By playing the London System, with 1.d4 followed by 2.Nf3 and 3.Bf4, White can avoid a theoretical discussion and instead use natural ability plus a knowledge of plans. The weight of the struggle tends to shift towards the middlegame, but White can also pull off devastatingly quick wins should Black be unaware of the dangers.
Last week my 15-year old student Eline Roebers managed to win the Untergrombach Open. Entering the final round she had a score of 5.5 out of 6, and was half a point ahead of the field.
In the direct encounter with her biggest rival, she managed to cause a big upset by defeating the experienced Russian GM Ikonnikov in a turbulent game with the Semi-Slav. In timetrouble Ikonnikov spoilt a winning position, after which Eline was able to convert her advantage convincingly.
Exercise: Here is a little tactical puzzle from my practice. Black to play and win!?
You can move the pieces on the live diagram!
Strategy Training: How to Make a Plan
In every game of chess, there comes a moment when one is confronted with the question: what should I do now?
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