovskaya, Worfd Cham- following lines favour White:
·· -

pionship Match 1 986), 1 7 ... g4 13 ... dxe4 14 Nxe4 Qc7 15 Ne5

followed by ... Ng7-e6 and the Nxe5 1 6 fxe5 c5 1 7 Nd6! Bxd6 1 8
advance o f the h-pawn would have exd6 -Qxd6 1 9 Qa4, 13 ... dxc4 1 4
been more logical. Nxc4 Qc7 1 5 e5 , and 13 ... Qc7 14
(a3) 11 Rfd1 (White is not in a cxd5 cxd5 1 5 exd5 exd5 1 6 Ne5
hurry to fix the central pawns) Nf6 1 7 Racl ) 1 4 Rac1 Rc8. We
1 1 ... Re8 (the immediate 1 1 ... are following Kasparov-Hiibner,
ReB comes into consideration, and Training Match, Hamburg 1 985.
if 12 Bf4 Nh5) 1 2 Bf4 Rc8 1 3 Ne5 After 15 Qe3 Nf6 16 Ne5 Rc7 a
Nxe5 1 4 Bxe5 Qd7 1 5 e4. White's tense position was reached with
posttton is slightly freer, chances for both sides. The quieter
Sosonko-Browne, Tilburg 1 978. 1 5 cxd5 exd5 16 e5 would have led
(b) 9 cxd5 cxd5 10 Rc1 Bb7 1 1 to an equal position.
a4 Nc6 1 2 a5 Rc8 1 3 Nc3 Ba6 14 An interesting alternative is 1 2
Qa4. After some complications - Be3 f5 1 3 Qa4 Bb7 (13 ... Bxc4 14
1 4 ... bxa5 1 5 Nxd5 Nxd5 1 6 Nxc4 b5 is weak in view of 1 5 Qa6
.

Rxc6 Rxc6 1 7 Qxc6 Bxe2 1 8 Bxa5 Bxc4 16 Qxc6) 14 cxd5 exd5 (if
Qb8 19 Qc2 Bxf3 20 Bxf3 - the 14 ... cxd5 1 5 Ne5! Nxe5 1 6 dxe5
1 02 Play the Catalan
with advantage to White) 1 5 Ne5 8 ... Nbd7 (104)
Nxe5 16 dxe5 Qe8 17 f4 g6 1 8 Nf3
Ng7, with a complicated game and
chances for both sides (analysis by
Kasparov) .
(c2) The standard development
9 ... Bb7 (103) is also employed:

104

A similar position was reached in

the main line of the Closed Varia­
103 tion - 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 Be7 5 Nf3
0-0 6 0-0 Nbd7 7 Qc2 c6. How­
1 0 Nc3 Nbd7 1 1 Rfd1 c5 1 2 dxc5 ever, there is a difference, and a
(12 cxd5 Nxd5 13 Nxd5 Bxd5 1 4 fairly significant one. The bishop
Qc2 Nf6 leads to an equal game) then was at c1 (rather than d2), and
1 2 ... Nxc5 1 3 Qc2 Qc8, Romani­ White had the possibility of fian­
shin-Polugayevsky, Moscow 1 985. chettoing it (8 b3 and Bb2 , or 8
By continuing now 14 cxd5 Nxd5 Nbd2 , b2 -b3 and Bb2).
1 5 Nxd5 Bxd5 16 Ng5 Bxg5 1 7 If in the diagram position White
Bxd5 exd5 1 8 Bxg5 Qe6 1 9 Be3, continues 9 Bf4, this transposes
White would have had slightly into another line of the main varia­
the better chances. In the game tion - 8 Bf4 (each side has lost a
Romanishin played the active 1 4 tempo - Black on ... Bb4-e7, and
Nb5 , to which the correct reply was White on Bd2 -!4).
1 4 ... dxc4! , with the idea of meet­ But before analysing the dia­
ing 1 5 Bd6 with 1 5 ... Bxd6 1 6 gram position, we will look at vari­
Nxd6 Qc7 1 7 Nxc4 Be4. ations in which for the time being
Instead of 1 1 Rfd1 White can Black refrains from developing his
consider 1 1 cxd5 cxd5 1 2 a4, and if queen's knight or else develops it at
1 2 ... a6 1 3 Rac1 Rc8 14 Rc2, with a6. 8 ... b6 (105) .
slightly the better prospects (a) 9 Nc3 Ba6 1 0 cxd5 cxd5 1 1
(analysis by Polugayevsky) . Ne5 Nfd7 (this allows a combina-
 4 ... Bb4 + 1 03

Kxf8 19 Qh3 cxd4! - for the sac­

rificed exchange Black has com­
pensation) 1 5 ... exd5 1 6 Nh4
Rad8, Nogueiras-Tal, Candidates
Tournament, Montpellier 1 985.
Here 17 Rad l , with the idea of
taking on d5 with the bishop,
would have led to a roughly equal
position (in the game 1 7 cxd5 g6
gave Black the more pleasant posi­
---.os--
tion) - analysis by Tal.
tion) 1 2 Nxd5 exd5 1 3 Nxf7 Rxf7 (d) 9 Rdl -Bb7 1 0 Bg5 Nbd7 1 1
1 4 Bxd5 Nf6 1 5 Bxa8 Bxe2 1 6 Nc3 Rc8 1 2 e4 h6 (12 ... dxe4 13
Rfel Bg4 1 7 Qc4 Nbd7. In this
·
Nxe4 c5 leads to a position similar
complicated position White has a to the previous variation - only,
rook and two pawns for two minor the moves Rfd1 and . . Rac8 have
.

pieces, Yusupov-Makarichev, been added, which is significant in

Moscow Ch. 1 98 1 . view of White's intended d4-d5)
(b) In Belyavsky-Makarichev, 1 3 Bxf6 Nxf6 1 4 Ne5 Qc7 1 5 Qe2.
USSR Ch. 1 st League 1 978, great White has somewhat the freer posi­
complications resulted from 9 Ne5 tion, but 1 5 ... dxe4 1 6 Nxe4 c5 1 7
Ba6 10 b4 dxc4 1 1 Nxc6 Nxc6 1 2 Nxf6+ Bxf6 1 8 Bxb7 Qxb7 1 9
Bxc6 Rc8 1 3 b 5 Qxd4 14 Nc3 Rxc6 dxc5 Bxe5 2 0 Qxe5 Rxc5 enabled
1 5 bxc6 b5. For the exchange Black- to equalize. In the resulting
Bla�k probably has sufficient com­ position White's ·o-side pawn
pensation. majority does not promise any­
(c) 9 Bg5 (the modem continua­ thing, Smejkal-Belyavsky, Mos­
tion) 9 ... Nbd7 1 0 Nbd2 Bb7 1 1 e4 cow 1981 .
dxe4 12 Nxe4 c5 13 Nxf6+ (in the (e) 9 cxd5 cxd5 1 0 Rcl (1 0 Bf4
event of 13 Bxf6 Black should play Bb 7 1 1 Ne5 is well met by 1 1 ...
13 .. , Bxf6 , and if 1 4 Nd6 Bc6 with Nfd7!, Kuzmin-Kengis, Tolyatti
roughly equal chances; after 13 ... 1 985; after 12 e4 Nxe5 13 Bxe5
Nxf6 14 Nxf6+ Bxf6 15 dxc5 bxc5 Nc6 14 exd5 Nb4 1 5 Qd1 Bxd5 1 6
1 6 Ng5 White's position is prefer­ Nc3 Bxg2 1 7 Kxg2 Nd5 a com­
able) 1 3 ... Bxf6 1 4 Bxf6 Qxf6 1 5 pletely level position was reached)
d5 (after 15 Ng5 Qxg5 1 6 iJxb 7 1 0 ... B b7 1 1 Qc7 Ba6 1 2 Bfl
Rad8 Black is excellently Qxc7 13 Rxc7 Bd6. Black has
developed; interesting complica­ successfully solved his opening
tions result from 1 5 Ne5 Bxg2 1 6 problems, Timoshchenko-Mak­
Nxd7 Qf3 1 7 Nxf8 Bh1 1 8 Qxh7+ arichev, 46th USSR Ch. 1 978.
1 04 Play the Catalan
(f) After 9 b3 Bb7 1 0 Bf4 we 1 0 Nc3 b6 1 1 cxdS NxdS the
should mention the plan with the . unfortunate manoeuvre 1 2 Na2
flank development of the knight: allowed him to obtain a good game
10 ... Na6 1 1 Rd1 Rc8 1 2 Nc3 Qe8 by 1 2 ... Ba6 1 3 Rfe1 cS 14 e4 Nb4
13 e4 cS 1 4 exdS exdS 1S Rel . 1 S Nxb4 axb4 1 6 dS exdS 1 7 exdS
Black's position looks uneasy, but Bf6. Instead of 1 2 Na2 the natural
by holding giving up his queen for plan was 1 2 NxdS cxdS 1 3 b4 axb4
rook and minor piece - 1 S ... dxc4 1 4 Rfb 1 , with chances for both
1 6 Bd6 Nb4 1 7 Qd2 Bxd6 1 8 Rxe8 sides.
Rfxe8 1 9 bxc4 cxd4 20 Nxd4 Bxg2
21 Kxg2 BeS 22 Rb1 Rxc4 he (c) 9 b3 b6 (106).
gained quite sufficient compensa­
tion, Timoshchenko-Belyavsky,
49th USSR Ch. 1 9 8 1 .

9 Rdl (107)

As already stated, in carrying out

his usual plan in the Closed Varia­
tion of Nbd2 and e2-e4 or b2-b3,
Bb2, Nbd2 and e2-e4, White is
hindered by the "tempo won" -
the bishop at d2, and 9 Nc3 obliges
him to reckon with the capture of
his c4 pawn. (cl) 1 0 Bc3 (in analogy with the
Other continuations: main line of the Closed Variation,
(a) 9 cxdS cxdS 1 0 Re1 b6 1 1 White transfers his bishop to the
Qa4 Bb7 1 2 Na3 a6 1 3 Bb4. White long diagonal) 10 ... Bb7 (Razu­
has some initiative on the Q-side, vayev-Eingorn, Moscow 1 986,
but after 1 3 ... Bxb4 1 4 Qxb4 Rc8 went 10 ... Ba6 11 Nbd2 b5 12 c5
1 S NeS NxeS 1 6 dxeS Nd7 1 7 Qd6 b4 13 Bxb4 Bxe2 14 Rfe1 , when
NcS 18 Qxd8 Rfxd8 Black man­ White's position was preferable)
aged to neutralize it in Smejkal­ 1 1 Nbd2 cS (1 1 ... ReB and then
Polugayevsky, Moscow 1 9 8 1 . ... c5 is also possible) 1 2 dxcS NxcS
(b) 9 a4. An old continuation, 1 3 Qb2 (a possibility which
which occurred back in Go­ becomes available with the bishop
lovko�Averbakh, Moscow Ch. at c3) 1 3 ... Rc8 14 Rfd1 Qe8 1 S
1 9SO. Black fixed the weakness of NeS b S 1 6 cxbS QxbS' 1 7 e 3 a S 1 8
the b4 square by 9 ... aS , and after Bd4. White's position is slightly
 4 ... Bb4 + 1 0S
preferable, Korchnoi-Polugayev­ loniki Olympiad 1 984. Now
sky, London 1 984. 1 S ... Bd6 followed by ... Bb8
(c2) 1 0 Nc3 Bb7 (after 1 0 ... Ba6 would have led to a complicated
1 1 Rfd1 it is dangerous to capture struggle with chances for both sides
twice on c4: 1 1 ... dxe4 12 bxe4 (analysis by Polugayevsky).
Bxe4 13 Ne5!) 1 1 Rad l . White's (d) 9 Bf4 b6 1 0 cxdS (1 0 Nbd2
position is the more promising. On Bb7 1 1 e4 ReB transposes into one
1 1 ... cS (1 1 ... ReB 12 e4) he can of the main lines of the Closed
increase his initiative by 12 cxdS Variation - by playing Bd2 -f4
exdS 1 3 dxcS NxcS 14 Nd4 Ne6 White has returned his extra
1S NfS BcS 16 Be3 Bb4 17 Qd3 tempo) 1 0 ... cxdS 1 1 Bc7 Qe8 1 2
Rc8 18 Nb1 , Palatnik-Ambroz, Nc3, Plachetka-Ambroz, Czech
Hradec Kralove 1 981 . Ch. 1 982. After 1 2 ... Bb7 (on
(c3) 1 0 Rd1 Ba6 (of course, the 12 ... Ba6 White can play 13 Qa4
bishop can be developed at b7, and QeB 14 Rfcl ! Qb7 15 Nb5 RfeB 1 6
1 0 ... a5 followed by ... Ba6 is also Bf4 Bxb5 1 7 Qxb5 , with the more
possible) 1 1 a4 ! Ne4 1 2 Bf4 Rc8 1 3 pleasant position) 1 3 Rfcl (in the
Nbd2 Nxd2 1 4 Rxd2. I n Polu­ event of 13 Nb5 Ne4! 1 4 Nd2 Nxd2
gayevsky-Korchnoi, Candidates 1 5 Qxd2 Ne5! chances are equal)
Match, Evian 1 977, the aggressive 13 ... Nb8 ! (13 ... ReB is strongly
14 ... gS? ! 1 S Be3 fS 1 6 Rdd1 Bf6 met by 1 4 Nb5!) 1 4 a4 Nc6 1 S NbS
17 Rac1 h6 1 8 Qd2 Bg7 1 9 h4 Qd7 1 6 NeS NxeS 1 7 BxeS Rfc8 1 8
compromised Black's position. Qb3 White can develop his Q-side
Instead of 14 ... gS Black should initiative by Rc3 and then Rac1
have considered the quiet 14 ... (analysis by Plachetka).
Nf6 or 1 4 ... Bd4 (Keene).
(c4) 1 0 a4 Bb7 (1 0 . .. Ba6 1 1
Rd1 transposes into the Polu­
gayevsky-Korchnoi game) 1 1 aS
cS 12 a6 Bc6 13 cxdS exdS
(13 ... Bxd5 and if 1 4 Nc3 Bxf3 1 5
Bxf3 exd4 cannot b e recom­
mended in view of 1 6 Nb5 ReB 1 7
Qb2 , when the a7 pawn cannot be
defended; however, 13 ... Nxd5 is
possible, and if 14 e4 Nf6 15 Ne3
ReB, Li Zunian-Ribli, Lucerne
1 98S) 1 4 Nc3 Rc8 1 S Rfd1 ,
Speelman-Polugayevsky, Thessa- 107
1 06 Play the Catalan
9 ... b6 (108)

Apart from this continuation,

Black also has another "Catalan
reply" which we have already con­
sidered, namely 9 ... b5 and if 1 0 c5
aS, but in this line White's chances
are preferable:
(a) 1 1 a3 Ne4 12 Nc3 f5 1 3
Nxe4 fxe4 1 4 Nel Bf6 1 5 Bc3 Qe7
16 f3 exf3 17 Nxf3 e5 1 8 e4! exd4
1 9 Nxd4 Qxc5 20 . Khl . Grun­
berg-Mokry, East Germany v
108
Czechoslovakia, continued 20 ...
Bxd4 (Nb3 was . threatened) 21 level, Andersson-Polugayevsky,
Rxd4 Nf6 22 exd5 Nxd5 23 Be4 Bugojno 1 980.
.
Nf6 24 Qb3 + Kh8 25 Bg2. For (b) 10 Ne5 Nxe5 1 1 dxe5 Ng4 1 2
the pawn White has an excellent e 4 d4 1 3 Bf4 g5 ! led to great com­
position. plications, and in the end to a posi­
(b) 1 1 Bel Ne4 12 Nbd2 f5 1 3 tion not unfavourable for Black: 1 4
Nb3 . White plans the manoeuvre Qe2 Nxf2 1 5 Qxf2 gxf4 1 6 gxf4
Ncl -d3, and the position favours Kh8 1 7 Rd3 f6, Gorelov-Zaichik,
him, Speelman-Kovacevic, Mari­ USSR Ch. 1st League 1 982.
bor 1 980. 5.12
We should also mention the
set-up 9 ... Ne4 10 Nc3 f5, which is 5 ... Bxd2+
employed in a number of similar
variations. In the "Catalan Queen's Gam­
Now 10 b3 leads to the 9 b3 b6 bit" move order, this continuation
1 0 Rdl variation, and 10 Bf4 (as well as 5 ... Qe7, section 5 . 13)
transposes into a line of the is employed rather rarely. The
Closed Variation, p. 29. Other exchange of dark-squared bishops
possibilities: is more in accordance with the
(a) 10 Bel Bb7 1 1 Nbd2 c5 1 2 set-up ... d6 and ... e5, when the
cxd5 Nxd5 1 3 Racl cxd4 1 4 Nxd4 central pawns do not obstruct the
Rc8 1 5 Qbl Rxc1 1 6 Rxcl Qa8 1 7 bishop at c8. But when ... d5 has
a 3 Rc8 1 8 Rxc8+ Qxc8 1 9 Qc2 already been played, the exchange
Qxc2 20 Nxc2 Nc5. The game is of dark-squared bishops has a sig-
 4 ... Bb4 + 1 07
nificant drawback: the remaining (a) 8 ... Qxd2+ 9 Nbxd2, and if
bishop at c8 is restricted by its own 9 ... Nbd7, then 1 0 c6! bxc6 1 1
pawns. * Nd4.
We consider two ways of recap­ (b) 8 ... Qc7 9 Na3 Qxc5 (the
turing: 6 Qxd2 (5. 1 2 1 ) and 6 Nxd2 assessment is unchanged by
(5. 1 22). 9 . . Nbd7 1 0 Rcl Nxc5 1 1 Rxc4)
.

5.121 1 0 Rcl Ne4 1 1 Qc2 Qa5+ 1 2 Nd2.

6 Qxd2 0-0 7 Nf3 (110)

Play develops in analogy with

the main line of the Closed Varia­
tion or lines of the Bogo-Indian
Defence. But first we will consider
6 ... dxc4. After 7 Nf3 White
regains his pawn and obtains a
typical Catalan development
advantage, e.g. 7 ... c5 8 dxc5
(109).

1 10

(a) 7 ... c6 8 Qc2 b6 9 Nbd2

Ba6 10 0-0 Nbd7 1 1 b3 c5 1 2
Rac1 Rc8 1 3 Qb2 Bb7 14 Rfd1
with the better prospects for
White, Ribli-Olafsson, Wijk aan
Zee 1 983.
(b) 7 ... Nbd7 8 0-0 c6 9 Qc2
(White can also manage without
this move and defend his c-pawn
*This rule was formulated in general terms with 9,b3 , and if 9 ... b6 1 0 Ne5)
by Philidor: with a white-squared bishop the 9 ... b6 1 0 Nc3 Bb7 1 1 e4 dxe4 1 2
pawns are best deployed on dark squares, Nxe4 Nxe4 1 3 Qxe4, Tarjan­
and vice versa (of course, the rule does not
apply if the bishop is required to defend its Dzindzhikhashvili, USA Ch. 1 984.
pawns). Similar positions (without the
108 Play the Catalan
exchange of dark-squared bishops)
have been met in the main line of
the Closed Variation. After 13 ...
Nf6 14 Qe3 Qc7 1 5 b4 aS 16 a3
Ra7 1 7 Ne5 Nd7 18 c5 bxc5 1 9
Nxd7 Qxd7 2 0 bxc5 the chances
are with White.
(c) 7 ... b6 8 0-0 (or B Nc3 Bb7 9
Ne5 Nbd7 1 0 0-0 c6 11 Racl ReB
12 Rfd1 Qe7 13 e4) 8 ... Bb7 9
cxd5 exd5 1 0 Nc3 Nbd7 1 1 Racl
ReB 1 2 Qf4 c6 1 3 Rfd l . In this
variation, typical of the Queen's
111
Indian Defence, White has the
better position, Kozlov-Kholmov,
Kaluga 1 978. This position was reached (by
(d) In the stonewall set-up transposition) back in Capa­
7 ... Ne4 8 Qc2 f5 the absence of blanca-Marshall, New York 1 927,
the dark-squared bishops again which continued 8 ... Qe7 9 Qc2 b6
favours White. 10 cxd5 Nxd5 1 1 e4 Nb4 12 Qc3
(e) To 7 ... dxc4 White has the (not 12 Qxc7? Ba6 13 Rfd1 RfcB
good reply 8 Na3 ! 14 Q/4 Be2 ) 12 ... c5 (12 ... Ba6
5.122 fails to 13 a3 Bxf1 14 Bxfl ) 1 3 a3
Na6. Now, in Alekhine's opinion,
6 Nxd2 0-0 1 4 Rfe 1 ! would have given White
7 Ngf3 Nbd7 the better game.
As in variation 5 . 1 2 1 , the trans­ The attempt by Black to advance
position into a Dutch set-up -
... e5 is unjustified: 8 ... ReS 9 Qc2
7 ... Ne4 8 0-0 f5 9 Ret c6 1 0 Qc2 e5? 1 0 cxd5 Nxd5 1 1 dxe5 Nxe5 1 2
allows White a good game, Nxe5 Rxe5 1 3 Nc4 Re7 1 4 Radl
Szabo-Steiner, Groningen 1 946. Rd7 1 5 Bh3 Nb4 1 6 Qb3 Rxdl 1 7
A Queen's Indian position, Rxdl Qe7 1 8 Bxc8 Rxc8 1 9 a3,
promising for White, results from and Black was unable to avoid loss
7 ... b6 8 Ne5 (B 0-0 Bb7 9 cxd5 of material, Zilber-Klebanov,
exd5 1 0 Rcl is also good, Zilber­ Alma-Ata 1 966.
stein-Kholmov, 40th USSR Ch. And now a more modem ex­
1 972) 8 ... Bb7 9 Qa4. ample: 8 .. . c6 9 Qc2 (apart from
this traditional continuation, the
8 0-0 (Ill) plan of a Q-side pawn offensive has
 4 ... Bb4 + 1 09
also been tried: 9 b4 Qe7 1 0 Qb3 Re8 1 1 Rfe l . White has the freer
b6 1 1 a4 , Razuvayev-Chistyakov, position, and the premature 1 1 ...
Moscow 1 970) 9 ... b6 10 e4 Nxe4 e5? allowed him to open up the
1 1 Nxe4 dxe4 1 2 Qxe4 Bb7, game and gain an advantage -
Gheorghiu-Durao, Orense 1 975. 1 2 a3 Qb6 1 3 e4 exd4 1 4 cxd5
Compared with the game Tarj an­ cxd5 1 5 exd5, Fine-Steiner, USA
Dzhindzhikhashvili given in the 6 1 94 1 .
Qxd2 variation, White has gained a 5.131
tempo ( instead of Nbxd2 , Qc2 and
e2-e4 , there he played Qxd2, Qc2, 6 ... Bxd2+
Nc3 and e2 -e4). By continuing 1 3 7 Qxd2 0-0
Rfdl and then Racl he would have 8 0-0 dxc4
obtained excellent prospects.
5.13 This began to be played when it
was shown that Black faced dif­
5 . .. Qe7 ficult problems in the variation
6 Nf3 (112) 8 ... Nc6 9 Rcl ! (113).

1 13

1 12 ( a) 9 ... dxc4 1 0 Rxc4 e5 1 1

Nxe5 (if 1 1 d5 White has to reckon
Black normally exchanges, 6 ... with a piece sacrifice - 1 1 . .. Nxd5
Bxd2+ ( 5 . 1 3 1 ) , or develops with 12 Qxd5 Rd8 and a dangerous
6 ... Nc6 ( 5 . 1 32 ) . attack) 1 1 ... Nxe5 12 dxe5 Qxe5
We also give a variation in which 1 3 Nc3 c6 1 4 Rdl , with advantage
he reinforces his centre and then to White, Bondarevsky-Ilivitsky,
plays ... Nbd7: 6 . 0-0 7 Qc2 c6 8
.. 1 6th USSR Ch. 1 948.
0-0 Nbd7 9 Bxb4 Qxb4 1 0 Nbd2 (b ) 9 ... Rd8 1 0 Ne5 Nxe5 1 1
110 Play the Catalan
dxe5 Nd7 1 2 cxd5 Nxe5 (12 ...
exd5 13 Rxc7) 13 Qc3 ! exd5 14
Qxc7 Qf6 15 Nc3 Be6 16 Qxb7
Ng4 17 Bf3 Qe5 18 Qe7 with
advantage to White, Neishtadt­
Sevecek, 2nd European Corr. Ch.
1 965-67.
(c) 9 ... Ne4 1 0 Qe3 f5 1 1 Nc3
Nxc3 1 2 Rx:c3 Qf6 1 3 Rac1 Ne7 14
Ne5 c6 1 5 b4. White has a spatial
advantage and active possibilities
on the Q-side.
(d) 9 ... Bd7 10 Qf4 (1 0 Ne5
114
Rfd8) 1 0 ... Qd6 (1 0 ... Rac8 1 1
Nbd2 ) 1 1 Nbd2 with the better Qxd7 Nxd7 16 Nd6) 1 4 Nxe5 Nd5
game for White. (1 4 ... Rd8 is strongly met by 1 5
We also give the modern game Qa5) 1 5 Rfd1 Nb6 1 6 Qa5 gave
Razuvayev-Inkiov, Calcutta 1 986, White a decisive development
in which Black chose 8 ... b6. After advantage. In Kasparov's opinion,
9 cxd5 exd5 1 0 Nc3 Bb7 1 1 Qf4 1 2 ... Rd8 (instead of 12 ... Qe7)
White had the initiative, and on was relatively best, although after
1 1 ... Na6? ! there followed 1 2 1 3 Qc2 Bd7 14 Qb3 White's posi­
NbS ! g6 1 3 Qg5 Qe6 1 4 f4 Rae8 1 5 tion is the more promising.
f5 Qe3 + 1 6 Qxe3 Rx:e3 1 7 fxg6 (b) 9 ... Rd8, and now:
fxg6 1 8 Rxf6 ! Rxf6 1 9 Bxd5+ (b 1) 10 Qc2 c5 (compared with
Bxd5 20 Nxd5, when he came out a the Kasparov-Petrosian game,
pawn ahead. Black has managed to develop his
rook) 1 1 dxc5 Qxc5 1 2 Rfd1 Nc6
9 Na3! (114) 1 3 Qxc4 (or 13 Rxd8 + Nxd8 14
Rd1 Nc6 15 Qxc4 Qxc4 1 6 Nxc4
(a) 9 ... c5. This was played Kf8!) 1 3 ... Qxc4 14 Nxc4 K£8 ! 1 5
in Kasparov-Petrosian, Bugojno Nfe5 Rx:d1 + 1 6 Rx:d1 Nxe5 1 7
1 982, an instructive game for the Nxe5 Ke7, Ivkov-Andersson,
ideas of the Catalan Opening, Bugojno 1 982. White has retained
which continued 1 0 dxc5 Qxc5 1 1 his development advantage, but
Rac1 Nc6 1 2 Nxc4. Here Petrosian the black king has arrived just in
made the poor move 1 2 ... Qe7, time, and after 1 8 Rd3 Rb8 1 9 f4
when 13 Nfe5 ! Nxe5 (13 ... Bd7 is Nd7 20 Ra3 Nxe5 21 fxe5 a6 22
bad in view of 14 Nxd7! Qxd7 1 5 Rc3 Kd8 a level endgame resulted.
 4 ... Bb4 + 111
(b2) 1 0 Nxc4 was played in Qxf6 1 1 Bxc6 bxc6 12 Nxc6 aS
Speelman-Andersson, London 1 3 Nd2 Bb7 14 Ne5 c5 1 5 Ndxc4
1 982. After 1 0 ... c5 1 1 Rfdl Na6 cxd4 1 6 Qxd4 Rac8. For the sacri­
(on 1 1 ... cxd4 White replies 12 ficed pawn Black has two strong
Nxd4 , since 12 ... e5? is not poss­ bishops, Alatortsev- Kasparian,
ible in view of 13 Nf5!) 1 2 Qe3 1 5th USSR Ch. 1 947.
Nd5 1 3 Qb3 b6 14 e4 Nf6 1 5 e5 (b2) 9 Nbd2 (a quieter continua­
NeB White did not gain any advan­ tion) 9 ... Bxd2 (after 9 .. h6 1 0
.

tage. Bxf6 Qxf6 1 1 Nxc4 White has the

5.132 more pleasant position) 1 0 Nxd2
h6 (1 0 ... Nxd4 1 1 Ne4 or 11 Bxf6)
6 ... Nc6 1 1 Bxf6 Qxf6 1 2 e3 (the exchange
7 0-0 0-0 (115) on c6 is not dangerous for Black)
1 2 ... e5 1 3 d5 Ne7 14 Nxc4 Rd8
a � .t � l] e � 1 5 e4 c6. The chances are roughly
equal, Petrosian-Andersson, Til­
� .. �
� � � � ..
� " � burg 1 982.

� -�
� � ·�
� �
�
(c) 8 Nc3 dxc4 9 a3 BaS
(9 ... Bxc3 10 Bxc3 Nd5 11 Qa4
� �
� �·� � � � Nb6 12 Qc2 is unfavourable - the
� 8�
� � �
� � � centre is in White's hands, and

� · � � � �
Black's development is hindered)
1 0 Qa4 Rd8. Ragozin-Kasparian,
8�
� �
� 8� �
� Ji � 1 5th USSR Ch. 1 94 7, continued

� � �-� : �
1 1 Radl ? ! (the natural move was
1 1 Qxc4 e5 with roughly equal
115 chances) 1 1 ... Bb6 12 Be3 Na5
(after 12 ... Nd5 13 Qxc4 Nxe3 14
(a) 8 a3 Bxd2 9 Nbxd2 Rd8 fxe3 the chances are with White)
(White has slightly the freer posi­ 1 3 Ne5 Bd7?! (after 13 ... Nd5!
tion after 9 .. . Ne4 1 0 Qc2 Nxd2 1 1 White would have had no compen­
Qxd2) 1 0 cxd5 exd5 1 1 b 4 Ne4 1 2 sation for the sacrificed pawn) 1 4
Nb3 a 6 (12 ... Nc3 13 Qd3) 1 3 Qc2, and White retained the initia­
Rcl , with the more active position tive.
for White, Vorotnikov-Kurajica, (d) 8 cxd5 exd5, and now:
USSR v Yugoslavia 1 964. (d l) 9 Bg5 (this quiet plan
(b) 8 Bg5 dxc4, and: deserves serious consideration)
(bl ) 9 Ne5 (leads to a compli­ 9 ... h6 1 0 Bxf6 Qxf6 1 1 a3 BaS
cated struggle) 9 ... h6 1 0 Bxf6 (1 1 ... Bd6 is strongly met by 12
112 Play the Catalan
Nc3!) 1 2 b4 Bb6 1 3 e3 Bg4 bxc3 Na5 14 Qb5 Qb6 leads to an
14 Nbd2 Rfd8 1 5 h3 Bf5 1 6 Nb3 equal position) 1 1 ... Bh5 1 2 g4
a5 17 b5 NbS (1 7 ... a4 is weak in Bg6 1 3 Rc1 h6 14 Bh4 Be4 15 a3
view of 18 bxc6 axb3 19 cxb7) Bd6 16 NbS g5 ! 17 Nxd6 cxd6 1 8
1 8 Nc5 Bxc5 19 dxc5 Be4 20 Nd4 Bg3 Ne8. Both sides have chances,
Bxg2 21 Kxg2 c6, Gheorghiu­ Buturin-Rashkovsky, Lvov 1 98 1 .
Andersson, Lucerne Olympiad (d23) 9 ... h6 1 0 a3 Bxc3 1 1
1 982. By continuing now 22 Rb1 , Bxc3 Ne4 1 2 Rc1 Rd8. The game is
and if 2 2 ... ReB 2 3 Qf3 , White level, Sosonko-Balashov, Wijk
would have had the advantage aan Zee 1 982.
(Gheorghiu). 5.14
(d2) 9 Nc3 (116) has also been
played: S ... aS (11 7)

116

(d2 1) 9 ... ReS 10 e3 (Kas­

parov-Garcia Gonzalez, Moscow 1 17
1 982, went 10 Qb3 Bg4 1 1 e3 a5
12 a3 Bxf3 13 Bxf3 a4 14 Qd1 The idea of defending the bishop
Bxc3 15 Bxc3 Qd7, with roughly with the a-pawn belongs to Bron­
equal chances) 10 ... Bg4 1 1 Qc2 stein. If White exchanges on b4,
Qd7 1 2 Rfc1 Re7 1 3 a3 Bxc3 14 this opens a file for the black rook,
Bxc3 Ne4 1 5 b4, with slightly the while if he plays a2-a3, the
better prospects for White, advance ... a4 may be positionally
Gligoric-A. Rodriguez, Lucerne justified. Thus in comparison with
Olympiad 1 982. the 5 ... Bxd2+ and 5 ... Qe7 varia­
(d22) 9 ... Bg4 10 Bg5 Rad8 1 1 tions, the exchange of dark­
h3 (1 1 Bxf6 Qxf6 12 Qb3 Bxc3 13 squared bishops takes place in �
 4 ... Bb4 + 113

somewhat different strategic situa­ Nc3 h6 1 0 Bxf6 Qxf6 1 1 e3 Rd8 1 2

tion. Nd2 e5!
We should also mention the (b) If Black follows the pattern
rather unusual move 5 .. . cS, whichof the main variation with 6 ... Nc6,
after 6 Nf3 0-0 7 cxd5 exd5 8 0-0 then apart from 7 Qc2 White can
Nc6 9 Bf4 cxd4 10 Nxd4 leads to a consider 7 a3 . Plaskett-Short,
position typical of the Tarrasch Hastings 1 982/83, went 7 ...
Defence, Ftacnik-Nei, Tallinn Bxd2+ (it would have been
1981. better to retreat the bishop to e7 or
d6) 8 Nbxd2 0-0 9 0-0 Qe7 1 0
6 Qc2 Qc2 Rd8 1 1 Rad1 e 5 1 2 dxe5 Nxe5
1 3 Nxe5 Qxe5 14 Nf3, with slightly
After 6 Nf3 White has to reckon the better prospects for White.
with Black capturing and holding Black gains roughly equal
on to the pawn: chances in the exchange variation
(a) 6 ... dxc4 (118). 6 cxdS exd5 7 Nf3 0-0 8 0-0
. Bxd2 9 Nbxd2 Nbd7 10 Qc2 Re8
1 1 Rfc1 c6 12 e3 Qe7, Bonsch­
Taimanov, Tele-Olympiad 1 982.

6 ... Nc6
7 Nf3

Gheorghiu-Marasescu, Rum­
anian Ch. 1 984, went 7 a3 Be7 8
Nf3 dxc4 9 Qxc4 Qd5 1 0 Qd3 Qe4
(White has the advantage after
1 0 ... 0-0 1 1 Nc3 Qh5 12 0-0 Rd8
13 Qc4 Bd7 14 Rfel ! Nd5 15 e4
(a1) 7 Qc2 b5 8 Ne5 Nd5 9 a4 c6. Nb6 1 6 Qd3 a4 , Ribli-Smyslov,
(a2) 7 a3 Bxd2+ 8 Nbxd2 b5 9 London 1 983, and now 1 7 Bf4!) 1 1
a4 c6. Qxe4 Nxe4. With a transposition
As in the majority of such varia­ of moves, this variation is analyzed
tions, White obtains superiority in below. The game continued 1 2
the centre, and Black, who gains a Bf4! Bd6 1 3 e 3 Ra6! 1 4 Nbd2
material advantage, has to defend. Nxd2 15 Nxd2 Ke7 1 6 Rc1 Bd7 1 7
(a3) The opening went in Black's Nc4, and White gained slightly the
favour in Sideif-Zade v Taimanov, better chances. In Gheorgiu's opin­
Baku 1 983: 7 0-0 Nc6 8 Bg5 0-0 9 ion, White could have hoped for
114 Play the Catalan
more by playing 1 3 Ne5 ! (instead nik-Cvetkovic, Strebske Pleso
of13 e3) , and if 1 3 ... Nxe5 14 dxe5 1 978. Now on 1 0 Nc3 it is
Nc5 15 Nc3 . unfavourable for Black to play
1 0 ... e5, since after 1 1 dxe5 Ng4
7 ... dxc4 1 2 h3 Ngxe5 1 3 Nxe5 Nxe5 14
Nxd5 White has the advantage. In
Other possibilities: Ftacnik's opinion, 1 0 ... b6 prom­
7 ... 0-0 8 a3 (119). ises Black roughly equal chances,
but in Gheorghiu-Muse, Hamburg
1 984, where ... b6 was played after
1 0 ... Bd7 1 1 0-0, White managed
to gain an advantage: 1 1 ... b6 1 2
cxb6 cxb6 1 3 Rac1 Rc8 1 4 Qd3
Ne8? ! (a dubious move, but after
1 4 Qd3 White's position is never­
theless preferable) 15 e4.
Apart from the committing 9 c5,
of course, 9 0-0 is also possible.
After 9 ... dxc4 1 0 e4 e5 1 1 d5 Ne7
12 Qxc4 chances are roughly equal
(a) 8 ... Bxd2+ 9 Nbxd2 a4 1 0 (Ftacnik), but 1 1 dxe5 Nxe5 1 2
0-0 Bd7 1 1 Rac1 with some initi­ Nxe5 Bxe5 1 3 Bc3 comes into con­
ative on the Q-side, Zelevinsky­ sideration (Mohring).
Osnos, Leningrad 1 968. On 1 1 ... In Djuric-Rantanen, Jarvenpaa
Qe7 White had the good plan of 1 2 1 985, White left the b4 bishop
cxd5 exd5 1 3 e 3 and pressure on alone and instead of 8 a3 continued
the c-file. 8 0-0 (120).
(b) 8 ... Be7 9 0-0 Bd7 10 Rd1
Re8 1 1 b3 a4 12 b4 dxc4 13 Qxc4
Na7 1 4 Nc3 Bc6, Ftacnik­
Plachetka, Czechoslovakia 1 978.
Here instead of 1 5 Qd3 Nd5 1 6 e4
Nxc3 1 7 Bxc3 NbS 1 8 Bb2 Bf6 19
Qc2 g6 20 Ne5 Bxe5 2 1 dxe5 Qe7
22 Rd2 Rec8 (preparing ... c5),
White should have chosen 1 5 Ne5,
when after 1 5 ... Bxg2 1 6 Kxg2 c6
17 e4 he has the advantage.
(c) 8 ... Bd6 9 c5 Be7, Ftac- 120
 4 ... Bb4 + 115
On 8 ... ReS Djuric sacrificed a
pawn by 9 Bc3 dxc4 (after 9 ... Ne4
1 0 Nbd2 Nxd2 1 1 Nxd2 dxc4 12 e3
e5 13 d5 the chances are with
White) 1 0 Nbd2 Qd5 1 1 e4 Qb5 1 2
Rfe1 Be7 1 3 a3. For the pawn
White probably has sufficient
compensation; Black has to reckon
with the d4-d5 breakthrough
(Djuric).
Jumping ahead somewhat, we 121
should mention that the variation
with the exchange of queens - the Q-side he has a spatial advan­
7 ... 0-0 8 0-0 dxc4 9 Qxc4 Qd5 tage and a clear initiative (a2 -a3 ,
(without castling - 7 ... dxc4 8 b3 -b4 and B/1 , preparing b4-b5).
Qxc4 Qd5 - it is analyzed in detail (b) It is probably more advisable
later) is unfavourable for Black be­ for Black not to exchange knight
cause of 1 0 Qxd5 exd5 1 1 Bf4! If for bishop, but to continue 8 ... f5,
Black exchanges bishops - 9 ... as in D. Rajkovic-Ivanovic,
Bxd2 (instead of 9 ... Qd5) 1 0 Yugoslav Ch. 1 984. On 9 Bf4 Be7
Nbxd2 White's position is better. 10 Nc3 Black countered with the
The attempt at counterplay made bold 1 0 ... g5, and after 1 1 Be5 0-0
in Zakhllrov-Guseinov, USSR 12 Rac1 Nxc3 13 bxc3 a4 14 cxd5
1 982 - 10 ... e5?! 1 1 dxe5 Nxe5 exd5 1 5 c4 Be6 1 6 cxd5 Bxd5 1 7
1 2 Nxe5 Qxd2 was refuted by 1 3 Ne1 Nb4 1 8 Bxd5 + Nxd5 he man­
Nxf7! Rxf7 1 4 Rad1 Be6 1 5 Qxe6 aged to hold the position in the
Qxb2 1 6 Rb1 Qd4 1 7 e3 Qd7 1 8 centre and to equalize.
Qxd7 Rxd7 1 9 Rxb7, when White (c) We should also mention
was a pawn up. Borges-Lebredo, Santa Clara
7 ... Ne4 8 0-0 (121 ) . 1 985, in which Black played
(a) 8 . . . Nxd2 9 Nbxd2 0-0 1 0 7 ... Ne4, but avoided ... f5 ;
Rfdl . White has the better 8 ... 0-0 9 Be3 a4 1 0 Nc3 Bxc3
chances. Benko-Damjanovic, (1 0 ... a3!? - Lebredo) 1 1 bxc3
Monte Carlo 1 968, continued Na5 12 cxd5 exd5 1 3 Qxa4 Nxc3
1 0 ... f5 1 1 e3 Bd7 1 2 Ne1 Ne7 1 3 14 Qb4 Ne4 15 Ne5 Qd6, with
Nd3 c 6 1 4 Qb3 Bd6 1 5 Qc3 g 5 1 6 chances for both sides.
f4 g4 1 7 c 5 Bc7 1 8 Kf2 h 5 1 9 h4
Kg7 20 b3. On the K-side there is 8 Qxc4 QdS (122)
no danger for White, whereas on
116 Play the Catalan

122 1 5 ... bxc6 16 Nc3 Ke7 17 Nd1

Kd6 18 f3 c5 19 dxc5 + Rxc5 20
White has a choice between Rxc5 Kxc5 . But White could have
exchanging queens - 9 QxdS played more strongly: instead of 1 7
( 5 . 1 4 1 ) , and retreating
- 9 Qd3 Nd1 ? , 1 7 f3 looks more logical, e.g.
5 . 1 42 ) . 17 ... Rb8 18 Rc2 Kd6 19 Rhc1
5. 141 with slightly the better prospects
(Vladimirov) .
9 QxdS exdS (b) 1 0 ... Bf5 1 1 Nb5 (1 1 0-0
transposes into a variation consi­
Now Black solves the problem of dered in the next note ) 1 1 ...
his queen's bishop's development, 0-0-0 12 Rc1 Bxd2+ 13 Nxd2
but certain defects in his set-up still Rhe8 1 4 e3 Re7. Black has equal­
remain: his b5 square is weak, and ized, Sosonko-Taimanov, Wij k
the knight at c6 on an open file is aan Zee 1 9 8 1 .
not well placed.
1 0 ... Bg4 (126)
10 0-0
Taimanov's idea. Before he
The alternative is 10 Nc3 (123) . introduced this move, the rather
(a) 1 0 ... Be6 1 1 Rc1 a4, unwieldy manoeuvre ... Bf5-e4
Browne-Smyslov, Las Palmas used to be played. A few examples:
1 982. 1 2 Nb5, an attempt by White 10 ... BfS 1 1 Nc3 (Novikov­
to seize the initiative, led to Kochiev, Beltsy 1 9 8 1 , went l l Bf4
a better ending for Black after 1 2 ... 0-0-0 12 a3 Be7 13 Nc3 Ne4 14
Bxd2+ 13 Kxd2 Kd8 14 Ne5 Nb5 Rd7 with a n equal game; here
Ra5 ! 15 Nxc6+ (1 5 Rxc6 Rxb5) 12 Rcl comes into consideration)
 4 ... Bb4 + 117
1 1 ... Be4 (1 1 .. 0-0 is well met
. White's pressure on the c-file
by 12 Bg5), and now: assures him of a positional advan­
(a) 12 e3 Nd7 (12 ... Bxc3 - tage.
Taimanov) 1 3 Rfcl Nb6? (Taim­ (a4) To the above analysis by
anov again suggests 13 ... Bxc3 , Av. Bykhovsky we must add
and 13 ... Na7 has also been anal­ the source game Polugayevsky­
yzed, but in both cases White's Taimanov, USSR 1 9 8 1 : 14 ... Bxf3
position is still preferable) 14 NbS ! 1 S Nxc7+ Kd7 1 6 Nxa8 Nxa8
(124). (forced, since on 1 6 ... Rxa8 there
follows 1 7 Bxb4 Bxg2 1 8 Bc5 !) 1 7
Bxf3 Bxd2 1 8 ReS Nc7 1 9 a 3 a4 20
BxdS, and White obtained a
technically won ending with rook
and two pawns against two minor
pieces.
(b) The interesting move 1 2
BgS (125) was employed in
Reefschlaeger-Taimanov, Mos­
cow 1 98 1 .

124

White· has the advantage:

(a1) 1 4 . .. 0-0-0 1 S Bxb4 axb4
1 6 NeS .
(a2) 1 4 ... Kd8 1 3 Bxb4 axb4 1 6
NgS Bxg2 (the assessment i s un­
changed by 1 6 . . . Bg6 1 7 Rc5 h6 1 8
Nh3 Be4 1 9 Bxe4 dxe4 20 d5,
1 6 ... Bd3 1 7 Nxf7+ Ke7 18 Nxc7
Kxf7 19 Nxa8 Rxa8 20 b3 or, 125

finally, 1 6 ... Ra5 1 7 Nxf7+ Ke7

1 8 Nxh8 Bxg2 1 9 Nxc7 Bf3 20 Rc5 12 ... Bxc3 1 3 bxc3 Nd7 14 Bh3
Rxc5 21 dxc5 Na4 22 Nb5) 1 7 h6 1S Bf4 0-0-0 16 Nd2 Bh7 1 7
Kxg2 RaS 1 8 a4 bxa3 1 9 Nxa3 Ke8 e 4 Ne7. Here, instead of 1 8 f3 as
20 b4 followed by b4-bS. played, 1 8 Rfe 1 was strong, and if
(a3) 1 4 ... Rc8 is relatively best 1 8 ... Rde8 1 9 c4! Therefore,
for Black, although even in this instead of 1 S . 0-0-0, Taimanov
. .

case after 1 S Bxb4 axb4 16 Nd2 recommends first playing 1 S ...

118 Play the Catalan
Bxf3 1 6 exf3, and only now 1 6 ... advantage) 1 3 Ne5 Bxe2 (if
0-0-0, intending ... Kb8 and 13 ... Nxe5 1 4 dxe5 Nd7 15 Bxd5
... Nb6-c4. c6 1 6 Bg2 Nxe5 1 7 Bd4 White's
position is preferable; after
1 6 ... Bxe2?! 1 7 f4 he has an
advantage) 14 Nxc6 bxc6 1 5 Rxc6
Ra6 (on 15 ... Rb8 White replies
1 6 Rc5; if 15 ... 0-0 1 6 Nc3 , or
1 5 ... Kd7 1 6 Rc2 Bd3 1 7 Bh3 +
Ke7 1 8 Rc5) 1 6 Rxa6 Bxa6 1 7 Nc3
a3 18 b4 Bxb4 19 Nxd5 Nxd5 20
Bxd5 0-0 21 Rb1 Be7 22 Rc1 Bd6
23 Rc3 Rd8 24 Bf3 Rb8 25 Bel ,
and in the resulting ending White's
chances were perhaps better in
view of the weakness of the a3
pawn (analysis by Cserna).
126
12 h3 Bxf3
Black attacks the d4 pawn in one 13 exf3!
move instead of two ( ... Bf5-e4),
and thus saves a tempo for his 13 Bxf3 leads to an equal game
mobilization. (13 ... f5 14 a3 Bd6 1 5 Nd2 Ne7).

11 Be3 13 ... Nf6 (127)

In the event of 11 e3 Black

solves all his problems by 1 1 ...
Ne4! 12 Bxb4 axb4 1 3 Nbd2 Bxf3
1 4 Nxf3 Ke7.

11 ... Ne4

In Cserna-Sunye, Luanda 1 983,

Black played 1 1 ... a4, vacating the
a5 square for his bishop or rook.
The game continued 12 Rc1 BaS
(after 12 ... Bd6 13 Nc3 Ra5 14
Bg5 a3 15 b3 White has a slight 127
 4 ... Bb4 + 119
Burger-Taimanov, Budapest R4a7 20 Nxb7 Rxb7 21 Bxc6
1 982, continued 14 a3 Be7 (1 4 ... Bxc6 22 Rxc6 Kd7 a level double­
Bd6 is weaker, since after 15 Nc3 , rook ending was reached.
with the threats of 1 6 Nb5 and 1 6 (b) 11 e3 Bd7 12 0-0 0-0 1 3
f4 , White seizes the initiative) 1 5 Nc3 Nxd2 14 Nxd2 Rfc8 1 5 Rfc1
Nc3 Nd8 ! (consolidating Black's a4 1 6 a3 Be7 1 7 Nce4 Na5 1 8 Nc5
Q-side; on 16 Nb5 he replies Bxc5 1 9 Rxc5 Ra7 20 Rac1 b6 2 1
16 ... Ne6) 1 6 f4 c6 1 7 f5 (other­ R5c3 . With his pressure on the
wise Black will advantageously c-file, White's position is prefer­
play ... g6) 1 7 ... g6 1 8 fxg6 hxg6. able, Rogers-Mokry, Reggio
Now instead of the routine 1 9 Emilia 1 984/85.
Rfel, after which 1 9 . . . Ne6 2 0 h4
NbS ! 21 Bh3 Kg7 22 Na4 Kf8!
even gave Black slightly the better
chances, Taimanov suggests the
energetic 1 9 f4. After 1 9 ... Ne6 20
f5 Ng7 21 fxg6 fxg6 22 Rae1
White's position is preferable, but
1 9 ... Nd7 (instead of 1 9 ... Ne6)
comes into consideration, to ans­
wer 20 f5 with 20 ... g5, avoiding
the opening up of the game.
5.142

9 Qd3 Qe4 128

10 Qxe4 Nxe4
1 1 a3 (128) (a) 11 ... Nxd2 1 2 Nbxd2 Be7 1 3
Rc1 . The position has simplified,
Other possibilities: but White exerts some pressure
(a) 11 Bxb4 axb4 1 2 Nbd2 on the opponent's Q-side. Por­
Nxd2 .13 Kxd2. White's position tisch-Timman, Niksic 1 983, con­
looks the more pleasant, but in tinued 1 3 ... a4 1 4 Nc4 Bd8 (before
Adamski-Sydor, Gdynia 1 982, beginning his knight manoeuvre,
Black obtained counterplay by put­ Black defends c7 in advance) 1 5
ting pressure on the a2 pawn: 0-0 0-0 1 6 Rfd1 Na5 1 7 Nxa5
1 3 ... Bd7 1 4 Rhc1 Ke7 1 5 e3 (1 5 (stronger than 1 7 Nfd2 c6 18 Be4
Ne5 Ra6) 1 5 ... Ra7 1 6 Ne1 Rha8, Bc7) 1 7 ... Rxa5 1 8 Ne5 c6 1 9 Nc4
and after 17 N d3 Rxa2 18 Rab 1 Ra7 20 Kfl . White's position is
R2a4 (1 8 ... Na5 1 9 Ke1 ) 1 9 Nc5 slightly preferable.
1 20 Play the Catalan

(b) 11 ... Bd6 1 2 Bf4 a4, Grosz­ have 5 ... dxc4 due to the loss of a
peter-Barlov, 1 984. After 1 3 Ne5 piece after 6 Qa4+ .
a phase of complications ensued: Other continuations:
13 ... Nxd4! 14 Bxe4 Nb3 15 Ra2 (a) 5 ... Nc6 (Black does not
f5 1 6 Bd3 (1 6 Bf3 g5 1 7 Bh5 + Kf8 hurry to castle and, attacking the
18 Nf7 gxf4 1 9 Nxh8 Ncl 20 RaJ d4 pawn, tries to gain time for
Nb3 leads to a draw by repetition) development) 6 Nf3 (130).
1 6 ... g5 1 7 Bb5 + c6 1 8 Nxc6 gxf4
1 9 Ne5 + Ke7 20 gxf4 Rg8 2 1 Bc4
(21 Nd2 Nxd2 22 Kxd2 Bxe5 23
.fxe5 Ra5 favours Black) 2 1 ... b5 ! ? ,
after which the position was still
confused and undetermined
(analysis by Barlov).
5.2

5 Nd2 (129)

(al) 6 ... dxc4 7 Qc2 Qd5 (it

stands to reason that 7 ... Nxd4?
fails to 8 Nxd4 Qxd4 9 Qa4 + ;
Black can try to defend his c4 pawn
by exchanging his bishop -

7 ... Bxd2 + 8 Qxd2 Rb8 ) 8 0-0

0-0 9 Qxc4. There can follow
9 ... Rd8 1 0 e3 Bd6 1 1 b3 aS 1 2
Bb2 Qh5 1 3 Racl Nd7 1 4 Ne4,
129 when White's position is prefer­
able, Ponomarenko-M. Gurevich,
5 ... 0-0 Uzhgorod 1 9 84, or 9 ... Bxd2 1 0
Qxd5 exd5 1 1 Bxd2 Bg4 1 2 Rfcl
In contrast to the variation Rac8 1 3 e3 Ne4 14 Bel Bxf3 1 5
where White first develops his Bxf3 f5 1 6 Bdl Nb8 1 7 f3, when
knight at f3 and only then fian­ White's two bishops give him the
chettoes his bishop - 3 g3 d S 4 Nf3 initiative, Kuzmin-Eingom, Pol­
Bb4+ 5 Nbd2, here Black does not anica Zdroj 1 984.
 ( a2) 6 ... 0-0 7 0-0 (this sacrifice (c) 5 ... aS 6 Qc2, and:
of the c4 pawn leads to a sharp (c1 ) 6 ... dxc4 7 Nf3 Nc6 8
game with active possibilities for Qxc4 Qd5 9 0-0 Bxd2 1 0 Qxd5
White) 7 ... Bxd2 8 Qxd2 ! dxc4 9 exd5 1 1 Bxd2 Bg4 (note the simi­
Qc3 Qd5 1 0 Rd1 (the d-pawn larity with the Kuzmin-Eingom
is now defended, and White game given above; however, in­
threatens Ne5) 1 0 ... Qb5 1 1 Nd2 stead of castling, here Black has
Qa4 1 2 b3, Petrusson-Nei, Tallinn . made the less useful move ... a5).
1 9 8 1 . After 1 2 ... cxb3 1 3 Nxb3 A. Petrosian-Dukhovsky, Yaro­
Nd5 1 4 Qb2 Na5 1 5 e4 Ne7 1 6 Bf4 slavl 1 9 1 5, continued 1 2 Be3 Ne7
Nxb3 1 7 axb3 Qd7 1 8 d5 ! White 1 3 Bf4 c6 14 Be5, with advantage
obtained an excellent position. to White.
(b) 5 ... Ne4 6 Nf3 Nc6 (the (c2) If Black develops in the
ancient game Weil-Keres, Vienna spirit of the Closed Variation with
1 937, went 6 ... c5 7 0-0 Bxd2 8 6 ... 0-0 7 Nf3 c6 8 0-0 b6, then
Nxd2 cxd4 9 cxd5 exd5 1 0 Nb3 , after 9 b3 Bb7 10 Bb2 Nbd7 1 1 e4
when White gained the advantage; ReS 12 Rfd1 White's position is
6 ... 0-0 7 0-0 f5 has also been the more promising, Khalifman­
played, and now 8 Nxe4 fxe4 9 Ne5 Belyavsky, 54th USSR Ch. 1 986.
Bd6 1 0 Qb3 Bxe5 1 1 dxe5 Kh8 12
Rd1 , Becker-Koch, Oeyenhausen 6 Nf3
1 938, or 8 Ne5 c6 9 c5 Nxd2
1 0 Bxd2 Bxd2 1 1 Qxd2 Nd7 12
Nd3 , Schroder-Degenhardt, Aib­ If he wishes, White can defend
ling 1 965 - in both cases with his c-pawn with 6 Qc2 and then
the better position for White) 7 prepare the standard advance
0-0 0-0 8 Qc2 (White can also
e2-e4, e.g. 6 ... Nbd7 (the devel­
consider 8 a3 Be7 9 Qc2 f5 1 0 b4 opment of the queen's bishop at a6
Bf6 1 1 Bb2 Bd7 12 Racl ReB 13 - 6 ... b6 7 Nf3 Ba6 is well met by
Nb3 with advantage, Opocensky­ 8 a3! Be7 9 0-0) 7 Nf3 c6 8 0-0
Fairhurst, Czechoslovakia v and then e2-e4. Compared with
Great Britain 1 947, or 8 e3 Nxd2 positions from the main line of the
9 Bxd2 Bxd2 1 0 Qxd2 Bd7 1 1 Closed Variation, the bishop is less
Racl Qe7 12 cxd5 exd5 13 Rc5 well placed at b4 than at e7.
Be6 14 Rfcl with positional press­ After 6 Qb3 c5 7 Nf3 Nc6 both
ure on the Q-side, Quinteros­ sides have chances.
Pomar, Olot 1 974) 8 ... f5 9 e3
Bd7 10 b3 Be8 1 1 a3. White's 6 ... dxc4
position is preferable (Euwe). 7 0-0 bS (131)
PTC-E
122 Play the Catalan
sacrificed pawn. In Alburt-Christ­
iansen, USA Ch. 1 983, 1 0 ... c3 1 1
Nb1 led to a tense position with
chances for both sides.
(b) 8 Ne5 Nd5 9 a4, A. Zait­
sev-Nikolayevsky, 35th USSR Ch.
1 967. After 9 ... c6 1 0 Qc2 f6 1 1
Nef3 Be7 1 2 e4 Nb4 1 3 Qc3 Nd7
Black retained his pawn in a sharp
position, and in the subsequent
play White did not gain any com­
pensation: 14 b3 cxb3 1 5 Nxb3 aS
131
16 Be3 Nb6 17 axb5 cxb5 18 Nc5
Nc4 19 Rfb1 Bxc5 20 dxc5 Nxe3
21 fxe3. Here 21 ... Bd7 would
(a) 8 a4 c6 9 Qc2 Bb7 1 0 b3, with have been logical, and if 22 Nd4
positional compensation for the ReS.
 6

4 . . . c6 fo I I owed by . . . Bd6

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g 3 d 5 4 Bg2 The exchange variation 5 cxd5

is hardly ever played nowadays:
4 ... c6 (132) 5 ... exd5 (5 ... cxd5 is also poss­
ible) 6 Nf3 (after 6 Qc2 g6 fol­
lowed by . Bf5 or 6 Nc3 Bf5 7
. .

Qb3 Qb6 8 Qxb6 axb6 9 f3 Na6

1 0 Bg5 Nb4 1 1 Kf2 Be7 positions
in the spirit of the Slav Defence
arise) 6 ... Be7 7 0-0 0-0 (133).

After strengthening his centre

Black develops his bishop not at
e7, as in the main variation, but at 133
d6, and he then prepares ... e5.
(a) 8 b3 b6 (8 ... Bf5 is a sound
5 Nf3 continuation) 9 Bb2 Bb7 1 0 Na3
Nbd7 1 1 Rc1 Rc8 12 Nc2 Re8 1 3
If White is not disposed towards Ne3 Bf8 1 4 Bh3 with the initi­
a gambit variation (after 5 ... ative for White, Artsukevich­
dxc4), he can choose 5 Nbdl or 5 Kondratyev, Leningrad 1 953.
Qcl, defending his c4 pawn. (b) 8 Nc3 Bf5 (Aronin-Kas-
123
1 24 Play the Catalan
parian, 1 5th USSR Ch. 1 947, went without first exchanging 8 ... dxc4,
8 ... Nbd7 9 Q�2 Bd6 1 0 Bf4 Qe7 since White takes on c4 with his
1 1 Rfe1 Re8 12 a3 Bxf4 13 gxf4 ; by knight, which is advantageous to
continuing 13 ... Ne4 , Black would him.
have gained equal chances) 9 Qb3
Qb6 1 0 Qxb6 axb6, and Black 8 ... eS
has easily solved his opening prob­
lems, Markland-Pfleger, Hastings If 8 ... Qe7 9 b3 (9 e4 also comes
1 97 1/72. into consideration}, then:
It can be concluded that the plan (a) 9 ... Rd8 10 Bb2 e5 1 1 cxd5
of exchanging in the centre is not Nxd5 1 2 Rad l ! exd4 1 3 Nxd4 and
dangerous for Black. the chances are with White, Aver­
bakh-Stoltz, Stockholm Inter­
s ... Nbd7 zonal 1 952.
6 Qc2 (b) 9 ... e5 1 0 cxd5, and if
1 0 ... e4 (1 0 ... cxd5 1 1 dxe5 Nxe5
This position can be reached 12 Bb2), then 1 1 Nh4 cxd5
from the Slav Defence after 1 d4 d5 1 2 Nf5 and Nxd6 with advantage
2 c4 c6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Qc2 e6 5 g3 (Averbakh).
Nbd7 6 Bg2. White also operates in analogous
6 Qb3 is also played here, e.g. fashion after 8 . .. ReS (9 b3 e5 1 0
6 ... Bd6 7 Nc3 dxc4 8 Qxc4 e5 9 cxd5 cxd5 1 1 dxe5 Nxe5 12 Bb2 or
0-0 0-0 1 0 Bg5 exd4 (after 1 0 ... Nxd5 1 1 Nc4).
1 0 ... Qa5 1 1 Bxf6 Nxf6 12 dxe5
Bxe5 13 Nxe5 Qxe5 14 Rad1 9 cxdS cxdS
White has the advantage) 1 1 Qxd4
Qc7 1 2 Rad l . White's position is In Panov-M. Makogonov,
preferable. This variation also USSR Ch. i-Final 1 938, Black did
bears some relation to the Slav not want to play with an isolated
Defence: after 1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 pawn in the centre, and so he chose
Nf3 Nf6 4 Nc3 e6 White sometimes 9 . .. NxdS. After 1 0 Nc4 Qe7 1 1 e4
plays 5 Qc2, defending his c4 N5b6 1 2 Nxd6 Qxd6 1 3 Rdl exd4
pawn, and then fianchettoes his 14 Bf4! Qe7 1 5 Rxd4 ReS 1 6 Bd6
king's bishop. Qe6 17 a4 White gained the advan­
tage.
6 ... Bd6
7 0-0 0-0 10 dxeS NxeS
8 Nbd2 1 1 NxeS BxeS
12 Nf3 Bd6
After this Black has to play ... e5 13 Be3 (134)
 4 ... c6 followed by ... Bd6 1 25
Neishtadt-Block, corr. 1 981-
83, continued 13 . Be6 14 Rfd1
. .

Rc8 1 5 Qd3 a6 1 6 Ng5 h6 1 7 Nxe6

fxe6 1 8 Rac1 Qe7 19 f4 Bc5 20 Bf3
Rc7 21 Kg2 Rfc8 22 g4, with the
initiative for White.

134
 Cata l a n O pe n i n g afte r
1 d4 d 5 2 c4 - I ntro d uctio n

If on 1 d4 Black replies 1 ... d5, (a) Dorfman-Vorotnikov, USSR

Catalan players can offer their 1 982: 5 ... c5 (this advance, with
opponents the Queen's Gambit the loss of a tempo on ... c6 and
with 2 c4, and later fianchetto their ... c5 , is to some extent justified by
king's bishop. For example, 2 ... the position of the white queen at
e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3 or 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 c2) 6 cxd5 Nxd5 (in the event of
g3 . It is more rare to play 3 g3 be­ 6 ... cxd4 7 Nxd4 Nxd5 8 Bg2 or 7
fore the development of one of the Qa4 + Bd7 8 Qxd4 Nxd5 9 Bg2
knights. Nc6 1 0 Qd1 White has a minimal
If on 3 Nf3 Black replies 3 ... c6 advantage) 7dxc5 Nc6 8 a3 Qa5+
(rather than 3 ... Nf6), 4 g3 then 9 Bd2 (on 9 Nbd2 Black replies
involves a pawn sacrifice. Given 9 ... Bxc5 , after which White is
the present state of the Catalan deprived of the natural 1 0 Bg2? in
Opening, White is not deterred by view of 1 0 ... Bx/2 + 1 1 Kxf2
such gambit play (cf. the Open Qb6 +) 9 ... Qxc5 1 0 Nc3 Bd7 1 1
Variation lines with ... b5), but if b4 Nd4! (1 1 ... Qb6 12 Bh3 favours
he wishes he can first defend his White) 1 2 Nxd4 Qxd4 1 3 e4! Nb6
c-pawn with 4 Qc2, and only then 14 Be3 Qf6 (after 14 ... Qe5 1 5
play g2-g3. Rd1 ReB 1 6 Bd4 Qc7 1 7 Qb3
The analogous manoeuvre Qc2, followed by Be2 and 0-0 White's
with the aim of transposing into a position is better) 15 0-0-0 (a bold
"non-gambit" version of the Cata­ decision: White counts on parrying
lan Opening, can be employed in the threats along the c-file by
the Slav Defence: 1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 exploiting his lead in development)
3 Nf3 Nf6 4 Qc2, and if 4 ... e6 1 5 ... ReS 1 6 Bd4, with a sharp, but
5 g3 . For illustrative purposes, we seemingly not unfavourable game
give two unusual games: for White. He stands better after,
1 26
 Catalan Opening after 1 d4 d5 2 c4 - Introduction 1 27
for example, 1 6 ... Qh6+ 1 7 Kb1 Qxc6 1 9 Rc1 Qa6 20 e3! 0-0 2 1
Ba4 1 8 Nxa4! Rxc2 1 9 Kxc2 Nxa4 Bfl . The invasion o f the Q-side by
20 BbS + , as well as after the game White's pieces gives him an obvi-
continuation 1 6 ... eS? 1 7 Bxb6 ous advantage: 2 1 ... Qb7 22 Rc7
Qxb6 1 8 Rxd7! Kxd7 1 9 Bh3+ Qa8 23 Ba6 ! ; 2 1 ... Qb6 22 Qa4;
Kd8 20 Rd1 + Bd6 2 1 Bxc8 Kxc8 2 1 ... QaS 22 Bc7 ! Nb6 23 NeS
22 Rxd6 Qxd6 23 NbS + Qc6 24 (analysis by Ghitescu).
Nxa7+ (analysis by Dorfman). It stands to reason that Black can
(b) Ghitescu-Haik, Bagneux deviate from Catalan lines by play­
1 9 8 1 : S ... Nbd7 6 Bg2 bS (a clever ing, say, 4 ... g6 (instead of 4 ... e6).
idea) 7 cxbS (7 c5 is well met by Apart from 4 Qc2 White can also
7 ... e5 , e.g. 8 dxe5 Ng4 9 Bf4 Bxc5 play 4 Qb3 .
1 0 0-0 Qe7) 7 ... cxbS 8 Qc6! (the In another variation of the Slav
aim of this invasion is to disrupt the Defence - 1 d4 dS 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3
normal development of Black's Nf6 4 Nc3 e6 a transposition can be
Q-side by ... Bb7 and . . ReB) . made into a Catalan set-up after
8 ... Rb8 9 Bf4 Rb6 1 0 Qc2 Bb7 1 1 first defending the c4 pawn with S
0-0 (1 1 Bc7? Qc8) 1 1 ... Rc6 1 2 Qb3 or S Qd3.
Qb3 Qb6 1 3 Nc3 Ba6 (after In the following chapters we
13 ... a6 14 a4 bxa4 15 Qxa4 Qxb2 analyze in detail cases where White
1 6 Rab1 Qxc3 1 7 Rxb7 White has transposes from the Queen's
the advantage) 1 4 a4 b4 1 S NbS Gambit into the Catalan Opening:
Be7 1 6 Rac1 ! (a small finesse: after 1 d4 dS 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3,
16 Rfcl 0-0 1 7 Rxc6 Qxc6 White and now 4 ... dxc4 (Chapter 7) or
cannot play 18 Nxa7? in view of 4 ... cS (Chapter 8).
18 ... Qa8!; but now that he has 1 d4 dS 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 g3
moved his rook from a 1 , he is and 1 d4 dS c4 e6 3 g3 are both
threatening to win the pawn) covered in Chapter 9.
1 6 ... BxbS 1 7 axbS QxbS 1 8 Rxc6
 7
4 dxc4

1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3 Ndc5, Black could have equalized

by 1 5 ... Qb6 or 1 5 ... Rc7 (Mata­
4 ... dxc4 novic).
5 Qa4+ (b) The same plan, of opposing
the "Catalan bishop" with the
Black can choose the set-up bishop at b7, was successfully em­
5 ... Qd7 (7. 1) or 5 . . Bd7 and ployed in F. Olafsson-Spassky,
.

6 ... Nc6 (7.2) . Tallinn 1 975: 6 ... a6 7 Qc2

5 . . . Nbd7 6 Qxc4 usually trans­ (Padevsky-Mikhalchishin, Baku
poses into normal positions from 1 9SO, went 7 a4 b6 B Bg2 Bb 7 9
the Open Variation, but it should Nc3 c5 1 0 0-0 ReB 1 1 Bf4 cxd4 12
be noted that Black has the possi­ Qxd4 Bc5 13 Qd3 NbB!, equaliz­
bility of fianchettoing his queen's ing) 7 ... b6 S Bg2 Bb7 9 0-0 c5 1 0
bishop: Nc3 cxd4 1 1 Nxd4 Bxg2 1 2 Kxg2
(a) 6 ... b6! (the logical reaction Bc5 1 3 Nf3 0-0 1 4 Bg5 h6 1 5 Bxf6
to White's delay in playing Bg2 ) 7 Nxf6 1 6 Rfd1 QbS 1 7 Ne4 Be7
Bg2 Bb7 S 0-0 c5 . The 22nd with an equal position.
Match game Karpov-Korchnoi, The quite reasonable moves
Moscow 1 974, continued 9 Rd1 5 ... Nc6 and 5 . . Nfd7 have not
.

(on 9 Nc3 Black plays 9 ... a6 and been employed in serious events.
then ... ReB) 9 ... a6 1 0 dxc5 Bxc5 7.1
1 1 b4 (or 1 1 Nc3 b5 and ... Qb6)
1 1 ... Be7 12 Bb2 b5 13 Qd4 ReS 5 ... Qd7
14 Nbd2 0-0 1 5 a3. Here instead 6 Qxc4 Qc6
of 1 5 ... Rc2, which after 1 6 Ne1
Rc7 1 7 Bxb7 Rxb7 1 S Nb3 QaS 1 9 In contrast to the familiar varia­
Rac1 ReS would have allowed tion 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2
White to obtain slightly the better dxc4 5 Qa4 + , the c6 square is not
position by 20 Nd3 followed by attacked, which allows Black the
128
 4 ... dxc4 1 29
possibility of exchanging queens. (instead 14 Racl 0-0 15 Bd6
The question is, is this advanta­ comes into consideration) 1 4 ...
geous for him? . . . Bxd6 15 Bxd6 Nfe4 1 6 Be5 f6 1 7
Bf4 e 5 1 8 Be3 with slightly the
7 Nbd2! Qxc4 better chances for White.
8 Nxc4 (135) {b2) 1 0 ... Nbd7 1 1 Bd2 {the
immediate 1 1 B/4 can also be sug­
The position is considerably gested; Bertok-Karaklajic, Ams­
simplified, but Black has not solved terdam 1 964, went 1 1 b3 Be7 12
his opening problems. Bb2 0-0 13 Racl c5 14 Rfd1 with
a slight initiative for White) 1 1 ...
Be7 1 2 Rfc1 c5 1 3 Bf4 0-0 1 4 Bd6.
White has the more active position,
Keres-Birbrager, USSR 1 966.
(c) A further possibility for
Black - 8 ... cS followed by
.

... cxd4, was recommended by Bot­

vinnik. But after 9 Bg2 cxd4 1 0
Nxd4 White has a lead in develop­
ment.

9 Bd2 Bxd2+

And now:
135 (a) 10 Ncxd2 is analyzed in the
commentary to Game No. 4,
8 ... Bb4+ p. 1 69.
(b) 10 Nfxd2! (only after this
The obvious move. Before capture, opening the "Catalan
assessing it, let us examine three diagonal", are the drawbacks to
other continuations: the bishop exchange revealed)
(a) 8 ... Be7 9 Bg2 Nbd7 1 0 0-0 1 0 ... Nc6 1 1 e3 Nb4 12 Ke2 Bd7
0-0 1 1 Rd1 Nb6 1 2 Nfe5. White's 13 Bg2 Bc6 14 f3 ! Nd7 15 a3 Nd5
position is preferable, Sajtar­ 16 e4 N5b6 17 Na5 Bb5 + 1 8 Ke3
Hromadka, Zlin 1 943. 0-0-0 1 9 Rhc1 . White's position is
(b) 8 ... b6 (recommended by better, Botvinnik-Vidmar, Gron­
Miiller) 9 Bg2 Bb7 1 0 0-0, and: ingen 1 946.
(b1) 1 0 ... c6 1 1 Bf4 Nbd7 1 2 7.2
Rfd1 Be7 1 3 dxc5 Nxc5 1 4 Nd6+
130 Play the Catalan
s ... Bd7 ment of his king's bishop) 1 3 Qxg7
6 Qxc4 Nc6 (136) Bf6 14 Qg4 Bxb2 1 5 0-0!

6 ... Bc6 7 Bg2 leads to a position

from the Open Variation: 1 d4 Nf6
2 c4 e6 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 dxc4 5 Qa4+
Bd7 6 Qxc4 Bc6 7 Nf3 (Vol. 1
p. 47) . Szabo-Korchnoi, Palma
de Mallorca 1 969, took an original
course: 7 Nc3 (instead of 7 Bg2)
7 ... Bxf3 8 exf3 Nc6 9 Be3 Be7 1 0
Bg2 0-0 1 1 0-0 Rb8 (1 1 ... Nb4 is
preferable, and if 12 Qb3 Rb8).
Here instead of 1 2 f4 Nb4 1 3 Rad1
c6 1 4 f5 exf5 1 5 d5, which led to
great complications, 1 2 a3 came
into consideration, so as to answer 136
1 2 ... Na5 with 1 3 Qa2. If now
1 3 ... Nd5, then 14 Ne4, with Black wishes to drive away the
slightly the better chances for queen, so as then to play ... c5 .
White.
6 ... cS should also be consi­ 7 Bg2
dered; 7 dxc5 Bc6, and now:
(a) 8 Bg2 Nbd7, reaching a posi­ On 7 Bd2, preventing ... Na5,
tion from the Open Variation (1 d4 Black can consider 7 ... Bd6 and
Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 dxc4 5 ... e5.
Nf3 c5 6 Qa4 + Bd7 7 Qxc4 Bc6 8
dxc5 Nbd7 - Vol. 1 p. 86). This 7 ... NaS
same variation is reached if,
instead of 7 dxc5 , White continues This move is sometimes made
his development: 7 Bg2 Bc6 8 0-0 after the preparatory 7 ... Be7 8
Nbd7 9 Nc3. 0-0 (137) (here too 8 Bd2 can be
(b) 8 Nc3 led to a complicated, played). After a later exchange at
double-edged situation in Anders­ c5 Black will lose a tempo
son-Van der Wiel, Wijk aan Zee ( ... Be7xc5) compared with the
1984: 8 ... Nbd7 9 Be3 Rc8 1 0 Bg2 main variation.
Nd5 1 1 Nxd5 Bxd5 12 Qd4 Be7 (a) 8 ... Na5 9 Qc2 (Azmaipar­
(after other continuations Black ashvili-Nikolic, USSR v. Yugo­
has difficulties with the develop- slavia 1 979, went 9 Qd3 c5 1 0 dxc5
 4 ... dxc4 131
9 . . . 0-0 10 Rd1 , and Black began
to experience difficulties. After
1 0 ... QeS 1 1 Nc3 Na5 12 Qd3 the
planned 1 2 ... c5 was decisively
refuted by Vaganian: 1 3 dxc5 Bxc5
14 b4! Bxb4 15 Ne4! Bb5 16 Qb1
Bxd2 (if 1 6 ... Nxe4 , then 1 7 Bxb4
Nc3 1 8 Bxc3 Rxc3 1 9 Ng5 with
advantage) 1 7 Nd6 Qe7 (1 7 ... Qc6
1 8 Rxd2 or 1 8 NxcB RxcB 1 9 Nd4!)
137 1 S NxcS RxcS 1 9 Qxb5 - White
'won the exchange for a pawn.
Bxc5 11 Ne5 ReB 12 Be3 Bxe3 13 It can be concluded that the
Qxe3 with slightly the better pros­ delay by Black in developing his
pects for White) 9 ... ReS 1 0 Nc3 Q-side and the waste of a tempo on
c5 1 1 dxc5 Bxc5 12 e4 Nc6 13 e5 ... Be7 leads to an advantage for
Nb4 14 Qd2! Nfd5, Fischer-Di White.
Camillo, New York 1 95S. Here 7 . .. ReS S 0-0 Na5 9 Qd3 c5
Fischer exploited the insecure plac­ transposes into the main variation.
ing of the black knights with 1 5 a3 !
Nxc3 1 6 axb4 Bxb4 1 7 bxc3 Bxc3 8 Qd3
1S Qa2 Bxa1 1 9 Qxa 1 , and White
gained a material advantage (due 8 Qc2 is less promtsmg, for
to the threat of Ba3 Black must example, 8 . . . ReB and:
castle, and he has no time to defend (a) 9 Nc3 c5 1 0 0-0 (1 0 dxc5
his a-pawn). Bxc5 leads to a position from the
(b) S ... ReS 9 Bd2! (for the Fischer-Di Camillo game, but with
moment White prevents the plan­ an extra tempo for Black, which
ned ... Na5 and ... c5 , and meets gives him equal chances) 1 0 ...
them only when he is fully pre­ cxd4 1 1 Nxd4 Qb6 1 2 Qd3 Be7,
pared; however, he also gains some and White failed to gain any ad­
advantage after 9 Nc3 Na5 1 0 Qd3 vantage in Dunkelblum-Horowitz,
c5 1 1 dxc5 Bxc5 12 Ne5 Nc6 13 Dubrovnik Olympiad 1 950.
Nxd7 Qxd7 14 Qb5!, Szekely­ (b) 9 Ne5 c5 10 Nxd7 Qxd7 1 1
Deze, Zalaegerszeg 1 977, or dxc5 Bxc5 1 2 Nc3 Nd5 ! (Black
12 ... Bc6 13 QxdB + RxdB 14 exploits the not altogether happy
Nxc6 Nxc6 15 Bxc6+ bxc6 16 position of the white queen on the
Na4). Vaganian-Dvoryetsky, 43rd c-file) 1 3 Bxd5 (or 13 0-0 Nxc3 1 4
USSR Ch. 1 975, continued bxc3 0-0, and Black has no prob-
132 Play the Catalan
lems) 1 3 ... exd5 1 4 0-0 0-0 1 5 White, Kashdan-Horowitz, New
Qd3 d4 1 6 Ne4 Be7 1 7 Bf4 Qd5 1 8 York 1 948-49.
Rfc1 h6. Black has a good game.
On 1 9 Qf3 he replies 1 9 ... Qe6 10 Nc3 Bc6
with the idea of ... f5 and ... g5,
Vaganian-Taimanov, USSR 1 974. On 10 ... cxd4 1 1 Nxd4 Nc6
The withdrawal of the queen to there follows 1 2 Ndb5 .
c3 gives Black an important tempo
for counter-play: 8 Qc3?! c5 9 dxc5 1 1 Rd1
Nd5 ! 1 0 Qc2 Bxc5 !
1 1 e4 is premature in view of
8 ... cS 1 1 ... cxd4 1 2 Qxd4 Qxd4 1 3 Nxd4
9 0-0 ReS Bc5 - Black has a good game.

1 1 ... cxd4
Black has unravelled his Q-side,
but the knight at aS is not very well Releasing the tension in the
placed, which gives White favour­ centre by 1 1 ... c4 allows White to
able possibilities in the centre. take the initiative; 1 2 Qc2 Bb4,
Other continuations: and now:
(a) 9 . . Qb6 10 Nc3 Bc6 1 1 Be3
. (a) 1 3 Bg5 0-0 14 e4 Bxc3 1 5
Rd8 1 2 Rfd l . There are significant Bxf6 Qxf6 1 6 bxc3, and White,
drawbacks to the position of the with his strong centre, stands bet­
queen at b6: ter, Spiridonov-Taimanov, Slncev
(a1) In Golombek-Ed. Lasker, Brjag 1 974.
Hastings 1 952-53, Black took the (b) 13 d5 exd5 1 4 e4 (138) is an
offered pawn - 1 2 ... Qxb2, but attempt to break through in the
after 1 3 Ne5 Bxg2 1 4 Rab1 Qa3 1 5 centre and achieve more.
Kxg2 he found himself in a difficult
situation.
(a2) 1 2 ... Be7 comes into con­
sideration, and only in the event of
1 3 dxc5 - 1 3 ... Qxb2 14 Nd3 e5,
forcing White to retreat his queen
to c2 (15 Rab1 ? exd4! 1 6 Rxb2
dxc3), after which the chances are
roughly equal (analysis).
(b) 9 ... Nc6 1 0 dxc5 Bxc5 1 1 a3
0-0 1 2 b4 Be7 1 3 Bb2 a6 1 4 Nbd2
Qc7 1 5 Rac1 with the initiative for 138
 4 ... dxc4 1 33
(b1) 1 4 ... 0-0 1 5 exd5 (1 5 Nxd5 This is stronger than 13 ... a6,
also comes into consideration) after which 14 Qf3 ! (Minev)
1 5 ... Bd7 1 6 Bf4 b5 1 7 Ne5 Bc5 1 8 secures White the better game.
Bg5, and White built up a strong Black does not have to fear the
attack in Gofstein-Berkovich, check at b5.
Leningrad 1 976.
(b2) 1 4 ... Bxc3 1 5 exd5 (more 14 QbS+ Qd7!
determined than 1 5 bxc3 Nxe4 1 6 15 QxaS Bxd4 (139)
Ba3 , although the excellent posi­
tion of White's dark-squared
bishop compensates for the sac­
rificed pawns) 1 5 ... Nxd5 ! ? (after
15 ... Bxd5? I 1 6 bxc3 0-0 1 7 Ng5
g6 18 Bxd5 Nxd5 1 9 Ne4 Black's
position is indefensible). Ftacnik­
Lechtynsky, Czechoslovakia 1 979,
continued 1 6 bxc3 0-0 1 7 Ng5 g6
18 Ne4 (White's plan includes Ba3
and Nd6 ; 1 8 Nh3 Re8 1 9 Nf4 ReS
leads to unclear play) 1 8 ... Qe7 1 9
Bg5 f6! (if 1 9 ... Qe5? 20 f4 fol­
lowed by Rxd5) 20 Rxd5 Bxd5 (in
the event of 20 ... fxg5 21 Rxa5 b6 139
22 Ra4! White has the advantage)
2 1 Nxf6+ Rxf6 22 Bxd5+ Kg7 23 Gonssiorovsky-Adamski, Decin
Bxf6+ (instead of this the unhur­ 1 97 6, now continued 16 QbS Qxb5
ried 23 Qd2 can be suggested; 1 7 Nxb5 Bc5 1 8 Bf4 (on 1 8 Be3
if, for example, 23 ... Rd8, then 24 Black does not reply 1 8 ... a6 in
Re1 Qd6 25 Qd4 Nc6 26 Qh4 , view of 1 9 Racl with advantage to
when if 26 ... Ne5 2 7 Bxf6+ Qxf6 White, but 1 8 ... 0-0, equalizing,
28 Rxe5) 23 ... Kxf6 ! (23 ... Qxf6 since 1 9 Bxc5 Rxc5 20 Nxa7 does
24 Re1 !) 24 Rd1 Rd8 25 Rd4 Kg7, not achieve anything due to
and Black parried the attack 20 ... Rc2) 1 8 ... Nd5 1 9 Nd6+ (1 9
(analysis by Lechtynsky). Bd6 would seem to be stronger,
11 ... Be7 should also be men­ and if 1 9 ... a6 20 Racl !) 1 9 ...
tioned. After 1 2 e4 cxd4 1 3 Nxd4 Bxd6 20 Bxd6 Rc2. The ending
the chances are with White. should finish in a draw.
In the event of 16 NbS Qc6+ 1 7
12 Nxd4 Bxg2 Kg1 Bb6 1 8 Qb4 Bc5 1 9 Qb3 0-0
13 Kxg2 BcS the game is level.
 8

4 . . . c5

1 d 4 d 5 2 c4 e 6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3
4 .. . c5 (140)

(a) 6 ... cxd4 (6 ... Be7 leads to

the Closed Variation of the Cata­
lan Opening) 7 0-0 Bc5 8 Nxd4
140 0-0 9 Nb3 Bb6 1 0 Bd2 Nc6 1 1
Na3 ! , with the more favourable
5 Bg2
position for White, e.g. 1 1 ... Qe7
After 5 cxd5 Nxd5 (5 ... exd5 12 Nc4 Bc7 13 e4 Ndb4 14 Qe2 or
leads to a position from the Tar­ 1 1 ... a6 12 Nc4 Ba7 13 Nca5 Nxa5
rasch Defence to the Queen's 14 Bxa5 Qe7 1 5 Rc1 Bd7 1 6 e4,
Gambit) 6 Nc3 Alekhine's Varia­ Simonson-Fine, New York 1 938.
tion of the Tarrasch Defence In both variations White has the
Deferred is reached (J d4 d5 2 c4 initiative.
e6 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 Nf3 c5 5 cxd5 Nxd5 (b) 6 .. . Nc6 7 0-0 (142).
6 g3). (b1) 7 ... cxd4 (7 ... Be7 leads to
We will be interested in the posi­ a position from the variation 1 d4
tions after 6 Bg2 (141 ), which Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 Be7 5
belong to the Catalan Opening. Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 c5 - section 4.3) 8
1 34
 4 . c5
.. 1 35
to White, Keres-Klein, USSR v.
Great Britain 1 94 7.

5 ..
. cxd4

On 5 ... Nc6 White has:

( a) 6 cxd5 Nxd5 7 0-0, trans­
posing into variations from the
previous note.
142 (b) 6 0-0 cxd4 7 Nxd4 Bc5 8
Nb3 Be7 9 cxd5 Nxd5 1 0 Bd2
0-0 1 1 Nc3 Bf6 ( or 11 ... Nxc3 12
Nxd4 Be7 9 Nxc6 bxc6 1 0 Qc2 (or Bxc3 Qb6 13 Qcl with rather
1 0 Nd2 followed by Nc4). White's the better chances for White,
position is preferable. Udovcic-Dsurasevic, Yugoslav
(b2 ) 7 ... Nf6 8 Ne5 (seemingly Ch. 1 955 ) 1 2 Rc1 a5 1 3 Nc5 Bd4,
naive play for simplification does Reshevsky-Bronstein, Amster­
not relieve Black of his difficulties: dam Interzonal 1 964. By con­
8 dxc5 Qxd1 9 Rxd1 Bxc5 10 Nc3 tinuing now 14 N3a4 (14 ... b5 15
Bd7 1 1 Ng5 , e.g. 1 1 ... Ke7 12 Nd3) White would have gained
Nge4 Nxe4 13 Nxe4 Bb6 1 4 b3 or slightly the better chances.
1 1 ... Be7 12 Nge4 Nxe4 13 Nxe4 5 ... Be7 leads to positions from
0-0-0 1 4 Be3 , Filip-Shashin, the Closed Variation - 1 d4 Nf6 2
Yerevan 1 965 - in both variations c4 e6 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 Be7 5 Nf3 0-0
6 0-0 c5.
White has the advantage) 8 ... Bd7
(not, of course, 8 ... Nxd4? 9 e3 ,
6 Nxd4
while after 8 ... Nxe5 9 dxe5 White
has the better game ) 9 Nxc6 Bxc6
1 0 Bxc6+ bxc6 1 1 Qa4 (compared 6 0-0 is possible, and only after
with the variation 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 6 ... Be7 - 7 Nxd4, e.g.:
3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 dxc4 5 Nf3 c5 6 0-0 (a) 7 ... dxc4 8 NbS ! , and:
Nc6 7 Ne5 , Vol. 1 p. 60, White's ( a1 ) 8 ... Qb6 (8 ... 0-0 9 Qxd8
position is more favourable - Bxd8 1 0 Na3 or 8 ... a6 9 Qxd8 +
Black does not have a pawn at c4 ) Kxd8 1 0 Rd1 + Nbd7 1 1 Nd6 also
1 1 ... Qb6 ( on 1 1 ... cxd4 12 leads to an advantage for White) 9
Qxc6 + Nd7 White can play 13 a4 ! Nbd7 1 0 N 1 a3 Bxa3 1 1 Rxa3
Bg5! Qc8 14 Qa4) 1 2 dxc5 Bxc5 1 3 0-0 1 2 Be3 Qa5 1 3 Qc1 Nd5 14
Nd2 0-0 1 4 Nc4, with advantage Bd2 Qb6 1 5 e4 with a clear advan-
136 Play the Catalan
tage to White, Petrosian-Chist­ ition, e.g. 1 2 ... Nfd7 1 3 Be3 Qc7
yakov, USSR 1 964. 14 a3 Be7 1 5 f4 (Kapengut) .
( a2 ) 8 ... Nd5 (probably best) , (b) 6 ... BcS does not give equal­
and if 9 e4 a6 1 0 exd5 axb5 1 1 dxe6 ity. After 7 0-0 0-0 8 Nb3 (8 cxd5
Bxe6 (this is sounder than 1 1 ... Nxd5 9 Nb3 is also possible)
Qxd1 12 exf7+ Kxf7 13 Rxdl ) 1 2 8 ... Bb6 9 Nc3 dxc4 1 0 Nd2! Qd4
Bxb7 Ra7 (analysis) . (otherwise after Nxc4 White has
(b) 7 ... 0-0 8 cxd5 ! Nxd5 9 Qb3. excellent prospects) 1 1 e3 Qd3 1 2
It is not easy for Black to com­ Qa4 Nbd7 1 3 Qxc4 Ne5 1 4 Qxd3
plete his development. Tolush­ Nxd3 1 5 Nc4 Bc5 1 5 Rd1 Nxc1 1 7
Chekhover, Leningrad Ch. 1 954, Raxc1 White had a marked lead
continued 9 ... Na6 10 Rd1 (this in development, Bilek-Kozma,
move would have also followed on Leipzig Olympiad 1 960.
9 ... Nc6) 10 ... Nc5 1 1 Qf3 Bg5? (c) After 6 ... dxc4 7 Qa4+ Bd7
(1 1 ... Bd7 is logical; after 12 e4 8 Qxc4 White has the more favour­
Nf6 13 Nc3 Qb8! Black has a able position.
rather cramped, but solid position
- Tolush) 1 2 Na3 Bxc1 1 3 Raxc1
with a clear advantage to White.

6 ... eS (143)

Black occupies the centre, and

the assessment of the resulting
positions depends on whether
White can undermine it or organ­
ize a diversion on the flanks.
Other continuations:
( a) 6 ... Bb4+ 7 Bd2 Qa5
(7 ... Bxd2 + 8 Qxd2 e5 9 Nb3 d4 143
- cf. variation 8.3 ) 8 cxd5 (8 Nb3
comes into consideration) 8 ... This position often arises via a
Nxd5 9 0-0 0-0 10 e4 Nf6 1 1 different move order - 1 d4 Nf6 2
c4 e6 3 g3 c5 4 Nf3 cxd4 5 Nxd4 d5
Nb3 Qb6, and now 1 2 Be3?! Qc7
13 Nc3 Bxc3 14 Rc1 Nc6 15 Rxc3 6 Bg2 e5.
e5 1 6 Bg5 Bg4 1 7 Qc2 Nd7 gave White has a choice of four con­
Black an acceptable game in tinuations: 7 Nf3 (8. 1 ), 7 Nc2 ( 8.2) ,
7 Nb3 ( 8.3 ) and 7 NbS ( 8.4) .
Golombek-Sapre, Moscow Olym­
8.1
piad 1 956, but by 1 2 e5 ! White
could have gained an excellent pos- 7 Nf3
 4 ... e5 137
The most popular continuation. Qb3 Ne5 can also be suggested) 12
e3 Rc8 1 3 Qb3. After 1 3 ... Nc5
7 ... d4 (13 ... Qe7 is also possible) the e4
pawn is defended and Black's posi­
The e5 pawn is immune in view tion is satisfactory.
of the check at a5. It should be mentioned that the
Until recently it was thought that modem move 7 � · · e4 was made by
after 7 ... e4 8 Nd4 Black could not . . . Capablanca (of course, not in a
maintain his position in the centre Catalan Opening, but with a differ­
and that he stood worse: 8 ... ent move order) in a game with
Bb4+ (after B ... Ne6 9 0-0 Be7 Edward Lasker (Lake Hopatong
10 Ne3 Black's centre collapses) 1 926). White made a poor reply -
'
9 Nc3 0-0 1 0 0-0 (Krogius-K. 8 Nfd2, and after 8 ... dxc4 9 Qa4+
Grigorian, 39th USSR Ch. 1 97 1 , Bd7 1 0 Qxc4 e3 ! 1 1 fxe3 Bc6
went 1 0 exd5 Nxd5 1 1 Bd2 Bxe3 Capablanca gained the advantage.
12 bxe3 Qe7 13 0-0 Na6 1 4 Qb3
Nb6 15 a4 Ne5 , and here a draw 8 0-0
was agreed) 1 0 ... ReS? ! (1 0 ...
Bxe3 11 bxe3 dxe4 is well met by 8 e3, undermining the d4 pawn
12 Qa4 or 12 Ba3 ReB 13 Nb5 , but before castling, is also possible:
1 1 .. . ReB comes into considera­ 8 ... Bb4+ (B ... Ne6 9 0-0 trans­
tion) 1 1 Nxd5 ! Nxd5 1 2 cxd5 Qxd5 poses into the main variation) 9
1 3 Qa4 Rd8 14 Be3 (by 1 4 Ne2! Bd2 Bxd2+ 1 0 Qxd2 Nc6, Vla­
White could have won a pawn) dimirov-Zaid, Sochi 1 975. After
1 4 ... Be7 1 5 Rfd1 Bd7 1 6 Qc2 f5 1 1 exd4 exd4 1 2 0-0 0-0 1 3 Na3
1 7 f3, and by destroying his oppo­ Bg4 14 Rfe1 Qd7 15 Ne5 Nxe5 1 6
nent's last bulwark in the centre, Rxe5 Black had difficulties, typical
White gained the advantage, of many lines of this variation, over
Pytel-Ghitescu, Bucharest 1 973. the defence of his d-pawn. He
However, to say that 7 ... e4 is solved them by 1 6 ... d3 1 7 Rae 1
unfavourable for Black is too Be2 1 8 Nb5 Rad8 1 9 Nc3 Qd4
severe an assessment. In Gorelov­ 20 Re3 Qxc4, but nevertheless
Nenashev, Moscow 1 9 84, after 8 finished up in an inferior endgame:
Nd4 Black played 8 ... dxc4 (this is 21 Nxe2 dxe2 22 Qxe2 Qxe2 23
sounder than B ... Bb4 + or R3xe2 (23 . . . Rd7 24 Re7, or
B .. Ne6) 9 Qa4+ (first 9 0-0 is
. 23 ... b6 24 Re7 RfeB 25 Be6).
perhaps rather more accurate)
9 ... Bd7 1 0 Qxc4 Na6 (1 0 ... Ne6 8 ... Nc6
followed by ... ReB is also quite 9 e3
good) 1 1 0-0 Qb6 (1 1 ... ReB 12
138 Play the Catalan
Against the flank advance 9 b4 associated in some way or other
(with the idea of meeting 9 ... Bxb4 with this plan:
with 1 0 Nxe5 Nxe5 1 1 Qa4 + , e.g. (a) 11 Nbd2 (144).
11 ... Nc6 12 Bxc6+ bxc6 13 Qxb4
Qb6 14 Ba3 Qxb4 15 Bxb4 Be6 1 6
Na3 Nd7 1 7 Bd6 c5 18 Rfb1 with
the initiative - Smyslov, while if
9 ... Bd6 1 0 b5 Ne7 1 1 c5) Black
replies with the energetic 9 ... e4!
In Radulescu-Szabo, Bucharest
1 953, after 10 Ng5 Bxb4 1 1 Nxe4
Nxe4 1 2 Bxe4 Bh3 1 3 Bg2 Bxg2
14 Kxg2 0-0 he obtained a good
position.
We now analyze 9 ... Be7 (8. 1 1) .
144
9 . . . BcS (8. 1 2), 9 . . . Bg4 (8. 1 3) and
9 ... d3 (8. 14) .
9 .. . Be6 has also been played. ( a1) 1 1 ... Be6 (Black immedi­
In Vladimirov-Vera, Groningen ately attacks the c4 pawn) 1 2 Re1
1 976/77, after 1 0 exd4 exd4 1 1 (on 12 Ng5 Black replies 12 ...
Qb3 Qb6 1 2 Ng5 Qxb3 1 3 axb3 Bf5) 12 ... 0-0 13 b3 (13 Nb3 d3!)
Bc5 1 4 Nxe6 fxe6 1 5 Nd2 0-0 1 6 1 3 ... Qd7 14 Bb2 Rad8 1 5 a3 a5
Ne4 Nxe4 1 7 Bxe4 Ne5 1 8 Kg2 - both sides have chances,
Rfd8 1 9 Bd2 White obtained the Saigin-Tal, match, Riga 1 954.
better game. (a2) 11 . . . 0-0 12 Nb3 (after 12
8.11 a3 a5 13 b3 Bf5 14 Bb2 Bc5 1 5 h3
ReB Black has a comfortable game,
9 ... Be7 Tukmakov-Platonov, 39th USSR
10 exd4 exd4 Ch. 1971) 12 ... d3 ! (the exchange
of the c4 pawn for the d4 pawn -

12 ... Be6 13 Nbxd4 Bxc4 led after

Thanks to his advanced d-pawn
14 Nxc6 bxc6 1 5 Re1 Qxd1 1 6
Black controls more space, but the
Rxd1 Rfd8 1 7 Rxd8 + Rxd8 1 8 Be3
pawn is isolated and subject to
Ng4 1 9 Bxa7 Ra8 20 Bd4 Rxa2 21
attack.
Rcl Bd5 22 h3 Bf6 23 hxg4 Bxf3
24 Bxf6 Bxg2 25 Kxg2 gxf6 26
11 Bf4 (145)
Rxc6 to a drawn rook ending
in M. Mukhin-Kim, USSR 1 977;
White begins besieging the d4 instead of 14 Nxc6, 1 4 Re1 is
pawn. Other continuations are also preferable, not forcing events)
 4 ... c5 139
1 3 Be3 Bg4 1 4 h3 Bh5 1 5 Rcl
Ne4! , Golombek-Smyslov, Mos­
cow 1 956. Black has a good game.
(b) 1 1 a3 a S 1 2 b 3 0-0 1 3 Bb2
Bc5 . The d4 pawn is securely sup­
ported. After 1 4 b4 axb4 1 5 axb4
Rxa1 1 6 Bxa1 Nxb4 1 7 Bxd4 b6
White exchanged his b-pawn for
the d-pawn, leading to an equal
game, Ilivitsky-Keres, 1 0th USSR
Ch. 1 948.
(c) 1 1 b3 0-0 12 Bb2 Bc5, and
in Kottnauer-Gligoric, Moscow
1 947, White played 1 3 Ne 1 ? ! (13 145
a3 a5 14 b4 leads to a position from
The exchange of the knight at c6
the previous variation), and this
reduces the number of the
was the cause of his difficulties:
d-pawn's defenders. After the
13 ... Bg4 ! 1 4 Qd2 ReS 15 Nd3
exchange on e5 the pawn will also
Re2 16 Qc1 Bb6 1 7 Nd2 (if 1 7
Nf4 , then 1 7 ... d3! 1 8 Nxe2 dxe2 be attacked by the bishop, and in
1 9 Re1 Nb4) 1 7 ... BaS 1 8 Rd1 addition the other knight will
Qd7 1 9 a3 (here too 1 9 Nf4 is threaten it after Nd2-f3 (or
strongly met by 1 9 ... d3 !) 1 9 ... Nd2-b3).
Bc7 20 Nf3 Bh3 21 Bh1 Bf5 22 12 ... NxeS
Rd2 Rae8. Black ,has an undis­
puted advantage. 12 . .. Qb6 comes into considera­
(d) The aggressive variation 1 1 tion; 1 3 Qb3, and now:
b4 Bxb4 1 2 Nxd4 Nxd4 1 3 Qa4+ (a) 1 3 ... Qa6 (a poor move) 1 4
Bd7 1 4 Qxb4 Nc2 is interesting. Rd1 Rd8 1 5 Na3 with the better
This position was considered to game for White, Smejkal-Honfi,
favo·ur Black, but it would seem Luhacovice 1 97 1 .
early as yet to draw the line. After (b) 1 3 ... Qxb3 (more natural)
1 5 Qc3 Nxa1 1 6 Ba3 ! White picks 14 axb3 Bd7 (after 14 ... Nb4 15
up the knight at a1 and obtains an Na3 White's position is still prefer­
attack for the sacrificed exchange. able) 1 5 Rfd1 Rfd8 1 6 Na3 with
The variation requires testing in the better game for White, Rash­
practice. kovsky-Belyavsky, 41st USSR Ch.
1973.
1 1 ... 0-0 (c) 13 ... Na5. After this in
. 12 NeS Gheorghiu-Keene, Baden 1 980,
 140 Play the Catalan
the players . . . agreed a draw. Re1 Rxel+ 1 7 Qxe1 Bd7! does not
Instead of this decision White promise White anything. Zilber­
should consider: stein-Kapengut, Odessa 1 972)
(cl ) A pawn sacrifice employed 1 6 ... Qb6 (1 6 ... Qd6 comes into
in Andrianov-Veselovsky, Kras­ consideration) 1 7 Qh5 Bf8 1 8
noyarsk 1 980: 14 Qf3 Qxb2 1 5 Radl (it would have been worth­
Nd2. while to isolate the d-pawn by 1 8
( c2) The positional plan pre­ c5) 1 8 ... g 6 1 9 Qb5 Qxb5 2 0 cxb5
ferred in Sosonko-Murshed, Bg7 2 1 Nxd4 Bg4 ! , and Black
Thessaloniki Olympiad 1 984: 1 4 equalized in Nogueiras-Portisch,
Qxb6 axb6 1 5 Nd2 Bf5 (this is the Thessaloniki Olympiad 1 984.
cause of Black's difficulties; (c) 15 Bf4 Bg4 16 Bf3 Bxf3
15 ... Nh5 is stronger, and if 1 6 1 7 Qxf3 Qd7, Both sides have
Nb3 Bd6) 1 6 Nb3, with pressure chances.
on the Q-side and in the centre.
After 1 6 ... Rfd8 1 7 Nxa5 bxa5 1 8 15 Bf4 (146)
Bxb7 Rab8 1 9 Bf3 Rxb2 2 0 Nc6
Rd7 21 Nxa5 Black was a pawn In Keres-Furman, 33rd USSR
down. Ch. 1 965, the original game with
this variation, 15 Nf3 was played,
13 Bxe5 Bc5 and after 1 5 ... d3 1 6 h3 Nxe5 1 7
14 Nd2 Ng4 Nxe5 d 2 1 8 Nf3 Qd6 (by attacking
the g-pawn, Black gains a tempo
The threat of Nb3 forces Black for the defence of his d-pawn) 1 9
to seek counter-play.
14 ... ReS is the alternative:
(a) 1 5 Ret Ng4 1 6 Bf4. White's
position is preferable, Alburt­
Furman, 43rd USSR Ch. 1 975.
After 1 6 ... Rxel + (1 6 ... Ne3?! is
clever, but insufficient in view of 1 7
fxe3 dxe3 1 8 Kh1 exd2 1 9 Qxd2 -

Black has difficulties with his

development) 1 7 Qxel d3 1 8 Ne4
Bd4 19 h3 Ne5 20 Rdl Nxc4 2 1
Rxd3 Nxb2 22 Rd2 Nc4 23 Re2
Bf5 24 Qb4 White regained his
pawn, with slightly the more active
position.
(b) 1 5 Bxf6 Qxf6 1 6 Nb3 (1 6 146
 4 . c5
., 141
Nxd2 Qxg3 20 Ne4 Qc7 a draw was bishop and knight for a rook, and
agreed. the realization of his advantage is a
(a) 15 ... g5. In the first few years matter of technique. The move 1 7
when this variation was employed Qh5 ! and the forcing variation fol­
it was thought that this aggressive lowing it appeared in the early
move promised Black good attack­ 1 970s on the pages of The Chess
ing chances: 1 6 Nb3 gxf4 1 7 Nxc5 Player, and were repeated in
fxg3 1 8 hxg3 Qd6 "and then Polugayevsky-Veingold, Moscow
... Qh6" . But in fact the threatened 1 979.
check at h2 is not to be feared, and ( d) Black should probably be
after the cool 1 9 Nd3 Qh6 20 Re l satisfied with the quiet 15 ... ReS
the chances are with White. It ( and if 1 6 Re1 , then 16 ... Rxe1 +
should be added that if White plays 1 7 Qxe1 d3).
1 6 Ne4 ( instead of 1 6 Nb3 ), the 8.12
same variation can occur, but after
1 6 Ne4 the d4 pawn is not 9 ..
. Bc5
attacked, and therefore apart from
1 6 ... gxf4 Black has another possi­ This development of the bishop,
bility - 1 6 ... Be7 1 7 Bel f5 with which involves a pawn sacrifice,
an extremely intricate position. . has been successfully employed by
(b) 15 ... Bd6 1 6 Bxd6 Qxd6 Kasparov.
1 7 Ne4 Qh6 1 8 h3. White has
the advantage, Grunberg-Knaak, 10 exd4 exd4 (147)
East Germany 1 973.
(c) 15 ... Ne3?! An original sac­
rifice, which after 1 6 fxe3 dxe3
meets with an original refutation:
(cl ) The plausible 1 7 Khl ? !
gives White merely a minimal
advantage after 1 7 ... exd2 1 8
Qxd2 Qxd2 1 9 Bxd2 a5 !
(c2) 1 7 Qh5 ! sets Black insuper­
able difficulties: 1 7 ... Bd4 (after
1 7 ... e2 + 18 Qxc5 exf1 = Q + 1 9
Rxf1 White has two minor pieces
for a rook, and a won position; if
1 7 ... Bb6 18 c5 , again with a mat­
erial advantage ) 1 8 Nb3 e2+ 1 9 147
Rf2 Bxf2+ 2 0 Kxf2 Be6 2 1 Qxe2.
In this variation too White has The main continuations are 11
1 42 Play the Catalan
Re1 + (8. 1 2 1 ) and 11 Nbd2 Bd2 there follows 1 5 ... Bxd2 1 6
(8.1 22). Qxd2 Nxe5 1 7 Rxe5 Bxc4 , when 1 8
Other possibilities: Qxd4? fails to 1 8 ... Bxb3 , while if
(a) 1 1 Bf4 0-0 1 2 Ne5 (12 Nbd2 8 Nxd4 Rad8) 1 5 ... Bxe1 1 6
ReB 13 Nb3 Qb6 leads to variation Ncxd4 (1 6 Ne7+ Kh8 1 7 Qxe1
8.1 22) 1 2 ... Nxe5 1 3 Bxe5 ReS Rfe8 favours Black) 1 6 ... Bb4 1 7
14 Bxf6 Qxf6 1 5 Nd2 Qb6 1 6 Nb3 Nxe6 Qxe6 1 8 Bxb7 Rad8 1 9 Qfl
Be6 17 Bxb7 Rad8 with equal Rd7, Kraidman-Botterill, Eng­
chances, Andrianov-Kasparov, land 1 979. Now 20 Bg2 Qe5 (or
USSR 1 979. 20 ... Rc7 21 Be3) 2 1 Bh3 Rdd8
(b) 1 1 Bg5 0-0 12 Nbd2 h6. would have led to a complicated
Here, instead of the natural 1 3 game with chances for both sides.
Bxf6 Qxf6 1 4 Ne4 with an equal 12 Bg5 0-0 13 Nbd2 h6 14 Bxf6
game, I. Taimanov-Lukin, Lenin­ Qxf6 1 5 Ne4 Qe7 led to an equal
grad 1 9 8 1 , went 1 3 Ne4? ! hxg5 1 4 position in Dzindzichashvili­
Nxc5 g4 ! 1 5 Ne1 Qc7 1 6 Ned3 Bf5 Alburt, New York 1 980.
17 Re1 Rfe8 1 8 Qd2 b6 19 Na6
Qd7 with advantage to Black. 12 ... 0-0
(c) The exchange of White's
b-pawn for the d-pawn by 11 b4 The basic idea of the variation.
does not promise him any advan­ Sacrificing a pawn, Black opens the
tage: 1 1 ... Nxb4 1 2 Nbd2 d3 1 3 f-file and bases his counter-play on
Nb3 Be7 14 Nfd4 Bg4 ! 1 5 Qd2 threats against f2 (after ... d3).
0-0 16 Bb2 Qd7 17 Rfe1 Rac8 1 8
a 3 Na6 1 9 Qxd3 Nc5 2 0 Nxc5 Bxc5 13 Nxe6
with roughly equal possibilities,
Rashkovsky-Alburt, Daugavpils 13 Rxe6 fxe6 1 4 Nxe6 Qb6 1 5
1 978. Nxf8 Rxf8 cannot be recom-
8.121 mended for White: in winning a
pawn he has fallen seriously behind
11 Re1+ Be6 in development. Alburt-Palatnik,
12 Ng5 Kiev 1 978, continued 1 6 Qb3 Ng4
1 7 Qxb6 Bxb6 1 8 Bd5+ Kh8 1 9
We should also consider the plan Bf4 d 3 2 0 Nd2 g5, and the compli­
of besieging the d4 pawn -12 cations ended in Black's favour.
Nbd2 0-0 1 3 Nb3 Qb6 1 4 Ne5 (14
Bf4 or 14 Bg5 is also possible) 13 ... fxe6 (148)
14 ... Bb4 1 5 Nxc6 (White has to
sacrifice the exchange, since on 1 5 14 Nd2
 4 ... c5 143
(a) 14 ... Qd6 15 Ne4 (after 1 5
Nb3 Rad8 Black has a good game)
1 5 ... Nxe4 1 6 Bxe4 d3, and now:
(a1 ) 1 7 Be3? d2! 1 8 Re2 Bxe3
1 9 Rxe3 Rad8 20 Kg2 Qd4 2 1 Rb 1
Rf6 22 Bc2 Ne5, with a winning
position for Black, Petursson-H.
Olafsson, Reykjavik 1 9 8 1 .
(a2) 1 7 Bf4 leads to an
extremely intricate situation after
both 1 7 ... Bxf2+ 1 8 Kxf2 e5 1 9
Qxd3 Qh6, and 1 7 ... Rxf4 1 8 gxf4
148 Qxf4. The less committing 1 7 ... e5
is also possible, e.g. 1 8 Be3 Nb4 1 9
The acceptance of the sacrifice Qh5 g 6 2 0 Bxg6 hxg6 21 Bxc5
gives Black a highly promising pos­ Qxc5 22 Qxg6+ with perpetual
ition: 14 Rxe6 d3 15 Bxc6 bxc6 1 6 check.
Be3 Bd4 1 7 Nc3 Qd7 1 8 Qxd3 (b) 14 ... Qb6 has also been
Qxe6 1 9 Qxd4. White has given up played:
the exchange, for which he now has (b1) 15 Nb3 Rae8 (1 5 . .. Rad8!
two pawns, but the weakness of his 16 Rxe6 d3 promises Black good
K-side, in particular f3, allows counter-play) 1 6 Bg5 e5? ! (and
Black to build up a strong attack - here we suggest 1 6 ... Nd7!) 1 7
1 9 ... Rad8 ! (this entire variation Bxf6 gxf6 1 8 Qf3 ! , and White
was repeated in Frois-Hjartars­ gained the better chances in
son, Groningen 1981-82, which Sosonko-Eber, Thessaloniki
went 1 9 ... Ng4 2 0 Re1 ? Ne5 , when Olympiad 1 984.
White capitulated) 20 Qxa7 Ng4 (b2) 15 Ne4 Rac8 (or 15 ... Nxe4
21 Bd4 Rd7 22 Qb6 h5. Nena­ 1 6 Bxe4 d3 1 7 Be3 Bxe3 18 fxe3
shev-Kasparov, Tashkent 1 978, Rad8 - Anikayev) 1 6 Qb3 Bb4 1 7
concluded 23 h3 Nh6 24 Be3 h4 25 Rf1 a S 1 8 a 3 Nxe4 1 9 Bxe4 Bc5 20
Bxh6 hxg3 26 Bf4 Rxf4 27 Qb8+ Qxb6 Bxb6, with an equal game,
Rf8 28 Qxg3 Rf6 29 Qe3 Rg6+ 30 Alburt-Sax, Thessaloniki Olym­
Khl Qf5 31 Rd1 Re7 32 Qd3 piad 1 984.
Re1 + White resigns.
15 Nb3 Bd4
14 . .. d3!
15 ... Bb4 is well met by 1 6 Re3,
Other continuations: e.g. 1 6 ... Qb6 1 7 Rxd3 Ng4 (after
1 44 Play the Catalan
1 7 ... Ne5? 18 Be3 Qa6 1 9 Rd4 Ne4 Qxc4? (White also has the
White has the advantage, Vladi­ advantage after the comparatively
mirov-Eolian, Yerevan 1 982) 1 8 better22 ... Qxe4 23 Bxe4 Rxd1 24
Be3 Nxe3 1 9 Rxe3 Rad8 2 0 Qe2, Bxc6 Rxfl + 25 Kxfl bxc6 26
with slightly the better chances Rxb4) 23 Nxf6+ Rxf6 24 Qa4 b5
(Vladimirov). 25 Qb3, and Black was forced
to resign in Anikayev-Gorelov,
16 Be3 USSR 1 980.
(b) 20 ... Rf7 2 1 Nxd2 Bxd2 22
16 Nxd4 Qxd4 1 7 Bxc6 bxc6 1 8 Qxd2 Qxd2 23 Bxd2. White's posi­
Be3 Qxc4 1 9 b 3 Qb5 leads to an tion is slightly preferable (analysis
equal position. by Anikayev).
8.122
16 ... Bxb2
17 Rb1 Bc3 11 Nbd2
18 Rf1
Disregarding his opponent's
Mter 18 Bd2 Bd4 (or 18 ... Bxd2 delay in castling, White continues
1 9 Qxd2 Qd6 with equal chances) his development.
1 9 Be3 Bc3 20 Bd2 a draw was
agreed by repetition in Vladi­ 11 ... 0-0
mirov-Kapengut, Moscow 1 979. 12 Nb3 Qb6
The exchange sacrifice 18 NcS
Bxe1 1 9 Qxe1 is interesting, but We analyze 13 Bf4 (8. 1 22 1 ) and
hardly correct. 13 Bg5 (8. 1 222).
8. 1221
18 ... Bb4 13 Bf4 ReS

18 ... NeS leads to an unclear, This move is made the main var­
double-edged position. iation, thanks to it being played in
the source game. Later other con­
19 Ncl d2 tinuations have been employed:
20 Nb3 (a) 13 ... Be6 14 Rcl Rad8 1 5
Nxc5 (1 5 Nel Bg_4!) 1 5 ... Qxc5 1 6
20 Bxc6 dxc1 = Q 21 Qxc1 bxc6 Qb3 Rd7 1 7 Qb5 Qe7 1 8 Ng5 d3 !
22 Rxb4 is also possible, with 1 9 Nxe6 fxe6 (1 9 ... Qxe6 comes
slightly the better prospects for into consideration, e.g. 20 Reel
White. Now Black has: Qg4 21 h3 Qg6 22 Qg5 Nd4! with a
(a) 20 ... Qd3? 21 Nxd2 Rad8 22 good game for Black) 20 Bxc6
 4 ... c5 145
bxc6 2 1 Qxc6 e5 . For the sacrificed then Black gains the advantage by
pawn Black has obtained a pawn 1 7 ... Qe7 18 Bxc6 bxc6 1 9 Ba5 c5)
pair in the centre, Barkovsky­ 16 ... Qxc4 1 7 Rc1 Qa4 18 Nc5 !
Maltsev, Leningrad Ch. 1 98 1 . Qxa2 1 9 Qd2 Bf5 (on 1 9 ... Qa5
(b) 1 3 ... Bf5 1 4 Ne5 Rad8 1 5 we suggest 20 Qxa5 Nxa5 21 b4
Nxc6? ! (White should play 1 5 Nc6 22 b5 , regaining one pawn and
Nd3I , after which the chances are obtaining serious compensation for
on his side) 1 5 ... bxc6 1 6 Bd2 Bd4 the other) 20 Ra1 ! Qc4 21 Rfc1
17 c5 Qb5 1 8 Bxb4 Qxb4 1 9 Bxc6 Qb5 22 Nxb7 Be4 (22 ... Ne4 is
d3. For the pawn Black has strong bad in view of 23 Nd6 Qb6 24 Rxc6
counter-play, Adamski-Szimczak, Qxc6 25 Nxf5) 23 Nd6 Qd5 24
Prague 1 9 8 1 . f3 . We are following Knesevic­
Kasparov, Banja Luka 1 979. Here
1 4 Nxc5 Qxc5 (149) instead of 24 ... Bg6?, after which
White could have gained the
advantage by 25 Ra6 ! , correct was
24 ... Bxf3 25 Bxf3 Qxf3 26 Nxe8
Rxe8 27 Qg2 Qxg2+ 28 Kxg2
Nb4, when Kasparov, to whom this
analysis belongs, assesses this end­
ing as slightly favourable for
White.
8.1222
13 Bg5

White drives the enemy knight

to e4. But is this to his advantage?
149

15 Nd2 (15 Qb3 is possible, with 13 ... Ne4

the idea of Qp5 , as well as 1 5 Rcl 14 Bf4
Bf5 1 6 Qb3) 1 5 .. : h6 (15 ... Bg4
1 6 Qb3 Be2 1 7 Rfel d3 comes into 14 Ret! comes seriously into
consideration, with counter-play) consideration.
16 Nb3 (1 6 Qb3? g5 1 7 Qb5 Qe7 14 Qd3 Bf5 1 5 Nh4 is weak in
18 Bxg5 hxg5 1 9 Qxg5 + Kh8 20 view of 1 5 ... Ne5.
Rae] Be6 21 Qh6 + Nh7 22 Be4 f5
23 Bxf5 Bxf5 24 Rxe7 Rxe7 14 .. .ReS
favours Black, while if here J 7 Bc7, 15 Ret (150)
146 Play the Catalan
after the slow 15 ... Bd7 1 6 Ne5
Nxe5 1 7 Rxe4 Nc6 1 8 Qh5 Bf8 1 9
c 5 Qb4 (1 9 ... Qb5 i s better -
Anikayev) 20 Bd2 Qa4 2 1 Rh4 h6
22 Bc3 , when White gained the
advantage in Yusupov-Anikayev,
47th USSR Ch. 1 979.
(c) We must also analyze
15 . .. d3 1 6 Nxc5 (after 1 6 Be3
Bxe3 1 7 Rxe3 Bf5 Black has the
more active position - Anikayev)
1 6 ... Qxc5 . Now on 1 7 Qxd3
150 Qxf2+ 1 8 Kh1 Black replies
1 8 ... Bf5 with the threat of
1 9 ... Qxe 1 + ! White should con-
(a) 15 ... Bg4 16 h3 Bh5 17 g4 tinue 1 7 Re3 ! , after which the
Bg6 1 8 Nh4 d3 (an improvement chances are on his side (1 7 ... Nb4
on Sveshnikov-G. Agzamov, I B Nel l).
Yerevan 1 982: IB ... Nf6 1 9 Nxg� 8.13
Rxel + 20 Qxel hxg6 21 Rdl ReB
22 Qfl a5 23 Qd3 Nb4 24 Qf3 - 9 ..
. Bg4 (151)
after 24 ... Nc6 the chances are
roughly equal; in the event of In this way Black relieves the
I B ... Bb4 1 9 Re2 White's position pressure on his d4 pawn.
is preferable) 1 9 Nxc5 Qxc5 20
Be3 (after 20 Nxg6 Qxf2 + 21 Khl
hxg6 22 Rxe4 Rxe4 23 Bxe4 Qxf4
24 Qxd3 ReB 25 Bxc6 bxc6 26 Rfl
Qh6! White's weakened K-side
comes under a strong attack,
Sveshnikov-Tukmakov, Yerevan
1 982; in the event of 20 Re3 White
has to reckon both with 20 ... Nd4 ,
and with the more dangerous
20 ... Nxf2! 21 Kxf2 Qd4) 20 ...
Qxc4. The chances are with Black,
Yusupov-Lobron, Indonesia
1 983.
(b) Things go less well for Black 151
 4 ... c5 147

10 h3 11 Bxf3

10 Qb3 comes into considera­ 1 1 Qxf3 (152) has also been

tion. played.
If 10 exd4, then:
(a) 10 ... e4 1 1 Qe 1 Nxd4 1 2
Nxd4 Qxd4 1 3 Qc3 ! Bc5 1 4 Be3
Qxc3 15 Nxc3 Bxe3 16 fxe3 Be6
17 b3, and the breakaway e-pawn
cannot be saved, Udovcic-Andric,
Yugoslav Ch. 1 948-49.
(b) 10 ... Nxd4 ! 1 1 Re 1 (1 1
Qa4 +? b5) 1 1 ... Be7 1 2 Be3
Nxf3+ 13 Bxf3 Qxd1 1 4 Bxd1 with
an equal game.
152
10 ... Bxf3
(a) 1 1 ... Bc5 1 2 exd4 Nxd4 1 3
At the cost of giving his oppo­ Qd1 (or Qd3 0-0 with equal
nent the two bishops, Black parries chances, Rashkovsky-Tal, Lvov
the threats to his d-pawn. 1 978) 1 3 ... 0-0 1 4 Nc3 Rb8 1 5
After 10 ... BhS 1 1 exd4 (1 1 Qb3 Rb1 a5 1 6 a3 b6 1 7 Re 1 , and here a
Qd7 12 Nbd2 retains a slight initi­ draw was agreed in Tal-Gligoric,
ative for White, but the sacrifice Bugojno 1 980.
of a knight for three pawns by 1 1 (b) 11 ... Be7 1 2 exd4 exd4 1 3
g4 Bg6 12 Nxe5 is insufficient: Qb3 Qd7 1 4 Rd1 0-0, and now:
12 ... Nxe5 13 exd4 Nd3 14 Bxb7 (b 1) The acceptance of the pawn
Rb8 1 5 Bc6 + Nd7, Zilberstein- sacrifice - 1 5 Bxc6 Qxc6 1 6 Rxd4
Malisov, Minsk 1 979) 1 1 ... exd4 Bc5 allows Black a serious initia­
(1 1 ... e4? 12 g4!, and if 12 ... exf3 tive, since White's K-side has been
13 Bxf3 Bg6 1 4 Re1 + Be7 1 5 d5 weakened by the exchange of his
with a decisive advantage) 1 2 Qb3 ! bishop.
(this is stronger than 12 Qa4 Qd7 (b2) In Rubinetti-Smetan,
13 Bg5 Be7 1 4 Bxf6 Bxf6 15 Re1 + Buenos Aires 1 979, White pre­
Be7 1 6 Nbd2 , after which White's ferred the quieter 15 Nc3, and after
position is merely preferable, Sme­ 1 5 ... Rac8 1 6 Nd5 Nxd5 1 7 cxd5
jkal-Robatsch, Palma de Mallorca Na5 1 8 Qf3 Bf6 1 9 b3 Rc3 20 Qg4
1 972) 1 2 ... Qd7 1 3 Re1 + Be7 1 4 Qd6 both sides had chances. On 2 1
Ne5 White's position is better. Bb2 Black radically solved the
148 Play the Catalan
problem of defending his d-pawn,
by giving up the exchange and gain­
ing in return a protected passed
pawn: 21 ... b5 ! 22 Bxc3 dxc3 23
Rac1 g6 24 h4 h5 25 Qe4 b4 26 Bf3
Bd8 27 Kg2 Bb6. Black has suffi­
cient compensation, and it is White
who has to think in terms of
equalizing.

1 1 ... Be7

11 ... BcS comes into considera­

153
tion, e.g. 1 2 exd4 Bxd4 1 3 Nd2 0-0
14 Nb3 Qd7 ! ( defending the b7
pawn with gain of tempo, Black can immediate 10 Ne1, e.g. 1 0 ... e4 1 1
now answer Nxd4 with .. Nxd4).
.
Nc3 Bb4 ( after 1 1 ... Bf5 1 2 f3
exf3 13 Bxf3 the bold d3 pawn is
12 exd4 exd4 surrounded) , when, of course, the
e4 pawn cannot be taken (12
We are following Karpov-Quin­ Nxe4? Nxe4 13 Bxe4 d2). This
teros, Linares 1 98 1 . After 13 Bf4 continuation is analyzed in more
0-0 1 4 Nd2 h6 1 5 Re1 Bd6 1 6 detail in section 8.2 after 7 Nc2.
Bxd6 Qxd6 1 7 Nb3 Rad8 1 8 c5
Qc7 19 Rcl White's position was 10 ... Be6
preferable.
8.14 Other continuations:
10 .. Bb4 (154).
.

9 ... d3 (153)

This leads to sharp situations.

The breakaway d-pawn can cause
White tactical problems.

10 Nc3

While preventing ... e4 (on

1 0 ... e4 there follows 1 1 Nd2),
White prepares Nel .
We also draw attention to the 154
 4 ... c5 149
(a) 1 1 Nxe5 ! Nxe5 1 2 Qa4+ Nc6 which White allows the opponent
1 3 Bxc6+ bxc6 14 Qxb4 Bh3 ! (an to advance his e-pawn and thus
improvement on 14 ... d2? 1 5 support his d3 pawn, and then
Bxd2 Qxd2 1 6 Rad1 Qc2 1 7 Qd6, undermines e4: 12 a3 Bxc3 13
when the black king is prevented Bxc3 ReB 14 b4 e4 1 5 Nd2 Bf5 16
from castling and White has a f3 Ne5 17 fxe4 Bg4 18 Qb3 Qd7
dangerous attack, Sosonko-Miles, with a double-edged position,
Bad Lauterberg 1 977), and now: Razuvayev-Ivanov, USSR Ch. 1st
(a1 ) 1 5 Rd1 Bb4, when in League 1980) 1 2 ... Nxd5 1 3 cxd5
Mishuchkov-N. Kopylov, corr. Qxd5 14 Nd4 Qd6 1 5 Nxc6 bxc6
1981 , White went wrong with 1 6 (or 1 5 ... Bxd2 1 6 Qxd2 bxc6 1 7
Rd2?, and the weakening of the Racl RbB 18 Rxc6 Qb4 1 9 Qxd3
white squares proved decisive: Qxb2 with roughly equal chances,
1 6 ... Qd7 1 7 Qc5 0-0-0 (1 7 ... Rashkovsky-Panchenko, Sochi
Bf3 18 Qe5 + !) 18 e4 Kb7 19 e5 1 980) 16 Bxb4 Qxb4 17 Bxc6 Bh3
Bf3 ! 20 Qe3 Qf5 2 1 Qf4 (21 exf6 1 8 Bxa8 Rxa8 19 Qxd3 Bxfl 20
fails to 21 ... RheB) 2 1 ... Qxf4 22 Rxfl Qxb2 21 Rd1 h6 22 Qc4,
gxf4 Nh5 23 h3 Nxf4 24 Kh2 Ng6 Yusupov-Tal, 47th USSR Ch.
25 . b3 Nxe5 26 Bb2 Bh5 White 1 979. Despite the apparent sim­
resigns. Instead of 1 6 Rd2? he plicity of the position, Black has
should have continued 1 6 Re1 , difficulties. On the passive defen­
which after 1 6 ... d2 (1 6 ... Qd7 sive move 22 ... Qb7 there fol­
can be met by 1 7 Qc5 , and if lowed 23 Qd5 !, after which Tal got
17 ... Bf5 18 Qe5 + followed into difficulties and lost. It was
by Qf4) 1 7 Bxd2 Qxd2 1 8 Rad1 essential to aim for counter-play -
Bxd1 1 9 Rxd1 Qc2 20 Qd6 Rc8 2 1 22 ... Rb8 23 Rd7 Qb1 + 24 Kg2
Qe5 + Kf8 22 Qd6+ would have Qf5, and if 24 Rxa7 Rb2 !
led to a draw (Zagorovsky). After 1 0 . . . Be7 1 1 Ne 1 White
(a2) 1 5 Bd2 (a significant has the better position.
improvement), when by parting
with the exchange - 1 5 ... Bxfl 11 NgS
(perhaps Black should keep his
strong bishop and decline the sac­ Other possibilities:
rifice with 15 ... Qd7 or 15 ... h5 - 11 b3 (1 1 Ne1 ? d2!) 1 1 ... Qd7
Hartman) 1 6 Rxfl Qe7 1 7 Na4 1 2 e4 Bg4 1 3 Nd5 Nxe4 14 Qxd3
Qxb4 1 8 Bxb4 White gains slightly f5 1 5 Bb2 Bd6 1 6 Rad1 0-0-0
the better chances, Pelts-Hart­ with a double-edged game,
man, 1 984. Sosonko-Henley, Indonesia 1 982.
(b) 1 1 Bd2 0-0 12 Nd5 (we On 11 Qa4 Black can reply either
should also mention the plan by 1 1 ... Nd7 or 1 1 ... Bd7, while if 1 1
PTC-F
1SO Play the Catalan
Qb3 then 1 1 ... Qd7 (with the
threat of .. Na5).
.

1 1 ... Bg4

If 1 1 ... Bxc4?, then of course 1 2

Qa4.

12 Qb3 Qd7

On 12 ... Qb6 Timoshchenko

recommends 13 NbS (13 ... Qd8
14 Bd2). 155

13 Nd5 16 Nt7 Rg8 17 Nd6+ Bxd6 1 8

Bxg8 Bb4! 1 9 BdS d 2 2 0 Bxd2
Timoshchenko-Panchenko, Kis­ Bxd2 Black had two minor pieces
lovodsk 1 982, went 13 f3 BfS for a rook and pawn, but 21 Rad1
1 4 e4 (14 Rd1 h6 15 Nge4 comes BaS 22 Be4 Qc8 23 BxfS QxfS 24
into consideration) 14 ... h6 1 S Qxb7 led to an advantage for
exfS (instead White should have White.
tried 1 5 Nxj7 Qxj7 1 6 exf5 Bc5 + 8.2
1 7 Kh1 or 1 5 ... Bc5 + 1 6 Kh1
Kxj7 1 7 exf5 d2 18 Bxd2 Qxd2 1 9 7 Nc2
Rad1 , in both cases with a sharp,
unclear position - Timosh­ Here the knight does not block
chenko) 1 S ... hxgS 1 6 NdS BcS + the f-pawn, as in variation 8 . 1 , and
1 7 Kh1 ? NbS ! with a winning White therefore has the additional
position for Black. possibility of a flank diversion
involving f2-f4.
13 . .. Nxd5
14 Bxd5 f6 7 ... d4 (156)
15 f3 Bf5 (155)
8 0-0
It stands to reason that 15 ... fxg5
1 6 fxg4 favours White. White can undermine the eS
This position was reached in pawn by 8 f4 Nc6 (after 8 ... Bd6 9
Khalifman-011, Kiev 1 984. After fxe5 Bxe5 1 0 0-0 White has the
 4 ... c5 151
Rxf3 24 exf3 Re3 25 Ne4 f5 ! (26
Nf6+ Kg7 2 7 Nh5 + Kh6 28 Nf6
Rxf3 , or 26 Kf2 Rd3).
(a2) 1 5 Ba3 Be5 1 6 Nc3 0-0-0,
with an active position for the sac­
rificed pawn. Polovodin-Aseyev,
Leningrad Ch. 1 983, continued 1 7
Rd1 Ng4 1 8 Rxd8+ Rxd8 1 9 Qf3
Qf5, and here White thought it best
to force a draw by perpetual check
- 20 Qxc6+ Kb8 21 Qb5 + , since
on 20 Ne4 there could have fol­
lowed 20 ... Nf6, when the central­
ized black pieces are excellently
placed.
better position), and now: (b) 9 0-0 (White makes a quiet
(a) 9 Bxc6+ (White is tempted move, rejecting the win of a pawn)
by the win of a pawn) 9 ... bxc6 1 0 9 ... e4 10 Nd2, and:
fxe5 Qa5 + 1 1 Qd2 Qxe5 1 2 Qxd4 (b1 ) 10 ... Bf5?! (recommended
Qh5 1 3 Qe3 + (an improvement on in many sources) 1 1 Nb3 , when the
13 Bf4 Be6 14 Nd2 Bc5 15 Qc3 seemingly formidable central black
0-0 1 6 Be3 Bg4 , when Black pawns become a weakness: on
gained good attacking chances in 1 1 ... d3 there follows 12 exd3
Bondarevsky-Dely, Leningrad v. exd3 1 3 Re1 + and Ne3 .
Budapest 1 959) 13 ... Be6 1 4 b3 (b2) Black should play 1 0 ... d3
Bd6 (if 14 ... Bc5? 15 Qf3), with 1 1 exd3 exd3, obtaining counter­
two possibilities: chances.
(a1) 1 5 Nd4 0-0 (1 5 ... 0-0-0 is
perhaps more effective, since after 8 ... Nc6
16 Nxe6 Rhe8 the black rooks are 9 Nd2
more favourably placed, and
1 7 Nxg7? fails to 1 7 ... Bxg3 +) 1 6 9 e3 (157) comes into considera­
Nxe6 Rfe8 1 7 Qg5 Qxg5 1 8 Bxg5 tion.
Rxe6 1 9 Nc3 Bb4 20 Bxf6 gxf6 (a) After 9 ... d3 1 0 Ne 1 e4 the
2 1 Rc1 Rae8, and here a draw same position is reached as in vari­
was agreed in Yudasin-Gorelov, ation 8.1 after 7 Nf3 d4 8 0-0 Nc6
USSR Ch. 1st League 1 982. On 9 e3 d3 1 0 Ne 1 e4. After 1 1 Nc3
22 0-0 Black gains sufficient Black has:
counter-play by 22 ... Re3 ! 23 Rf3 (a1) 1 1 ... Bf5?! 12 f3 exf3 1 3
152 Play the Catalan
(b) M. Mukhin-Gufeld, 40th
USSR Ch. 1 972, went 9 ... Bg4 1 0
Qd3 B e 7 (if he wishes, Black can of
course avoid sacrificing a pawn by
continuing 1 0 ... dxe3 , although
after 1 1 Qxd8 + Rxd8 12 Nxe3!
Be6 13 Nc3 White seizes control of
d5 and stands better - analysis) 1 1
exd4 exd4 1 2 Nd2 0-0 1 3 Re 1
Qd7, when White won the d-pawn
1 57 by 14 Bxc6 bxc6 1 5 Qxd4, but gave
up his "Catalan bishop", which
Bxf3 with advantage to White. rather weakened his K-side. How­
(a2) 1 1 ... Bg4, when Black has ever, in the subsequent play Black
to reckon both with 12 Qb3, and did not manage to gain sufficient
with 1 2 f3 exf3 1 3 Bxf3 Bxf3 1 4 compensation: 1 5 ... Qb7 1 6 Qf4
Rxf3 (with the aim o f maintaining Rad8 1 7 Ne4 Bh5 1 8 Ne3
two attacks on the d3 pawn), when (1 8 ... Nxe4 1 9 Nf5!). Instead of
after 14 ... Ne5 1 5 Rf5 ! Nxc4 1 6 16 ... Rad8, 16 ... Rfd8 would have
Qa4+ Qd7 1 7 Nxd3 White's posi­ been more accurate, the difference
tion is slightly more favourable being shown by the variation 1 7
(Tal) . Ne4 Bh5 1 8 Ne3 Nxe4 1 9 Nf5 Bb4
(a3) 1 1 ... Bb4! (this move was 20 Rxe4 Rd1 + 21 Kg2 Bg6 22 a3
mentioned in variation 8 . 1 4, Bf8 ! 23 b4. Only now Black should
p. 148). Tal-Uusi, Tallinn 1 9 8 1 , not play 23 ... a5 (as given in vari­
continued 1 2 Bd2 (renewing the ous commentaries), but 23 ... c5 ! ,
threat to the e4 pawn) 1 2 ... Bg4 1 3 and if 2 4 b 5 , then 2 4 ... ReS 25 f3
f3 exf3 1 4 Nxf3 (14 Bxf3 comes Rxe4 26 fxe4 Bxf5 27 Qxf5 Rd4
into consideration) 14 ... 0-0 1 5 with advantage.
Qb3 Qe7 1 6 a 3 (1 6 Nd5 Nxd5 1 7 Flank play with 9 b4 is quite
cxd5 Bxd2 18 dxc6 Qxe3 + does promising for White. In G.
not promise White anything) Garcia-Velimirovic, Novi Sad
1 6 ... Bxc3 1 7 Qxc3 Rfd8 1 8 Nd4 1 976, Black replied 9 ... Be6 (of
Ne5 (in the event of 18 ... Be2 1 9 course, the pawn cannot be taken
Nxc6 bxc6 2 0 Rf4! White has the either with the knight or the
more pleasant position) 1 9 b4 Be2. bishop), and after the sharp 1 0 f4
In this position, full of tactical pos­ (instead 1 0 Nba3 can be suggested)
sibilities, Black's chances are pre­ 10 ... Bxc4 1 1 fxe5 Ng4 1 2 Nba3
ferable (analysis by Tal) . Bd5 1 3 Bxd5 Qxd5 14 e4 Qd7
 4 .. c5
. 1 53
(14 ... Qxe4? 1 5 Rf4) 1 5 e6 Qxe6
16 Nxd4 Nxd4 17 Qxd4 a6 1 8
Rb 1 ? ! (instead of this insipid move
White should have chosen 1 8 Bb2!,
hindering the development of the
bishop at f8, after which both sides
have chances) 1 8 ... Rd8 1 9 Qb2
Bd6 20 Qe2 0-0 White's position
proved to be compromised.
To complete this review we
should mention Miihring-De­
Grief, Moscow Olympiad 1 956,
which went 9 e4, with the idea
158
of transferring the knight to d3 and
then playing f2-f4. After 9 ... d-pawn, Black creates the threat of
Bc5 10 Ne1 aS 1 1 Nd3 Qd6 12 f4 . . e4) 1 2 e4 h6 1 3 Bxf6 Qxf6 1 4
.

0-0 White tried to mount an offen­ Ncel . Here Bronstein suggested

sive on the K-side, but Black the interesting pawn sacrifice
gained counter-chances on the 1 4 ... d3 !?, the idea being to open
Q-side: 1 3 f5 Nd7 14 Rf2 f6 1 5 the d-file for a rook and to activate
Nd2 Nb4 1 6 Bfl a4 1 7 g4 Nxd3 1 8 the bishop at c5 . In the game Black
Bxd3 Bb4 1 9 Rg2 Bxd2 2 0 Bxd2 played the prosaic 14 ... Qe6 1 5
Nc5 . Nd3 Be7, which led to a roughly
equal position.
9 ... Bg4 If Black wishes to create the
10 Nf3 aS threat of ... e4 and at the same time
avoid the blockading move e2-e4,
Directed against b2-b4. On Bronstein recommends 11 . Be7,
..

10 ... Bxf3 White does not reply 1 1 Then, in order to forestall the
Bxf3, in view of 1 1 .... e4 1 2 Bg2 h6 advance of the e-pawn, White has
followed py ... Qd7 and ... 0-0-0, to exchange on f6 (without waiting
but 1 1 exf3 ! after which he pre­ for .. h6, as in the Petrosian-Keres
.

pares f3-f4. game) .

8.3
11 BgS (158)
7 Nb3 (159)
Petrosian-Keres, Candidates
Tournament, Zurich 1 953, con­ As in variation 8.2, the knight
tinued 11 ... BcS (by defending his does not prevent the advance of the
1 54 Play the Catalan
(a) 8 ... dxc4. This leads by force
to exchanges, after which White
obtains the better ending. Tri­
funovic-Matulovic, Yugoslav Ch.
1 96 1 , continued 9 Bxb4 Qxd1 + 1 0
Kxd1 cxb3 1 1 axb3 Nc6 1 2 Bxc6+ .
White gives up the advantage of
the two bishops (after 12 Bc3 Bd7
Black's position is satisfactory) and
goes into . . . an ending with
opposite-coloured bishops! His
plan is to exploit the a-file by
doubling rooks, and to transfer his
159
knight to c4 (or e4). The pawn at
f-pawn, and White can prepare b3 will guard his king. There fol­
f2-f4. In addition, with the knight lowed 1 2 ... bxc6 13 Nd2 Be6
at b3 Black's centre proves more (otherwise Nc4) 14 f3 Nd7
vulnerable than after 7 Nc2, since (1 4 ... Nd5 is strongly met by 1 5
he does not have ... Bc5 . But at the Bc5 and then 1 6 Nc4) 1 5 Kc2 c5 1 6
same time Black acquires pos­ Bc3 with a favourable ending.
sibilities associated with ... aS and (b) In the event of 8 ... Bxd2+ 9
the driving back of the knight. Qxd2 d4 White can win a pawn by
1 0 Qg5 ! (1 0 f4 Ng4 leads to the
7 ..
. d4 main variation, and 1 0 e3 a5 1 1
exd4 a 4 to a position with chances
Other continuations: for both sides). After 10 ... 0-0 1 1
7 ... Bb4+ 8 Bd2 (160). Qxe5 d3 1 2 e3 Nc6 1 3 Qc3 Bf5 1 4
Nld2 Qc8 1 5 0-0 Black did not
gain sufficient compensation in
Smejkal-Tringov, Titovo Uzice
1 978.
After 7 ... dxc4 8 Qxd8+ Kxd8 9
Na5 Bb4+ 1 0 Bd2 White regains
his pawn and has a lead in
development.
We now analyze 8 f4 (8.31) and 8
0-0 or 8 BgS (8.32).
We must also mention the
attempt by White to gain a lead in
 4 ... c5 1 55
development with 8 e3. After 8 f4 Bb4+
8 ... a5 ! (the pawn sacrifice
8 ... Bg4 9 f3 Be6 1 0 exd4 Bxc4 1 1 Other moves:
dxe5 Nd5 leads t o an unclear posi­ (a) 8 ... Bd6 9 fxe5 Bxe5 10 Bf4,
tion, Sonsonko-Timman, Tilburg when the d-pawn is lost, and the
1 977) 9 exd4 a4 White has: whole question is whether or not
(a) 10 Nc5 exd4, when Black has Black can exploit the defects in
no difficulties: White's pawn formation. A poss­
(a1) 1 1 Nd3 Be7 (1 1 ... Qe7+ ible variation is 10 ... Bxf4 12 gxf4
also comes into consideration, e.g. Ng4 1 3 Qxd4 Qh4+ (if 12 .. Qxd4 .

12 Qe2 Qxe2 + 13 Kxe2 Bf5) 1 2 13 Nxd4 Ne3 , then 14 Bd5) 1 3 Kf1

0-0 0-0 1 3 Bg5 Nc6 14 Re 1 Be6 (161 ).
15 Nd2 Qa5, Szilagyi-Forintos,
Hungarian Ch. 1 958.
(a2) 11 Qe2+ Qe7 1 2 Ne4 (12
Qxe7 + Bxe7 13 Nxb7? Ra7 1 4 Bf4
fails to 14 ... Rxb7) 1 2 ... Nxe4 1 3
Bxe4 Ra6 1 4 Bd5 Be6 1 5 Na3 (15
Bf4 is well met by 1 5 ... Nd7 fol-
lowed by ... Nc5) 1 5 ... Bxd5 1 6
cxd5 Ra5 ! 1 7 Bf4 Qxe2+ 1 8 Kxe2
Bxa3 1 9 bxa3 Na6, Sosonko-H.
Olafsson, Reykjavik 1 980. Now 20
Rab1 Rxd5 21 Rxb7 0-0 was rela­ 161
tively best for White, although here
too Black, with his passed d-pawn, 13 ... Nc6 (after 13 ... 0-0 1 4 h3
has the better chances. Nh6 Black has compensation for
(b) 1 0 N3d2 exd4 1 1 0-0 Be7 1 2 the pawn) 1 4 Qc5 Ne7 ! (after
Na3 (12 Nf3 Nc6 1 3 Bf4 0-0 1 4 14 ... Bd7 1 5 h3 b6 1 6 Qg1 and
Ne5 Qb6! gives Black slightly the then Qf2 the play favours White)
better chances) 1 2 ... Nc6 1 3 Nf3 1 5 h3 Nf5 16 hxg4 Ng3 + 17 Kg1
Be6 1 4 Bf4 0-0 1 5 Ng5 (15 Ne5 Nxe2+ with a draw by perpetual
Qb6) 1 5 ... Bg4 with an equal check (analysis).
game, Kochiev-Tal, USSR 1 9 8 1 . (b) 8 ... exf4 9 Bxf4 Nc6
But instead o f 1 6 Bf3 ? ! Bf5 with (recommended by Trifunovic). In
the threat of ... h6 as occurred in this variation Black again gives up
the game, 1 6 Qd3 was correct, and his d-pawn, but forces White to
if 1 6 ... Nb4 1 7 Qd2 (Tal) . exchange his king's bishop. After
8.31 1 0 Bxc6+ bxc6 1 1 Qxd4 Qxd4 1 2
156 Play the Catalan

Nxd4 Bb7 1 3 0-0 0-0-0 Black has This position was reached in
good counter-play on the central Balashov-Zilberstein, Moscow
files. 1 972. After 11 fxe5 Ne3 1 2 Be4
(c) 8 ... Nc6, and: Nxc4 1 3 Qxd4 Qxd4 14 Nxd4
(c1) 9 Bxc6+ bxc6 10 fxe5 Ng4 Nxe5 1 5 NbS Na6 1 6 Nd2 Ke7 1 7
1 1 Qxd4 Qxd4 1 2 Nxd4 Nxe5 Rc1 Bd7 1 8 Nd4 Rac8 1 9 0-·0 Nc5
1 3 Nd2 Bh3, with compensation Black gained equal chances.
for the sacrificed pawn, Bohm­ 8.32
Langeweg, Dutch Ch. 1 982.
(c2) 9 fxe5 Bb4+ (if 9 ... Nxe5 8 0-0 (162)
1 0 Nxd4 , and the c-pawn cannot be
taken because of 11 Qa4 +) 1 0
Bd2 Bxd2 + 1 1 Qxd2 Nxe5 1 2
Na3 !

9 Bd2 Bxd2+

9 ... Ng4 10 0-0 (in the event of

1 0 Bxb4 Ne3 1 1 Qd3 Nxg2 + 12
Kf2 Ne3 Black has a strong attack­
ing position: on 13 fxe5 there can
follow 13 ... Nc6 14 Bd6 Bf5)
1 0 ... Bxd2 1 1 Qxd2 Ne3 1 2 Rf2
Nxc4 (12 ... Nxg2 and then ... Nc6
also comes into consideration) 1 3
Qb4 Ne3 1 4 Bxb7 Bxb7 1 5 Qxb7 162
Nd7 led to a complicated game
with chances for both sides,
Sosonko-Ruban, Leningrad 1 967. 8 ..
. Nc6
9 ... Qe7 10 fxe5 Ng4 1 1 Nxd4
0-0 1 2 Qb3 Bxd2+ 1 3 Nxd2 Qxe5 The logical reaction to Nb3 is
is interesting as in Whiteley-Neat, 8 ... aS, with the idea of driving
England 1 978. After great compli­ the knight from b3: 9 f4 (after 9 a4
cations - 14 Bxb7 Bxb7 1 5 Qxb7 Nc6 1 0 e3 Bg4 1 1 f3 Be6 Black
Qxd4 1 6 Qxa8 Qf2+ 1 7 Kd1 Rd8 has a good game, Donchenko­
18 Qf3 Qb6 19 Qc3 Nf2+ 20 Kc2 Furman, USSR 1 973) 9 ... a4. In
Qg6+ 21 Kb3 Qb6+ the game Karasev-Kayumov, USSR 1 979,
concluded in perpetual check. interesting complications now
ensued: 1 0 fxe5 axb3 1 1 exf6 Rxa2
10 Qxd2 Ng4 1 2 Rxa2 bxa2 1 3 Qa4+ Nd7 1 4
 4 ... c5 1 57
Nd2 a1 = Q 1 5 Qxa1 Nxf6 1 6 b4 (b2) 10 e3 (suggested by Hort),
Be7 17 Rf4 d3 1 8 exd3 Qxd3 1 9 when in Cvetkovic-Grabczewski,
Qa4+ Qd7 2 0 Qxd7+ Bxd7. After Wroclaw 1 978, the Polish master
21 c5 White has the better chances. sacrificed a pawn - 1 0 ... Bg4 (of
course, Black could have replied
9 e3 1 0 ... dxe3 , although after 1 1
QxdB + and 12 Bxe3 White has the
9 Bg5 (163) has also been played better chances) 1 1 Qd2 0-0 1 2
(or, by transposition, 8 Bg5 Nc6 9 exd4 exd4 1 3 Bxc6 bxc6 1 4 Qxd4
0-0). Qc8, but after 1 5 f3 Bh3 16 Re1
Re8 1 7 N1d2 he did not gain com­
pensation.

9 .. . Bg4

9 ... d3 is interesting. Black bases

his plan on exploiting the oppo­
nent's cramped position, risking
the fact that his advanced pawn
may prove to be in danger: 1 0 Nc3
Bg4 1 1 Bf3 (after 1 1 f3? Be6 12
Nd2 Bb4 13 Qb3 RbB! 14 Rd1 0-0
15 Nde4 b5! White found himself
(a) A sensible plan is to cramp in a -desperate position, Raud­
White's Q-side by 9 ... aS 1 0 N1d2 Kulinsky, Leningrad 1 982) 1 1 ...
a4 1 1 Nc1 Be7. Now the d4 pawn is Be6 (1 1 ... Bxf3 12 Qxf3 and
out of danger. Kalvo-Portisch, Rdl ) 1 2 Nd2 Bb4 1 3 Qb3 . The
Madrid 1 973, continued 1 2 Bxf6 "Catalan bishop's" diagonal is
Bxf6 1 3 Nd3 0-0 14 b4 axb3 1 5 open and Black does not have
axb3 Rxa1 1 6 Qxa1 Bg4, with a ... b5 (analysis) .
good game for Black.
(b) 9 ... Be7 is the alternative: 10 Qd3 (164)
(b1) 10 N1d2 0-0 (Hort sug­
gested that 1 0 ... h6 would have 10 Bf3 Bxf3 1 1 Qxf3 is an alter­
given Black slightly the better native:
chances) 1 1 e3 dxe3 1 2 Bxe3 Bf5 (a) In the event of the direct
1 3 Bg5 Qc7 14 Bxf6 Bxf6 1 5 Ne4 1 1 ... e4 1 2 Qg2 d3 1 3 Nc3 the
Bxe4 16 Bxe4 g6. The game is e-pawn cannot be defended, e.g.
level, Hort-Smejkal, Novi Sad 13 ... Qe7 1 4 Nd2 0-0-0 15 Ncxe4
1 976. h5 16 h4 Ng4 1 7 b3 f5, and Black's
t58 Play the Catalan
initiative is insufficient, Stempin­ Aires t 970. The complications
Schinzel, Polish Ch. t 9 8 1 . after 10 ... e4 1 1 Bxe4 Nb4 t 2
(b) 1 1 . . . Be7 gives chances for Qxd4 Qxd4 t 3 Nxd4 Nxe4 t4 f3
both sides, e.g. t 2 exd4 exd4 t 3 Bh3 t 5 fxe4 Bxfl t 6 Kxfl Bc5 t 7
Bg5 0-0 t4 Ntd2 Nd7 t 5 Bxe7 a 3 Bxd4 t 8 axb4 t 8 axb4 Be5 led
Qxe7 t6 Rfet Nde5 t7 Qe4 to an ending in which Black had
Qd7 t8 Nc5 Qc7 t9 b4! Qb6 ! 20 two pawns for the exchange, and
a3 Rad8, Petursson-Sax, Malta the better chances.
Olympiad t 980. 8.4
Or 10 f3 Be6 tt exd4 exd4, and:
(a) t2 Re t Be7 t3 Bg5 0-0 t 4 7 NbS (165)
Ntd2 Re8, Kristiansen-Hartston,
Skopje Olympiad t 972, or t 4 ... This move is not as harmless as
d3, and Black has a good game. has been thought up to now.
(b) If White offers a pawn sac­
rifice with t 2 Na3, Black can
accept it: t 2 ... Bxa3 (12 ... Be7 is
also acceptable) t 3 bxa3 Bxc4, and
if t4 Ret + Be6 t 5 Nc5 0-0! After
the double capture on e6 Black's
position is preferable.

165

7 ... a6

In the source game of this

variation, Forguelman-Korchnoi,
Buenos Aires t 960, Black con­
164 tinued 7 ... d4, as in other lines.
After 8 f4 Nc6 fxe5 Ng4 tO 0-0
This position was reached Be6 t t Qa4 White had the better
in Gheorghiu-Rubinetti, Buenos chances.
 4 ... c5 1 59
In the recent game Geor­ 12 ... dxe3 1 3 Bxe3 Bxe3 1 4 fxe3
gadze-Romanishin, Lvov 1 984, favours White.
Black sacrificed his central pawn
by 8 ... Bb4+ (instead of 8 . .. Nc6) 13 exd4 exd4
9 Bd2 Bxd2+ 1 0 Qxd2 0-0 1 1 fxe5 14 b4 Ba7
Ng4 1 2 Nxd4 (12 Qxd4 is also
possible) 1 2 ... Nxe5. After 1 3 b3 We are following A. Zaitsev­
Qb6 14 Nc3 Nbc6 1 5 e3 Be6 1 6 Furman, 37th USSR Ch. 1 969.
0-0 Rad8 1 7 Rad1 a 6 1 8 h 3 Rd7 Theory assesses the position as
1 9 Na4 Qa7 20 c5 White retained completely harmless for Black, but
the advantage. in fact he experiences certain dif­
ficulties over the defence of his
8 N5c3 d4 d-pawn. The game went 15 Bb2
9 NdS NxdS Qb6 1 6 Qd2 Nd7 1 7 Rd1 (1 7 Na3!
10 cxdS is more precise, since on the rook
move there could have followed
White does not achieve anything 1 7 ... d3!) 1 7 ... Rfe8 1 8 Na3 Rac8
with 10 BxdS Nc6 1 1 0-0 Be7. 1 9 Bxd4 Qxd4 20 Qxd4 Bxd4 21
Rxd4 b5 22 Rad1 Re2 23 Rf4 Bg6
10 ... BcS 24 Bh3 Rd8 25 Nb1 Rxa2 26 Nc3.
1 1 0-0 0-0 White has the more active position
12 e3 BfS - Black has to contend with the
passed d-pawn.
 9
3 N c3 N f6 4 g 3 a n d 3 g 3

1 d4 d5 2 c4 e& Other possibilities:

(a) 5 ... Nbd7 6 Bg2 a6 7 Qxc4 b5
Here we consider two further 8 Qd3 Rb8. We have reached a
Catalan set-ups: 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 g3 position from the Open Variation
(9. 1 ) and 3 g3 {9.2) with the knight at c3. After 9 a4 b4
9. 1 1 0 Nb1 Be7 1 1 Nd2 White has
required a great deal of time
3 Nc3 Nf6 (Nbl -c3-bl -d2) in order to
4 g3 make the standard move Nbd2.
However, the advance of the
As in other similar positions, b-pawn has significantly weakened
Black can choose 4 ... dxc4 (9. 1 1 ) Black's Q�side, and this allows
o r can continue his development White to count on an advantage,
with 4 .. Be7 9 . 1 2) , deferring the
. e.g. 1 1 ... 0-0 1 2 Nb3 c5 1 3 Bf4
capture of the pawn. Bb7 1 4 Bxb7 Rxb7 1 5 Qxa6 Rb6
4 ... c5 is also possible, as in G. 1 6 Qc4 cxd4 1 7 Nf3 (Neikirch,
Garcia-Spassky, Havana 1 962. Cvetkov) .
After 5 cxd5 cxd4! 6 Qxd4 Nc6 7 (b) 5 ... Bd7 6 Qxc4 Bc6, and:
Qd1 exd5 8 Bg2 Be6 9 e3 Qd7 {b1) 7 Nf3, when Black can con­
both sides had chances. tinue 7 ... Bxf3 8 exf3 with play
9.11 against the isolated d-pawn {after
7 ... Nbd7 play develops in analogy
4 ... dxc4 with the line 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3
5 Qa4+ Nc6 d5 4 Bg2 dxc4 5 Qa4 + Bd7 in the
Open Variation).
Ragozin's idea. Black aims to (b2) Those who do not care for
exploit the position of the knight at an isolated d-pawn can try 7 f3.
c3 and queen at c4 (after Qxc4 ) to Compared with a similar line from
create counter-play on the Q-side the Open Variation, instead of Bg2
and in the centre. White has played Nc3, which de-
1 60
 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 g3 and 3 g3 161
prives Black of the important
continuation 7 ... Qd5 . There can
follow 7 ... Nbd7 8 e4 Nb6 9 Qd3
Qd7 10 Be3 0-0-0 with chances
for both sides.
(c) 5 ... Qd7 6 Qxc4 Qc6. In con­
trast to variation 7 . 1 ( p. 1 2 8) ,
where by Nbd2 White defended his
queen and after the exchange on
c4 obtained an excellent game,
here White himself is forced to
exchange queens - 7 Qxc6+
Nxc6. After 8 NbS, Wexler-Stein­
berg, Argentina 1 953, 8 ... Bb4+ 9 166
Bd2 Bxd2+ 1 0 Kxd2 Kd8 White
achieves little: 1 1 Bg2 Bd7 1 2 Nf3 bishop cannot move because of
Ne7 1 3 Nc3 Bc6 leads to equality. 1 0 ... Nd3 + ) .
If no improvement can be found 9 dxcS. Bxc5 1 0 Nf3 0-0 does
for White, the capture on c4 fol­ not create ariy difficulties for ·
lowed by ... Qd7-c6 and the inevit­ Black.
able exchange of queens must be
considered the simplest way of 9 ... cxd4
equalizing in the 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 g3
variation. In ·the source game Keres­
Ragozin, Semmering-Baden
6 Bg2 Bd7 1 937, Black continued with the
7 Qxc4 (166) unfortunate 9 .. Bc6, when 1 0
.

0-0! cxd4 1 1 Rd1 enabled White

to take the initiative. After
7 ... Nb4!
1 1 ... Qa5 (if Black tries to defend
his pawn with 1 1 ... Bxf3 12 Bxf3
White has to defend his c2, and Qb6, then 13 Na4 favours White,
in the meantime Black advances while on 1 1 ... Bc5 there follows 12
... c5 . Nxd4) 1 2 Nxd4 Bxg2 13 Kxg2
Black had difficulties over the
8 Qb3 cS defence of his Q-side.
9 Nf3 Now after 10 Nxd4 e5 ! ( on the·
routine 1 0 ... Bc5 White replies 1 1
It stands to reason that 9 Bxb7? 0-0!) 1 1 Nc2 Be6 1 2 Qa4+ Bd7
is not possible (after 9 ... Rb8 the White is obliged to agree to a repet-
1 62 Play the Catalan
ition of moves (analysis by Keres). exd5. The chances are nevertheless
9.12 with White.
9.121
4 ... Be7
7 Qa4 a6
Black continues his develop­ 8 Qxc4
ment. Later play can transpose into
normal positions from the Closed
Variation. Otherwise Black advantage­
ously plays 8 ... b5 (9 Nxb5? Bd7).
5 Bg2 0-0
6 Nf3 dxc4 (167) 8 ... bS
9 Qd3 Bb7
6 ... Nbd7 or 6 ... c6 leads to posi­
tions from the Closed Variation. Black completes the develop­
ment of his Q-side, and his position
is satisfactory: 10 BgS Nbd7 1 1 0-0
c5 , Stoltz-Vidmar, Groningen
1 946, or 10 0-0 Nbd7 1 1 Be3 (I I
Rdi c5) 1 1 ... c5 1 2 dxc5 Bxc5 1 3
Rad1 Qb6, Smyslov-Gheorghiu,
Monte Carlo 1 968.
9.122

1 NeS Nc6

The idea of this move (Black

gives back his c4 pawn and in turn
sacrifices a pawn) is familiar to us
167 from the variation 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6
3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 dxc4 5 Nf3 Be7 6
White can choose 7 Qa4 (9. 1 2 1 ) 0-0 0-0 7 Ne5 Nc6 (Vol. 1
o r the modern continuation 7 NeS p. 1 50). The difference is that here
(9. 1 22) . White has played Nc3 instead of
Interesting complications arise castling.
after 7 e4 c5 8 d5 exd5 9 e5 d4? ! 1 0 Other continuations:
exf6 Bxf6 ( a knight sacrifice in 7 ... cS 8 dxc5 (168) (8 d5 exd5 9
analogy with Alekhine's idea - Nxd5 Nc6 gives Black counter­
p. 41) or 8 ... Nxe4? ! 9 Nxe4 play).
 3 Nc3 N/6 4 g3 and 3 g3 1 63
(9 ... Bxc5 1 0 Be3 Bxe3 1 1 Nxe3
Bd7 12 0-0 Bc6 is also possible) 1 0
Qb3 Nc6 1 1 Be3 Nd4 1 2 Bxd4
Qxd4. White's pieces are aimed at
the Q-side, and despite the ex­
change of his important bishop the
initiative is on his side, e.g. 1 3 0-0
Bd7 14 Radl Qc5 15 Ne4!
( analysis).

168 8 Bxc6

( a) 8 ... Qxdl + 9 Nxdl Bxc5 After the other double capture

( after 9 Nbd7 1 0 Nxc4 Nxc5 1 1
.•. on c6: 8 Nxc6 bxc6 9 Bxc6 Rb8
Nc3 White exerts pressure o n the Black's pressure on the b-file is
opponent's Q-side; 1 1 ... Bd7 is sufficient compensation for his
strongly met by 12 Na5 , Korch­ pawn weaknesses.
noi-Petrosian, Candidates Match,
II Ciocco 1 977) 10 Nxc4 Nc6 1 1 8 ... bxc6
0-0 (White failed to gain any 9 Nxc6
advantage in another Korchnoi­
Petrosian game from the same 9 0-0 c5 leads to an equal game.
match: 1 1 Be3 Bb4 + 12 Bd2
Bxd2 + 13 Nxd2 Bd7 14 Nc4 Rfd8 9 ... Qe8
1 5 Nc3 K/8 1 6 Nd6 Rab8 1 7 10 Nxe7+ Qxe7
0-0-0 NeB 1 8 Nde4 Ke7 1 9 Nc5 1 1 Qa4
Nf6) 1 1 ... Bd7 1 2 Nc3 Rad8 1 3
Bf4 b6 1 4 Rfd l , with slightly the This manoeuvre is the point of
better chances for White, Olafs­ capturing on c6 with the bishop.
son-Donner, Amsterdam 1 976.
(b) 8 ... Qc7 9 Nxc4 (the isola­ 11 ... c5
tion of the c-pawn by 9 c6 does 12 Qxc4 cxd4
not promise White anything: 9 ... 13 Qxd4 e5
Nxc6 10 Nxc6 bxc6 1 1 Qa4 Nd5 14 Qh4 Rb8 (169)
12 Qxc4 Qb6 13 0-0 Ba6 14 Qe4
Rfd8 15 Qc2 Rab8 - Black is This position was reached in the
excellently developed and stands 1 5th game of the Korchnoi-Kar­
better, Kristiansen-Parma, Hav­ pov World Championship Match,
ana Olympiad 1 966) 9 ... Qxc5 Baguio 1 978. White is a pawn up,
1 64 Play the Catalan
3 g3 (170)

169
but Black has excellent develop­ 170
ment plus pressure on the b-file. If
White tries to hold his material White's impatience in immedi­
advantage with 15 0-0, Black con­ ately going in to the Catalan Open­
tinues 1 5 ... Rb4! , forcing the ing allows Black to equalize with­
weakening move 1 6 e4, when out difficulty.
1 6 ... Bb7 gives him an excellent Now 3 ... Nf6 4 Bg2 leads to posi­
position. tions analyzed under the basic
The rook manoeuvre can be pre­ move order. But Black can delay
vented by 15 a3, but this involves a ... Nf6 and try to exploit the open
loss of time, and, for example, long diagonal so as to simplify the
1 5 ... Rd8 with the idea of ... Rd4 is position:
good for black. _
3 ... dxc4 4 Qa4+ Qd7 5 Qxc4
The game continued 15 Bg5 Qc6. In contrast to variation 7 . 1 (1
Rxb2 1 6 0-0 ( on the energetic 1 6 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3 dxc4 5
Nd5 Black, firstly, has a draw in the Qa4 + Qd7 6 Qxc4 Qc6) the black
variation 1 6 ... Qb7 1 7 Nxfo + gxf6 queen is attacking the rook, which
1 8 0-0 fxg5 1 9 Qxg5 + etc., and obliges White to take on c6. After 6
secondly, he has 16 ... Qd6, Qxc6+ Nxc6 Black is a tempo
pointed out by Tal) 1 6 ... Qe6 1 7 ahead compared with variation
Bxf6 Qxf6 1 8 Qxf6 gxf6 1 9 Rab 1 7. 1 , and 7 Nf3 Bb4+ 8 Bd2 Bxd2+
Rxbl (1 9 ... Rc2 20 Rfcl ) 20 Rxbl 9 Nbxd2 Bd7 leads to an equal
Be6 2 1 f3 (21 Rb7 ReB!) 2 1 ... Rc8 position.
22 Ret Rb8 23 Rc2 Rc8 24 Kf2 3 ... c5, and now:
Bxa2 25 Rxa2 - draw. (a) 4 Bg2 dxc4 5 Qa4+ Qd7 (or
9.2 5 ... Bd7 6 Qxc4 Bc6 7 Bxc6 +
 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 g3 and 3 g3 1 65
Nxc6 8 dxc5 Qa5 + 9 Bd2 Qxc5 (b) 4 cxd5 Qxd5 5 Nf3 cxd4 6
with an equal position) 6 Qxd7+ Qxd4 Qxd4 7 Nxd4 a6 8 Nc3 Bd7
Nxd7 7 Nf3 cxd4 8 Nxd4 Bc5 9 9 Bg2 Nc6 10 Nxc6 Bxc6 1 1 Bxc6+
Be3 (9 Nb5 Ke7) 9 ... Bb4+ 1 0 bxc6 12 0-0 Nf6 13 Bg5 . The
Nd2 Ngf6 1 1 0-0 Nb6 1 2 Racl position is considerably simplified,
Nfd5 1 3 Nxc4 Nxc4 1 4 Rxc4 but after Racl Black still has to
Nxe3 1 5 fxe3 BaS 1 6 b4 Bb6 1 7 reckon with the weakness of his
a4 a5 with roughly equal chances, c-pawn, Neishtadt-Khachaturov,
Chemin-Anikayev, USSR Ch. 1 st Moscow 1 958.
League 1 98 1 .
 I l l u strative G a mes

No. 1 19 Nxd4 Bxg2 20 Nf5 Qb7 21 Nd6

L. Lengyel-Sliwa Qf3 22 Rd3 Qa8 23 Nxc8 Bxfl 24
Polanica Zdroj, 1966 Ne7+ Kb8 (1 71)

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2
Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 Nbd7 7
Qc2 c6 8 Nbd2 b6 9 e4 Bb7 10 b3
ReS 11 Bb2 Qc7 12 Rad1 dxe4
To be considered is the transfer
of the queen along the "Reti
route" via b8 to a8, followed by
... dxe4 and the opening of the long
diagonal ( ... c5).
13 Nxe4 Nxe4 14 Qxe4 c5 15 d5
Bf6 16 Qc2 Bxb2
Black should have first taken on
d5 and only then exchanged
171
bishops. He probably thought that
the order in which this relieving
operation was carried out was If now White takes the bishop,
unimportant. In allowing White material equality is immediately
to interpose his next move, Black restored: 25 Kxf1 Qh1 + 26 Ke2
went in for a forcing variation, Qe4+ and 27 ... Qxe7. Meanwhile,
assuming that the resulting posi­ mate is threatened and the rook is
tion would be perfectly acceptable attacked. True, White can block
for him. the long diagonal by 25 Rd5, but
17 dxe6 Bd4 (of course, not after 25 ... Bh3 he cannot play 26
1 7 ... fxe6? 1 8 Ng5 ) 18 exd7 Qxd7 Rh5 because of mate at g2 ... This
1 66
 Illustrative Games 1 67
was probably the course of Black's been 1 3 Bb2, completing his
reasoning. development.
But 25 Rd5 was played and . . . 13 ... g6 14 Qh3 cxd4 15 Nxd4
the game was decided. On seeing Ne5 16 N2f3 Neg4! 17 Bf4 h5 18
that 25 ... Bh3 is answered by a Ne5 Nxe5 19 Bxe5 Ng4 20 Bf4 (172)
text-book mate � 26 Qxh7+ !
Kxh7 27 Rh5 , Black grudgingly
played 25 ... g6, parted with his
bishop, and, after playing on
"through inertia" for a few more
moves - 26 Kxfl Qb7 27 Qe4 Kg7
28 b4 Rd8 29 QeS + f6 30 Qe6, he
resigned.

No. 2
Safyanovsky-Lputian
USSR Armed Forces'
Championship, 1979
1 72
1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 dS 4 Bg2
Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 Nbd7 7 Qc2
c6 8 Nbd2 b6 9 e4 Ba6 20 ... dxc4!
Usually this move is made when In making this move it was
White develops his knight at c3. necessary for Black to calculate
After Nbd2 the c4 point is more accurately both possible knight
securely defended, but at the same moves.
time White's pressure on d5 is less 21 Ne6
appreciable. In the event of 21 Nc6 Qe8 22
10 b3 ReS 1 1 Rd1 cS 12 exd5 exd5 Re1 (if 22 Nxel+ Qxe7 23 Bd6,
13 QfS?! then 23 ... Qe2 24 BxfB Qxf2 + 25
White switches his queen to the Khl Qe3 26 Rfl RxfB, winning)
K-side to prepare an attack. But at Black would have sacrificed the
the cost of a slight weakening of his exchange - 22 ... Rxc6 23 Bxc6
castled position, Black drives the Qxc6 24 Rxe7 Qc5 25 Re2 to force
queen back to h3, where it proves the advance of his c-pawn -
to be out of play. 25 ... c3 ! 26 Rc2 (if 26 Be3 , then
The logical move would have 26 ... Qc6 followed by ... Bb7)
168 Play the Catalan
26 ... Bd3, gaining a decisive 12 exdS exdS 13 NxdS
advantage. 1 3 NbS a6 1 4 Nd6 is not danger­
21 ... QeS 22 f3 ous for Black in view of 1 4 ... Bxd6
Taking the rook is forbidden: 22 1S Bxd6 Re8
Nxf8 BcS I , and on 23 Nd7 - 13 ... NxdS 14 exdS exd4 15 Qa4
23 ... Nxf2 24 Nf6+ Kh8 2S Nxe8 NeS! 16 Qxd4 Ne6 17 Qe4
Nxh3 + + 26 Kfl c3 + 27 Ke1 Bf2 On 1 7 Qd3 there would of
mate. course have followed 1 7 ... Nxf4 1 8
22 ... fxe6 23 fxg4 Bf6 23 Racl gxf4. Then Averbakh considered
exb3 25 axb3 Be2! 26 gxhS gS! two possibilities: playing to exploit
A sad fate for the queen, which the weaknesses of White's K-side
not long before was dreaming of - 1 8 ... Bd6 1 9 fS Qh4 20 Nf3 Qf4
great feats. White resigns. with strong pressure, and the sim­
pler plan of regaining the sacrificed
pawn and going into a better
endgame - 1 8 ... BxdS 1 9 QxdS
No. 3 (or 1 9 Bxd5 Rc5 20 Bxf7 + Rxf7 21
Novotelnov-Averbakh Qxd8 + Bxd8) 19 ... QxdS 20 BxdS
19th USSR Championship, Rfd8 21 Rfe1 Bb4.
195 1 17 ... ReS 1S Be3 BxdS 19 Qb1
( 1 9 Qa4 is better) 19 ... Bxg2 20
1 d4 Nf6 2 e4 e6 3 g3 dS 4 Bg2 Kxg2 RdS 21 Rd1 Bf6 22 Kg1 ReS
Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 Nbd7 7 Qc2 e6 23 a4 hS
S Bf4 b6 9 Nfd2 The white pieces have aban­
White wishes to carry out the doned the K-side, and Black
planned advance e2-e4 "with launches a decisive offensive.
every convenience", but the re­ 24 Ne4 h4 25 Qc2 h3 26 Qe2? (26
moval of control from d4 allows f3 was essential) 26 ... Nd4 27 Qf1
Black, by energetic action in the (173)
centre, to obtain counter-play. If 27 Qg4, then 27 ... Re41 (28
9 ... Bb7 10 e4 ReS 11 Nc3 eS! Qxe4 Ne2 +).
This move proves possible, since 27 ... QcS
on 1 2 eS Black has a temporary 27 ... Nf3 + 28 Kh1 Rxd1 29
piece sacrifice - 1 2 ... cxd41 1 3 Rxd1 Qa8 would have won
exf6 Bxf6 1 4 NbS eS, restoring quickly. As Averbakh explained,
material equality with a good he rejected this variation, since
position. If 1 S Nd6, then 1 S ... Rc7 after 30 Qxh3 he did not see a good
1 6 Nxb7 Rxb7 1 7 BxdS Rc7, and move by his knight. But in fact,
the bishop at f4 still has no retreat after 30 ... NxeS White would have
·

square. lost his knight.

 Illustrative Games 1 69
5 ... Qd7 6 Qxc4 Qc6 7 Nbd2
Qxc4 8 Nxc4 Bb4+ 9 Bd2 Bxd2+ 10
Ncxd2
Three years later at the tourna­
ment in Groningen Botvinnik
employed the stronger move 1 0
Nfxd2 ! against Vidmar. Now
Bogoljubow had the possibility of a
successful defence with 1 0 ... Bd7
1 1 Bg2 Bc6 !
10 ... Nc6 1 1 Bg2 Bd7 12 0-0
0-0-0 13 Racl Rhe8 14 Nc4
Despite the absence of the
173
queens, the black king is not safe!
Exploiting the open c-file, Alek­
28 Bxd4 Bxd4 29 Rd2 Qg4 30 hine prepares an offensive.
Rad1? 14 ... Re7 15 Rfd1 Be8 16 a3 Nd5
This allows Black to conclude 17 b4 Nb6 18 b5! NbS 19 Nxb6+
the game with a little combination. axb6 20 a4 f6
30 Rcl was correct, when Black Otherwise 2 1 Ne5 followed by
would have continued his attack Nc4 is unpleasant for Black.
with 30 ... Re6. 21 Bh3! Bd7 22 Nd2 Rf8 (174)
30 ... Bxf2+ ! 31 Qxf2 Qxd1 +
White resigns.

No. 4
Alekhine-Bogolju bow
Salzburg, 1943

1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3
dxc4 5 Qa4+
This move order allows Black
the possibility of exchanging
queens and significantly simpli­
fying the position by the man­ 174
oeuvre ... Qd7 -c6. However, at the
same time the initiative stays with 23 Bg2!
White. The white knight nevertheless
1 70 Play the Catalan
reaches c4, after which Nxb6+ will 26 axbS BxbS
be threatened. For the moment White has no
By the subtle bishop move favourable move with his knight,
Alekhine prevents Black from but after his next move Black's
defending against this threat by position immediately becomes
moving his king, since the b7 pawn hopeless.
would be left en prise. 27 dS exdS (both 28 Na3+ and
23 ... c6 (an enforced weaken­ 28 d6+ were threatened) 28 Na3+
ing) 24 Nc4 Kc7 25 e4! cxbS Bc6 29 exdS Rd7 30 NbS+ Kd8 31
26 d5 was threatened, but by dxc6 bxc6 32 Nd4 Resigns.
taking the pawn Black denudes his
·

king.
 I n dex of M a i n Va riatio n s

Closed Variation 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 2 . 2 1 2 9 Qc2 Bb7 1 0

3 g3 dS 4 Bg2 Be7 S Nf3 0-0 Rd1 58
6 0-0 (6 Qc2 c5 - p. 2) 2 . 2 1 2 1 10 ... ReB 60
2.2122 1 0 ... bS 65
2.22 8 Qd3 67
1 6 ... Nbd7 7 Qc2 5
2.23 8 Qb3 70
1 . 1 7 ... c6 6
1 . 1 1 8 Nbd2 b6 6
1 . 1 1 1 9 e4 7 3 6 ... Nbd7 73
1 . 1 1 1 1 9 ... Bb7 7 3 . 1 7 Nbd2 73
1 . 1 1 1 2 9 ... dxe4 1 7 3.2 7 b3 c6 75
1 . 1 1 1 3 9 ... Ba6 1 8 3.21 8 Bb2 76
1 . 1 1 2 9 b 3 21 3.22 8 Ba3 80
1 . 1 2 8 b3 bS 23 3.3 7 Qd3 81
1 . 1 3 8 Bf4 2 7
1 . 1 4 8 Rd1 3 0 4 Other 6th moves 82
1 .2 7 ... b 6 32 4.1 6 ... c6 7 Nc3 b6 82
1 .3 7 ... cS 35 4. 1 1 8 NeS 83
4. 1 2 8 Bf4 88
2 6 ... Nbd7 7 Nc3 38 4.2 6 ... b6 89
2.1 7 ... dxc4 8 e4 38 4.3 6 ... cS 7 cxdS NxdS 90
2. 1 1 8 ... cS 40 4.3 1 8 e4 92
2 . 1 2 8 ... c6 42 4.32 8 dxc5 94
2.2 7 ... c6 45
2.21 8 b3 b6 45 S 4 ... Bb4+ 98
2.21 1 9 Bb2 46 5 . 1 5 Bd2 98
2.21 1 1 9 . . Bb7 46
. 5 . 1 1 5 ... Be7 98
2.21 1 2 9 . Ba6 53
. . 5 . 1 2 5 ... Bxd2 + 1 06
2.21 1 3 9 .. aS 57
. 5 . 1 3 5 ... Qe7 1 09
171
1 72 Play the Catalan

5 . 1 4 5 ... a5 6 Qc2 Nc6 7 Nf3 8 4 ... c5 5 Bg2 cxd4 6 Nxd4

dxc4 8 Qxc4 Qd5 112 e5 134
5 . 1 4 1 9 Qxd5 1 1 6 8.1 7 Nf3 d4 8 0-0 Nc6 9
5 . 1 42 9 Qd3 1 1 9 e3 137
5 . 2 5 Nd2 120 8. 1 1 9 ... Be7 138
8 . 1 2 9 ... Bc5 141
8 . 1 3 9 ... Bg4 146
6 4 ... c6 5 Nf3 Nbd7 6 Qc2 8 . 1 4 9 ... d3 148
Bd6 123 8.2 7 Nc2 150
8.3 7 Nb3 d4 153
8 . 3 1 8 f4 155
Catalan Opening after 1 d4 d5 2 8.32 8 0-0 156
c4 126 8.4 7 NbS 158

9 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 1 60
7 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3 9 . 1 3 Nc3 Nf6 4 g3 1 60
dxc4 5 Qa4+ 128 9. 1 1 4 ... dxc4 1 60
7.1 5 ... Qd7 128 9 . 1 2 4 ... Be7 1 62
7.2 5 ... Bd7 130 9.2 3 g3 1 64
 Appe n d ix : Rece nt
Deve l o p m e nts

There are no breaks in modern which White delays castling, p. 2)

chess playing, as, throughout the 6 ... c5 7 0-0 cxd4 8 Nxd4 Nc6 (J75).
world, tournaments with masters
and grandmasters follow one
another in rapid succession (or
sometimes take place simultane­
ously). And almost each one intro­
duces something new into opening
theory. This also applies to the
Catalan Opening. which is enjoy­
ing growing popularity. There are
also no breaks in chess publica­
tions. While the manuscript was
with the translator and was then
175
going through the usual production
process, a number of interesting
new games were published. Some In Kurajica-Van der Sterren
supplemented and corrected varia­ (Thessaloniki Olympiad 1 9 84)
tions given in the book, while there followed 9 Nxc6 bxc6 10 b3 aS
others contained new ideas. In ( 1 0 ... Bb7 1 1 Bb2 Qa5 12 Nc3
submitting some of this material, Rfd8 is evidently sounder, when 1 3
the author has taken the opportun� e 3 followed b y Rfd1 comes into
ity to refer also to a few earlier consideration) 1 1 Nc3 Ba6 12 Na4
games which had escaped his atten­ ReS 13 Rd1 Qc7 14 Be3. Here in
tion. reply to 14 ... cS? White gave his
1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 dS 4 Bg2 Be7 opponent "hanging" pawns and
5 Nf3 0-0 6 Qc2 (cf. the variation in successfully attacked them: 15 cxdS
1 73
1 74 Play the Catalan
Nxd5 16 Bxd5 exd5 17 Racl! Rfe8 Qc2, instead of 6 ... c5 the move
18 Qd2. Black loses a pawn. 6 ... Nc6 (177) is perfectly possible.
Instead of 8 ... Nc6 (cf. also
Korchnoi-Lengyel, Havana Olym­
piad 1 966 - p. 2 and p. 91),
in Gulko-Georgadze (Tashkent
1 984) Black continued 8 . . .

Qb6 (176).

177

7 0-0 Nb4 8 Qd1 (8 Qb3 aS is

quite good for Black; 8 ... dxc4 9
Qxc4 b6 with the idea of ... Ba6
176 also comes into consideration)
8 ... c5 (8 ... dxc4 is well met by 9
The game continued 9 Rd1 Nc6 Na3, Gavrikov-Speelman, Lon­
10 Nxc6 bxc6 1 1 Nc3 Qa6 12 Na4 don 1 985) 9 a3 Na6 10 cxd5 Nxd5
Rb8 13 be e5?! 14 Bg5 dxc4 15 Nb2! 1 1 Nc3 Nac7 12 Nxd5 Nxd5 13 dxc5
h6 16 Bxf6 Bxf6 17 Nxc4. White's Bxc5 (Vera-Vilela, Cuban Ch.
position is preferable. 1 985). Here 1 4 Ne5 would have
Instead of 1 3 ... e5 Georgadze given White slightly the better
suggests 1 3 ... dxc4, and if 1 4 Bf4chances.
Rb4 1 5 Bd2 cxb3 1 6 axb3 Rd4
* * *
with chances for both sides.
Earlier, instead of 9 ... Nc6
Black can consider both 9 ... Bc5 1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2
(1 0 e3 Bxd4 11 exd4 dxc4 12 Na3 Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 Nbd7 7 Qc2 c6
Bd7 13 Nxc4 Qa6 with an equal 8 Bf4 b6 9 Nbd2 Bb7 10 e4 ReS (178)
game), and 9 ... Ng4 (Georgadze). - cf. p. 30.
Kengis-M. Gurevich (Yurmala
* * *
1 985) continued 11 Rad1 c5 12
exd5 exd5. Here instead of 13 Qb1,
In the same variation 1 d4 Nf6 2 on which Black could have played
c4 e6 3 g3 d5 4 Bg2 Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 13 ... dxc4 14 Nxc4 Be4 1 5 Qat
 Appendix: Recent Developments 1 75

178 179

cxd4 16 Nd6 Bxd6 17 Bxd6 Re8 try 16 ... bS proved unfortunate,

1 8 Rxd4 with a roughly equal since after 19 Na3 Qb6 20 Bfi he
game, 1 3 Qf5 came into considera- had to part with his b-pawn.
tion. In the event of 1 3 ... dxc4 1 4
Nxc4 Be4 1 5 Qh3 cxd4 1 6 Rxd4 "' "' "'

Bc5 1 7 Rdd1 it is unfavourable for

Black to play 1 7 ... Bxf2+ 1 8 Rxf2
1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 dS 4 Bg2
Rxc4 in view of 1 9 Ne5 Bxg2 20
Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0.
Qxg2 (Kengis) .
An unusual plan, involving the
Instead of 1 3 ... dxc4 a possibil­
development of Black's queen's
ity is 1 3 ... g6 1 4 Qh3 h5 as in the
knight at a6, was employed in two
variations analysed on p. 20, but
games from the Moscow Inter­
with the white bishop at f4.
national Tournament (1 986).
* "' "' 6 ... c6 (cf. p. 82) 7 Qc2 Na6!?
(180).
1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 g3 dS 4 Bg2
Be7 5 Nf3 0-0 6 0-0 Nbd7 7 Nc3
dxc4 8 e4 c6 9 a4 b6 10 Qe2 aS 1 1
Rd1 Ba6 1 2 Bf4 (179).

In this position Keres recom­

mended 12 .. . ReS for Black
(p. 43). This move was made in
Ivanchuk-Dreev (Tallinn 1 966),
which continued 13 Nd2 Nf8 14
Nxc4 Ng6 15 Be3 Nd5 16 e5! Rc8 17
Racl Nxe3 18 fxe3. Black's active 180
176 Play the Catalan
S Bg5 b6 9 cxd5 cxd5 10 Ne5 Bb7 1 985). Mter 9 ... Be7 (or 9 ... Bc5
1 1 Nc3 Nb4 12 Qd2 ReS 13 Racl 10 Qa4+ Qd7 1 1 NbS 0-0 1 2
Nc6 (Lemer-Arkhipov). Qxc4) 1 0 Qa4+ Nbd7 1 1 Rdl 0-0
S Nbd2 b6 9 e4 Bb7 10 b3 c5 1 1 12 Qxc4 White's position was pre­
exd5 exd5 1 2 Bb2 (compared with ferable.
the classical positions of the Closed
* * *
Variation, the deployment of the
knight at a6 has its virtues)
12 ... Nb4 13 Qbl dxc4 14 bxc4 1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3
cxd4 15 Nxd4 Bxg2 15 Kxg2 ReS c5 5 Bg2 cxd4 6 Nxd4 e5 7 Nf3 d4
(Inkiov-Arkhipov). S 0-0 Nc6 9 e3 Be7 10 exd4 exd4
In both cases Black equalized. 11 Bf4 0-0 12 Ne5 Qb6 (181).
* *

An addition to the variation 1 d4

d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3 c5 5 cxd5
Nxd5 6 Bg2 cxd4 7 0-0 Bc5 S Nxd4
0-0 is provided by 9 Nc3 (instead of
9 Nb3 , Simonson-Fine, New York
1 938 - p. 1 34).
After 9 ... Nxc3 10 bxc3 Qc7 11
Rbl chances are roughly equal
(Dlugy-Lein, New York 1 985).
1 0 ... Nd7 11 Rb1 Nb6 12 Nb3 181

Be7 1 3 Qxd8 Rxd8 14 Na5 is

less favourable for Black (Dlugy­ In Hansen-Farago (Esbjerg
Taylor, New York 1 985). Mter 1 985) instead of 1 3 Qb3 (cf.
1 4 ... Na4 1 5 c4 Nc3 16 Rb2 p. 1 3 9) White continued 13 Ret (it
White's pieces are more active. is not essential to defend the
b-pawn). The further course of the
* * * game did not give an advantage to
either side: 13 ... Be6 14 Nd2 RacS
1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3 15 Ndf3 Bb4 16 Bd2, and numerous
c5 5 Bg2 cxd4 6 Nxd4 e5 Nf3 e4 exchanges - 16 ... Nxe5 17 Nxe5
S Nd4 dxc4. Bxd2 lS Qxd2 Bxc4 19 Nxc4 Rxc4
9 0-0 (to which reference is 20 Re7 d3 21 Qxd3 Qxb2 22 Qxc4
made on p. 1 3 7) was played in Qxal + 23 Bfi b5 24 Qxb5 led to a
Drasko-Nogueiras (Sarajevo ·level endgame.
 Appendix: Recent Developments 1 77
* * *
fxe6 15 Rxe6 Qd7 Black has com­
pensation for the sacrificed pawn.
1 d4 d5 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 Nf6 4 g3 c5 1 3 Qb3 (instead of 13 Bh3) with
5 Bg2 cxd4 6 Nxd4 e5 7 Nf3 d4 8 the idea of Qa3 should be con­
0-0 Nc6 9 e3 Bc5 10 exd5 (cf. sidered (Portisch).
p. 141). The quiet 1 2 b3 0-0 probably
10 ... Bxd4?! gives Black equal chances
A new move, employed in (Curtin-Portisch, 1 985).
Noguieras-Portisch (Candidates 12 ... 0-0 13 b5 Ne5 14 Bb2 Nxc4
Tournament, Montpellier 1 985). 15 Qxd4 ( 1 5 Bxd4 is strongly met
1 1 Nxd4 exd4 12 b4. by 1 5 ... Bg4) 15 ... Nxb2 16 Qxb2
In the event of the direct 1 2 Qb6 13 Nc3 Bd7. The game is
Re 1 + Be6 1 3 Bh3 0-0 1 4 Bxe6 level.