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1. Nf3 Nc6 2. d4 d5
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This could lead to the Chigorin Defense. According to Wikipedia, the opening violates classical principles because Black will be trading off his center pawn. I don't like this opening for Black because in Queen Pawn openings it is desirable for both sides to be able to move their C pawn, which Black sticks a knight in front of.
White to play. |
 
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3. c4
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According to Wikipedia, Black should play either 3... Bg4, which is the main line of the Chigorin Defense, or 3... e6.
Here the move 3... dxc4 is not a problem because after 4. d5 Na5?? 5. Qa4+ c6 6. Bd2 White is winning. After 4... Nb8 White has a variety of good choices with 5. e4 being one of the best. |
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3... Nf6
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I've been in this position countless times. I think that it is bad for Black because he allows White to trade off the Black center pawn and harass the knights.
White to play. |
1 comment
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4. cxd5
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Now 4... Qxd5 is not particularly great because it brings the Queen out too early and White then can play 5. Nc3 harassing the Queen followed by 6. d5 harassing the knight. |
1 comment
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4... Nxd5 5. e4
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White gets a strong center while gaining a "tempo" forcing Black to move his knight. In essence, it is a free developing move for White. |
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5... Nb6 6. d5 Na5
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I've seen this position a few times. White is winning.
White to play. |
1 comment
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7. Bd2
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The knight is lost. |
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7... Nac4 8. Bxc4 Nxc4 9. Qa4+
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With a fork on the King and the Knight. |
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9... Bd7 10. Qxc4
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Against a good player, Black should resign. |
1 comment
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10... b5 11. Qd4
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With the Black Knights off the board, there is very little danger to the White Queen which is developed earlier than usual. This central square puts pressure on g6 and a7.
Black is badly losing. His goal should be to castle, although in this position it is a bit tricky. I could see trying to harass the White Queen with e6 and c5 later. |
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11... Bg4
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Opening principles say that you should not move a piece twice in the opening unless there is a good reason. |
1 comment
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12. Ne5 Bh5
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White to play. |
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13. Qc5
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This threatens checkmate in 2 more moves. Maybe Black should play 13... Qd6 or 13... Qc8. |
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13... e6
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Although I went on to win the game, in this position I missed a mate in three moves.
What is the best continuation for White? |
1 comment
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14. Qc6+ Ke7 15. Bg5+ f6 16. Qxe6#
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Too bad I missed this. Black was forced to play f6 which took the defense off of the e6 pawn, but I did not see this in my calculation. |
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