GameKnot: Chess related, Riga Variation: One Forcing Line

Chess related: Riga Variation: One Forcing Line

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yusuf_prasojo
13-Jul-09, 08:41

Riga Variation: One Forcing Line

Here is one line from the Riga Variation up to the 14th move:
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 (Ruy Lopez, Morphy Defense)
4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0 Nxe4 (Open Defense)
6.d4 exd4 (Riga Variation)
7.Re1 d5 8.Nxd4 Bd6 9.Nxc6 Bxh2+ 10.Kh1 Qa4 11.Rxe4+ dxe4 12.Qd8+ Qxd8 13.Nxd8+ Kxd8 14.Kxh2 Be6...

Now I want to include this line into my repertoire documentation. This document will become my future reference when I have to play WT... This analysis will be based on my game against a 2000+ player, but I will try to cover the ideas so that this will be useful regardless BL choice of movements...

15.Be3!

Black position is not good. The e4 pawn is advancing too far and the king is badly positioned, is exposed to bishops and rook threats. White’s dark bishop domination of the dark squares is certainly a big benefit.

Now I need to activate the pieces (bishop, knight, rook) as quickly as possible before BL is able to solidify his position. So the bishop should be brought forward to release d2 for possible occupation by the knight, and hence releasing the rook to occupy the open d-file or h-file.

The f4 and g5 is possible for the bishop but I think 15.Be3 is the best. This prevents BL from advancing the c-pawn to c5. On the back rank, the c-pawn is a weak target, especially if BL has to advance the b-pawn. This creates a dilemma for BL as BL may want to attack the bishop because its control over e8 and d7 squares is quite irritating (to the rooks and the king).

On e3, the bishop connects the f-pawn on the second rank, making it untouchable to pawn or rook attack, while controlling 4 important points of attack against enemy king (c5/d4/f4/g5).

Nd2 (or Nc3) will attack the weak e5 pawn where BL has no better defense than f5. This f5 can be challenged with g4, giving more solid base for the e3-bishop, while providing the save dark squared g3 (and f4) for the king and the open h-file for the rook to put pressure on the h-pawn.

Opening up a line for BL’s rook will be a big mistake. Here BL’s only chance is to try to take over the open d-file. WT should pay an extra attention to this, especially in guarding the back ranks (d1/d2/d3) with the minor pieces.

The kingside is simple, save and easy. Attention should be paid on the queenside movements. White’s pieces (especially the knight with its inflexible movement characteristics) and the queenside pawns should support each other. I think the knight is the Boss here. Good squares should always be seek for this knight to maneuver...

ionadowman
13-Jul-09, 14:56

Just to clarify...

... This is an on-going game that yusuf_prasojo is, as were, annotating publicly as it progesses.

Could be interesting!

tactical_abyss
13-Jul-09, 18:33

I was checking the archives at the USCF and came across this report from GM Joel Benjamin regarding some of his opinions about the Riga Variation in response to another players question.Perhaps it may be of interest to some of you:

main.uschess.org

blake78613
13-Jul-09, 19:20

White has several alternatives to 8 Nxd4. Krochnoi's 8 Bg5, 8 c4 and 8 Ne5 with which Black can get a draw with 8... Bd6 9 Nxd6 Bxh2+ Qh4+ 11 Kg1 Qxf2+ Qh4+

tactical_abyss
14-Jul-09, 02:01

Yes,there are some small alternatives thought out over the last 100 years as Joel mentioned but the point he is basically trying to tell Mark in that report is that even with the 2 pawn initial advantage,the game can hold on to drawish characterisitics with sharp play.The pawn advantage gives many less rated players a false sense of a probable win advantage.Joel does not consider the Riga variation to be particularly good for either side.Anything is possible however,if play is less accurate at the lower rating levels or perhaps the club play level.

blake78613
14-Jul-09, 07:42

In the mainline Riga Black ends up trading 2 pieces for rook and 2 pawns. There is little doubt that White holds an edge in this ending, but Black can probably hold. The Riga is definitely playable, but Black needs to be well prepared. I think it makes a good surprise weapon, but there are other lines I would make my primary weapon as Black.

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