Exeter Chess Club

Playing with Black Pieces in E-Pawn Games

An Exeter Junior Chess Club booklet
Edition 2.9, April, '95

-----

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kasparov/Keene, Batsford Chess Openings

Levy/Keene, An Opening Repertoire for the Attacking Club Player

Walker, Chess Openings for Juniors

Various magazines and other books

-----

File in PGN format

2nd half in PGN format


I. Introduction

Vienna Game Bishop's Opening King's Gambit Centre Game
2. Nf3 Cordel Exchange Lopez Four Knights
Open Morphy Archangel

The two general opening rules are:

What does this mean in the E-pawn openings?

PLAN 'A' FOR WHITE:

You can see that the move d4 may do both: after ...exd4, cxd4 Black's centre pawn has disappeared and White has the perfect pawn centre. This is the worst case for Black.

PLAN 'A' FOR BLACK:

Both sides may be able to maintain the E-pawn centre with pawns on e4/e5, or these may disappear and both sides have a central D-pawn (d4/d5). Lastly, all four central pawns may vanish. In each case Black should have equal play.

if White doesn't do much, grab as much of the centre as you can.

Again, the move ...d5 often forms part of Black's plans. If Black can play this in safety, you will usually have equalised at least.

E-pawn Centre D-pawn Centre Vanished Centre
With or without the d-pawns the natural break is f4/...f5, and either side can hope to plant a Knight on f4/f5. The open e-file usually means exchanges of the heavy pieces, as neither side can afford to abandon control of the file. The right square to plonk a Knight is e4/e5. With both files open exchanges are likely, and unless one side can seize the centre by force, or has the two bishops, play is drawish.

So, let's have a look at some variations.



I.A. II. Analysis

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3
tSlDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBqKb+r
The most common and probably the best move here, but there are alternatives. We divide this booklet into:

III. Less usual tries for White

III.A. The Vienna Opening, 2. Nc3

tSlDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-N-+-+-
pPpP-PpP
R-BqKbNr
This old move is not bad: it threatens nothing but holds up Black's ...d5, and leaves open the possibility of 3. f4. How should Black reply?

2... Nf6

This is RULE 1: Develop as fast and as actively as you can.

White has several choices here:

are common.

III.A.1. VIENNA GAMBIT, 3. f4

tSlDjL-T
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-S-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+pP-+
+-N-+-+-
pPpP-+pP
R-BqKbNr
3... d5

And this is RULE 2: Keep hold of your share of the centre, or hit back with ...d5.

Now you should get an equal game, although, as always, you must be careful.

4. fxe5

4... Nxe4
tSlDjL-T
XxX-+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+xP-+-
-+-+s+-+
+-N-+-+-
pPpP-+pP
R-BqKbNr
5. d3

-+-+tTj+
XxXd+-Xx
-+s+-L-+
+-+x+l+-
-+-PsB-+
+-Pb+n+-
pP-+n+pP
R-+q+rK-

Now after 5. d3 Black can simplify carefully and gain equality:

tSlDjL-T
XxX-+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+xP-+-
-+-+s+-+
+-Np+-+-
pPp+-+pP
R-BqKbNr
5... Nxc3 6. bxc3 d4

7. Nf3 Nc6 8. cxd4 Nxd4

t+l+j+-T
XxX-+-Xx
-+-+-X-+
+-+-P-+-
-+-+-+-+
+-Pp+p+-
p+-+-K-P
R-+-+b+r

t+lDjL-T
XxX-+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-P-+-
-+-S-+-+
+-+p+n+-
p+p+-+pP
R-BqKb+r
9. c3 Nxf3+ 10. Qxf3 c6 11. d4 Qh4+ 12. g3 Qg4 13. Bg2 Qxf3 14. Bxf3 Be6

with a level endgame; not much chance for Black to win in this line I'm afraid. Return

III.A.2. VIENNA GAME with 3. g3

tSlDjL-T
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-S-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-N-+-P-
pPpP-P-P
R-BqKbNr
This line was fashionable amongst masters a few years ago. White isn't doing much, so just follow Rules One and Two. First develop:

3... Bc5 4. Bg2 O-O 5. d3 Re8

Then hit back with ...d5.

6. Nge2 c6 7. O-O d5 8. exd5 Nxd5 9. Kh1 Bg4 =

tS-Dt+j+
Xx+-+xXx
-+x+-+-+
+-LsX-+-
-+-+-+l+
+-Np+-P-
pPp+nPbP
R-Bq+r+k
with a level game, as in Portisch - Toran, 1961.

Return

III.A.3. VIENNA GAME with 3. Bc4

tSlDjL-T
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-S-+
+-+-X-+-
-+b+p+-+
+-N-+-+-
pPpP-PpP
R-BqK-Nr
If White plays this I recommend you reply

3... Nc6

tSlDjL-T
XxXx+xXx
-+-S-+-+
+-+-X-+q
-+-+-+-+
+bN-+-+-
pPpP-PpP
R-B-K-Nr

t+lDjL-T
XxXx+xXx
-+s+-S-+
+-+-X-+-
-+b+p+-+
+-N-+-+-
pPpP-PpP
R-BqK-Nr
4. d3 Bb4 5. Nf3 d6 6. O-O Bxc3 7. bxc3 Na5

8. Bb3 Nxb3 9. cxb3

t+lDj+-T
XxX-+xXx
-+-X-S-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+pPp+n+-
p+-+-PpP
R-Bq+rK-
When play is level.

Return

III.B. Bishop's Opening, 2. Bc4

tSlDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+b+p+-+
+-+-+-+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBqK-Nr
This became fashionable as a way of avoiding the PETROFF. The right move is:

2... Nf6

Now White's most common move is:

3. d3

tS-Dj+-T
Xx+-LxXx
-+x+lS-+
+-+x+-B-
-+bQ-+-+
+-N-+n+-
pPp+-PpP
+-KrR-+-

tSlDjL-T
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-S-+
+-+-X-+-
-+b+p+-+
+-+p+-+-
pPp+-PpP
RnBqK-Nr
3... Nc6 4. Nf3

This transposes to a quiet line of the ITALIAN (Giuoco Piano/Two Knights) group of openings.

4... Be7 5. O-O O-O 6. Bb3

t+lD-Tj+
XxXxLxXx
-+s+-S-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+b+p+n+-
pPp+-PpP
RnBq+rK-
Having developed quickly, you are now ready for:

6...d5 7. exd5 Nxd5 8. Re1 Bg4 9. h3

t+-D-Tj+
XxX-LxXx
-+s+-+-+
+-+sX-+-
-+-+-+l+
+b+p+n+p
pPp+-Pp+
RnBqR-K-
Now, the book line goes:

9... Bh5 10. g4 Bg6 11. Nxe5 Nxe5 12. Rxe5,

when BCO2 gives:

12...Nb6! =

t+-D-Tj+
XxX-LxXx
-S-+-+l+
+-+-R-+-
-+-+-+p+
+b+p+-+p
pPp+-P-+
RnBq+-K-
Dolmatov - Chekhov, 1981.

This is a move Gary Lane ignores in his popular book.

t+-D-Tj+
XxX-LxXx
-+s+-+-+
+-+sX-+-
-+-+-+l+
+b+p+n+p
pPp+-Pp+
RnBqR-K-
But Lane does suggest the magnificent mess starting:

9... Bxf3

e.g.

10. Qxf3 Nd4 11. Qxd5

Qxd5 12. Bxd5 Nxc2

If you prefer this sort of game, this is a nice try.


III.C. The King's Gambit, 2. f4

tSlDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+pP-+
+-+-+-+-
pPpP-+pP
RnBqKbNr
Emanuel Lasker, world champion after Steinitz, said that gambit pawns should always be taken if you haven't broken any opening rules. He adds, you take them, not to hang on to them, but to make your opponent waste time and energy getting the pawn back. Meanwhile, you can develop and prepare to hit back.

This is good advice, but just as in the VIENNA Gambit, we will also look quickly at a line with ...d5.
2... d5 3. exd5

Now you can try the relatively unanalysed 3...c6

tSlDjLsT
XxX-+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+pX-+-
-+-+-P-+
+-+-+-+-
pPpP-+pP
RnBqKbNr
The NIMZOVITCH Counter-Gambit; 3...e4 is the old FALKBEER Counter-Gambit. Either way you get a good gambit line of your own against the KING'S Gambit.

But Lasker would undoubtedly play:

2... exf4

Now White has two main ways of continuing:

III.C.1. KING'S BISHOP Gambit, 3. Bc4

tSlDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+b+pX-+
+-+-+-+-
pPpP-+pP
RnBqK-Nr
Black can play simply

3... Nf6 (RULE 1)

4. Nc3 c6 (RULE 2)

with good chances.

Return

III.C.2. KING'S KNIGHT Gambit, 3. Nf3

I have always liked 3... Be7
tSlDj+sT
XxXxLxXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-+pX-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-+pP
RnBqKb+r
This CUNNINGHAM Variation reinforces the ancient weakness on the e1-h4 diagonal, and covers the e-file.

4. Bc4

4...Nf6 5. e5

Alternatives include

But these should cause you no trouble.

Return

III.D. Centre Game, Danish Gambit 2. D4

tSlDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-Pp+-+
+-+-+-+-
pPp+-PpP
RnBqKbNr
Don't mess around, just play

2... exd4

Now White has a choice:

III.D.1. CENTRE Game, 3. Qxd4

tSlDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-Qp+-+
+-+-+-+-
pPp+-PpP
RnB-KbNr
This exposes the Q to attack, when it is hard to find a good retreat.

3... Nc6 4. Qe3 Nf6 5. Nc3 Be7

t+-Dt+j+
XxX-+xXx
-+-XlS-+
S-+-+-+-
-L-+p+-+
+bN-Qp+-
pPpB-+pP
+-Kr+-Nr

t+lDj+-T
XxXxLxXx
-+s+-S-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-N-Q-+-
pPp+-PpP
R-B-KbNr
6. Bd2 d5 7. exd5 Nxd5 8. Nxd5 Qxd5

t+l+j+-T
XxX-LxXx
-+s+-+-+
+-+d+-+-
-+-+-+-+
+-+-Q-+-
pPpB-PpP
R-+-KbNr
Black is ahead in development, which makes the opposite-side castling difficult to play for White. The game is equal.

Return

III.D.2. DANISH Gambit, 3. c3

tSlDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-Xp+-+
+-P-+-+-
pP-+-PpP
RnBqKbNr
3... dxc3 (Lasker!)

Now 4. Nxc3 is a sort of 'half-Danish', and is likely to transpose to the GORING Gambit, dealt with under the SCOTCH Game section below. The DANISH proper is:

4. Bc4 cxb2 5. Bxb2

tSlDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+b+p+-+
+-+-+-+-
pB-+-PpP
Rn+qK-Nr
When White has a genuinely dangerous lead in development. Correct technique here is to return some of the material to get your own development back on track.

5... d5 6. Bxd5 Bb4+


tSl+-+-T
XxX-+jXx
-+-+-S-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-+-+-+-
pB-N-PpP
R-+-K-Nr

tSlDj+sT
XxX-+xXx
-+-+-+-+
+-+b+-+-
-L-+p+-+
+-+-+-+-
pB-+-PpP
Rn+qK-Nr
7. Nc3 Nf6

tSlDj+-T
XxX-+xXx
-+-+-S-+
+-+b+-+-
-L-+p+-+
+-N-+-+-
pB-+-PpP
R-+qK-Nr
when Black has good chances of an advantage - either securing the two bishops in an open position, or developing quickly and then keeping the pawn. If you find yourself as Black thinking about odd or cramped moves just to try and hang on to the pawn, my advice is: let it go.

Return

IV. White plays 2. Nf3

The best reply, is, of course:

IV.A. 2.. Nc6

White has a few different tries here, the main ones being
t+lDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+s+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBqKb+r

IV.B. Ruy Lopez, 3. Bb5

t+lDjLsT
XxXx+xXx
-+s+-+-+
+b+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBqK-+r
This is the most important move at master level. The 'Spanish torture' (Ruy Lopez was a Spanish priest) is the main winning weapon for White and has held centre stage for hundreds of years. At junior level, though, there are a few ways to play it, depending on how much you trust your opponent to play lines you like. John Walker recommends the exciting OPEN MORPHY Defence with 5...Nxe4, but White can veer off into some really dull lines on moves 4 and 5, and if anything your two moves tempt White to play a dull line. The OPEN MORPHY is very well known and hard to play for both sides, so I'll throw in one more alternative: the ARCHANGEL Variation. See what you think for yourself.

My own recommendation is the old CORDEL Defence with

3... Bc5
t+lDj+sT
XxXx+xXx
-+s+-+-+
+bL-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBqK-+r
Bobby Fischer played this a few times in the 'sixties, and never had any trouble reaching a level game.

It avoids any trouble you may have with the EXCHANGE Variation and LOPEZ FOUR KNIGHTS lines below.

Let's look at how you can try and get into the OPEN MORPHY lines, and perhaps then you can will see why I started looking at the CORDEL line.

To get into the OPEN MORPHY line you play

3... a6

hoping for

4. Ba4

White has an important alternative here, which might be played just out of nerves.

IV.B.1. The EXCHANGE Variation 4. Bxc6

After 4. Bxc6 dxc6
t+lDjLsT
+xX-+xXx
x+x+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBqK-+r
White can play either the old main line


IV.B.1.a) Old MAIN Line 5. d4

t+lDjLsT
+xX-+xXx
x+x+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-Pp+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPp+-PpP
RnBqK-+r
White is going for the better ending with this move; the hope is that all the pieces will come off, when White can create a passed pawn on the K-side with f4-f5 and e4-e5-e6 while your Q-side majority is crippled. So Black should avoid too many exchanges and play very actively, using the two bishops and open lines.

5... exd4 6. Qxd4 Qxd4 7. Nxd4 c5 8. Nf3 Bg4

t+-+jLsT
+xX-+xXx
x+-+-+-+
+-X-+-+-
-+-+p+l+
+-+-+n+-
pPp+-PpP
RnB-K-+r
with equal chances.

Return

IV.B.1.b) BARENDREGT Line 5. O-O

t+lDjLsT
+xX-+xXx
x+x+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBq+rK-
Bobby Fischer revived this in the 'seventies, and it is still being tried.

What should you do? The book line is roughly equal after

-+jT-+-+
+xX-+lXx
x+-+-Xs+
+-L-+-+-
-+x+p+-+
+-N-NpB-
pPp+-KpP
+-+r+-+-
(Vitolins - Romanishin, 84) with at most a small advantage for White.

But I reckon at junior level the line

5...Bg4 is worth a punt:

t+-DjLsT
+xX-+xXx
x+x+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+l+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBq+rK-

6. h3 h5!

Now

t+-+jLsT
+xX-+xX-
x+x+-+-+
+-+-N-+-
-+-+pP-D
+-+-+-X-
pPpP-+p+
RnBq+rK-

t+-DjLsT
+xX-+xX-
x+x+-+-+
+-+-X-+x
-+-+p+l+
+-+-+n+p
pPpP-Pp+
RnBq+rK-
So White should play either

7. c3

with a probable draw after

7...Qd3 8. Re1

t+-+j+sT
+xX-+xX-
x+x+-+-+
+-+-+-+-
-+-+p+x+
+-Pn+-+-
pP-P-PpL
RnBq+rK-

t+-+jLsT
+xX-+xX-
x+x+-+-+
+-+-X-+x
-+-+p+l+
+-Pd+n+p
pP-P-Pp+
RnBqR-K-
(7. c3 Qd3 8.Re1 line).

8... Bxf3 9. Qxf3 Qxf3 10. gxf3 O-O-O 11. Kf1 Be7 12. Ke2 Bg5 13. Na3 Ne7 14. Rg1 Bh6 15. Nc4 f6 16. h4 c5 17. d3

t+-DjLsT
+xX-+xX-
x+x+-+-+
+-+-X-+x
-+-+p+l+
+-+-+n+p
pPpP-Pp+
RnBq+rK-
Or, the best line,

7. d3

White can get a small advantage here I think, but has to play lots of good moves.

7... Qf6 8. Nbd2 Ne7 9. Re1 Ng6 10. d4 Bd6 11. hxg4 hxg4 12. Nh2 Rxh2 13. Qxg4 Qh4 14. Qxh4 Rxh4 15. Nf3 Rh5 16. dxe5

16... Nxe5 17. Nxe5 Bxe5 18. c3 g5 19. Be3 g4

t+-+j+-+
+xX-+x+-
x+x+-+-+
+-+-L-+t
-+-+p+x+
+-P-B-+-
pP-+-Pp+
R-+-R-K-

Return

Return to Introduction

If White plays the main line with 4. Ba4,

we continue to steer for the OPEN MORPHY with

4... Nf6
t+lDjL-T
+xXx+xXx
x+s+-S-+
+-+-X-+-
b+-+p+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBqK-+r
hoping for

5. O-O

Sadly, White has several alternatives here, and if all your opponent knows about the RUY LOPEZ ends after the third move, you may well startle White into playing one of these lines:

There is also:

t+l+j+-T
+xX-DxXx
x+xL-S-+
+-+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+p+p+n+-
pBp+qPpP
Rn+-K-+r

IV.B.2. LOPEZ FOUR KNIGHTS Variation, 5. Nc3

t+lDjL-T
+xXx+xXx
x+s+-S-+
+-+-X-+-
b+-+p+-+
+-N-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
R-BqK-+r
5. Nc3

5...b5 6. Bb3 Be7 7. d3

t+lDj+-T
+-XxLxXx
x+s+-+-+
+-+nX-+-
pX-+s+-+
+b+-+n+-
-PpP-PpP
R-BqK-+r

t+lDj+-T
+-XxLxXx
x+s+-S-+
+x+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+bNp+n+-
pPp+-PpP
R-BqK-+r
7... d6 8. Nd5 Na5 =

t+lDj+-T
+-X-LxXx
x+-X-S-+
Sx+nX-+-
-+-+p+-+
+b+p+n+-
pPp+-PpP
R-BqK-+r
with equality: BCO2.

Return

IV.B.3. The ANDERSSON-STEINITZ Line, 5. d3

t+lDjL-T
+xXx+xXx
x+s+-S-+
+-+-X-+-
b+-+p+-+
+-+p+n+-
pPp+-PpP
RnBqK-+r
White intends to play slowly. There's not much you can do but trot out the usual recipe: develop and play ...d5. This should lead to level play.

5. d3 d6 6. c3 Be7 7. Nbd2 O-O 8. Nf1 b5 9. Bc2

9... d5 10. Qe2 Re8

t+lDt+j+
+-X-LxXx
x+s+-S-+
+x+xX-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-Pp+n+-
pPb+qPpP
R-B-Kn+r
with equality.

Return

After 5. O-O we can at last enter the

IV.B.4. OPEN MORPHY Variation with 5... Nxe4

t+lDjL-T
+xXx+xXx
x+s+-+-+
+-+-X-+-
b+-+s+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBq+rK-
The main line of the OPEN MORPHY variation goes:

6. d4 b5 7. Bb3 d5 8. dxe5 Be6 9. c3 Bc5

t+-Dj+-T
+-X-+xXx
x+s+l+-+
+xLxP-+-
-+-+s+-+
+bP-+n+-
pP-+-PpP
RnBq+rK-
When Black has superb development, although may look a little loose. The OPEN variation has been a great favourite of fighting players like Euwe and Korchnoi.

10. Nbd2 O-O 11. Bc2

t+-D-Tj+
+-X-+xXx
x+s+l+-+
+xLxP-+-
-+-+s+-+
+-P-+n+-
pPbN-PpP
R-Bq+rK-
Now you might even consider the DILWORTH line:

11... Nxf2 12. Rxf2 f6 13. exf6 Bxf2+ 14. Kxf2 Qxf6

t+-+-Tj+
+-X-+-Xx
x+s+lD-+
+x+x+-+-
-+-+-+-+
+-P-+n+-
pPbN-KpP
R-Bq+-+-
Botvinnik has tried this, although it is clearly risky to give up a piece in such an apparently equal position.

There are many alternatives in the OPEN MORPHY at each point for both players, so I have only indicated some of the outlines above. Look in books like BCO2 for more information.

Or, if the number of variations you see in the books frightens you, please consider the ARCHANGEL Variation

But I have a feeling that most White junior players won't let you play these lines, and instead will veer off with the natural-looking EXCHANGE or FOUR KNIGHTS lines.

Return

IV.B.5. CORDEL DEFENCE 3...Bc5

t+lDj+sT
XxXx+xXx
-+s+-+-+
+bL-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBqK-+r
Having seen the number of ways White can shoot off into odd lines, you can see why I would like to recommend the CORDEL variation. After

3...Bc5

White's best try is

4. c3

Now the only lines I could find in BCO2
started 4... f5

t+lDj+sT
XxXx+-Xx
-+s+-+-+
+bL-Xx+-
-+-+p+-+
+-P-+n+-
pP-P-PpP
RnBqK-+r
...with White getting the advantage after

t+lDj+-T
XxXxSxXx
-+s+-+-+
+bL-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-P-+n+-
pP-P-PpP
RnBqK-+r
But Fischer's treatment was more simple: e.g.

4... Nge7 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb4+ 7. Bd2 Bxd2+ 8. Qxd2 a6 9. Ba4 d5 10. exd5 Qxd5 11. Nc3 Qe6+ 12. Kf1 Qc4+ 13. Kg1 O-O 14. d5 Na7 15. Re1

t+l+-Tj+
SxX-SxXx
x+-+-+-+
+-+p+-+-
b+d+-+-+
+-N-+n+-
pP-Q-PpP
+-+-R-Kr
15... Nf5

which was soon drawn: Tal - Fischer, 1960.

t+lDj+-T
XxXx+xXx
-+s+-S-+
+bL-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+-P-+n+-
pP-P-PpP
RnBqK-+r
Fischer also had several games with the bolder line

4... Nf6

For example

5. d4 exd4

t+lD-Tj+
XxX-+xXx
-Ls+-+-+
+b+xP-+-
-+-Ps+-+
+-+-+n+-
pP-+-PpP
RnBqR-K-

t+lDj+sT
XxXx+xXx
-+s+-+-+
+bL-X-+-
-+-Pp+-+
+-P-+n+-
pP-+-PpP
RnBqK-+r
5... exd4 6. e5 Ne4 7. O-O

7... d5 8. Nxd4 O-O 9. f3 Ng5 10. Bxc6 bxc6

t+lD-Tj+
X-X-+xXx
-+x+-+-+
+-LxP-S-
-+-N-+-+
+-P-+p+-
pP-+-+pP
RnBq+rK-
drawn Gligoric - Fischer, 60.

So on this evidence, the CORDEL Defence is a simple way to get your pieces out against players who you don't trust to enter the main lines.

Return

IV.B.6. An Alternative to the OPEN MORPHY:

5... b5 6. Bb3 Bb7
t+-DjL-T
+lXx+xXx
x+s+-S-+
+x+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+b+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBq+rK-
Now the best line is:

IV.B.6.a) ARCHANGEL with 7. d4
t+-DjL-T
+lXx+xXx
x+s+-S-+
+x+-X-+-
-+-Pp+-+
+b+-+n+-
pPp+-PpP
RnBq+rK-
7. d4

This is nothing to be scared of.

7... Nxd4 8. Nxd4 exd4 9. e5 Ne4 10. c3 dxc3 11. Qf3

This looks awkward, but Black can survive happily.

11...d5 12. exd6 Qf6 13. d7+ Kd8!

t+-J-L-T
+lXp+xXx
x+-+-D-+
+x+-+-+-
-+-+s+-+
+bX-+q+-
pP-+-PpP
RnB-+rK-

14. Qxf6+ Nxf6 15. Nxc3 Kxd7 16. Bf4 =

t+-+-L-T
+lXj+xXx
x+-+-S-+
+x+-+-+-
-+-+-B-+
+bN-+-+-
pP-+-PpP
R-+-+rK-
With equality, according to Vlastimil Hort.

Return

IV.B.6.b) ARCHANGEL with 7. c3
This is more patient but not stronger.

t+-DjL-T
+lXx+xXx
x+s+-S-+
+x+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+bP-+n+-
pP-P-PpP
RnBq+rK-
7. c3

Black can now make a mess with

7...Nxe4 8. d4 Na5 9. Bc2 exd4 10. b4 Nc4 11. Bxe4 Bxe4 12. Re1 d5 13. Nxd4 Bd6

t+-Dj+-T
+-X-+xXx
x+-L-+-+
+x+x+-+-
-PsNl+-+
+-P-+-+-
p+-+-PpP
RnBqR-K-

14. f3 Qh4 15. h3 Qg3 16. Nf5 Qh2+ 17. Kf2 O-O-O 18. fxe4 dxe4 19. Qg4 Kb8 20. Qxe4 Rhe8

-J-Tt+-+
+-X-+xXx
x+-L-+-+
+x+-+n+-
-Ps+q+-+
+-P-+-+p
p+-+-KpD
RnB-R-+-
Black is doing fine here.

Return

IV.B.6.c) MAIN line ARCHANGEL with 7. Re1
t+-DjL-T
+lXx+xXx
x+s+-S-+
+x+-X-+-
-+-+p+-+
+b+-+n+-
pPpP-PpP
RnBqR-K-
7. Re1 Bc5

White now plays his Plan A

8. c3 d6 9. d4 Bb6

t+-Dj+-T
+lX-+xXx
xLsX-S-+
+x+-X-+-
-+-Pp+-+
+bP-+n+-
pP-+-PpP
RnBqR-K-
Black is solid and well-developed, as in many lines of the LOPEZ, but here has posted the bishops on much more active squares, pointing at the White King. Black can play very actively now, castling Queen side and hammering down the other wing.

10. Bg5 h6 11. Bh4 Qd7 12. a4 O-O-O 13. axb5 axb5

-+jT-+-T
+lXd+xX-
-LsX-S-X
+x+-X-+-
-+-Pp+-B
+bP-+n+-
-P-+-PpP
Rn+qR-K-
14. Bxf6

This is the strongest line:

-+j+-+-T
+lXd+x+t
-LsX-P-+
+x+b+-+-
-+-Np+x+
N-P-+-P-
-P-+-Pp+
R-+qR-K-

-+jT-+-T
+lXd+xX-
-LsX-B-X
+x+-X-+-
-+-Pp+-+
+bP-+n+-
-P-+-PpP
Rn+qR-K-
14... gxf6

Now White does best to try and keep things under wraps with

15. Bd5

But Black can give White some nervous moments with:

15...Rhg8 16. Kh1 Qg4 17. Rg1 exd4 18. cxd4 f5 19. Nc3 fxe4 20. Nxe4 Qf5 21. Nc3 Nb4 22. Bxb7+ Kxb7=

-+-T-+t+
+jX-+x+-
-L-X-+-X
+x+-+d+-
-S-P-+-+
+-N-+n+-
-P-+-PpP
R-+q+-Rk
Klovans - Shirov 87: equal, according to BCO2

Return

Return to first Morphy moves


Continue Black Responses to 1.e4

Index to Black Responses to 1.e4