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.
This week I’ll have a look at the fantastic game between Daniil Dubov and Vidit Gujrathi from the Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee.
The Giuoco Piano (Quiet Game) opening is nowadays a good choice for both sides to play for a win. The theoretical paths were quickly left behind and, with very provocative play, Dubov invited his opponent to grab a central pawn. Vidit gladly accepted the gift, paying a high price for it, as his king stayed in the centre. What followed was an amazingly sharp battle in which Dubov even sacrificed his rook, missed the chance to force a perpetual and Black’s king finally escaped to the other side of the board!
Exercise: In the game, Black went for 12...g5, but what would have followed in case of 12...Nf8 (with the idea Ng6)?
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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