openings for progressive players

8/3/2019 Openings for Progressive Players

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CHESS OPENINGSFO R PR OG RESSIVE PLA YER S

b yM . GRAHAM BRASH

With 61 Diagrams

B l. .METHUEN & CO. LTD. LONDON

36 Essex Street, Strand, W.C2


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First pliblishl'd ill 1949INTRODUCTION

c,H , ILOGl.'!,: NO. 3101IU

A KNOWLEDGE of chess, the king of games, may perhaps beregarded as the keystone of a liberal education. Whether con-sidered as a pleasant relief from the cares and worries of a strenuosslife, or as a means of developing the reasoning faculty, the gameof chess stands supreme among intellectual recreations. The incid-ence of chance is entirely absent, apart from the slight advantageof the first move, which is cancelled by the rule that, in a series ofgames, this is given to the two opponents alternately.Once the rudiments of the game have been mastered, the 1110St

important study is that of the openings. The average moderateplayer, who perhaps meets the same two or three chess playersfairly regularly, is apt to rely on one or two favourite openings,and may be overtaken by disaster on playing against a strangerwho springs an unknown opening on him. Itis therefore advisablefor every chess player to acquire a sound knowledge of severalopenings, attacks, defences and gambits. The object of this bookis to present these in a clear, simple manner, systematica lly arrangedand divided into the five natura l seri es into which they fall by virtueof the first moves. Each opening has a page to itself, with adiagram showing the position after Black's seventh move, and themajor variations follow as annotations, together with comments,warnings, and occasionally a trap.To commit the various openings to memory might appear to be

desirable, but, even were th is possib le, it should not be a ttempted .The essential element in chess is an understanding of the reasonbehind each move, whether made by yourself or by your opponent.As can be seen from the footnotes (which are by no means exhaustiveof the multiple variations in each opening, but aim to show onlythe best of many), any game can speedily take on an unusualcharacter and, unless one is prepared to contest every deviationfrom the normal with some understanding of his opponent's ideasor intentions, a game may be lost in the early stages. Every goodmove in an opening or variation has. a particular object in view,attack, defence, or development of position, and should not bereplied to until every effort has been made to understand its mean-ing. It must always be remembered that chess is a combat betweentwo forces, and it is essential to study every movement of the

vPRI ~\rnn TN GRf - , . \T BR[ I . .IN


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opposing "army" and alter one's own plans whenever necessary tomeet the situation created by the last move. To regard the openingas stereotyped isa great mistake (except ina friendly game in whichit is agreed beforehand to playa certain opening according to thetextbook '), for many games may be won or lost in the first fewopening moves. Reti states: "The opening isthe hardest part of thegame; for it is.very difficult at that point to get to know what isgoing on." The novice, therefore, cannot give too much time to thestudy of the openings, the why and the wherefore of every move.lt is only thus that he can avoid being caught in a trap, or canprofit by a weak move of his adversary.The extensive range of openings given in this book, all of themthoroughly tested and analysed, is a legacy of great chess playersover a period of five hundred years. Chess is, of course, a mostancient game, but the modern method of play was standardisedonly in the fifteenth century, when considerable changes were madein the powers of the Queen and some other pieces.Until about the end of the nineteenth century, the King's sideopenings (I. P-K4l were most popular, though the Queen's PawnGame (including the Queen's Gambit) was gradually gaining groundas a lavcurite in chess tournaments. The twentieth century has seenthe rise of the modern school with its new ideas and experimentsin daring openings, which have added infinite variety and greatlyenriched the scope of the game. The theory of the openings is con-stantly being developed, and new moves are introduced so oftenthat the enthusiastic player must keep his knowledge of thesedevelopments up to date. Several variations in games played asrecently as the World Championship of 1948 have therefore beenincluded in the footnotes.The great chess Masters were not always correct in their assertionsmade in the enthusiasm of the moment, as when Philidor declaredin 1749, "Playing the King's Knight the second move is entirelywrong; because it not only loses the attack but gives it io theadversary"; or when Julius Breyer, about 1920, claimed that "afterthe first move, I. P-K4, White's game is in the last throes"; but,as the bril liant Brit ish amateur, H. E, Bird, wrote more than eightyyears ago, "Openings ignored or rejected to-day may to-morrowhe recognised and adopted by the best of players."The twentieth century has seen a great development of theQueen's Pawn openings, formerly disparaged by the great Masters,until now they are used more often than any other opening in

I This will be round use ful for prac tic e, e spec ial ly when c oac hing a youngplayer (0whom, otherwise, it would be nec es sary to gi ve odds.v i

tournaments and matches. The young player, however, shouldmaster the King's side openings before attempting to play seriouschess with Queen's side openings, which are much more difficult indevelopment. The first twenty-four openings, here termed the FirstSeries, are known as "open games," while openings 25 to 35, inwhich Black replies to White's 1. P-K4, with a different movefrom his opponent (here classified as the Second Series), are semi-open or semi-close games. The remainder of the openings in thisbook are known as "close games," and are here divided iTfto:Third Series, commencing 1. P-Q4, with a similar move by Black,Fourth Series, I. P-Q4, to which Black replies with a differentmove, and Fifth Series, in which White opens with any move otherthan P-K4 or P-Q4. These were formerly classed as irregularopenings, and are only suitable for advanced players.

In the King's Pawn openings, each early move of White is usuallyan attack calling for either immediate defensive action or else anequally dangerous counter-attack. This tends to stabilise the orderof the moves. In the Queen's Pawn openings, on the other hand,the usual object is to build up a strong position, controlling thecentre, so that the attack can be brought home later with an over-powering combination. There is therefore considerable scope fortranspositions in the close games, making it rather difficult toarrange such openings in a methodical manner. Players \villhaveto be prepared in such games to meet a switch-over to a differentopening by their opponents.Objection may be made to the fact that in this book the openingsare not continued so far as in some other books of this natme,which take them on to the sixteenth move or even further, but ourobject in stopping short of these further developments is to throwthe onus of continuing thegarnc thus early on the player, in thehope that he may gain more practice in reasoning the why andwherefore of each move. Two or three more moves are given in

each opening after the diagram of the position after Black's seventhmove. Further analysis would deprive this book of its concisenature, and require the addition of innumerable variations whichcan be consulted in other publications intended for reference bythe more advanced player. It is hoped that this restraint will bewelcomed by younger players, as a superabundance of variationsmight tend to discourage those for whom this book has beenspecially compiled.Capablanca wrote: "Before development has been completed, nopiece should be moved more than once, unless it is essential to

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obtain either material advantage or to secure freedom of action."The object of this is to obtain an aJl-round development of thepawns and pieces, but the exceptions to this excellent rule can beseen in such openings as the Ruy Lopez in which White's King' sBishop makes several moves in succession, and Alekhine's Defencewith its repeated moves of Black's King's Knight.A problem which is often difficult for young players is that of

castling. Considered purely as a defensive measure, it would prob-ably be better to delay the option until one's opponent has con-centrated his attack on one side of the board, and then see if it bepossible to castle on the other side. But castling can also be used asan attacking rnunceuvre. as this is usually the quickest way ofbringing the Rook into play. For instance, in an opening in whichthe Queens are exchanged early in the game, castling is almostessential.

No claim to originality is made in these openings, which will berecognised by experienced players as the standards of opening playevolved through the centuries, but the author offers this book inthe hope that its simple, clear and methodical method of presenta-tion will commend itself to all players whether in the novice classor at a more advanced stage. Once you have mastered the subtletiesof the openings, you need have no fear of the middle-game, theart of which is to effect strong combinations against your opponentwhile not neglecting the defence of your own position. The studyof the end-game is a different matter, but it does not present somany difficulties us the opening. Try to master the ideas behindthese openings, one after another, and you will find not only agreat improvement in your skill at chess, but your enjoyment of thegame will be enhanced by the infinite variety that they afford,

The young player, however, should not try to absorb too manyopenings at an early stage, for this is bound to result in some con-fusion. Let him start with the GlUOCO PIANO, the old Hal ian open-ing which is still found to conform most faithfully to the ideas oforderly development. His next serious study should be the RUYLOPEZ, the most popular of al l King's Pawn openings. Havinggained proficiency in these, some knowledge of the EVANS GAMBIT,the nvo KNIGHTS DEFENCE (including the MAX LANGE ATI'ACK) andperhaps the KING'S GAMBITS should be acquired before proceedingfurther.

His progress should then lead him to the FRENCH DEFENCE andt~e SICILIAN DEFENCE, both of which he is sure to encounter manyurnes. Only when certain of his ground in these openings he may

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proceed to the QUEEN'S PAWN GAME and the QUEEN'S GAMBITDECLlNED. giving special attention to the SLAV DEFENCE. Afterintensive study of these important openings he should be able totackle the more advanced games produced by the NIMZOll'o.C(>IANand QUEEN'S INDIAN DEfENCES. He will then be in a position toselect any other openings which may specially appeal to him.A drawback to the above programme, however, is that youcannot dictate the moves of your opponent, and if you, as White,play I. P-K4, you must be prepared to reply to the French,Caro-Kann, Sicilian, or other Defences given ill the second seriesof this book. As Black, you should be ready with a reply 10 eitherP-K4, P-Q4, or one of the openings given in the fifth series.Once you are able to do all these with some confidence and canhold your own in the middle and end games, then you have becomea Chess Player!Most important of all, join a chess club where you can meetstronger players than yourself, and study their methods of play.In chess, as in most other pursuits, regular practice is an essentialof progress.

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CONTENTSINTRODUCTION

FIRST SERrES (J , P-K4, P-K4)Giuoco PianoEvans Gambit AcceptedEvans Gambit DeclinedTwo Knights' DefenceMax Lange AttackRuy Lopez: (1) Morphy DefenceRuy Lopez: (2) Steinitz DefenceRuy Lopez: (3) Berlin DefenceThe Scotch GameThe Scotch GambitPonziani's OpeningThree Knights' GameFour Knights' GamePetroff's DefencePhilidor's DefenceThe Vienna GameThe Bishop's OpeningThe Centre GameThe Danish GambitThe King's Gambits: (J ) King's Knight's Gambit

x

The King's Gambits: (2) The Muzio Gambit 21The King's Gambits: (3) King's Bishop's Gambit 22The King's Gambit Declined 23Falkbeer Counter-gambit

pagev SECOND SERIES (1. P-K4: replies other than P-K4)

23456789JO111213141516171819

The French Defence: (1 ) Classical FormThe French Defence: (2) McCutcheon VariationThe Care- Kann DefenceSicilian Defence: (I) Dragon VariationSicilian Defence: (2) Scheveningen VariationSicilian Defence: (3) Passive ReplyThe Centre Counter GameThe King's Fianchetto DefenceThe Queen's Fianchetto DefenceAlekhine's DefenceNimzowitsch's Defence

THIRD SERIES(I, P-Q4, P-Q4)

20

Queen's Pawn Game: (1) Colle's SystemQueen's Pawn Game: (2) Tartakower's AttackQueen's Pawn Game: (3) Stonewall VariationQueen's Gambit AcceptedQueen's Gambit Declined: (J) Orthodox DefenceQueen's Gambit Declined: (2) Cambridge SpringsDefenceQueen's Gambit Declined: (3) Tarrasch DefenceQueen's Gambit Declined: (4) Tchigorin's DefenceQueen's Gambit Declined: (5) Slav DefenceAlbin Counter-gambit

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24

252627282 9303132333435

36373839404142434445


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FOURTH SERIES (I. P-Q4: repliesother than P-Q4)The Dutch Defence 46Staunton Gambit (or Blackrnar Attack) 47Indian Defences: Nimzowitsch's Defence: (I) 48Indian Defences: Nimzowitsch's Defence: (2) Zurich

Variation 49King's Indian Defence: (1) 50King's Indian Defence: (2) Oriinfeld's DefenceQueen's Indian DefenceBogoljubov's DefenceCatalan SystemTchigorin's Defence

FIRST SERIES1. omoco PIANO (THE QUIET GAME)

This classical Italian opening should be mastered before attemptingto play other openings. In spite of modern theories of development,the Giuoco Piano still exhibits the most orderly principles of tbeopening moves.Whit"51

52535455

1. P-K42. Kt-KB33. B-B44. P-B315. P_Q436. PxP7. Kt-B31FIFTH SERIES (I. Any move other than P-K4 or P-Q4)The English Opening

Bird's OpeningFrom's GambitReti-Zukertort OpeningThe Rtti Gambit AcceptedThe Reti Gambit DeclinedVan't Kruys OpeningThe Saragossa OpeningKing's Fianchetto OpeningQueen's Fianchetto OpeningThe Polish OpeningAnderssen's OpeningThe Queen's Knight's OpeningINDEX

xu

56575 8596 061

BlackP-K4Kt-QBJB-B4Kt-B32PxPB-Kt5chKtxKP

(Continuing: 8, Castles, B xKt. 9. P-Q5 (Moller Attack), and(a) B-BJ. 10.R-KI, Kt-K2. I!. Rx Kt, P-Q3. 12.B-Kt5,BxB. 13. KtxB. Castles. 14. KtxRP, KxKt. 15. Q-R5cb,K-Ktl. 16. R-R4, P-KB4, or (h ) 9..... Kt-K4. 10. PxB,Kt xB. II. Q-Q4, P-KB4. 12.Q xKt (B4),P-QJ.).1This move is n prelude to P-Q4, forming a strong pawn centre. TIleolder form of the opening went, 4. P---QJ, P-OJ. 5. K(-63, Kt-BJ.

Ca ) 6. P-KR3, Kt-QR4. 7. B-~Kt3, P-B3, or (bJ 6. Castles, B-KKt5.7. B-KJ. B-Kt3. or (e) a modem variation of the old form. the CanalVariation, introduced about 1926. 1I1l1S,6. B-KKt5, Kt->OR4 (Bogoljubov'sreply, (929).7. Kl~Q5. P-8J.

Ol Other replies here are: (a) 4..... P-QJ. 5 " . P-Q4, p . P. 6. P:P,B-Kt3. 7. Kt-83. KI-.83: and (h) 4..... B-KtJ. 5. P-Q4, Q.~K1.6. Castles, Kl-83. 7. R-K 1, I'-Q3.3Or 5.P-Q3(Giuoco Pianissimo), P-Q3. 6. 8-K3, 8-Kt3. 7.QKt-Q2,KI-K2.4 This move. instituted in 1619 by Greco. who was one of the first to Com-pile books o r Openings and of ~omplele Garnes, is a most spirited dcvetop-rnent, If instead, White play I. 8---02, the exchange of Bishops usuallyfellows: '7.... . B> Bch. 8.QKl : '.B, P~Q4.Or, the Cracow Variation couldbe played: 7.K-Bl, P-04. 8.p., P, KKt > 1.9. K(-B3. B~K3. 10.Q-K2,Castles.

626 2626263636364


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2. EVANS GAMBIT (ACCEPTED)Arising out of the Giuoco Piano opening, this Gambit at White'sfourth move, offering to sacrifice a less valuable wing Pawn, wasoriginated in J 824 by Captain W. D. Evans, R.N., and it wasmany years before an adequate defence was found.

WhiteI. P~K42. Kt-KB33. B-B44. P-QKW5. P-B36. P-Q47. Cast les

BlackP-K4Kt-QB3B-B4BxKtPB-R42Px p3B-KtJl

3. EVANS GAMBIT (DECLINED)If Black is not fully conversant with the play of this Gambit, it isbetter to decline the offered Pawn and so leave White with a weakpawn position. White has a choice of four continuations on hisfifth move.

While Black1 . P-K4 P-K42. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB33. B-B4 B-B44. P-QKt4 B-Kt3t5. P-Kt53 Kt-R46. KtxP Kt-R337. P-Q4 P-Q3

(Continuing: 8.P x P,P-Q3. (a) 9.Kt-B3, Kt-R4. 10.B-KKt5,P-KB3. 11.B-K3, Kt~K2; or (h) 9. B-Kt2, KKt-K2.10. P-Q5, Kt-R4. 11.B-Q3, Castles.)(After this the Knights may be exchanged, but although White

can gain another Pawn, Black will have a better position, thus:8.BxKt, PxKt. 9. B)(P,R-KKtl.)

.t Instead o( the Evans Gambit, White can offer the Jerome Gambit, a veryrisky proceeding, but requmngan accurate defence; thus: 4. B" P ch. K .: B.5. Kt.:.Pch, Kt~Kt. 6. Q-R5ch, K-BJ (safest). 7. Q.,Kt, Q-K2.8. Q-B5 ch, K-Kl.2 Or 5.. .. . B-B4. 6. P-Q4, p. P. 7. P ... P, B-Kt3. 8. Castles, P-Q3.3 This is the u sual !ll~vc. butan a lternat ive is 6. .... P-Q3, refusing asecond pawn, and bUl ldmg ~ .comJ?act pawn formation in the ce ntre, thus:7. Caslles: B-Kt3 (Lasker s Defence). 8. B-R3, P~P.'" There is alsoLeonhardt s Defence , 6 .. .. . P-QKt4. 7. B-Q5, Px P. 8. Q-Kt3, Q-BJ.'"In a magnificent game played by Anderssen ~'.Dufresne, nearly a hundred

years al,':_o.Bla;;k played 7. .... P-96; continuing 8. Q-KtJ, Q-B3.9. P-K,. Q-KtJ. Anderssctl's f ine ending to this game, which can be foundIII Chess, by L.Hoffc.r.cRoulle~ge), is well worth studying, Another varia tionhere IS the Compromised Defence, sound, but leading to a difficult game,7..... PAP. 8. Q-Kt3, Q-D3. 9. P-K5, Q-Kt3. 10.Kt P, KKt-K2.* But a more promising continuation for White is probably 7. Q-Kt3,Q-Q2. 8. P Y P,B-KtJ. 9. B-QKt5, P-QR3. 10.B-R4,B-B4.

INot so good would be a counte r-att ac k, 4 ..... P-Q4. 5. P ,. P , Kt>. P.6. Castles, Kl-KB3. 7. Kt.-: P, QKt. QP.2 Variations here are: la) 5.R-Kt2, p_.QJ. 6. P-Q R4. P-QRJ. 7.P-Kt5,p" P, with equal chances: (b) 5.P-QR4, P-QR3. 6.P-B3. P---Q3. 7.P-Q3,Kt-B3;!c) 5. P-BJ, 1>-Q3. 6. Q-Kt3, Q-K2. 7. Castles, Kt--B3.~ Or. either 6 ..... Q-Kt4. 7. B,Pdl, K-Bl, or 7 . ... . K-K2. Or6..... Q-B3. 7. B: P ch, K-Bl. 8. P-Q4, P-Q3. 9. B -' Kt, P>, Kt. 10.B-Q5, B' P.

"In the open game speed in development is the very first law."A. NlMZOWITSCH

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4. TWO KNIGHTS' DEFENCE 5. MAX LANGE ArrACKBlack, in his third move, avoids the dangers of the Evans Gambit,and tries to gain the initiative by attacking White's King's Pawn,a somewhat dangerous enterprise, perhaps, but the modem theoryis that it is better to develop the Knights before the Bishops.White's fourth move gains a Pawn, but Black keeps the initiative.There are, however, several other continuations available for Whiteat his fourth move, as shown in Note I.

This complicated opening is named after the famous Germananalyst of the nineteenth century. White's fourth move, sacrificinghis Queen's Pawn, is intended to clear the King's HIe, and Blackcannot afford to decline the Pawn. The attack proper, however, isbrought home with the seventh move, following up with 8. R~K 1ch.It leads to a most spirited game, and opinion is still undecided asto the soundness of the attack.

While Black1. P~K4 P~K42. Kt~KB3 Kt~QB33. B-B4 Kt~B34. Kt~K!51 P-Q45. PxP Kt~QR426. B~K15ch:l P-B37. PxP PxP

White Black1. P-K4 P-K42. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB33. B-B4 Kt~B314. P~Q4 PxP5. Castles B~B426. P-K5 P-Q4~7. PxKt PxB

(Continuing: S.B~K2, P~KR3. 9.Kt~KB3, P-K5. 10.Kt~K5,B-Q3. II. P-KB4, P-Kt4.)(Continuing: 8. R~KI ch, B~K3, 9. Kt-Kt5, Q---Q4.

10.Kt~QB3, Q-B4, 11.QKt~K4, Castles (QR).)1 Here Whi te can adopt any of the roHowing variations: (a) 4. P-Q3 (a safemove, but quiet), B-B4. 5. B-K3. B-KtJ. 6. Castles. P-QJ. 7. P-BJ,Castles: (b) 4. Castles, Kt) P. 5. P---Q4, 1'-; B; (c) Dr. Krause recommends: 4. Kt-B3, Kt > P. 5. Kt :"Kt, 1'-04.6. B-QJ, I'~l. 7. B.>:P, B-KKt5. 8. P-KR3, B Kt. 9. Q:'.B, Q--Q2;VI) for 4. P-Q4, see Opening No.5 (Max Lange Attack),25. , ... Ktv P maybe dangerous. Whi te may reply: 6. P-Q4, P-KRJ.7. Kt".P, K,: KI. 8, Q--BJ ch, with advantage to Whlte. Alternatively, White

may make tile Fegatello Attack: 6. Kt, IlP, K .x XL 7. Q-B3 ell, K-K3.8. Kt-B3 (setting a trap), Kt~K2 (railing into in. 9. P-Q4,I'-B3.10.B-KKI5, K-Q2. II. p, P, K-Kl. 12.Castles (QR), B-KJ. n. Kt KI,B' Kt. 14. R'K B, p'< R. 15. B-Kt5 ch, and wins. However, the FegatelloAttack may be refut ed by: 8 .. .. . Kt-KI5, 9. P-QR3, Kt . P ch. 10. K---,Ql,Kt-Q5. II. B'" Kt ch, K-Q3. 12. Q~B7, B-B4, with equal chances.3Or, White can play: 6. P-Q3, P-KRJ. 7. Kt-KB3, P~K5. 8. Q-K2,Kt :' ,B. 9. P. . KI, B-QB4. 10. KKt-Q2, Castles.

1The order of moves may be varied, thus: 3..... B-B4. 4. Castles,Kt-E3. 5. P - ; - 9 4 ; , Px P. 6. P-K5, etc. As the Hungarian Defence is sorne-tunes played, II!S Inserted here: ~.. : . . B-K2. 4. Kt-B3, Kt-B3. 5. I'-Q3.P-Q3. 6. P-KR3, Kt~QR4. 7. B-KIl, Kt B; or, after 3... " B-K2.4. P-Q4, P--Q3. 5. P-KRJ, Kt-B3. 6. Kt-B3, Castles. 7. Castles. P;., P.2 To avoid the dangers of the Max Lange Attack, Black could play, 5. , ...Kl. ' P, followed by 6.RK, P-Q4_ 7, B< P, Q'" B. S. Kt-B3, 'Q-QR4.This ~Itermltl\'e seems to be played nowadays more often than any other

varrauon of the Two Knights' Defence.a Or, 6. .... Kt-KKt5. 7. 1)-B3 (Dr. Krause's Variation), 7. . . ..P-Q4. 8. P., P en paSSUII(, Q x P.4 ~;SS usual is the following continuation: 8. P'P, KR-Kll. 9. B-KtS,

~~:. 10, B .> ; E, K X B. I I.R-Kl ch, B-K3. 12. R-K4 (Euwe I'. Yates,

"The control of the centre is of great importance."J. R. CAPABLANCA

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White's attack ou his third move, B-Kt5, derives its name fromthe Spanish priest, Ruy Lopez de Segura (sixteenth century),though it had been previously given in the Gottingen MS. in J490.It is still the most popular of all King's Pawn openings. It givesWhite a sound attack. Many defences have been tried, and of thesethe Morpby Defence (3..... P-QR3) is perhaps the best. Thegreat American Master, Paul C. Morphy, succeeded Anderssen asthe greatest player of his time, and was mainly responsible for thedevelopment of positional play.

7. RUY LOPEZ: (2) STEINITZ DEFENCEThe Steinitz Defence (3. .... P-Q3) gives a solid defensiveposition, though rather cramped. Direct attack by. White is.v~rydifficult, and the tendency is to result in a draw. Wilhelm Steinitz,who was World Champion from 1866 to 1894, developed thescientific theory of positional play. The Steinitz Defence Deferredis now considered one of the best defences against the Ruy Lopezand its principal variations are given in Note 1.

6. RU LOPEZ; (1) MORPHY DEFENCE

While BlackI. P-K4 P-K41. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB33. B-Kt5 P-QR34. B-R4! Kt-B35. CastIes2 Kt xp36. P-Q4 P-QKW7.8-Kt3 P-Q4

White Black1. P-K4 P-K42. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB33. B-Kt5 P_Q314. P_Q42 l l- ----Q25. Kt~B3 Kt-B3B6. Castles'!' B----K27. R-K15 PxP

(Continuing: 8. P xP , B-K3. 9. P-B3, B-K2. 10. QKt-Q2,Castles; or 9. Q-Kl, Kt-B4. 10. R-QI, KtxB (Keres v.Reshevsky, 1948).)

(Continuing: 8. Kt x P, Castles (Black must not castle until afterthe exchange of these Pawns). 9. B x Kt, P x B. 10. B-Kt5,P-KR3; or 9. B-BI, R-KI. 10. P-KR3, P-KR3.)

1, Or White may play the.Exchange Yariatiou. 4. B "Kt. Op" B. 5. P---Q4,p. P. 6. Q> : P, O ?' o, 7. KL-:Q, B~Q2, or, 7.... . Il-Q3 if Black wishesto castle on King's Slue. '2White can safely de.lay castling, and play, 5. P-Q3, P-Q3. 6. P-B3,B-K2. 7. P-KR3 (Steinitz), Castles: or 7. QKt~Q2 (Capablanca), Castles.

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S. RUY LOPEZ: (3) BERLIN DEFENCEThis active defence has fallenout of favour in recent years, as thebest Black can hope for, against an equal player, is a draw. Black'sattack w ith his King's Knight costs him time and resultsin back"ward development. The other defences-given in the notes are(a) Bird's Defence, which is not generally accepted as sound,though it has been played with successby Blackburne and Tarrasch,and (b) the Classical Defence, quite good, but out of fashion

9. THE SCOTCH GAMEThis development (3. P-Q4) was first given by Ercole del Rio ofModena in his book published in 1750, but is called the ScotchGame from its successful use by the Scottish players in theEdinburgh-London Correspondence Match in 1824-8. Modernideas tend to suggest delaying this challenge to the centre untilafter Black's pieces have been more developed.

at present. White BlackWhite Black 1. P-K4 P-K4

I. P-K4 P-K4 2, Kt-KB3 Kt-QB33. P-Q4 P xPl, Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3 4. Kt x P Kt-B323 . B-KI5 Kt-B3 5. QKt-B33 B-Kt5~4. Castles2 KtxPB-K2'" 6. KtxKt KtP x Kt5. P-Q43

6. Q-K2 Kt-Q3 7. B---Q3" P-Q47. BxKt KtPxB

(Continuing: 8. P xP , Kt-Kt2. 9. KI-B3, Castles: and (a)10. R-K I, Kt-B4, or (b) 10. Kt-Q4 (Schlechter's Move).B-B4.)

(Continuing: 8. P x P, P xP . 9. Castles, Castles. 10. B-KKt5,P-B3. 11.Q-B3, B-K2. [2. QR-KI, R-Ktl. 13.KI-Ol,R-Kl. 14. P-KR3, B-K3; or Black can simplify his game by8..... Q-K2 eh. 9.Q-K2, Kt xP. 10.Q xQ ch, K xQ.)1Black .shculd not play J..... P-Q3, but 3..... P-Q4 is playable.though rarely seen, .2 Tartakower considers 4..... B-B4 a better move, con tinu ing: 5 .B-K3.Q-B3. 6. P-QB3, KKt-K2. 7. B-QKt5, Castles (or 7. Kl-B2. B fl.8.Kt x n, Castles. 9.B-K2, P-Q3. 10. Castles, R-K3. 11.Kt-Q2, P-Q4).3 Also playable at once is 5. Kt ',:Kt, KtP" Kt. 6. B-Q3. P--Q4. 7. p;, P,p x P, us played by Steinitz, Blackburnc, Zukertort and Alckhine. In thisvariation, however, Tartukower in 1922 introduced 6. Kt-Q2, P-Q4.7. P:c P, PxP.~P. 6. Kt ' .,Kt (86). Kt>: Kt. 7. Kt x.Q, Kt,' Q. 8. Kt BP,Kt", BP. 9. Kt x R, Kt '/ R. 10. 8--Q3, B-B4. 11. B< P, Kl-B7. 12. B-B4.P-Q3. (Bogoliubov I'. L Schmidt, 1949. opening moves trunsposed.)6 White could try 7. D-Q2, Castles. 8. B-QJ, P--Q4. as played byA_lekbine I', C. H. G'D. Alexander, 1937.

1 Other defences at this stage ure: BIRD'S DFFENCE. 3. .... Kt-Q5.4. KI:, xr. P.: Kt. 5, Castles, B-QM. 6. P-QI33. K\-K2. 7. P-Q3,P---QBJ (or Black can continue: 5. .... P-KR4. 6. P--Q3, B-84.7. Kt-Q2, P-QB3). THE CLASSICAL DEFfNC~. 3..... B-B4. 4. P-83,and either P-S4. 5. P-Q4. sp:, P. 6. B, Kt, QP.~ B. 7. KI ~P. B-Q3.R.Q-R5 ch, P-Kt3. 9. Q-K2, B ~KI. 10. Qx. P, Kl-B3. 11. Q x. B ch,K-82 (Smyslov r, Vidmar 1946), or Charousek's Variation, 4..... B-KtJ.5. Castles, P-Q3. 6. P-Q4, 13-Q2. 7. Kt-R3, KKt-K2.~White has two other good replies to this defence : (a) 4. P-Q4, p, P,~. Castles, B-K2 (or 5..... P--Q3. 6. Kt ..P, 8--02. 7. B ,Kt, P:.--B).6. P-K5, Kt-K5. 7. Kt, P, Castles; and (f 4. P-QJ, P-Q3. 5. P-B3,P-KKU. 6. QKt-Q2, B-Kt2. 7. Kt-81, Cas tics. Black, however, canplay in this variation: 5..... B-K2. 6. Castles, Castles. 7. Kt-Q2, 1(1-Q2.:l It is of interest to record an old variation which is still occasionallyrl~lycd: 5. R-Kl, Kt-Q3. 6. xr. P, B-K2. 7. B-QJ, K,.: Kt. 8. R.. Kt,Castles (Tarrasch I'. Pillsbury. 1898).1 Black can try 5.... , KI-Q3. 6. l'. P. Kt B, 7. P-QR4, I'-Q3.Ii. P.~ Kt, K(>:P.

"Refrain from replying to your opponent's move immediately.Examine the position onee again before playing."s. TARTAKOWER8 9


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10. THE SCOTCH GAMBIT II. PONZ[ANI'S OPENINGrile first three moves are as in the Scotch Game, but White, at hisfourth move, does not retake Black's Pawn. but continues todevelop his position. Although a Pawn down, he has an open gamewith considerable initiative, but Black's defences are usually equalto the attack, and White has to struggle hard for some time. TheGoring Gambit is somewhat similar to the Danish Gambit (OpeningNo. 19).

This old opening is attributed to D. Domenico Lorenzo Ponziani(1719-17921, one of Italy's most gifted players. White's third move,P-QB3, rather too obviously threatens P-Q4 next move, andloses the advantage of the move for White, while the Bishop's Pawnhinders the usual development of the Queen's Knight. Black hasthree defences at his disposal, the best of which is P-Q4.

While BlackWhite Wack 1. P-K4 P-K41. P-K4 P-K4 2. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB32. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB3 J. P-B3 P-Q413. P-Q4 PxP 4, Q-R4 Kt-B3Z4. B-QB4L 8-B42 5. KtxP B-Q35 . P-B33 P-Q6'1 6. Kt x Kt:l PxKt6. P-QKt4 B-Kt3 7. P-Q41 pxP7. P-QR4 P-QR3

(The following continuation is recommended by Tartakower:8. B-QR6, B-Q2. 9, B-Kt7, P-B4. 10.B-B6, Px P.)Continuing: 8. Castles, P-Q3. 9. Q-Kt3, Q-K2.)IAs an alternative, White can here offer the Goring Gambit: 4. P-- D3,p. P. 5. B-QB4. 1'-Q3. 6. KL P, B-K3. 7.B< D,p,. B.

> ~ A lively alternative here is 4 ..... B-Kt5 ch, 5. 1'-83. P, P. 6. Castles.1-87.7. Q,. BP, P-Q3., :1 ~ variation sometimes played here is 5. Kt-Kt5. Kt~R3. 6. Kt. BP,Kt : Kt. 7. n,Kt ell, K" B, but White should not have such a good game.'1[1 Black play 5..... p., P, then White replies: 6. KI v P. P-Q3.7. Q-K~3, Q-Q2. 8. Kt-QS, KKt-K2. 9. Q-B3. Castles . However . this i snot constdered SO good for Black. Should While reply to 5..... P


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12. THREE KNIGHTS' GAMEWhite's third move, Kt-QB3,is purely a developing one. andleaves Black the choice ofreplying 3... .. B--Xt5, or the variat ionsgiven in the notes, or 3 ..... Kt-KBJ, which produces the FourKnights' Game, No. 13. Both are quiet games.

While Black1. P-K4 P-K42. Kt-KB3 Kt-QB33. Kt-B3 B-Kt514. Kt-Q5! B-K235. P-Q4 PxP'~6. KtxP KtxKt7. QxKt Kt-B3

13. FOUR KNlGHTS' GAMEThis is a very sound opening, with a delayed attack. With playersof equal power, it often produces a draw. Nevertheless, most of tl"~evariations lead to difficult play. Rubenstein's Defence (Note 3) lSreally a strong counter-attack, and the most interesting of recentdevelopments in this opening. It is recommended that this defencebe studied carefully.

While BlackI. P-K4 P-K42 . Kt-KB31 Kt-QB33. Kt-B3 Kt-B34. B-Kt52 B-Kt535. Castles Castles6. P-Q3"~ BxKt57. PxB P-Q3

(Continuing: 8. Kt xB, Q xKt. 9. B-Q3, P-B4.)1Not_so good arc (a) 3..... B~B4. 4. Kt,~ P, Ktx xr, S. P-Q4, B---QJ.6. Px Kt, B:


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[4. PETROFF'S DEFENCEThis ~old defence by Black, who counter-attacks on his second~o~emste~d of defending his King's Pawn, is usually adopted toavoid the dlffic~ltles of defending the Ruy Lopez, but White sh uldbe able to obtain at least equality. o

White BlackI. P~K4 P~K42. Kt~KB3 Kt~KB33. Kt)( pt P-Q3!l4. Kt-KB3 Kt xP5. Q-K23 Q-K26. P-Q3 Kt-KB37. B-Kt5'~ QxQch8

IS. PHILlDOR'S DEFENCEThis pass ive defence (2.. ... P-Q3), introduced by Andre DanicanPhilidor to protect the King's Pawn before playing Greco's Counter-Gambit (P-KB4), was then considered a safer defence thanKt-QB3, but as it restricts the development of the King's Bishopit cannot stand against a really strong attack. Philidor preferred toadvance his pawns, defending them by Knight and Bishop fromthe rear, but modern trends are towards the opposite policy.

White Black1, P-K4 P-K42. Kt-KB3 P-Q313. P-Q42 Kt-KB3~\4. Kt-B3-1 QKt-Q255. B--QB4 B-K26. Castles Castles7. Q-K2 P-B3Continuing: 8. B x Q, B-K2. 9. Kt~B3, B~Q2.)

1White can offer a Th K' 1 ' ,P-Q3. 5. Kt-Q5 Kt:f,~\ ~Igrt~~a~e br 3. Kt-BJ, B--KI5. 4. B-B4,UK'so t he contiuuuli;n rec om~e~ded by'St;stfs: I - :-QB43, B--R4. There ist-K5. 5. Q-K2, B-Kt5 ch.6 K-Q !OI Z. -, -: ; p" P. 4, P-K5,The ~oden-Kieseritzki Gambit' .. ~, ~-Q47 p), p ~11passant, P-KB4.the B1Shop's Opening, thus; J. B ~ ' 1 4 n I t /~m4 either this operung or fromP-KB3. 6. Kt-R4, P-KKt3. 7. CasUesl p"': 'Q1 Kl-BJ, Ku xr, 5. P > : Kt,~ Not 3 ..... KL:, P because 4 '..".retires, 5. Kt-B6 dis. c1 ~ and wh'i ~K~" intending, after Black's Knight[he Queen. ' I e WI gam at least a pawn, and possibly3 This move, recommended b L k ' .the older continUation, 5. p_& a :.~rQ4nd6 CBapablanc~, IS give n instea d ofB-K2 (or after 6 B-Q3 B Q3' 7 Ca I' 'B---Q3, Kt-QB3. 7. Castles"" . _ . ., -.. Sl es , KKt5). 'ThIS nne move played by M I ffadvantage in development to Whitc~rp JY, 0 .ers exchange of Quee ns, withItB_d s ~;ti~r: Blak\~~ L l ; C C , ; 1 .t~lee~change of Queens thnn to lay 7 .....B-Kt5 (introduced ~ Q-. \\ hicb would cramp hi s position gu t 7QK1-Q2 and then bYlTha:r~slch)Sa gOO~ al. lernative, continuing: 8. K i . .. . .: . :B 3 , " 0 C,tst eon Queen's side, '

(Here Black threatens 8 ..... P-QKt4, to prevent which Whitemust play 8. P-QR4, to which Sozin in Debut advises 8. . ...PxP; 9. Ktx P, KtxKP; to. KL:P. 5. Q-Q5, Kt-B4. G . B-Kt5,B-K2. 7. P.': P, Q ." P. An even stronger continuation [or White is Sokolsky'smove in this variation, 5. QKl-Q2, Kt-B4. 6. Kt-B4, P-Q4. 7. B-Kt5,Q-Q2. 8. Kl~K3, P-B3.D This is the Hanham Variation Deferred, a favourite development ofNimzowitsch,14 15


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16. THE VIENNA GAMEIntroduced by the Viennese player, Hampe, about 1840 White'ssec~n~ mo.ve"Kt-QB~, is primarily a developing move, ~rotectingWhl~es King s Pawn In advance, but it also prevents Black fromplaying P-:-Q4. Although White gives no immediate attack, never-t~e[e~s this move paves the way for aggressive and subtle com-binations later on.

White Black1. P-K4 P-K42. Kt-QB3 Kt-KB3!3. B-B42 Kt XP34. Q-R5J Kt-Q35. Qx KPch" Q-K26. Q XQch BxQ7. B-Kt3 Kt-B4

17. THE BISHOP'S OPENINGTwo hundred years ago this was the most popular of all openings,but it is now r-arely played. as it is considered wiser to develop theKnights before the Bishops. T t may be easily transposed into theGiuoco Piano or the Vienna Game.

White Black1. P-K4 P~K42. B-B4 Kt-KB313. P_Q4z PxP4. Kt-KB3 B-B4n5. P-K5 P-Q46. PxKt PxB7. Q-K2ch B-K3

(Continuing: 8. Kt-BJ, P-QB3. 9. Castles, P--Q4.) (Continuing: 8. P xP , R-Kti. 9. B-Kt5, B-K2.)1This move constitutes the Berlin Defence. now considered the best andstrongest reply, attacking White's King's Pawn, and preparin~ for P---Q4.Other good replies for Black are: (I) 2..... B--B4 ( the Classical Defence).3. P-QB3, Q~K2. 4. Kt~KB3, P~Q3. S. Castles, Kt~KB3. 6. P-Q4,B-Kt3. 7. B-KKt5, B-KKt5; and (h) 2..... P-QBJ. 3. P-Q4, P-Q4.4. P" QP, BP " P. 5. B-Kt5 ch, B~Q2. 6. B:


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18. THE CENTRE GAMEWhite 's usual object in this early challenge to the centre is to clearthe Q~een's file, castle on the Queen's side, and bring his Queen'sRook into play, However, he loses time in the Queen's prematuresally and retiral, and Black can bring his Rook to bear on theKing's file. This difficult opening has gambit variations while theDanish Gambit (No. 19) also arises from it. '

White Black1. P~K4 P-K42. P-Q4 PxP3. QXPl Kt~QB34. Q-K3~ Kt-B335. Kt--QB3-1 B-Kt5'>6. B-Q2 Castles7. Castles (QR) R-Kl

19. THE DANISH GAMBITInthis variation of the Centre Gambit , White otters his Queen'sBishop's Pawn, and then his Queen's Knight's Pawn, in order toopen up the game and give his Bishops a dear field. Black ca~decline the third Pawn with every hope of an equal game, but Ifhe takes it, his counter-sacrifice of his Queen's Pawn at his fiflhmove (Schlechter's Variation) appears to give him an advantage.

White Black1. P-K4 P-K42. P-Q4 PxP3. P-QB3 P XPl4. B-QB42 pxpa5. QBxP P_Q4i6. BxQP Kt-KB37. B x Pch KxB

p~CQontinUing: 8. B-B4 (best), Black replying either 8.3, 8..... Kt-QR4, or 8..... Kt-K4.) (Continuing: 8. Q x Q, B~Kt5 ch, 9. Q--Q2 (best), B xQ ch,10.KtxB, P-B4 (or R-Kl).)1nstead or retaking [he Pawn! White can play the Centre Gambit3. P-KH4, to which !llack has choic e of two replies: (a) 3..... B~Kt5ch'4. B~?2, 8 8 ch. ). Q. B, Kt-QBJ. 6. Kt-KB3, Kt-ll3. 7. B~Q3;

6P-QQ4,or (b) 3. . ... B-B4. 4. Kt-K 83, Kt-QB3. 5. B-QJ Kl-83. KI-Q2, Kl-KKt5. 7. Kt-81, P-Q3. ,.N ~4. Q-QR4 leads 10 a reversed Centre Counter Game (see opening No 31ote 1). '. ,

8 Alternatively, 4..... P-KKt3. 5.Kt-QB3 8-Kl2 (') 8-Q Kl 837. Casues ~QR), Castles. ,.. -, - ."'Or 5. 8-Q2, Kt-KKt5. 6. Q-KKtJ, P~Q4. 7. P-KR3, Kt-83.5 Or S..... B-K2.6. 8-Q2, P-Q4. 7. pY P, Kt : P.

1Alekhine considered it better to decline the Gambit by playing 3.....P-Q4. 4. KP" P, Kl-KBJ. 5. P;< P, 8-Kt5 eh. 6. B---Q2, B.:. Bell.7. Q x B, Castles. Mieses recommends declining by 3.. .. . Q-K2. 4. P.< P.Q XPch, 5. B-K2, Q : KIP. 6. B-83, Q-Kt3. 7. KI-83, B-KI5.2 Or 4. Ktx P, P---Q3. 5. 8-Q84, Kl-Q83. 6.Kl-BJ, 8-K3. 7. 8-Q5.Kt-83. If Black replies to 4. Kt x P by 4 ..... B-K IS, then 5. B-QB4gives White a slight advantage.a 'Black may decline tile third Pawn by 4 ..... Kt-KB3, followed by either(al 5. Kl-KB3, B-84. 6. Kt : .1', P-Q3. 7. Castles, Castles, Or (b) 5. Kt x P,Kl-B3. 6. Kt-B3, B-Kt5. 7. P-K5, P-Q4.10ther continuations are ((I) 5. .... Q-K2. 6. Kt-QB3, P---QB3.7.KKt-K2, P-QKt4, or (n) 5..... B-Kl5 ch. 6. Kt-B3. P---Q3. 7.Kl~B3,Kt-KB3, or (c) 5..... P~Q3. 6. Kt-K2, Kt-QB3. 7. Castles, B-K3.

"A game may be termed well-commenced when the pieces arcbrought ou~ so that no piece obstructs the action of another, and~hat e~cb piece be so well planted that it cannot be attacked withimpunity. "G. WALKER18 19


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20. THE KING'S GAMBITS: (I) THE KING'S KNIGHTSGAMBIT 21. THE KING'S GAMBITS: (2) THE MUZIO GAMBITThis bold variation of the King's Knight 's Gambit, in which Whitesacrifices a Knight, gives him a strong position from which he canlaunch a most violent attack. TIle Breyer Gambit, given inNote 1,is more closely allied to the King's Bishop's Gambit, and is aninteresting variation.

This historic series of gambit openings have for their main objectthe opening up of the King's Bishop's file, where the Rook can bebrought early into play. They also enable White to play P-Q4after Black's Pawn has taken White's King's Bishop's Pawn. Thedisadvantage to White is that his own castled position is therebyweakened. In the King's Knight's Gambit, Black's third moveP-KKt4 is the classical reply, though 3..... P-Q4 is nowconsidered a stronger defence.

White1. P-K42. P-KB43. Kt~KB3l4. P-KR45. Kt-K536. B-B47. PxP

BlackP-K4PxPP-KKt42P-Kt5Kt-KB3'~P-Q4:&-Q3

White BlackJ. P-K4 P-K42. P-KB4 PxP3. Kt-KB3l P-KKt44. B-B4 P-Kt525 . Castles? PxKl't6. QxP Q-K257. P-Q4 Kt~QB3

(Continuing: 8. Kt-B3, KI x P. 9. Q-Q3, Kt-K3.)1. The Breyer Gambit may be played here: 3. Q--B3. P-Q4. 4. P .'':P,KI-KB3. 5. Kt-B3, B-Q3. 6. ll-Kt5 ch, Kt-Q2. 7. P-Q4, Castles.2 The Greco-Phi lidor Gambi t proceeds : 4 . .. .. B-Kt2. 5, Castles, P-Q3.6. P-B3, Kt~Qll.L 7. P-Q4, P-KR3.:i Stronger play here is MacDonnell's Attack, 5, Kt-B3, p.: Kt. 6. Q:- P.P-Q4, 7. Kt . P, Kt-QB3. We here give the Salvia Gambit though we donot recommend it to White: 5. KI-K5, Q--R5 ch, 6. K...'...Bl,Kt-QB3.7. D" P ch, K-K2.4 As a matter of interest. we give Brentano's Defence. but the loss o r somany Pawns will seriously handicap Black; 5 ..... P-04. 6. B ; . P, P;. Kt,7. Q" P, P-QB3. 8. Q.: P, Kt-BJ. 9. Kl-B3. B-K2,5 Or 6... .. Q--B3. 7. P-K5, Q.< P. 8 .P-Q3, B-R3. 9, Kt-B3, Kt-K1.

(The continuation recommended is the Rice Gambit: 8. Castles,B x Kt. 9. R-KI, Q-K2.).i To prevent 3... ,. Q-R5 ch.2 A modern move is 3. .... P-04, continuing 4. I' .< P, Kt-KB3.5. Kt-B3. Kt >. P. 6. Kt X Kt, Q:< Kt. 7. ['---Q4, B-K2, with an alternativeat 5. P-B4. P-B3. 6. P-Q4, P:< P. 7. B :< . P, B--Kl5 ch, Interesting also isthe Cunningham Gambit, as follows: 3..... B-K2. 4. B-B4, B-R5ch.5. K-B1. P-Q4. 6. lb:P, Kt-KB3. 7.Kl-B3, Castles.3 This is the Kiescritzki Gambit. But if White play 5. Kt-Kt5, the opening

become, the Allgaier Gambit, continuing 5..... P-KR3. 6. Kt / P, K.x Kt,7. P--Q4, P-Q4.4 Or 5..... B-Ktl (Pa ul se n's De fenc e). 6. KL< KtP, P--Q4. 7. Kt-B2,PxP. "Tn the opening it is always risky to accept pawn sacrifices bywhich the opponent gets open files.""The move, P-KKt4, I always call the 'suicide move.' It bringsabout a terrible loosening of the King's side, for which the onlyjustification is a strong attack or the securing of some immediateadvantage. "

DR. SIEGBERT TARRASCH20 Ceo

J. MIESES

2J


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22. THE KING'S GAMBITS: (3) THE KING'S BISHOP'SGAMBITSounder for White than the King's Knight's Gambit, Black's bestreply is to offer up his Queen's Pawn as in the text, which shouldgive him at least equality. The other replies expose him to possibletraps, and should be avoided by the inexperienced player in seriousgames, but they are nevertheless ins truct ive.

23. THE K1NG'S GAMBIT DECLINEDAlthough the King's Gambits when accepted lead to difficultsituations for both sides, Black does Dot get an easy game bydeclining the Gambit. 2 ..... B-B4 is the usual defence, a sounddeveloping move which tends to prevent White from castling.

White Blackt. P-K4 P-K42. P-KB4 PxP3. B-B41 P-Q424. BxP Kt-KB335. Kt-QB34- B-QKt56. Kt-B3 BxKt7. QPxB P-B3

White Black1. P-K4 P-K42. P-KB4 B-B43. Kt-KB31 P-Q34.Kt-B32 Kt-KB3S.B-B4 Kt-TI36. P---Q3 B-K3:17, B-Kt5 P-QR3

(Continuing: 8. B-B4, Q x Q ch, 9. K x Q, Castles.)(Continuing: 8. B x Kt ch, P x B. 9. Q-K2, P x P.)1White dare not play J.P : Kt dis. ch, B-K2. 7. Q-B3, B-R5 ch.

"It might be laid down as a principle of the opening that thebreaking up of the King's side is of more importance than a similaroccurrence on the Queen's side."

22

J. R. CAPABLANCA

23


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24. THE FALKBEER COUNTER-GAMBITThis reply to the King's Gambit, 2 ..... P-Q4. creating a diversionin the centre, was successfully played and recommended by Tarrasch.As a result , the offering of the King's Gambit was decidedly out offavour in serious chess until Paul Keres, the brilliant young RussianMaster, gave new life to White's game by his innovation at the fi f thmove, here given in the text. The older variation is to be foundin Note 3.

White Black1. P-K4 P-K42. P-KB4 P-Q43. KPXPl P-K54. P-Q32 Kt-KB35. Kt-Q2~ Pxp!6. BxP KtxP7. Kt-K4 Kt-K15

SECOND SERIES25. THE FRENCH DEfENCE: (1) CLASSICAL FORM

This is the most solid of the semi-open games. and leads to anintense struggle for command of the centre. Tartakower recommendsthe novice to have frequent recourse to this sound defence.White

1. P-K42. P-Q43. Kt-QB314. Q~Kt55. P-K546, P-KR4G7. Kt-Kt5

BlackP-K3P-Q4Kt-KB32B-K2~KKt-Q2P--QB4GP-B3

(Continuing: 8. B-Q3, P-QR3. 9. Q-R5 ch, K-Bl.)(Continuing: 8. B-Kt5 ch, B-Q2. 9. B x B ch, Kt x B.

10. Kt-KB3, Kt-B4.)1Other continuations are; (a) Tarrasch's Variation, 3. Kt-Q2, P-QB4.4. KPx P, KP. . P. 5. B-KtS ell, Kl-B.l 6. KKt-BJ, Q-K2 ch. 7. B-K2.Q--B2. But Black can avoid the isolated Pawn by playing at his fourth move4..... Q;.:P. 5. KKt-B3. p. P. 6. B-B4, Q-QI. .7. Castles, KI-QB3.Or (h) the Exchange Variation, 3. p,' P. P ,. P. 4. Kt-KB3. Kt-KIl3.5. B--Q3. B--Q3. 6. Castles. Castles. 7. Kt-B3, P-B3. Or (c) 3. P-K5,P-QB4. 4. P-QBJ, Kl-QB3. 5. Kt-B3, Q-KtJ. 6. B-K2, KKI-K2.7. Kt-R3, p. P.~ Or WinawersVariation, 3. .... B-KI5. 4. P-K5, P-QB4. (a)5. P-QR.J, B,Ktch. 6. P:{B, Kt-K2. 7. P-QR4, QKt-BJ; or (bl.5. B-Q2, QKt-D3. 6. Kt-Kt5, B.vB ch. 7. Q'..B. Kl.~QP. 8. KlxKt,Px Kt. 9. Qx P, Kt-K2. .3 This is the normal line of defence, but Black could ITYRubenstein'sVariation, 4..... p ." .P. 5. Kt Y P, B-K2. 6. n,: Kl, By.B. 7. P-QB3,Kl-Q2.1 White could try 5. B.:, K l, E B. 6. Kt-B3, Castles. 7. B---Q3, I'-B4.s Tills is the Chatard Attac k, played so suc cessfully by Alekhine , The oldercontinuation went; 6. B." E, Q x, B and either 7. Kt-K(5, Kt-Kt3, or 7.P-B4, P-QRJ.6 Black might play ti, .. ,. B> B, followed by 7. P. B, Q. P, or 6 .....P-KBJ. 7. B-Q3, P-QB4. S. Q-R5 ch, K~Bl.

1But not 3. SP x P, for Black could reply J..... Q--R5 e ll . An a lterna tivemove for White, however , i s3. Kt-K B3, QP. P.4.Kt . P, KI-Q2. 5.1'-04,P x P c. p, 6. Kt :.:QP.KKt-Bl 7. KI-B3. Kt-Kt3. There is a lso the Milner-Barry Variation: 3. Kt-QB3, P-Q5. 4. QKt-K2, B-KK15. 5. P-Q3,B-Q3. 6. p" P, B..P. 7.Q-Q2, Kl-QB3; but Black can reply to 3.Kl-QB3,by Kt-K.R3, transposing into the Vienna Game (p. 16.Note Z].2 A variation is 4. Kt-QBJ, Kt -KB3. 5. P-Q), B-QKt5. 6. B-Q2,P-K6. 7. B . P, Castles.J This is the new Keres' move. Formerly, the opening was played: 5. P, 1,Kt. KP. 6. Kt-KB3 ( to prevent Black from playing 6.. ,., Q-R5 ch),8-QB4. 7.Q-K2, B-B4, with the intentionof castling next move. (ShouldBlack play 7..... P-B4. White can reply by either 8. Il-K3 or 8. Kt-B3.It would be a weak move for Black [0 play 7..... B--B7 ch.) S. Kt-B3,Q-K2. 9.B-K3. B : B. 10.Q. E,Kt" KL 11.Q / Q en,K;. Q.1 Or 5 . ... . B-KB4. 6. P. P, K(, KP, and (a ) 7. Q-K2, Q-K2; or(b) 7. KKt-B3, P-QBJ.

24 25


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27. THE CARO~KANN DEFENCEThe Caro-Kann, like the French Defence, prepares for 2 .....P-Q4, but leaves Black's Queen's Bishop's diagonal open. lt isconsidered by many to be the safest defence in this series. ThePanov Variation, following exchange of Pawns, seems to give Whileequal chances, while the new development, 2. P-QB4, may shakeBlack's defence.

26. THE FRENCH DEFENCE: (2) McCUTCHEONVARIATION

This aggressive defence (4 ..... B-Kt5) leads to a l ively struggle,each player pinning his opponent's Knight.

White Blacki. P_.,.K4 P-K32. P-Q4 P-Q43. Kt-QB3 Kt-KB34. QB-Kt51 B-Kt55. Px r= QXP36. BxKt4- BxKtch57. PxB PxB

White Black1. P-K4 P-QB32. P-Q41 P-Q43. Kt.---QB32 PxP4. KtxP Kt-Q2~5. Kt-KB34 KKt-B36. Kt-Kt3 P-K37. B-Q3 P-B4(Continuing: 8. Q-Q2, Kt-Q2. 9. P-QB4, Q-K5 ch.)

1Other lines of play at this stage are 4. P-K5. KKI--Q2, continuingeither (a) 5. QKt-K2, P-QB4. 6. P-QB3, Kl-QB3. 7. P~KB4, Q-Kt3;or (b) 5. P-B4, P-QB4. 6. P -, P. Kt-QB3. 7. P-QR3, B. P; or (c ) theGledhill Attack, 5. Q-Kt4. P-K:R4. 6. Q-Kt3, P-R5. 7. Q-Kt4, P-QB4.IIThis series of exchanges simplifies the game, but White can adopt severalvariations here: 5. Kt-K2, p" P. 6. P-QR3, B-K2. 7. B~. Kt, 13-, B; or5. P-K5. P-KR3. and either 6. P>. Kt, py B. 7. P;< P, R-Kt I, or6.B-~4, P-KKt4. 7.B-Kt3, KL-K5, ar6. B-02, BxKt. 7. P:


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29. SICILlAN DEFENCE: (2) SCHEVENTNGENVARIATION28. SICILIAN DEFENCE (1) DRAGON: VARIATIONThe Sicilian Defence is at present the most popular opening in thisseries. Its primary object is to prevent White from maintaining aPawn at Q4. Black keeps a backward centre in the Dragon Variation,and brings his King's Bishop into play by a Fianchetto movement.This produces a complex situation which leads to a most interestinggame.White

I, P-K42. Kt-KB33. P-Q424. Ktx P5. Kt-QB36. B-K247. B-K3

BlackP-QB4Kt-QB31PxPKt-B3~P-Q3P-KKt3'B-Kt2

Black's second move, P-K3, was formerly the most popularcontinuation of the Sicilian, but of recent years Kt-QB3 as in theDragon Variation has been more played. Black's fifth move, P-Q3,l eads to the Scheveningen Variation, (7..... B-K2), but 5 .....Kt-B3 is probably a safer continuation for moderate players.

White Black1. P-K4 P-QB42. Kt-KB3 P-K313. P-Q42 PxP4. KtxP Kt-KB3:!5. Kt-QB3 P-Q3'"6. B-K2 Kt-B367. Castles B-K2

(Continuing: 8. Castles, Castles. 9. Kt-Kt3, B-K3; and either10. P-B3. P-Q4, or 10. P-B4, Kt-QR4.)(Continuing: 8. K-R 1 (Maroczy's Continuation), P-QR3. 9.P-B4, Q-B2., and (a) 10.B-K3, Castles, or (b) 10.B-B3, Castles.)

1The following is Nirnzowitsch's Var ia tion , which should be comparedwith Alekhine's Defence (Opening No. 34): 2..... Kt-KBJ. 3. P-K5,Kt-Q4. 4. P-B4, Kt-B2. 5. P-Q4, PxP. 6. Q / P, Kt-B3. 7. Q-K4,P-Q4.2 Hyper-moderns condemn this move. which offers tile Queen's Pawn inexchange for the less valuable Queen's Bishop's Pawn. An alternative is:3. B-Kt5, P-KKt3. 4.P~BJ, B-Kt2. 5. Castles, Q-Kt3. 6. Kt-R3,Kt-B3. 7. P-K5. Kl-Q4 (Nirnzowitsch 1. Stoltz, 1934).3 IfBlack play 4..... P-KKt3, intending animmediate King's Fianchetto.White's best reply is the Maroczy Variation, 5. I'---QB4, B-Kt2. 6. Kt-Kt3;KI-B3. 7. Kt-B3, P-Q3, with advantage to While. Should Black play4 ..... P-K4, there is a simple (rap available for While to set an unwaryplayer: 5. Kt-B5. KKt-K2 ('1). 6. Kt-Q6, mate.'" A n alternative here is Richter's Attack. which is formidable play forWhite: 6. B-KKt5, P-K3. 7. Q-Q2, B-K2.5Or 6..... P-K3. 7. Castles, Q-B2.

12 ..... P-Q3 is a modern variation which usually transposes into theDragon Variation, thus: 3. P-Q4, P>' P. 4. KtxP, Kt-KB3, 5. Kt---QB3,P-KKt3. 6.8-K,B-Kt2. 7.B-K3, Kt-B3.2 White cou ld try (a) 3. B-K2, Kt---QB3. 4. Ca stles, Kt -B3. 5.1


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30. SICILIAN DEFENCE: (3) PASSIVE REPLYIn this variation White also plays a close game, and both sidesadopt a Fianchetto. This is a slower, but rather ingenious, openingwhich calls for great watchfulness on both sides.

White BlackI. P-K4 P-QB42. Kt-QB3L Kt-QB3J. P-KKt32 P-KKt34. B-Kt2 B--Kt235. P-Q3 P----Q3"6. KKt-K_2" Kt-B37. Castles Castles

3L . THE CENTRE COUNTER GAMEThis opening, otherwise known as the Scandinavian Defence, isnot very popular and, on the whole, inferior for Black. The recaptureof While's Pawn by Black's Knight certainly retards the latter 'sdevelopment, but no good alternative has been suggested. The earlysortie of Black's Queen, as shown in Note I, is too risky to berecommended. It is interesting to compare this older way of playingthis opening with the Centre Game (Opening No. 18).

While1. P-K42. PxP3. P-Q42 ,4. Kt-KB3:l5. B-K246. Castles7. P-B4

(Continuing: 8. P-KR3, Kt-KI. 9. B-K3, Kt-Q5.)1Alapin's Variation, though seldom played, leads to an even game, thus:2. P-QB3, P-Q4. 3. P P, Q,.: P. 4. P-Q4, Kt~QB3. 5. Kt-BJ, B-Kt5.6. B-K2, P'.P. 7. PxP, P-K3. A further reply to (he Sicilian Defence isthe Wing Gambit, as follows: 2. P-QKt4, luring Black's QBP to the flankwhere it wil! be powerless; 2. .... P;


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32. THE KING'S FIANCHETTO DEFENCEAlthough seldom played, it is . well for the student of chess tofamiliarise himself with this rather i rregular opening lest it besprung upon him unexpectedly, Black's position is rather cramped,but he still has a fair chance of equalising.

33. THE QUEEN'S FIANCHETTO DEFENCEThe chief objection to this unusual opening is that it disclosesBlack's intentions and leaves him no option but to pursue them,while White, with a move in hand, can prepare for Black's onslaughtin advance. This opening is sometimes played I.P-Q4, P-QKt3.2. P-K4, etc. Similarly, in the King's Fianchetto Defence (OpeningNo. 32), White's first two moves can be transposed.White Black

1. P-K4 P-KKt32. P-Q4 B-Kt213. P-KB42 P-Q34. P-B3 Kt-KB35. B--Q3 Castles6. P-K5 KKt-Q27. Kt-BJ P-QB4

Wlrite BlackI. P-K4 P-QKt32. P-Q4 B-Kt213. B-Q3 Kt-QB324. P-QB3 P-K45. P-Q5 QKt-K26. Kt-K2 P-KB47. Castles PxP

(Continuing: 8. Castles, Q-Kt3. 9. K-RI, Kt-QB3.)lOr 2 ..... P-Q3. 3. B-QB4, B~Kl2. 4. Kt-KB3, Kl-KB3. 5. Q-K2,Kt-B3. 6. P-KR3, Castles. 7. KI-B3, P-K4.2 Two possible variations here are: (a) 3. P~QB3, 1'--Q4. 4. P, 1', Q : P.5. Kt-BJ. 13-KI5. 6. QKt-Q2, Kl-QBJ, 7. B-B4, Q-KB4: and (0)3. Kt-KB3, 1'-03. 4. KI-B3, and either Kt-KBJ. 5. B-QB4. Castles.6. Q--K2, P-B3. 7. Castles, B-Kt5; or 4. .... Kt-Q2. 5. B--QB4, P-K3.6. Castles, KI-K2. 7.P-QR4, Castles. 8. B-K3, P-KR3. 9. Q-Q1, K-R2.

(Continuing: 8. B x P, Kt-KB3. 9. Kt-Kt3, P-B3. 10. P-Q6,Kt-Kt3. 11. H-Kt5, Q-Ktl.)1 Interesting is 2..... P-K3. 3. Kl-KB3, B-Kl2. 4. B-Q3, P-QB4.5. P-BJ, P-QJ. 6. Castles, KI-Q2. 7. R-KI, Kt-K2 (Mallison l'.Tartakower, 1929) .2 . A . . , an alternative, Black could here play 3. .... P-K3. 4. P-QB4.Kt-K133 .. 5. Kt-QBJ, B-KI5. 6. Q-K2. KI-133. 7. Kt-B3, P-Q3.Black. howevcr.jnust not play J ..... P_KB4, for4. p, P,B .,:P. 5. Q-R5ch,P-KKt3. 6. P . ', P , B-KKt2. 7. P :.: P dis. ch, K-BI, and While should win.In this variation it would be fatal for Black to play 6..... Kt-KB3, attackingWhile's Queen, for 7. P .:P dis. ch, Kt :., 'Q, and &. B-Kt6, male. This wasactually played in the Paris Championship, 1931! If , after 3.... . P-K3,White play 4. B-K3. Black can adept the Double Fianchetto Defence, thus:4..... P-Kt3. 5.Kt-Ql, B-Kt2. 6. KKt-B3, Kt-K2. 7.Q-Kl, P-Q3.

"Opening theory has been advanced in recent years to sucha stage of finesse that even a slight weakness in this field maydecide a great tournament."FRED REINFELD

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34. ALEKHINE'S DEFENCE 35. NIMZOWITSCH'S DEFENCEThis modem defence, introduced in 1921by Dr. Alexandre Alekhine(World Champion, 1927-35 and 1937-48*), forsakes the principleof developing the pieces one by one, and moves the Knight severaltimes, permitting White to occupy the centre. But, in doing so, helures While's Pawns forward to untenable positions, after which heis able to develop his pieces with constant pressure.

Aron Nirnzowitsch, one of the greatest modern chess strategists,was probably responsible for introducing more variety into theopenings than any other player of recent years. Here he builds upa position for an attack against White's King's side.

White BlackL P-K4 Kt-KB32. P-K5! Kt-Q43. P~QB42 Kt-Kt34. P~Q4~ P~Q35. P~B4,t PxP6. DPxP Kt-B37. B-KJ; B-B4

White Black1. P-K4 Kt---QB32. P-Q4 P-Q413. P-K52 P-B334. Kt-KB3 B-Kt55. B-K2 P-K36 . PxP KKtxP7. P-B3 B-Q3

(Continuing, 8. B-KKt5, Q-Q2. 9. QKt-Q2, Castles.)lOr 2..... P-K4. 3. P x P, Kt:: P. 4. P-KB4, Kt-Kt3. 5. B-K3,B--Kt5ch,6.Kt-Q2, Kt-B3. 7.P-B3, B-R4.2 Or 3. Kt-QB3, P-K3. 4. Kt-B3, 8-Kt5. 5. P-K5, B" Kt ch.6. P:':B, Kt-R4. 7. P-QR4, Kt-K2.3 Or 3. _.,. B-B4. 4. P-QBJ, P-llJ. 5. P-KJ34, (a) P-K3. G . Kl-llJ,Q-Q1. 7. B--Q3, B-K5 (in this varia tion, White makes a s trong counte r-attack on the Queen's side against Black's King's side attack); or (b) 5.....Q-Q2. 6. B--Q3, Kl-R3. 7. XI-B3, B-K5. 8. Q-K2, P-B4. 9. B-K3,P-K3. 10.QKI-Q2, Castles (QR).

(Continuing: 8. Kt-QB3, P-K3. 9. II-K2, and either 9.Q-Q2, or Kt-Kt5, or B-K2.)1A sound, quiet development is: 2. p-Q3,P-B4. 3. P-KB4, Kt-B3.4. Kt-KIl). P-KKt3. 5. B-K2, 8-KI2. 6. QKt-Q2, P-Q4. 7. Castles,Castles. 8. K-RJ. P-Kl3. 9. P .'. P, Q r:P (Thomas v. Alekhine, 1925).2 White can play more cautiously by 3. P-Q4, P--Q3. 4. P;-:P, KP x.P.5..Kt-KB3, B-K t5. 6. B-K1. B-K2. 7. Castles, KL-KB3; or, as Alekhinehimself played against Reshevsky (Black) in 1937: J. Kl-KB3, P-QJ.4. P-Q4, B-Kl5. 5. P-B4, Kt-Kt3. 6. B-K2, P:-:P. 7. KL, P, J3" B.; ;Or 4. P-B5, Kt-Q4. 5. Kt-QB3, Kt v Kt. 6. QP~ P. KP P. 6. Kt-QB3, 13-134.7. B-K2, B-K2; but preferablefor White seems to be 5. Kt~KB3, B-Kt5. 6. p., P, Kp P. 7. B-K2,B-K2.6 A recent innovation is 7. Kt-KB3, B-Kt5. 8. P-K6 P" P. 9. P-B5Kt--Q4. ,.* Auhough Dr. Alekhinc died in 1946, his successor as World Championwas not decided until the World's Championship Tournament at The Hagueand Moscow 11 1 1948, when M. Botwinnik won with fourte en points in twentygames. The runner-up was V. Srnyslov with eleven points. The other com"pcntors were P. Keres PO! pornts), S. Reshevsky (!OJ points) and Dr. M.Euwe (Iour points). . "

"The pawn is now regarded as strongest at home, and weakerthe more it is advanced, because in its advance it leaves behind it'holes' or squares which cannot be guarded by pawns."H. J. R. MURRAY

34 35


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THIRD SERIES 37. QUEEN'S PAWN GAME: (2) TARTAKOWER'SATTACK

White's third move in this variation (a favourite development ofTartakower's) ismore aggressive, and is usually rather difficult forBlack to counter.

36. QUEEN'S PAWN GAME: (I) COLLE'S SYSTEMThe name Queen's Pawn Game is usually applied to all gamescommencing l. P-Q4 other than the Queen's Gambit, evenincluding the Dutch and Indian Defences, which are here arrangedin a different series. In all Queen's Pawn Games, both players mustbe careful not to obstruct the advance of their Queen's Bishop'sPawn by Kt-QB3, as the strength of tile opening depends on asolid centre formed by the King's, Queen's and Queen's Bishop'sPawns. Colle's System is a quiet method of building up this centre.

wu Black1. P-Q4 P--Q42. Kt-KB3 Kt-KB33, P-K3 P-B4l4. P-B32 P-KKt335. QKt-Q2 QKt-Q26. B-Q3 B-Kt27. Castles Castles

White Black1.P-Q4 P--Q42. Kt-KB3 Kt-KB313. B-Kt52 P-K3a4. P-K3 P-B45. P-B3 B-K2'~6. B-Q3 QKt-Q257. QKt-Q2 Castles

(Continuing: 8. Castles, Q~B2. 9. Q-K2. P-QKt3.)iOr 2..... P--QB4. 3. pO' : P, P-K3. 4. P~K4, BxP. 5. P;,P, P>;' p,6. B--Kt5 ch, Kl~B3. 7. Castles, Kt~K2 (Capablanca v. Rubenstein, 1928).2 Tar takower' s Attack. A more violent variation is 3. P~B4, P~B4.4. BP>,P, P>"~. 5. QxP, Qx P. 6. Kt-B3, Qx Q. 7. KtxQ, P-QR3.3 Black may try a F ianc hetto development on t he Quee n's side. 3.....P-B4. 4. P~K3, P-QKt3. S. Q-lli. Kt-B3. 6. Kt~B3, Kt-K5. 7. KL


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39. QUEEN'S GAMBIT ACCEPTEDTn the Queen's Gambit, White offers his Queen's Bishop's Pawnin order to break up Black's pawn formation, and if Black acceptsthe Gambit (as in this opening), he should not attempt to retainthe Gambit Pawn. More usually, the Gambit is declined, but ifBlack remembers the above warning, he can still hold his own inmost variations.

38. QUEEN'S PAWN GAME: (3) STONEWALLVARIATION

In this variation, with its quiet development, White manages tobuild up a strong pawn formation in the centre, with the intentionof launching an attack on the King's side.

White Black1,P-Q4 P-Q42. P-K3l. Kt-KB3~3. B-Q33 P-B4 c4. P-QB3 Kt-B3"5. P-KB4 E-Kt56. Kt-B3 P-K37. QKt-Q2 B~3

White Black1. P---Q4 P-Q42. P-QB4 P x pl3. Kt-KB32 Kt-KBJ4. P-K33 P-K35. BxP P-B46. Castles Kt-B317. Kt-B3 B-K1

(Continuing: 8.P-KR3, B-R4. 9. P-QKt3, P xP.)lAllcrnatively, the game might proceed; 2. B-B4 Kl-KB3 ] P-K38:::::.'g.4.Kt-KB3, B-QJ. 5.B-KU, QKt-Q2. 6.B'_Q3, B.,.B . 7.RPx n :2 If Black p lay 2..... P-K3. then 3. B-Q3, P-QBJ. 4. Kl-KB3, B~Q3.5. QKI-Q2, P-KB4. 6. P-B4, Q--B3. 7. P-QKtJ, Kt-KR3.3 Variations here are; (0) 3. Kt-QZ, B-B4. 4. P-Q84 P-B3 5 P: .PP >( P. 6. B-Kt5 cb, QKt-Q2. 7. KKI-B) P-QR) a nd (I)) 3 Kt':_KBl'P-K3. 4. QKI-K2. B-Q3. S. P-B4, P-QKtJ. 6. Q--'B2 B-Kt2. 7. P~B5'PY . P (Breyer I'. Tarrasch, J920). ' 'lOr 3. .... Kl-B]. 4. P-KB4. Kt-QKt5. 5. Kt-KB3, KL< B ch.6. PAKt, P-KKt3. 7. Kt-B3, B-KIZ.

s.-:..~~2~' .... P-K3. 5.P-KB4, QK1-Q2, 6. Kl-B3, P-KKt3. 7. Kl-Q2,

"Bring out your pieces."

(Continuing: 8. PxP, QxQ. 9.RxQ, BxP.)1 Or 2..... P-KJ. J. KI-KB3, P,: P. 4. P-K4, P--QB4. 5.B . P, P;- P.6. Kl< P, Kt-KB3. 7. Kt-QB3, QKl-Q2.2 Bla ck mus t be pre vente d from playing P-K4. Not so good would be theimmedia te advance of the King's Pawn, as follows: 3. P-K3, P-K4. 4. B: P,p ,.' P. 5. P ,. P, Kl-KB3. 6. Kt-QB3. B-K2. 7. Kt-B 3, Castles, withadvantage to Black. However, after 3. P-K3, a novic e might try to protectthe Gambit Pawn by J ..... P-QKI4, when White can play 4. P-QR4.B-Q2. 5. P.' P, B, P. 6. KI-QB3, B-R3. 7. R' B, Kl> R. 8. Q-R4 ch,Q-Q2. 9. Q .< Kt, and Black 's pos it ion is hopeless.a Or Bogol jubov's move . 4. Q-R4 ch, P-B3. 5. Q" . BP. B-B4. 6. Kt-B).QKt-Q2. 7. P-KKl3, P-K3 (Bcgol jubov v, Alekhine, (934). To preventthis development, Black can play 3..... P-QR3. 4. P-K3, P-K3. S. B ,.P,

Kt-KB3. 6. Castles. P-B4. 7. Q-K2, Kt-B3 (Euwe 1. Grunfeld, 1936) .4. Or either ((I) 6..... P-QR3. 7.Q-K2, P-QKt4; or (b) 6..... P /. P.7. P: P, B-K2.

L c. M. DE LA BOURDONNAIS

38 39


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40. QUEEN'S GAMBIT DECLINED: (I) ORTHODOXDEFENCE 41. QUEEN'S GAMBIT DECLINED: (2) CAMBRIDGESPRINGS DEFENCEThis defence is attributed to the great American player, Pillsbury.Here Black counter-attacks on his sixth move, pinning White'sKnight and threatening his Bishop at KKt5 after a pawn capture.It leads to a keenly contested game.

This opening, in its many variations, is now played more often thanany other opening in tournaments and matches. The Orthodox isthe safest defence for Black, though his game is rather confined.Therefore, White should not hasten exchanges, which would resultin an enlargement of Black's territory.

White Blackl. P-Q4 P-Q42. P-QB4 P-K33. Kt-QB3 Kt-KB314. B-Kt5 B-K2S. P-K3 QKt---Q226. Kt-B3 Castles"7. R-Bl'1 P-B3f>

White Black1. P-Q4 P-Q42. P-QB4 P_K313. Kt-QB3 Kt-KB324. B-Kt5 QKt-Q25 . P-K33 P-B36, Kt-B3~ Q-R47. Kt-Q25 B-Kt5

(Continuing: 8.Q-B2, Castles. 9. B-K2, P-K4.)IOr 2 ..... P-QB3. 3. Kt-Kll3. Kt-B3. 4. Kt-:-B3. P-K3. 5. B-Kt5,QKt--Q2. 6. P-K3, Q-R4. 7. P .~P, Ktx P (Alekhine I'. Euwe, 1935).2 More passive is 3, .... P-QB3. If played. White may c,?ntinue either(a)4. P-K3, Kt-B3. 5. B-Q3, B----Q3. 6. P-B4, Castles. 7. Kt:;-B3, P" P;o r (b) 4. Kt-B3, Kt-B3, 5, 3-KI5, I3-K2. 6.P-K3, QKt-Q_. 7. 3-Q\p/ P.3White can play 5. Kt-B3, B-K2. 6, R-:-BJ, Castles, 7. P-K3, P-QKt3,or the Exchange Variation. 5. p~ P, Px P. 6. P~-K3, .P-B3 .. 7-. B-Q3,3-K2; but there is a trap here ifWhite plays 6. Kt x P; Black replies K~'


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43. QUEEN'S GAMBIT DECLINED: (4) TCHlGORIN'SDEFENCE42. QUEEN'S GAMBJT DECLINED: (3) TARRASCHDEFENCEIn this variation, Black counter-attacks on his third move by playingP-QB4, thereby permitting his Queen's Knight to occupy QB3,~ more advanced position than Q2, His Queen's Pawn is usually~solated, but when properly defended it can become a strong point111 the game.

White BlackI. P-Q4 P-Q42. P-QB4 P-K33. Kt-QB31 P-QB44. BP x p2 KPxpa5. Kt-BJI Kt-QB36. P-KKt3 Kt-B37. B-Kt2 B-K2

This aggressive defence is hardly to Black's advantage, as his twoKnights will not be so useful in the end-game as White's twoBishops. However. White's two doubled Pawns are a weakness.It is nevertheless of considerable interest, and the several variationsgiven in the notes are all well worth studying.

White Black1. P--Q4 P-Q42. P-QB41 Kt-QB323.Kt-KB33 B--Kt54. Q-R4 BxKt5. KPxB P-K36. Kt-B3 B-Kt57. P-QR3 BxKt ch

(Continuing: 8. Castles, Castles. 9. P xP , B xP . 10. B-Kt5,P-Q5. 11.Kt-K4, B-K2; or 10.Kt-QR4 B-K2. 11.B-K3Kt-K5.) . , ,(Continuing: 8. PxB, KKt-K2. 9. R-QKtl, R-QKtl

(Alekhine v. Colle, 1925).)

ISh",u}d Whit~ .~evclop his !Cing'S instead of his Queen's Knight byJ. 1St. K83, Bla ck s best Teply IS 3..... Kt-KB3, leading to the Vienna~anatlon, thus; 4. B-Kt5, B-Kt5 ch, 5. Kl-BJ, P;; P. 6. P-K4; and (a)I-KR3. 7. B., Kt, Q., B. a. Q-R4 eh. Kt-B3. 9. P--QR3, B-R4: or(ll)O.... P-B4. 7. P-K5, h P. 8. Q-R4ch, Kl-B3. 9. Castles (QR), B-Q2.2 This move marks lhe Rubenstein Variation. The normal variation goes'4. P-KJ, Kt-KB3. 5. Kt-B3, KI-B3. 6. P-QR3, B-Q3. 7.Px BP, B,.;BP:3 T!le Dui.~berg Gambit goes: 4. .... ~~;< P. 5.' Q-R4 ch, 8-Q2.6. Q ..QP, P, P. 7. Q. < QP, Kt-QB3; but this IS not to Black's advantage.

B~I)1rshalrs Variation is: 5. P-K4, QP, P. 6. P---Q5, P-ll4. 7. B-Kt5 ch,

1An interesting variation goes: 2. Kt-KB3, P-K3. 3. P-B4, P-QR3.4. P-B5 ("Formerly this move was thought inferior, as Black may soonthreaten P-K4"-Reti). 4..... KI-QB3. 5. B-B4, KK1-K2. 6. Kt-B3,Kt-KtJ. 7. B-K3 (to prevent Black's P-K4), P-KI3 (Alekhine I'.Rubenstein, 1914)..2 Further variations here arc: 2... .. Kt-KB3. 3. Kt-KBJ. followed byeither (a) P-K3. 4. Kt-BJ, P-B4. 5. BP, P, KP . P. 6. B- Kl5, B-K3.7. B;~Kt, Q xB; or (b) 3..... B-B4. 4. Px P, Kt x P. S.QKt-Q2, Kt-KB3.6. Q--Kt3, Q-Bl. 7.P-K3, P~K3; or (c) 3..... P-B4. 4. HI' , 1', BP: P.5. QxP, Qi


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44. QUEEN'S GAMBIT DECLINED: (5) SLAV (ORCZECH) DEFENCEThis is one of the best defences for Black. His second move,P-QB3 (instead of P-K3), permits the free movement of hisQueen's Bishop. Whether Black accepts the Gambit on hi s fourthmove or not, he has a good chance of obtaining equality. TheMeran Variation (Note I) is also popular in tournaments, givingBlack a free game, though perhaps not so safe.

White BlackI.P-Q4 P-Q4,P-QB4 P-QB33. Kt-KB3 Kt-B314. Kt-B3~ PxP~5. P-QR4! B-B46. Kt-K55 P-K3n7. P-B3 B-QKt5

45. ALBIN COUNTER-GAMBITJ n this opening Black wishes neither to accept the Gambit nor tob:: confined to the close game that would otherwise follow. Blackshould not, however, attempt to regain the Gambit Pawn. Thisopening rmy be compared with the Falkbeer Counter-Gambit(NO'. 24), but the. latter is a much more forceful defence.

White BlackI. P-Q4 P-Q42. P-QB4 P-K43. QPXPl P-Q54, Kt-KBJ2 Kt-QB,."5. QKt-Q2~ B-KJ'~6. Kt-Kt3i; B-Kt5ch7 . J 3- -- .Q 2 Q-K2

(Continuing: 8.QKt x P, Kt x Kt. 9. Kt x Kt, Castles (QR).)(Continuing: 8.B-Kt5, P-KR3. 9. B x Kt, P x B; or 8. Kt x P(84), Castles. 9. B-Kt5, P-B4.) 1Or J. P-K3, P".:QP.4.KP-: P,Kt-KB3. 5. Kt-QBJ, D-K2. 6.Kl-D3,Castles. 7. B-K2, p., P.

2 Not 4. P-K3, because of 4..... B-Kt5 ch .. 5. D-Q2, P ,.: P. 6. D.


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FOURTH SERIES 47. STAUNTON GAMBIT (OR BLACKMAR ATTACK)This opening, although not much in favour at present, neverthelessproduces a good contest inwhich White canquickly launch a strongattack. The Benoni Counter-gambit (Note l) is also consideredbetter for White.

46. THE DUTCH DEFENCEBlack's first move in this defence is usually P-KB4, but as thispermits White to play 2. P-K4, offering the Staunton Gambit, itis safer to play in the order given in the text. Black keeps a back-ward centre with a view to attacking on the King's side. This leadsto a difficult but evenly balanced game.

White Black1. P-Q4 P-K31 . P-KKt31 P-KB43. B-Kt2 Kt-KB34. Kt-KB32 P-Q435. Castles B--Q36. P-B4 P-B37. P-Kt3 QKt-Q2

While Black1. P-Q4 P-KB412. P-K4 PxP3. Kt-QB3 Kt-KB34. B-KKt52 P-B335. B X Kl4. KPxB6. Kt xP Q-Kt37. Kt-BJ P-Q4

(Continuing: 8. Kt-B5, B x Kt. 9. P xB, Q x BP.10.Q-K2 ch,Q--K2.)

(Continuing: 8.B-Kt2, Castles. 9. QKt-Q2, Kt-K5.) 1Alternatively, Black call offer the Benoni Counter Gambit: 1. . . ..P-QB4. 2. .P-Q5, P-K4. 3.P-K4, P-Q3. 4. Kt-QB3, 8-K2. 5.B-Q3.ll--Kt4 .. 6 ..K t-;-BJ, ll:< B. 7. Q." B. Kt-KRJ. Should' Black reply I. ....P-Q4. II IS still possible for White to DIrer the Staunton Gambit, thus:2. P-K4, Px P. 3. P--:;.KB3,offering a second Pawn (a doubtful move), whichmay be accepted by J . p, P. 4. Ktx P, P-K3. 5. D-Q3. Kt-KB3.6. P-B3, P-QKtJ. 7. ll-K3, B-Kl2; or refused by J. . ... P-K4.4. B-KJ, P,: QP. 5. B ; '. P, Kt-QB3. 6. B-Kt5, B-Q2. 7. Kt-.B3, Q-Kt4.2 A b,old move here (played by Tartakower) is 4. P-KKt4, to which thereply might be: 4 ..... P-KRJ. 5. P-Kt5, P;


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49. TNDrAN DEFENCES: (2) 'NIMZOINDIAN,"ZURICH VARIATION48. INDIAN DEFENCES: (I) NIMZOWITSCH'SDEFENCE ("Nl MZOIN DIAN")The Indian Defences, derived from India, where the init ial doubleleap of the Pawn was not permitted, are most important,Nirnzowitsch's Defence (2..... P~K3 and 3..... B-Kt5) beingat present the most popular. Black's object isto prevent White fromestablishing a strong pawn centre by playing P-K4. White haschoice of five replies on his fourth move. Four arc given here, andthe fifth on p. 49.

White Black1. P-Q4 Kt-KB32. P-QB4 P-K33. Kt-QB3 B-Kt54. Q-Kt3L P-B4!!5. PxP Kt-B36. Kt-B3:1 Kt-K547. B-Q2 KtxQBP:i

The Zurich, or Milner-Barry, Variation, replying to 4. Q-B2 byKt~B3, is perhaps the most adventurous of the Indian Defences,and demands careful play. Three other replies to White's fourthmove are given in Note 1.White Brack

I. P~Q4 Kt-KB32. P-QB4 P-K33. Kt-QB3 B-Kt54. Q-B2 Kt~B315. Kt-B32 P-Q336. P-QR3'b B xKt ell7. QxB Castles"(Continuing: either 8. P-KKt3, R-Kt. 9. B-Kt2, P-K4.

10.P-Q5, Kt-K2. I!. Castles,P-QR4; or 8. P-QKt4, R-Kl.9.P-K3, P-K4. 10.Px P, Px P; or 8. P-K3, P-K4. 9. P x P,Px P. 10.Kt x P, Ktx Kt. II. Q xKt, R-Kl.)Continuing: 8. Q-B2, P-B4. 9. P-QR3, B xKt. 10. B xB,Castles. 11. P-QKt4, Kt-K5. 12. B-Kt2, P-QKt3.)lOr the Sa rnl sch Varia tion: 4. P-QRJ, U, KI ch. 5. p" E, P-B4, and

(a) 15.P-B3, P-Q4. 7. P-K3. Castles. 8. P . QP, Kt, P. 9. B----Q2.Kt-QB3.or (b) 6. P-KJ. Kt-B3. 7. B-QJ, p-QK13. R. Kl-K2, Castles, 9. I '-K4.Kt-K I. 10. Castles, P-Q3. 11. P-K5, ov - p. 12. P;.;KP. B-KL2(Lilienthal v. Najdorf, 1948). Preferable is Rubenstein's Continuation:4. P-K3, with (al P-Q4. 5. P-QR3. B-K2. 6.KI-B3, C>lstlcs. 7. P-QKt4.QKt---Q2. B. D-Kt2, 1'-133. 9. B-Q3. P' P. 10 . B HI', B---Q3 (Botvinnik" . Reshevsky , 1948). or (I 4 .. .. . Castles. 5. B-Q3, p-QKl3. 6. KKl-K2,B-Kt2. 7. Castles. I '-Q4. 8. I'-QR3, B-K2. but in this variation Whitecan play 5. P-QR3, B:::Ktch. 6. PB, R-Kl. 7. KI-K2, I'-K4.8. Kt-Kt3, I'-Q3. 9. B-K2, oKt---Q2. 10. Castles. 1'-B4 (Botvinnik r.Keres, 1948) , or (c) 4 ..... P-04. 5. P-QR3. B." Kt ell. 6. P: B, Kt-B3.7. B-Q3, Ca stle s. 8. KI-K2, P-QKr3. 9. P-K4. Kt-Kl. 10. B-K3,P-Q3 (Botvinnik v. Reshevsky, 1948) . While can also play 4. Kt-B3, 10which Black's safest reply is 4..... P-QKt3. 5. P-K3, l l-Kt2. 6. B-Q3,Kt-K5. 7. Q-1l2, P-KB4. 8. Castles, B. :Kt. 9. P 'c B, Castles.~A sound defence is 4..... Kt-B3. 5. Kt-B3, P-QR4. 6. P~QR3.P-H.5. 7. Q-B2, B ....Kt ch. 8. Q. B, P-R3. 9. P-Q5, P P. [0. P '. P,Kt-QR4. 11. P-Q6. p.: P. 12. B-B4, Cast les (K R) (Fine v. Re shevsky, 193~1.a Or 6. B--Kt5. P-K1U. 7. B-R4, B>,P. 8. P-K3, P-QKtJ. 9. B-K2.B-Kt2.1 Perhaps better is 6..... B, 1'. 7. B-Kt5. I'-KR3. 8. B > . Kt, Q" B.9. P-K3. P-.QKt3. 10.B-K2, B-Kt2. 11.Kt-K4. Q-K2.5 This is better than 7..... Kt x B. 8. K[ .: Kt, P-B4. 9. P-KJ, B.- P.lO.B--K2, Castles, II. Castles ~QR),P-QKtJ.

48

1 Instead of (he Zurich Variation, Black can choose either: (a) 4P-Q4, followed by either 5. P xl', Q : ': p. 6. P-K3, P-B4. 7. P~R']'B'~ Kt ch. S._P;, B, Castles. 9. Kt-B3, P/ P. 10.BP;, P, P-QKt3. [J. B-B4:Q-B3. or J. P-QR3, B.:KLCh.. 6. QxB, KI-K5. 7. Q-B2, P-QB4:(b ) 4..... P-B4: 5. P: P, and either 5..... B :':P. 6. P-QRJ. Kt-B3.7. P-QKI4. B--K2. 8. J5..t-B3, P-QKtJ, or 5..... Kt-B3. 6. Kt-B3.B> P. 7. B-Kt5, Kt-Q"I. 8. Kt Kt. B, Kl. 9. I '-K3. Q-R4. 10.1'> B.Q C" s, or after 7.B-KI5. P-QKG. 8.P-K3. B-Kt2: 9.B-K2, B-K1.10. Castles (KR). R-QBI. 11. QR-Ql. P-Q3; (e) 4..... Castles. 5. B-Kt5,P-KRJ. 6. B-R4, P-B4. 7. p~P, KL-R3. 8. I'-K3, KL< P. 9. KKt-K~1'-Q4. 10. Castles (QR), B-Q2. 11. Po; P , R-B I (Euwe v. Keres, (948). -,2 Or 5. P-KJ, P-K4. with either (a) 6. P-Q5. Kt-K2, 7.K!-B3,B'/ K~ch. 8. Q . B, P-Q3. 9. B-K2, Castles. 10. Castles, Kt-K5 (Keres r.

AJekhme, 1936), or (b) 6. 1 ' . P, Kt x P. 7. B-Q2, I'-Q3. 8. P-QR3,B.


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51. KING'S INDIAN DEFENCE: (2) GRUNFELD'SDEFENCE50. KING'S INDIAN DEFENCE (1)This defence was developed chiefly by Reti and Euwe, but owingto the strength of White's Fianchetto reply, it is not n~w playedso often in tournaments. After a King's Fianchetto, castling on theKing's side may become dangerous if the Bishop ~smoved frol?Kt2 while the opponent has a Knight to play to hi s R6. For thisreason, a Queen's Fianchetto is perhaps preferable.White Black

I.P~4 Kt-KB3,P~B41 P~KKt3.. .J. Kt-QB3~ B-Kt24. P-K4 P-Q35. P-KKt33 Castles-O.B-Kt2 QKt-Q27. Kt-B3 P-K4

This is considered Black's best variation in the King's IndianDefence. Black plays 3. . ... P--Q4 instead of placing his Pawnsat Q3 and K4,counter-attacking strongly on White's centre. Afterexchanging Pawns there should be a very even game.

While BlackI. P-Q4 Kt-KB32 . P-QB4 P-KKt3J. Kt-QBJl P-Q44. B-B42 B----Kt25. P-IO Castles6. Q-Kt3 P-B337.Kt-8J Pxpj

(Continuing: 8. Castles, R-Kl. 9. P-Q5, Kt-D4.)(Continuing: 8. B x P, QKt-Q2. 9. Cast les (KR), Kt-Kt3.10.B-K2, 8~K3.)

1Tarta kower gives the following va ria tions in t~is ope ning: 2. Kt-KB3,P-KKLl. (aJ Cont inu ing with a corresponding Fianchetto d~velop~cn.t b,~White: 3. P-KKt3, B-Kt2. 4. B-KI2, ~-Q4 (compare with Grunle ld ~Defence, No. 51J . 5. P-B4, P-BJ. 6. P-KI3, Cast!es. 7. Castles, Kt-K5,(b) without a Fianchetto by White: J. P-B4, B-Ktl. 4. Kt-B3, Castles,5. P-K4, P-QJ. 6. B-K2, QKt-Q2. 7. Castles, P-K4.2 Here is an interesting variation: 3. P-83, P-Q4. 4. P x P, K I, p.5. P-K4, KI-Kt3. 6. Kt-B3, B-Kt2. 7. B-;K3, Castles (Alekhine r,

Bogoljubov, 1931).a If White docs not wish to Fianchetto his King's Bishop. he rn_ay play:ta) 5, Kt-B3, Castles. 6. 8-K2,QKt-Q2.7. Castles, P-K4; or (b) . ,p-fi3,Castles. 6. B-K3, P-K4. 7. KKt-K2, Kt-B3. 8. Q-Q2, Kt-Q2; or the

Four Pawns Advance: 5. P-B4, Castl es 6. Kt-BJ, P-B4. 7. P:--cP, Q-R4.4 A variation suggested by Alekhine is 5 ..... P-K4. 6. p . 1', I'x P.7 Q) ( Q ch, K ' c Q, simplifying the game to.Black's advantage.

1 Should While a lso adopt the Fianchetto of h is Kine 's Bishop. Black canstill develop his Pawn at Q4, thus: 3. p~KKt3, B-Kit 4. B-KI2, P-Q4,and either 5. Pc':P, KD' P. 6. K[-QB3. xr - KL 7. P {Kt. P--QB4. Or5. Kt-QB3, P,."P. 6. Q--R4 ch, KKt-Q2. 7. P-Q5, Castles. 8. Q,. BP,Kt-K4. .2 Here White has the choice of several continuations: ('I) 4. P.> P, Kt : P.5. P-K4, K( 'x Kt. 6. Px Kl, P--QB4. 7. Kt-B3, B-Kt2; (b) 4. Q-KtJ(Botvinnik's move), P-B3 (or as below). 5. K[-BJ. B-KI2. 6. j>" P, P>: P.7. B-Kt5, KI-B3, but it is perhaps better for Black [0 accept Whi te 's Pawn,thus, 4..... P" P. 5. Q '. SP. B-K3. 6. Q-Kt5 ell. KI-B3. 7. Kt-B3,Kt-Q4 (Feigin I'. Flohr. 1937).or after 5. Q ' BP, ll-Kt2. 6. Kt-B3. Castles.7. P-K4, ll-Kt5. 8. B~K3. KKt-Q2; (r) 4. P-K3, B-Kt2. 5. KL-BJ.

Castles. 6. Q-KL1, P-33. 7. B.-QZ. P-KIJ; (d) 4. Kt-B3, B-KL2.5. Q-KI3, p . ;P. 6. Q/ BP, Castles . 7 . P-K4, B-Kt5. 8. B-K3, KKt-Q2(Botvinnik 1. Srnyslov, 1948).3 Or 6..... P-B4. 7. DP . P, P:cJ). 8. P x 1', QKt-Q2 (Lowenfisch r,Botvinnik, 1937).1 An interesting alternative here is 7..... Q-R4. 8. Kt~Q2, QKt-Q2.9. B-K2, R-KT (Lissitzin r. Romanovsky, 1935).

50 51


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53. BOGOLJUBOV'S DEFENCE52. QUEEN'S INDIAN DEFENCEIn this defence Black plays a Queen's Fianchetto to which Whiteusually replies with a King's Fianchetto, the two Bishops operatingacross each other's diagonals, both striving for control of the centre.The power of the Bishops iscertainly greater on these long diagonalsthan when employed nearer the centre, while the Knights are morepowerful in the middle of tbe board.

While Black1. P-Q4 Kt-KB32. P--QB4~ P~K33.Kt-KB3 P-QKt34. P-KKt32 B-Kt25. B-Kt2 B-Kt5 ch"6. B-Q2 B xBch7. Q xB-lo Castles

This variation of the Indian Defences, in its several developments,is a highly complicated opening, demanding very careful play byboth sides. The Budapest Gambit, given in Note 1, is an attemptby Black to gain the initiative, but White can usually maintain hisinitial advantage.

White BlackI. P-Q4 Kt-KB32 . P-QB4 P-K31J. Kt-KB3 B--Xt5 ch24. B~Q2 Q-K235. P-QR34- BxBch6. Q xB P--Q37. Kt-B3 P-K4

(Continuing: 8. P-Q5, QKt--Q2. 9. P-K4, P--QR4.)(Continuing: 8. Kt-B3, P-Q3. 9. Q-B2, Q-K2, 10. Castles(KR), QKt-Q2; or 8. Kt-B3, Kt-K5. 9. Q-B2, Kt xKI.10. Kt-Kt5, Kt-K5.)

I If Black play 2. .... P-K4 (Budapest Gambit). White can accept by3. I'.',P, KI-Kt5, with choice of three continuations, (a) 4. B--B4, QKt-B3.5. K[.-K1l3, B--=-Kt5ch. 6. QKt--Q2, Q-K2. 7. 1'--QR3. KKt x P; (b)4~P-K4, Kty KP. 5. P-B4, KKt-BJ. 6. ll-K3, B-Kt5 ch. 7. Kt-B3,Castles: and (L-J 4 Kt-KB3, B-B4. 5. P-K3. QKt-B3. 6. B-K2,KK!;. KP.,7. Kt . Kl, K! . Kt, White can decline the Gambit by playing3. P-K3, 1< P. 4. PoP, P-Q4, which leads to a fairly even game.2 An inverted form of Queen's G~mbit declined can be had if Black play1..... P-Q4. 4. Kt-ll3 ..B-K20 ;). B-K.tS, QKt-Q2. 6. P-KJ, Castles.7. R-BI, P-B3, resulting III the same posiuon as in the Orthodox Defence,p.40.a Black can simplify the game by 4..... B ; Bch. 5. QKt)( E, P-Q3.6. P-KJ, Castles. 7. B--Q3. Kt-B3. 8. Castles, P-K4. with a level game.b Or 5. P-KKt3, P-QKt). 6. B-Kt2, B-Kt2. 7. Castles, B x B.K. OKt B, P-QJ.

I If White delay the advance of his QBP. Black can play the Fianchettoimmediately. thus: 2. Kt-KBJ, P-QK!3. 3. P-KK!3, B-KL2. 4. B-KL2.P-84. S. Castles, P, P. 6. Kt x P, B", B. 7. K x B, P-KtJ (or Kl-B3),w.ith an alternative for While at the fifth OlOVe, So P-B4, p .. P. 6. Q ~'.P.P-KtJ. 7. Castles, B--K12.2 If White does not wish to Fianchetto his KB, he can play 4. Kt-llJ,D-Kl2. S. B-Kl5, P-K RJ. 6. B--R4, B-K2. 7. P-K3. Kt-K5, witha variation lor White at llisfifth move, 5. Q-B2, B-Kt5. 6. P-QR3.B x Kl ch. 7. Q >~D, Kt-K5. 8. Q-l32, Castles.3 Perhaps safer for Black is 5 B-K2. 6. Castles, Castles. 7. Kt-D3.KL-K5 (or Nimzowitsch's move, 7 P-Q4, followed by 8. Kt-K5.P-B3). 8 . Q-B2, Kt .. Kt. 9. QxK r, P-Q3 (Euwe v. Keres, ]940). ShouldBlack play 5 ..... P-E4. this is countered b y 6. P-Q5, P:< P. 7. Kt-R4,P-Kt3. 8. Kt-B3, B-Kt2. 9. Castles, Castles.~This is a better move than 7. QKl . n, I'-B4. 8. Castles, Castles. 9.Q-B2.Kt-B3.10. I'd', P",P.

52 Er o 53


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55. TCHlGORIN'S DEFENCE4. CATALAN SYSTEMThis very recent development in modern openings comprises boththe Queen's Gambit Declined and a King's Fianchetto byWhite, asin the Reti-Zukertort Opening (No. 59), from which it can also bedeveloped. This is another very difficult opening, hardly suitablefor the novice 1

Black's second move in the usual variation of this opening (P-Q3)shuts in his King's Bishop, and he plays a delayed Fianchettoof his Queen's Bishop. The variation given in Note I, with a King'sFianchetto, is probably better for him. At the foot of this page aresome interesting irregular replies to P--Q4.White Black White Black

I. P-Q41 Kt-ICB3 1. P-Q4 Kt-KB32. P_QB42 P-K3 2. P-QB4 P-Q33. Kt-KB33 P-Q4 3. Kt-QB3 QKt-Q2t4. P-KKt3 B-K2 4. P-K4 P-K45. B-Kt2 Castles+ 5. Kt-B32 B---X26. Castles P-B4 6. P-KKt33 Castles7. PxQP KtxP 7.8-Kt2 P-B3

(Continuing: 8. P-K4, Kt-Kt3. 9. Kt-B3, P x P. 10.Kt x P,Kt-B3.)

(Continuing: 8. Castles, Q-B2. 9. P-KR3, R-KI. 10.B-K3,B-BI. II. K-R2, P-QKt3. 12.R-QBt, B-Kt2.)1The Catalan System can also arise from the Reti Gambit Declined (Open-ing No. 61) , as fol lows: I.Kt-KB3, P---Q4. 2. P-84, P-K3. 3. P-KKt3,Kt~KB3. 4, B-Kt2, B-K2. 5. Castles, Castles, 6. P---Q4, QKt-Q2-

7. Kt-B3, P-B3.2 The following opening, played in 1926, foreshadowed the Catalan System:2. Kt-KB3, P-K3. 3_P-KKt3, P-B4. 4. p-B4, P.':I' 5. Kt" P, P--Q4.6. B-Kt2, P-K4. 7. Kt-KB3, P-K5 (Lasker v, Capablanca).3 Or 3. P-KKt3. P--Q4. 4.B-Ktl, P>: P. 5.Q-R4 ch,B-Q2. G.Q~.BP.B-B3. 7, Kt-KIi3, QKt-Q2. 8 . KI-QB3, Kt-Kt3_ 9, Q-Q3. B-1


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FIFTH SERIES 57. BIRD'S OPENING

This opening is so called from Staunton's success with it in a matchagainst Saint Amant in Paris in 1843,and from its popularity atthe London Tournament in 1851. In the text given here, both sidesplay their Pawns at least five times in the first seven moves! Severalimportant early variations are given in the notes.

H. E. Bird, the famous British amateur of mid-Victorian days, wasa pioneer in unusual openings. Although he won many games withthis one, it is considered by most Masters to be unsound, as Whiteweakens his King's castled position with his first move. Bird wasone of the earliest enthusiasts of the Queen's Fianchetto develop-ment.

56. THE ENGLISH OPENING

White Blackt. P-QB4 Kt-KJl312. Kt-QB32 P-K3~3. P-K4 P-Q44. P-K5 P-Q55. PxKt PxKt6. KtPxp4 QxBP7. P-Q4 P-B4

WhiteI. P-KB4"l P-K32J. Kt~KB34. P-QKt35. B-Kt26. B-Q37. Castles

BlackP-Q41Kt-KB3~P-QB44P-K3B-Q3P-QR3Kt-B3

(Continuing: 8. P-B4, Px P. 9. Bx BP, Castles.)(Continuing: 8. Kt-B3, P----KR3.9. B-K2, P xP. 10. P x P,B-Kt5 ch.) IThe Swiss Gambit is played thus: 1 . . ... P~KB4. 2. P-K4. p., P.3. Kt-QB3. Kt~KB3. 4. P-KKt4 ..P-KKl3. 5. P-Kl5, Kt-R4. 6. P-Q3.P~Q4. 7. B~K2, Kt-K12. There IS an arnusmg trap in this variati on, butunlikely to catch any but the young innocent : i f While play 3. Q~R5 ch,P-KKLJ. 4. B-K2, Black must not reply by 4..... P r; Q. for 5. B..P mate!

~Here is an alternative from a game played in 1859: 2. Kt-KB3, Kl~QB3..1. 1>~Q4, 8~KB4. 4. P-K3, P-QR3. 5. B~Q3, Kl~KR3. 6. Kt-QB3P-K3. 7. P---QR3. B., 8 (Bird I'. Falkbeer), '3 Or 2 ..... P-K3. 3.K l-KB:l, Kt-KB3. 4. P-QKl3, B-K2. 5. B-Kt2.P-QR3. 6. B-K2, P-QB4. 7. Castles. Kt----QB3. Black may adopt aFianchetto Defence. playing 2. .... P-KKt3. 3. Kl-KB3. B-Kt2.4. P-QB3. P-KJ. 5. B-Q3, K t-KlU. 6. B - - Q . B2 Castles 7 Castles

P-OB4. .. ,L 1\ 11 important variation. introduced by Sc hlec ht er, is: 3 ..... B-Kt5.4. B-K2. B x Kt. 5. B , B,QKt----Q2. 6. P-84, P-K3. 7. p:.; p. p P.

1A good reply tor Black is I. .... P-K4. leading to an inverted SicilianDe~ence. thus : .2. Kt-QB3, Kt-KB3, and (


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Arising out of Bird's Opening, this Gambit is rather a riskyadventure. Black's loss of his King's and Queen's Pawns so earlyin the game gives White an advantage in the centre which Black'sattack on the King's side is usually too weak to counteract, How-ever, if played as in the text , a level game may be obtained bya careful and accurate continuation. As in the English Opening,too many of the early moves are made by the Pawns.

59. RETl-ZUKERTORT OPENINGThis very modern opening should not be attempted until the playerhas a full understanding of the "close" game. In the first moves,each player prevents his opponent from playing P-K4, and adoptsthe Fianchetto of his King'sBishop. The symmetrical developmentis only possible as no immediate threat is given.

58. PROM'S GAMBIT

Wlrite Black1. P-KB4 P-K42. PxP P-Q33. PXPl BxP4. Kt-KB32 P-KKt435. P-Q4'~ P-Kt56. Kt-K5;; BxKt7. PxB QxQch

White BlackI. Kt-KB3 Kt-KB32. P-B41 P_B42J. P-KKt3:1 P-KKt344. B-Kt2 B-Kt25. Kt-B3 Kt-B36. P-Q3 P-Q37. B-K3 Castles

(Continuing:8.K xQ, Kt-QB3. 9,Kt-B3, B-K3. 10.B-Kt5.P-QR3.)

(Continuing:8.Q-BI, R-Kl. 9.P-KR3, B-Q2 (Tartakower'sanalysisj.)1Reti's variation of Zukertort's opening. White can also play Nirnzowitsch'sAttack, thus: 2. P-QKt3, P-Q4. 3. B--Kt2, P-B4. 4. P-K3, Kt-B3.5. B--Kt5, Q--Kt3. 6. B >. . Kt ch, Qx B. 7. P-Q3, P-KKt3. 8. QKt-Q2,B-Kt2: or a Double Fianchetto, 2. P-KKt3, P~Q4. 3. B-Kt2, 8--B4.4. P-Kt3; QKt-Q2. 5. B--Kt2, P-K3. 6. Castles,B-Q3. 7. P-B4, 1'-B3.8, P-Q3, Castles. 9. Kt-B3, P-KR3. 10. P-K4, B-R2. 11. KPx P,KP -:P. 11. P x. P, P" P; or Santasierc's opening (c ompare with the PolishOpening. No. 66), 2. P-QKt4, P-KKtJ. 3. P---Q4, B-Kt2. 4. P-K3,Ca~Ues.5. QKt-Q2, P-QR4. 6. P-Kt5, P-Q3. 7. B--K2, QKt--Q2.S. Castles, P--K4.2 Black Canplay 2..... P-KKt3.3. P-QKt4, B--Kt2. 4. B-K12, Castles,~. P-Kt3, P-'---KtJ. 6. B-Kt2, B-Kt1. 7. Castles, P-Q3; or 2..... P-K3.3. P-KKt3, P-Q4. 4. P-Kt3, P-B4. 5. B--KKt2, Kt-B3. 6. Castles,

B--K2. 7. P-Q3, Castles (Capablanca v. Marshall, 1925).~ Or 3. P-Q4, 1'"P. 4. Kt '.; P, P-K4. 5. Kt-Kt5, B-Kt5 ch. 6. B-Q2,B '.,B ch. 7 .Q' B, Castles (Capablanca 1. Torres, 1929); or 3. P-Q4, P x P.4. Kty P, P-Q4. 5. P~:P, Kt~


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60. THE RETI GAMBIT ACCEPTED 61. THE RETI GAMBIT DECLINEDBlack has the choice of three different moves in declining theGambit. 2. . ... P--QB3 is probably the best, but the other twodevelopments given in Note 1 also lead to keen contests inwhichthe wits of both players have to be exerted constantly.

Instead of the symmetrical development in the previous opening,Black immediately occupies the centre with his Queen's Pawn, andWhite challengeshim with hisQueen's Bishop's Pawn. Black acceptsthe Gambit, and White prepares to recover the Pawn byKt-QR3.White has then three variations to choose from, and all lead to verydifficult and complicated games. White could, of course, revert tothe Queen's Pawn Game on his second move by playing P-Q4.

White BlackI. Kt-KB3 P-Q42. P-B41 PxP3. Kt-R32 P-K434. KtxKP BxKt5. Q-R4ch P-QKt46. QxB B-Kt247.P-K3 Q-Q3 (Continuing; 8. QKt-Q2, Q-K2. 9. Castles, Castles (KR).

10.R-Kl, P-K4 (A. Kevitz I'. Capablanca, 1931).)

White Black1. Kt-KB3 P-Q42. P-B4 P-QB313. P-QKt32 B-B44. B-Kt2 Kt-B335. P-Q3 P-K36. P-Kt3 QKt-Q27. B-Kti B--Q3

(Continuing; 8. Q xQ, PxQ. 9. Kt-B3, Kt-QB3.) 1 Variations here are: (al 2..... P-K3. 3. P-KKt3. Kt-KB3. 4. B-Kt2,B-Q3. 5. Castles, Castles. 6. P-Kt3, R-KI. 7. B-Kt2. QKt-Q2 (seealsoCatalan System, No. 54); and (b) 2..... P-Q5. 3. P-QKt4, P-KKt3.4. P-IO, P-QR4. 5. P-Kt5, P-QB4. 6. P;


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The following irregular openings, now rarely played, are added,not because we recommend them, but because they may sometimesrepay study by enabling a player to steal a game from an opponentwho fails to find an adequate reply. Their chief danger is that Blackmay more easily gain control of the centre, while they often resultII I White losing the advantage of the first move.

2. B-Kt2 P-Q314. B-K2 Kt-Q26. P-QR3 P-QB48. Q-Q2 Q xBP

I. P-QKt4 P-K43.P-K3 B-B45. P-Q3 P-Q47. PxP Q-R4ch9. Kt-KB3 B-Q3

1 If2..... P-KB3. 3. P-K4, B ,< P. 4. B-B4, Kt-K2.

NO. 62. VANT KRUYS OPENING NO. 67. ANDERSSENS OPEN1NGI. P-K3 P-KB413. P--Q4 Kt-KB35. P-Q5 Q-B27.B-Kl Castles

IIf I. .... P-K4. 2. Kt-QB3, P-Q4.

2. P-QB4 P-K34.P-B4 P-B46. Kt-KB3 B-K28. Castles P-QKt3

1. P-QR3 P-Q413. B-Kt5 ch Kt-QB35. P-Q4 P-B57. B x Kt ch Px B9.Kt-Kl B-Q3

2. P-K3 P-QB44. Kt-KB3 P-K36. Castles P-QR38. Kt-B3 Kt-B310. P-B4 Castles

NO. 63. THE SARAGOSSA OPENING1 If 1. .... P-K4. 2. P-QB4 leads to an inverted Sicilian Defence.

NO. 68. THE QUEENS KNIGHT'S OPENINGJ. P-QB3 P-QB413. P-K4 Kt-KB35. Kt-B3 P-Q37. PxP BxP

2. P-Q4 P-K34. P-K5 Kt-Q46. KPxP BxP8. B-Kt5 eh B-Q2

1. Kt-QB33. QKt-K25. P-Q37. P-KB4

P-Q41P-K4Kt-QB3PxPt If 1. . .. . P~Q4. 2. P-Q4, Kt-KB3. 3. B-Kt5, P-QKt3. 4. Kt-Q2,B-Kt2.

2. P-K44. Kt-Kt36. P-QR38. BxP

P-Q5B-K3P-KKt3B-Q3

NO. 64 . KING'S FIANCHETTO OPENING1 If 1. ... . P-K4. 1. P-K4 transposes to the Vienna Game, but in thiscase 2. P-Q4 should give Black a better game.

I. P-KKt3 P-K4J. P-Q3 P-KB415. Kt-QB3 B-Kt57. P-K3 Castles

2. B-Kt2 P-Q44 . P-KB4 Kt-QB36. B-Q2 Kt-B38. KKt-K2 P-K5 "The good player is alwaysable to give a satisfactorybecause'to the plain 'why' when his move is questioned."

C. TOMLINSON1f 3..... KI-KB3. 4. P-KB4, P" P. 5. QB -:P, B--Q3. 6. D-K!5,P-B3.

NO. 65. QUEENS FIANCHETTO OPENINGI. P-QKt3 P-K43. P-K31 P--Q45. Kt-Kt3 B-K37. B-K2 B-Q3

2. B-Kt2 P-KB34. Kt-K2 Kt-KR36. P-QB4 P-B38. Castles CastleslOr 3. P-K4, B--B4. 4. B-B4, Kt-K2.

6 2 63


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Figures in bold type refer to the main openingsINDEX

Damiano's Defence, 15Danish Gambit, [0, Ul,19Deutsche Schachzei tung, 55Dragon Varia ti on (Sic ili an Defence),28,29DUFRESN E, Jean (19lb Century), 2Dui sberg Gambit , 42Duras Variation (Ruy Lopez) , 7Dutch Defence , 46

ALAPfN, Simon, 13, 30Alapin' s Open ing . 13Alapin' s Varia ti on (Sic ili an Defence),30ALA TORTSEV, Vladimir(b. 1909), 37,55Albin Counter-Gambit, 45ALEKHINE, Dr. Alexandre (1892-1946), 9, 19, 25, 28, 34, 36, 39, 4l,4J, 44, 49, 50, 61Alekhine's Defence, viii, 34. 28Alekhine's Variation (Slav Defence), 44ALEXANDER, C. H. O'D., 6, 9ALLGAIER, Johann (1763--11:123), 16,20Al lgai er Gambit, 20ANDERSSEN, Professor Adolph(1818-79),2, 6, 22, 62Andersson's Opening, 63

Benon i Counter-Gambi t, 47Berger' s Move (Ruy Lopez) , 6Berlin Defence (Ruy Lopez), 8Ber lin Defence (Bishop's Open ing ), 17BIRD, Henry Edward (1830-1908), vi,~, 22, 57, 58Bird's Defence (Ruy Lopez), 8Bird' s Opening, 57, 58Bishop 's Opening, 14, 17Bishop 's Gambit , 22BLACKBU RNE, Joseph Henry(1841-1924),8,9Hlackmar Attack, 47! lODEN, Samuel (1826-1882) , 14B(.l,(\\!nKiescritzki Gambit, 14BOOK. E., 6BOGOLJUBOV, Ewtlm D. (f). IS89),I. 9. 39,50, 5).60Bogoljubov's Defence, 53Bngnljuhov's Reply (Giuoco Piano), 1BOTVINNIK. Michael Moisiavitch (b.19[ 1) (\"lorld Chess Champion,1948) , 34, 4B, 51BOURDONNAIS, Louis C M. de Ia(]795-1B40),38Brentano 's Defence, 21Breviary oj Chen, by Tartakower, 22,56

BREYER, Jul ius (1893-1921), vi, 21,38Breyer Gambit, 2 1.Budapest Gambit, 53Calab rese Counter-Gambi t, 17Cambridge Spr ings Defence (Queen'sGambi t Declined) , 41CANAL, E., ICanal Varia tion (Giuoco Piano) , 1CAPABLANCA, Jose Raoul ([888-1942), vii, 5,6,7, 14,23,37, 54,55, 59,60,61CARLS, C, 59Cam's Defence (Ponziau i' s Opening ),IICaro-Kann Defence, 27Castling, viiiCatalan System, 54, 61Centre Counter Game, 18, :11Centre Gambit, 18, 19Centre Game, 18, 31CHAROUSEK, Rudolf (1873-1900), 8Charousek's Variation (Ruy Lopez),

8Chatarr l At tack, 2

openings for progressive players

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