The Art of the Tarrasch Defence: Strategies, Techniques and Surprising Ideas

By Alexey Bezgodov

The Tarrasch Defence is one of the most ambitious ways to play against 1.d4. Black immediately fights for the centre, gets a lot of space and develops his pieces without many problems. Great fighters like Boris Spassky, Paul Keres and Garry Kasparov have played the Tarrasch Defence.
Former Russian Champion Alexey Bezgodov has more than 30 years of experience with the Tarrasch and is one of the world’s greatest experts. The Art of the Tarrasch Defence is a deeply researched journey into the positional structures, the key moments in the fight for the initiative, the players and the variations.

Bezgodov has injected his main line, the neglected Kasparov System, with a lot of surprising ideas and presents new ways to handle White’s offbeat variations. He also shows that quite a few lines for Black with a bad reputation are actually good. He teaches how the giants of chess have exploited the many dynamic possibilities of the Tarrasch Defence, and he includes plenty of practical exercises.

This is a must-have book for fearless players who wish to surprise their opponents and who like to play aggressively with Black – but only with a reliable opening with a sound positional foundation.

• Language: English
• Publisher: New in Chess
• Release date: Nov 13, 2017
• ISBN: 9789056917692

Alexey Bezgodov

Alexey Bezgodov (1969) is a Russian Grandmaster and writer. He was Russian Champion in 1993 and came shared first in the 1999 Ukrainian Championship. He has written numerous chess books.

Book preview

Preface

How should one solve the problem of the black pieces? In our day, it is a real practical necessity to develop rare, little-explored continuations, so that the effect of surprise will allow one to play for a win. But you have to know how to do it. There are some variations, which have plenty of surprise effect, but the weaknesses of which are simply so obvious that a strong opponent will be able to solve his problems even over the board. Then the surprise effect is liable to rebound on you. One needs great positional foundations, to avoid such problems.

The Tarrasch Defence is one of the most principled and positionally based defences. At least one black pawn remains in the centre for the long term and Black also has no difficulties with his development. In most cases, he manages to castle quickly and effectively. One very important thing is that White generally does not obtain any sort of space advantage. He does not usually get the chance for quiet, unhurried play to strengthen his advantage, as often happens in quieter variations of the Queen’s Gambit.

For many years, lots of people (both people I know and strangers) have asked me to write a book on the Tarrasch, and now the time has come. The book I am presenting is not quite an opening monograph as such, more a unique journey around this opening.

The deeply-analysed games do not pretend to cover all possible ideas and variations. This would simply be unrealistic – such a book would be too large and cumbersome for the reader. I have tried above all to convey my own experience of studying the opening, to pass on my own doubts, discoveries, my pleasant and not so pleasant experiences. I have done this so as to share with the reader all these riches, although it is not for me ultimately to judge their true worth. Everything that I could possibly do has been done to neutralise those variations which, it seems to me, might present any danger to Black. In the process, I have tried to avoid long and excessively complicated or fanciful variations.

I hope that this book will be read with unhurried pleasure, just as in a restaurant one can enjoy one’s favourite dishes. My 30-year experience in this great opening is before you.

I first met Boris Vasilievich Spassky, one of the ‘giants’ of the Tarrasch who features prominently in The Art of the Tarrasch Defence, in January 2005 at a session of the Spassky School in Satka. He still maintained excellent health and was keenly interested in developments in chess. Spassky was perfectly aware that without his match with Petrosian, the fate of the Tarrasch Defence would have been different, and was aware of the latest developments. Against the Kasparov System he considered 12.♕b3, the move Karpov played against Kasparov in their 1984 World Championship match (Game 109 in this book), to be the main danger for Black. In his view, after other options Black’s defence was much easier. He was skeptical of the move 17…♗h5 in the same system, which I had played in my games against Temirbaev and Iskusnyh (in spite of the fact that both games ended in a draw) – he thought this dynamic move was not good enough for equality. But he approved of 17…d4 – see Game 110 in this book. Spassky predicted a very prosperous future for the Tarrasch Defence, especially the 9…cxd4 system.

I should like to offer my heartfelt thanks to my publisher, and also to my friends Vladimir Barsky and Nikolai Ponomariov, for their invaluable assistance in the work on this book, as well as in life generally. I should also like to thank the late GM Alexander Lastin, and IM Vladimir Genba, for their excellent games, in which my limited training success is seen.

Alexey Bezgodov,

Khanty-Mansiysk, October 2017

This book is divided into five parts:

I) Four ‘bad’ lines that are actually good

II) White surprise lines… and what to play against them

III) The Kasparov System

IV) Giants of the the Tarrasch Defence.

V) Training

Introduction

Why did I title my book The Art of the Tarrasch Defence? I have not set out to provide a single set of authoritative ‘only correct lines’. Instead, I want to show the depth, breadth and many-sidedness of the positions which arise, which makes playing it a kind of art. The fact is, surprising as it may seem, we know very little about the Tarrasch Defence!

Demonstrations of this fact will follow one after another. First, we see a system, which has never been popular, but was occasionally played by the old master Curt von Bardeleben. We will approach it with suspicion, as, after all, ‘it can’t possibly be any good for Black’ – 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 cxd4 7.♘xd4 ♗c5

and then the king’s knight goes to e7.

But in our day, it is just so easy to check any idea! And our electronic judge, to our amazement, pronounces it as playable. White’s advantage is small and there is no question of any gigantic superiority!

Then we will look at a similar position, but with the black king’s knight developing to f6 – 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 ♘f6 7.♗g2 cxd4 8.♘xd4 ♗c5 Again, Black turns out to be OK.

Later, also after the exchange on d4, we see the line where the black queen comes out to b6, to bother the white knight on d4: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 ♘f6 7.♗g2 cxd4 8.♘xd4 ♕b6

And lo and behold, it turns out that the classical example, which for decades has proved White’s advantage, in fact proves nothing at all, and Black only lost because of several bad mistakes later in the game.

The fourth chapter of this opening part is devoted to the line with 9…♗e6, which was played by Lasker: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 ♘f6 7.♗g2 ♗e7 8.0-0 0-0 9.♗g5 ♗e6

In our day, this has a reputation as somewhat second-rate, but in reality, one can also play this way and get a perfectly good position. We will present quite a few improvements, with which Black can pose his opponent many questions.

Part II, ‘White surprise lines… and what to play against them’, covers in detail, with the same attention to ‘trifles’, those systems by which White tries to avoid the main line. It is no secret that it is precisely in such sidelines that White often achieves success. Here too, I try to give the reader a clear picture of the whole spectrum of resulting positions, without limiting myself to one variation in each line.

The third part is devoted to the Kasparov System, 9.♗g5 cxd4. Only in my youth did I ever play the highly popular line 9…с4. Why? I really do not like the simple reply 10.b3, after which, in my view, Black faces a difficult defence in an unpleasant position. But that is only my opinion, which, like anyone else’s, is open to dispute. Those who like the move 9…с4 can be recommended to study the outstanding book by Jacob Aagaard and Nikolaos Ntirlis The Tarrasch Defence, Quality Chess, 2011; the continuation 9…cxd4, on the contrary, is not considered in that volume: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 ♘f6 7.♗g2 ♗e7 8.0-0 0-0 9.♗g5 cxd4

Over many years, I have played this variation and studied it deeply. However, I have no desire to drown the reader in a sea of information. On the contrary, I have omitted from the book many variations which have passed into the archives, and have left the reader with only the most reliable and, at the same time, dynamic paths. I would point out that in Kasparov’s books, at least four of my games in this opening are referenced.

More detailed reference information can be found in the nice book by Sam Collins The Tarrasch Defence: move by move, Everyman Chess, 2013. Of course, fashions change, and a variation which is unpopular today may tomorrow suddenly come back into vogue again. Those who love a long, gradual search for the truth will find much food for thought in this book.

The Kasparov System is the fifth variation of the Tarrasch for Black, which is presented in this book (I would remind you that four other systems are given in the first part).

The fourth part, called ‘Giants of the Tarrasch Defence’, shows you how the opening was handled by Boris Spassky, Paul Keres, Svetozar Gligoric and Garry Kasparov himself. The selected games by these giants, as both Black and White, will significantly widen your understanding of the surprising things which can occur in this opening.

The final, fifth part is devoted to training. The reader can reinforce the knowledge and understanding he has acquired, by solving exercises taken from many games played at the highest level.

I hope my book will help you quickly to master and include in your repertoire a new opening, one which is only called a ‘defence’, but which in reality often allows Black to develop a powerful counterattack. Good luck!

Part I

Four ‘bad’ lines that are actually good

In this first part, I am going to present the reader with several systems of defence, which, one may say, are broadly based on the Tarrasch Defence. They are rarely seen, but this may be more of a plus than a minus, since for the white player, they can come as an unpleasant surprise. Several such systems are presented in this part, which means that the reader has an interesting choice, depending on circumstances, between several systems, based on the solid foundation of the Tarrasch Defence.

Chapter 1

The Curt von Bardeleben System 7…♗c5

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 cxd4 7.♘xd4 ♗c5 followed by …♘ge7.

This system occurs very rarely, but it is very solid, as, after all, Black does nothing to violate the principles of opening development. He is quite active in the centre and can castle quickly. As far as weaknesses go, then there is nothing to speak of, apart from the isolated pawn on d5, which is the eternal problem of the whole opening. The non-standard position of Black’s king’s knight draws most of the strength from White’s most standard anti-Tarrasch manoeuvre, namely the bishop move to g5, and so the latter must, at the very start of the game, seek other ways to develop his initiative. This, of itself, may produce inaccuracies. Therefore I recommend the Von Bardeleben System for occasional use, especially at faster time-limits. Mind you, even at slower time controls the system is suitable, because White has no greater advantage than in the more topical variations. It is obvious that such a plan of development is not a trendy one and never will be, but maybe it has a future? And maybe that future is in the hands of the reader?

Game 1

Frank Marshall

Curt von Bardeleben

Düsseldorf 1908 (5)

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 cxd4 7.♘xd4 ♗c5

The bishop comes to c5 immediately, before Black develops his other knight. This is what distinguishes the Von Bardeleben System from the Keres System (in which the knight comes to f6).

8.♘b3

There is also 8.♘xc6 bxc6 9.♗g2. And here it is best to play 9…♘f6= (9…♘e7 is also possible, although it has not been played).

Black is fine after 8.♗e3 ♗b6 9.♗g2 ♘f6=. The opposition of dark-squared bishops in such situations is not a problem for Black. The ♗b6 controls the centre and exerts significance influence on events on the board.

8…♗b4 9.♗g2 ♘ge7

Of course, 9…♘f6 is also possible, transposing into the Keres System.

10.0-0

Black faces a choice – to take on c3 or to defend the attacked pawn.

10…♗xc3

Determining the outline of the game. 10…♗e6 is also not bad, because it is not so easy for White to come up with a plan to strengthen his position further.

11.bxc3 0-0 12.♗a3

It is hard to see a better square for the white bishop. If the black knight were on f6, then the bishop would come to g5, of course.

12…♖e8 13.♖e1

The critical moment. White is ready to open the centre favourably, creating new possibilities for his bishops. Black needs to show some care and attention.

13…♗e6

This move is a little too cooperative and passive. It shows no spirit to fight for the initiative. What should Black do instead? These are my thoughts on this matter:

A) White is allowed to achieve a good deal after 13…b6?! 14.c4! ♗e6 15.cxd5 ♗xd5 16.e4 ;

B) More energetic is, say, 13…♗g4 14.h3 ♗f5!?;

C) I like the move 13…♗f5!. Maybe this is a strong novelty. White does not manage to carry out either e2-e4 or c3-c4 with great effect, because the black bishop is ideally placed: 14.♘c5 ♕c7 (it is also unclear what White achieves after 14…♖b8 15.e4 dxe4 16.♘xe4 ♕a5 17.♕b3 ♗e6) 15.e4 dxe4 16.♘xe4 ♗xe4! (Black cannot allow the knight into d6) 17.♖xe4 ♘g6, and after the exchanges, Black is entitled to count on equality: 18.♕a4 ♖xe4 19.♗xe4 ♖e8 20.♖d1 b5 21.♕c2 ♘ce5 22.♗d6 ♕b6. Black needs to show a little care, but he has no real difficulties;

D) 13…♖b8!? This is also a novelty. The rook move is an interesting prophylactic manoeuvre. 14.♘d4 (it is not clear that White gets anything after 14.e4 dxe4 15.♗xe4 ♗f5 16.♗g2 ♘g6∞) 14…♘a5 15.e4 dxe4 16.♖xe4 ♗d7 17.♘b3 ♘xb3 18.axb3 ♘c6 19.♗d6 ♖c8 20.b4 ♖xe4 (20…a6!?) 21.♗xe4 a6, and White’s advantage is very small. There could follow 22.♕f3 ♗e6 23.♖d1 ♕g5 24.h4 ♕b5 25.♗d3 ♕a4∞.

Now we return to the game.

14.♘c5

White’s position is clearly better.

14…♕c8

There is no help from either

A) 14…♕a5 15.♕b3 ♗c8 16.♖ad1 ♖b8 17.e4 d4 18.♗b4 ;

B) or 14…b6 15.♘xe6 fxe6 16.e4 d4 17.cxd4 ♘xd4 18.♗b2 e5 19.♗xd4 .

15.e4! dxe4 16.♘xe6 ♕xe6 17.♖xe4 ♕c8 18.♕e2 ♘g6 19.♖e1

The most practical decision was to win a pawn, whilst retaining a large positional advantage: 19.♖xe8+ ♕xe8 20.♕xe8+ ♖xe8 21.♖b1+–

19…♖xe4 20.♗xe4 ♕c7 21.♗d5 h6 22.♕e4 ♕d7 23.c4 ♘ge5 24.♗b2 ♖e8

25.♔g2

In a strong position, the many-time US champion relaxes. Black would suffer terrible losses after 25.♗c3 ♖e7 26.f4+–.

25…♖e7 26.♗c3 ♔h8 27.♕f4 f6 28.♗xe5

A strange exchange, which significantly eases Black’s position.

28…♖xe5 29.♖xe5 ♘xe5 30.♕e3 b6 31.♕a3 ♘g6 32.♕f3 ♕e7 33.h4 ♘f8 34.♕f4 ♔h7 35.h5 ♕d8 36.g4 g6 37.♗e4 ♔g7 38.hxg6 ♘xg6 39.♗xg6 ♔xg6 40.♕e4+ ♔g7 41.♕b7+ ♔g6 42.♕xa7 ♕d4 43.♕c7 ♕xg4+ 44.♕g3

44…♔g5??

But now the German master blunders in a drawn position.

He can save himself by 44…♕xg3+ 45.♔xg3 ♔f5=, and the active black king neutralises all of White’s efforts.

45.a4 ♕xg3+ 46.fxg3

One can calculate that the white pawns are unstoppable. Black resigned.

The Von Bardeleben System is based on common sense, but its time has not yet come. Even so, one can certainly play this way, and the black player will at the very least have the element of surprise on his side.

Chapter 2

The Keres System 7…cxd4 8.♘xd4 ♗c5

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 ♘f6 7.♗g2 cxd4 8.♘xd4 ♗c5

What distinguishes the Keres System from the Von Bardeleben is that the black knight develops to f6, rather than e7. Maybe this is more solid for Black. This system often arises via the English Opening. The positions which result are very solid. Maybe, as regards its reserves of solidity, the Keres System is not inferior to the main line Tarrasch or other systems.

I strongly recommend this system for practical testing. Unlike the main lines of the Tarrasch, it has hardly ever been seriously studied from the white side, as players simply do not have the time for such rare systems. This means that the chances of White achieving anything much in the opening are already quite low. Meanwhile, Black’s play is quite simple and natural – he just develops his pieces to sensible squares, castles, and achieves equality. I have definitely decided to include this variation in my own opening repertoire!

Game 2

Sergey Borisov

2106

Adyan Ochirov

1688

Elista 2014 (4)

1.♘f3 d5 2.d4 e6 3.c4 ♘f6 4.g3 c5 5.cxd5 exd5 6.♗g2 ♘c6 7.0-0 cxd4 8.♘xd4 ♗c5 9.♘xc6 bxc6 10.♘c3 0-0 11.e4?

A very logical attempt to attack the centre, but this move is weak and places White on the edge of defeat. This can happen – tactical considerations sometimes prevent a move which seems perfectly justified from all positional viewpoints.

Of course, 11.♕c2!? is better.

11…♗a6 12.♖e1 ♕b6

The f2-square is creaking, a bad sign for White.

13.♗e3

White is also in trouble after 13.♕f3 ♖fe8 14.e5 ♗d4 15.♗e3 ♖xe5–+.

13…d4 14.♘a4 dxe3!

A lovely little combination. For the queen, Black gets a rook, two pieces and a winning position.

15.♘xb6 exf2+ 16.♔h1 fxe1♕+ 17.♕xe1 axb6 18.♖c1 ♘g4 19.h3 ♘f2+ 20.♔h2 ♘d3 0-1

Game 3

Frank Marshall

Oldrich Duras

Budapest 1912 (3)

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 ♘f6 7.♗g2 cxd4 8.♘xd4 ♗c5 9.♘xc6

Allowing Black to escape his isolated pawn. However, both sides retain chances for interesting play.

The most important lines arise after 9.♘b3, about which more below.

9…bxc6 10.0-0 0-0

11.♗g5

A) Let us speak about 11.♕c2 ♗d6!?. This is my novelty and perhaps a valuable one (after 11…♗b6 12.♘a4 White can hope for a small advantage). White can choose between 12.♘a4 and 12.e4:

A1) 12.♘a4 ♖e8! 13.♕xc6 (unclear is 13.♗e3 ♗g4 14.♖ac1 ♖c8 15.♘c5 ♕c7 16.♕d2 ♘d7∞) 13…♗g4 14.♗g5 ♖c8 15.♗xf6 ♕xf6 16.♕xd5 ♗xe2 17.♖fe1 ♗b4 18.♖ec1 ♖cd8 19.♕c6 ♕d4 with counterplay sufficient for equality;

A2) 12.e4 is met as follows: 12…♖b8 13.exd5 (13.♗g5 d4 14.♘a4 ♗a6 15.♖fd1 d3 16.♕c1 ♕e7 17.f4 ♖b4 18.♘c3 ♗c5+ 19.♔h1 ♘g4!, and perpetual check – 20.♗xe7 ♘f2+ 21.♔g1 ♘h3+ 22.♔h1=) 13…♘xd5 14.♘xd5 cxd5 15.b3 ♗e5 16.♗b2 d4 17.♖fd1 ♕d6 18.♕c6 ♕xc6 19.♗xc6 ♖d8 20.♖d2 ♖b6 21.♗e4 g6 22.♖ad1 ♖bd6 23.♗a3 ♖6d7 24.♖c2 ♗b7 25.♗xb7 ♖xb7 26.f4 ♗g7 27.♖d3 f5=

B) In the previous game we saw 11.e4? ♗a6 12.♖e1 ♕b6–+.

11…h6

Leading almost by force to an endgame where Black is a pawn down – it is drawn, but requires some care. Such an outcome is not really that attractive, although a draw as Black from a position of weakness is not so bad.

A) I suggest the developing move 11…♖e8 by way of an interesting alternative, and Black is not at all worse;

B) I do not recommend the active 11…♗g4 because of 12.♕a4 .

12.♗xf6 ♕xf6 13.♘xd5 cxd5 14.♕xd5 ♗xf2+ 15.♖xf2 ♕xb2

16.♖xf7!

I will hazard a guess that Black missed this from afar.

16…♕b6+ 17.♔h1 ♗e6 18.♖b7 ♗xd5 19.♗xd5+ ♔h7 20.♖xb6 axb6 21.♗e4+ g6 22.♗xa8 ♖xa8

The endgame is not totally standard. The activity of Black’s pieces promises a draw.

23.♔g2 b5 24.♔f3 b4 25.♖b1 ♖xa2 26.♖xb4 ♖a7 27.e4 ♔g7 28.e5 ♔f7 29.♔e4 ♖a6 30.h4 ♔e6 31.g4 ♖c6 32.♖a4 ♖b6 33.♔d4 ♖c6 34.♖a8 ♖b6 35.♖e8+ ♔f7 36.♖c8 ♔e6 37.♖c4 ♖a6 38.♖b4 ♖c6 39.♖a4 ♖b6 40.♖c4 ♖a6 41.♔e4 ♖b6 42.♖d4 ♖a6 43.♔f4 ♖a1 44.♖d6+ ♔f7 45.♖f6+ ♔g7 46.♔f3

Draw.

Game 4

Eric Lobron

2530

Genna Sosonko

2540

Rotterdam tt 1988 (2)

Note the move-order in this game.

1.♘f3 c5 2.c4 ♘c6 3.♘c3 ♘f6 4.d4 cxd4 5.♘xd4 e6 6.g3

This is a variation of the English Opening, which has been popular for many years. With his reply, Black takes the game into the line we are discussing.

6…♗c5 7.♘b3 ♗b4 8.♗d2 d5 9.cxd5 exd5 10.♗g2 0-0

I do not recommend 10…d4 11.♘b5! .

11.0-0

By transposition, we have reached a position from the Keres System. The ♗d2 is placed solidly, but does not pose Black any real danger.

11…♖e8

Genna Sosonko prefers to strengthen his control over the centre.

Without thorough preparation, it is difficult to decide on 11…d4!?N, especially as there is no necessity for that move, although it is playable.

12.a3

After 12.♖c1 White must reckon with 12…d4 13.♘a4 d3 14.exd3 ♗g4 15.♕c2 ♖e2 .

12…♗xc3 13.♗xc3 ♘e4

Also good is 13…♗g4!?.

14.♗d4 ♗f5 15.♖c1 ♕d7 16.♘c5 ♘xc5 17.♖xc5

17…♗e4

Draw agreed.

White could have played on, but his chances of success are limited. This instructive game demonstrates how Black can hold his position confidently in these Tarrasch structures, thanks to his control over the centre.

Game 5

Adrian Mikhalchishin

2525

Igor Novikov

2495

Kuibyshev ch-URS 1986

1.♘f3 ♘f6 2.d4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.♗g2 c5 5.0-0 ♘c6 6.c4 cxd4 7.♘xd4 ♗c5 8.♘b3 ♗b6 9.cxd5 exd5 10.♘c3 ♗e6 11.♗g5 0-0

The basic position under discussion. I believe that Black has good chances of a draw.

12.♕d2

One of many possible moves. Let us also examine three other possibilities for White: 12.♖c1, 12.a4 and 12.♘xd5:

A) 12.♖c1 h6 13.♗xf6 ♕xf6 14.♘xd5 ♕xb2 15.♖c2 ♕a3 16.♕c1 ♕xc1 17.♖fxc1 ♖fd8 18.♖d2 g5 19.e3 ♔g7 20.♖cd1 ♖d7=;

B) 12.a4 a5 (less reliable is 12…a6 13.♗xf6 ♕xf6 14.♘xd5 ♗xd5 15.♕xd5 ♖fd8 16.♕e4 ♖e8 17.♕c4 ♕xb2 18.e3 ♖ac8 19.♖ab1 ♕f6 20.♖fc1 ♖c7 21.♕f4 ♕xf4 22.gxf4 ♖ec8 23.♘d2 ♗a5 24.♘e4 ) 13.♘xd5 ♗xd5 14.♗xf6 ♕xf6 15.♕xd5 ♖ad8 16.♕b5 ♘d4 17.♘xd4 ♖xd4, although here too, thanks to the opposite bishops, Black should draw without great effort;

C) 12.♘xd5 ♗xd5 13.♗xf6 ♗xb3 14.♕xd8 ♘xd8 15.♗xd8 ♖axd8 16.axb3 ♖d2 17.e3 ♖xb2 18.♖fb1 ♖xb1+ 19.♖xb1 ♖b8 20.♖d1 ♔f8 21.♖d7 ♔e8 22.♖xb7 ♖xb7 23.♗xb7=

Let us return to the game.

12…d4 13.♘a4

I can’t resist sharing the enjoyable variation 13.♘e4?? ♘xe4 14.♗xe4 f6 15.♗f4 g5–+ with an extra piece for Black.

13…h6 14.♗xf6 ♕xf6 15.♘bc5 ♖ac8

Black plays exceptionally solidly.

‘Stockfish’ suggests the more adventurous 15…♗g4 16.h3 ♗a5 17.♕d3 ♗c8, and believes that Black is fine.

16.♖ac1 ♗xc5 17.♘xc5 b6 18.♘xe6 ♕xe6

Black has a solid, unbreachable position in the centre. Therefore White goes for drawish simplifications.

19.♗xc6 ♖xc6 20.♖xc6 ♕xc6 21.♕xd4 ♕e6

This double blow was seen by Black earlier and regains the pawn.

22.♖c1

Draw.

Game 6

Aleksey Goganov

2556

Andrei Vunder

2271

St Petersburg 2013 (10)

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.♘c3 c5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.♘f3 ♘c6 6.g3 ♘f6 7.♗g2 cxd4 8.♘xd4 ♗c5 9.♘b3 ♗b4 10.0-0 ♗xc3 11.bxc3 0-0 12.♗f4

A slow move, allowing Black to equalise easily. Better